Client Governing Success Criteria in Building Information Modelling (BIM)-Based Projects

Building Information Modeling (BIM), also known as n-D Modeling is a revolutionary development in the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry that consists of both technology and process. BIM helps project stakeholders in communicating complex, technical and difficult to visualise project elements that not easily explained. Nevertheless, there is a lack of overall governance within the current projects environment. A successful BIM implementation needs the involvement of behavioural, cultural and technological changes to transform the organisation into BIM-based projects through adopting new processes and standards. Thus, it is inevitable to develop a governance solution to facilitate BIM adoption in a collaborative working environment across project lifecycle. This paper discusses a success measure of BIM-based projects in Malaysia. The methodology is based on a qualitative research technique and the method is through a well-planned brainstorming workshop. All data were analysed using Atlas t.i. version 8. The findings revealed that four (4) success measures of BIM-based projects are: socio-organisational, legal, technical, and financial. It is anticipated that the findings reported in this paper could provide an insight for future strategies and guidelines for the development of BIM projects in Malaysia. BIM governance framework proves to be valuable for project stakeholders in managing collective efforts to standardise construction processes

Factors for effective BIM governance

With increasing complexity of construction projects, a collaborative environment becomes essential to ensure effective communication during the project lifecycle. Conventional team collaboration raises issues such as the lack of trust; uncertainties regarding ownership and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); miscommunication; and cultural differences, among others. Additional issues can arise in relation to the generated data, including data loss, data inconsistency, errors, and liability for wrong or incomplete data. Furthermore, There is a shortage of studies that investigate collaboration practices, data management, and governance issues from a socio-technical perspective. This study investigates the development of a BIM governance framework (G-BIM) with support of Cloud technologies, identifying effectiveness factors that guarantee successful collaboration. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with informed BIM experts in the UK, with the aim of: (i) discovering current trends in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and team collaboration during construction projects; (ii) exploring barriers to BIM adoption; (iii) exploring the role of BIM-related standards; (iv) consulting BIM experts to develop a Cloud-based BIM governance solution to tackle team collaboration on BIM-based projects; and (v) investigating the role of Cloud in supporting BIM governance research and development. The findings reveal several BIM adoption barriers and issues directly influencing team collaboration. The key findings led to the development of a BIM governance framework (G-BIM). The purpose of the G-BIM framework is to present and summarise effective factors resulting in successful governance and a collaborative BIM approach, to support the future development of a Cloud-based BIM governance platform. The G-BIM framework comprises three main components: (i) actors and team, (ii) data management and ICT, and (iii) processes and contracts. Furthermore, the study reveals the high potential of Cloud technologies to advance current BIM governance solutions, because of its performance capabilities, accessibility, storage, and scalability

Cloud computing for the architecture, engineering & construction sector: requirements, prototype & experience

The Architecture, Engineering \& Construction (AEC) sector is a highly fragmented, data intensive, project based industry, involving a number of very different professions and organisations. Projects carried out within this sector involve collaboration between various people, using a variety of different systems. This, along with the industry's strong data sharing and processing requirements, means that the management of building data is complex and challenging. This paper presents a solution to data sharing requirements of the AEC sector by utilising Cloud Computing. Our solution presents two key contributions, first a governance model for building data, based on extensive research and industry consultation. Second, a prototype implementation of this governance model, utilising the CometCloud autonomic cloud computing engine based on the Master/Work paradigm. we have integrated our prototype with the 3D modelling software Google Sketchup. The approach and prototype presented has applicability in a number of other eScience related applications involving multi-disciplinary, collaborative working using Cloud computing infrastructure

A Proposal to Harmonize BIM and IoT Data Silos using Blockchain Application

The integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) provide significant end-to-end benefits for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry. Example applications include on-site assembly services, data localization for built environment, occupancy performance measures and many other analyses that can be used to improve the built environment. However, silos in the BIM and IoT data exchange have impacted the digital process adoption in AECO industry, which aims to change the dynamics and behaviors of the current working process. Penzes, (2018) in his report, acknowledges the AECO industry as one of the most fragmented sectors with a scattered and complex supply chain. Kelly & Dowd, (2015) reported that the prevalence of waste in AECO industry is due to old management practice and business culture, while Charlès, (2014) suggested this is a symptom of ineffective practices caused by the lack of data integration and disconnected documents between the industry players. Insufficient data for process simulation have resulted in poor productivity, high risk, and low profitability. This study sets out to critically analyse the Blockchain technology’s potential to connect, integrate and advance AECO industry information exchanges and digital processes by using BIM and IoT integration use case as a methodology to identify, clarify and organize the proposed system requirements. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review to uncover the current state of BIM and IoT data silos. Moreover, an online survey assessment and a simulated test were conducted to critically evaluate, investigate, and examine the opportunities and solutions in harmonizing BIM and IoT data silos by using the Blockchain application

Conceptual framework for decentralised information management along the entire lifecycle of a built asset

The construction industry is characterised by a high level of fragmentation, inefficient collaboration and a lack of trust between project stakeholders. Issues due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry are extenuated from centralised Building Information Modelling approaches. Blockchain technology can help address information management issues by providing data traceability, transparency, and immutability. First, this paper reviews centralised and decentralised approaches to lifecycle information management. Second, a conceptual framework for decentralised information management workflow based on blockchain technology and the Inter-Planetary File System is proposed. Smart contracts can improve the information flow between different phases by providing more accountability

Cloud-based BIM governance platform requirements and specifications: software engineering approach using BPMN and UML

Utilization of cloud technologies has recently attained a profile in building information modeling (BIM). Many studies have investigated the potential role of cloud in facilitating the use of BIM in the construction domain. In addition, recent studies have focused on the role of cloud in facilitating team collaboration across a building’s lifecycle by applying a BIM governance model. The lack of a suitable means for the governance of collaboration and for the access and archival of data has been cited as the key barrier for the widespread adoption of collaborative BIM environments. This study, therefore, investigates the requirements for BIM governance and develops specifications for a cloud-based BIM governance platform (GovernBIM). The study also uses findings from wide consultation in combination with software engineering approaches using business process model notation (BPMN) and unified modeling language (UML) to define the platform’s requirements and specifications. This platform also aims to provide a computerized solution for overall BIM governance solution to facilitate team collaboration and mange generated BIM data during a project’s lifecycle. This ensures that data is consistent, available, and hosted in a scalable storage environment with high performance computing capabilities. The results from this study (1) define functional, nonfunctional, and domain-specific requirements for developing a GovernBIM platform; (2) develop a set of BPMN diagrams to describe the internal and external business procedures of the GovernBIM platform lifecycle for setting, configuring, managing, and using a GovernBIM platform; (3) evaluate several fundamental UML use cases for the adoption of the GovernBIM platform; (4) present a core BIM governance model (UML class diagram) to present the internal structure of the GovernBIM platform; and (5) provide a well-structured, cloud-based architecture to develop the GovernBIM platform for practical implementation. Read More: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29CP.1943-5487.000053

Towards facilitating team collaboration during construction project via the development of cloud-based BIM governance solution

Construction projects involve multi-discipline, multi-actor collaboration, and during their lifecycle, enormous amounts of data are generated. This data is often sensitive, raising major concerns related to access rights, ownership, intellectual property (IP) and secu- rity. Thus, dealing with this information raises several issues, such as data inconsistency, different versions of data, data loss etc. Therefore, the collaborative Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach has recently been considered a useful contributory technique to minimise the complexity of team collaboration during construction projects. Further- more, it has been argued that there is a role for Cloud technology in facilitating team collaboration across a building's lifecycle, by applying the ideologies of BIM governance. Therefore, this study investigates and seeks to develop a BIM governance solution util- ising a Cloud infrastructure. The study employed two research approaches: the first being a wide consultation with key BIM experts taking the form of: (i) a comprehensive questionnaire; followed by (ii) several semi-structured interviews. The second approach was an iterative software engineering approach including: (i) Software Modelling, using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) and Unifed Modelling Language (UML), and (ii) Software Prototype Development. The fndings reveal several remaining barriers to BIM adoption, including Information Communication Technology (ICT) and collabora- tion issues; therefore highlighting an urgent need to develop a BIM governance solution underpinned by Cloud technology, to tackle these barriers and issues. The key fndings from this research led to: (a) the development of a BIM governance framework (G-BIM); (b) defnition of functional, non-functional, and domain specific requirements for develop- ing a Cloud-based BIM Governance Platfrom (GovernBIM); (c) development of a set of BPMN diagrams to describe the internal and external business procedures of the Govern- BIM platform lifecycle; (d) evaluation of several fundamental use cases for the adoption of the GovernBIM platform; (e) presentation of a core BIM governance model (class di- agram) to present the internal structure of the GovernBIM platform; (f) provision of a well-structured, Cloud-based architecture to develop a GovernBIM platform for practical implementation; and (j) development of a Cloud-based prototype focused on the main identified functionalities of BIM governance. Despite the fact that a number of concerns remain (i.e. privacy and security) the proposed Cloud-based GovernBIM solution opens up an opportunity to provide increased control over the collaborative process, and to resolve associated issues, e.g. ownership, data inconsistencies, and intellectual property. Finally, it presents a road map for further development of Cloud-based BIM governance platforms

ArchCloudChain Dapp: the efficient workflow for interior designers

The interior design and construction industry involves various stakeholders who must collaborate and coordinate effectively to ensure the successful realization of projects. However, the existing workflow often suffers from fragmentation and inefficiency, leading to delays, errors, and increased costs. To address these challenges, this paper introduces the Arch Cloud Chain Dapp project, a decentralized software application that leverages blockchain technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to establish a transparent, secure, and efficient platform for stakeholder collaboration in interior design projects. The primary objective of this project is to reduce interior design costs while upholding high standards of quality and transparency. By integrating BIM and blockchain technology, the Arch Cloud Chain Dapp enables stakeholders to collaborate in real-time, significantly mitigating the risk of errors and miscommunication. Smart contracts play a crucial role in ensuring the enforceability and transparency of agreements, while the blockchain serves as an immutable ledger, providing an auditable record of all project transactions. These innovative features present a novel solution to the challenges faced by the interior design and construction industry. The Arch Cloud Chain Dapp project holds significant potential to revolutionize the industry by streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and reducing costs. Through its adoption, stakeholders can benefit from improved project outcomes, streamlined communication, and enhanced efficiency, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and prosperous interior design and construction sector

Potential Use of a Light P AS 1192 2 standard for Local Authorities in Ireland

The Irish government has acknowledged the importance of BIM, but the adoption of it is still lower than in other countries. The implementation of more effective information mandates through the life cycle of a project could bring greater barriers, especi ally for a local authority. Therefore, in this research, which reviewed the obstacles that exist when a company tries to implement BIM, it was found that there are similarities between the barriers to BIM in Ireland and the UK, but studies and life experie nce when a design team is applying BIM have shown that if clients implement at an early stage the use of an intermediate BIM consultant, this could bring supports and help clients to achieve their goal. in addition, the evaluation of the current practices of a local authority in the UK, namely Hampshire County Council (HCC), that used a variation, or a slim version, of PAS 1192 2 in the implementation of a BIM pilot project (Case Study West of Waterlooville Primary School), was proposed to different stakeho lders in Dublin City Council in order to learn from the advances of other jurisdictions and see if this type of practice can be applied in Ireland. Furthermore, as there is a lack of BIM in local authorities in Ireland, in this research, the author develop ed a workflow of a BIM process for the delivery of a public works project as a key to overcoming the barriers to BIM. The proposed workflow was evaluated using interviews with different stakeholders within Dublin City Council, such as architects, quantity surveyors, councillor s , and managers. A mixed methodology was applied in all the objectives of this proposal, as the literature reviewed, with the addition of a fourth generation evaluation interviews with different stakeholde rs provided the conclusion of this research. This process produced a better understanding of the workflow BIM process for this LA and final recommendations to DCC for the application of the BIM process in the Capital projects are provided in the following capstone experience