A framework to assist in the analysis of risks and rewards of adopting BIM for SMEs in the UK

© 2017 The Author(s) Published by VGTU Press and Informa UK Limited, [trading as Taylor & Francis Group]. Building information modelling (BIM) adoption amongst larger construction firms and innovators seems to be on the increase. However, there is evidence to suggest that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently lagging behind and are losing out in winning publicly funded projects. Guidance and frameworks to assist SMEs to make an informed decision about BIM adoption are currently lacking. There has been no systematic effort to date to bring together the results of research in SMEs’ BIM adoption. Consequently, this paper seeks to bridge this gap and provide a conceptual framework to give a theoretical foundation to the study of brokering risks and rewards in the adoption of BIM for project delivery. This framework is comprehensive and includes trading off risks and rewards associated with several criteria, such as stage of involvement, project value, funding, and the procurement route chosen. The approach has been validated by a representative sample of BIM users and the findings of the validation are also presented. The findings of the framework validation reveal that early design stage, project size between £5 m and £50 m, private funding, and integrated project delivery procurement are the best opportunities that enable SMEs to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks, when adopting BIM

Feasibility of visualization and simulation applications to improve work zone safety and mobility

Visualization is a relatively recent tool available to engineers for enhancing transportation project design through improved communication, decision making, and stakeholder feedback. Current visualization techniques include image composites, video composites, 2-D drawings, drive-through or fly-through animations, three-dimensional (3-D) rendering models, virtual reality, and four-dimensional (4-D) CAD. These methods are used mainly to communicate within the design and construction team and between the team and external stakeholders. Use of visualization improves understanding of design intent and project concepts, and facilitates effective decision making. Visualization tools, however, typically are used for presentation only in large-scale urban projects. Visualization is not accepted widely due to a lack of demonstrated engineering benefits for typical agency projects, such as small and medium size projects, rural projects, and projects where external stakeholder communication is not a major issue. Furthermore, there is a perceived high cost of investment of both financial and human capital in adopting visualization tools. The most advanced visualization technique of virtual reality has been used only in academic research settings, and 4-D CAD has been used on a very limited basis for highly complicated specialty projects. However, there are a number of less technically sophisticated visualization methods available that may provide some benefit to many agency projects. Survey results show that respondents have neutral ideas of adopting visualization techniques used in work zone construction. However, t-test analyses of survey results show that the younger generation and persons familiar with technology believe visualization techniques can be useful more so than people of older generations or those who are not familiar with technology. In this dissertation, a work zone visualization model was developed by creating 3-D models linked with scheduling data. The visualization file was saved as a .kmz format file to be used and sent over the Internet. After viewing the developed work zone visualization, a focus group and project team members of the 24th Street Bridge Project believed the visualization would be useful as a low cost technique for communicating during construction and was adopted as an alternative visualization tool on the construction project website. In this dissertation, results of a feasibility study are presented examining the use of visualization applications for improving work zone planning, design, construction, safety, and mobility

A web-based Decision Support System (DSS) to assist SMEs to broker risks and rewards for BIM adoption

Building Information Modelling (BIM) usage in the UK’s construction industry has recorded a significant increase over the last few years. However, available evidence suggests that BIM adoption amongst larger construction firms and innovators seems be dominant, while the uptake of BIM by Small and Medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) remains relatively poor. Consequently, SMEs are currently lagging behind and are losing out in winning publicly funded projects. SMEs have not fully recognised the benefits of using BIM in project delivery. Guidance and frameworks to assist SMEs to make an informed decision about BIM adoption are currently lacking. It appears that SMEs are yet to be convinced that BIM is beneficial to them, and remain concerned about the potential risks to their business. Guidance and frameworks to assist SMEs in making an informed decision about BIM adoption are currently lacking.This study seeks to bridge this gap and provide a decision-support system (DSS) to assist in the analysis of the risks and rewards of adopting BIM by SMEs, in project delivery. As a result, a conceptual framework was developed to give a theoretical foundation to the study of brokering risks and rewards in the adoption of BIM for project delivery. This framework is comprehensive and includes trading off risks and rewards associated with several criteria, such as stage of involvement, project value, funding, and the procurement route chosen. The approach was validated by a representative sample of BIM users. The results of the validation of the framework provided an informed basis for the development of the DSS. The latter was validated by a sample of SMEs, according to several criteria such as ease of use of the Graphical user interface (GUI), quality of information, level of information presented, trading off risks and rewards of adoption of BIM in project delivery.The findings of the framework validation revealed that early design stage, project size between £5m and £50m, private funding, and integrated project delivery procurement are the best opportunities that enable SMEs to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks, when adopting BIM. Regarding the DSS validation, most participants reported that they had found the DSS easy to use, especially the GUI. They were also positive about the level and quality of information and knowledge provided by the DSS. In particular, they found the DSS informative to broker risks and rewards for BIM adoption

Automated Recognition of 3D CAD Model Objects in Dense Laser Range Point Clouds

There is shift in the Architectural / Engineering / Construction and Facility Management (AEC&FM) industry toward performance-driven projects. Assuring good performance requires efficient and reliable performance control processes. However, the current state of the AEC&FM industry is that control processes are inefficient because they generally rely on manually intensive, inefficient, and often inaccurate data collection techniques. Critical performance control processes include progress tracking and dimensional quality control. These particularly rely on the accurate and efficient collection of the as-built three-dimensional (3D) status of project objects. However, currently available techniques for as-built 3D data collection are extremely inefficient, and provide partial and often inaccurate information. These limitations have a negative impact on the quality of decisions made by project managers and consequently on project success. This thesis presents an innovative approach for Automated 3D Data Collection (A3dDC). This approach takes advantage of Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR), 3D Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) modeling and registration technologies. The performance of this approach is investigated with a first set of experimental results obtained with real-life data. A second set of experiments then analyzes the feasibility of implementing, based on the developed approach, automated project performance control (APPC) applications such as automated project progress tracking and automated dimensional quality control. Finally, other applications are identified including planning for scanning and strategic scanning

Collaborative construction scheduling based on building information models

Im Rahmen des sich derzeit vollziehenden Wandels von der segmentierten, zeichnungsorientierten zur integrierten, modellbasierten Arbeitsweise bei der Planung von Bauwerken und ihrer Erstellung werden Computermodelle nicht mehr nur für die physikalische Simulation des Bauwerksverhaltens, sondern auch zur Koordination zwischen den einzelnen Planungsdisziplinen und Projektbeteiligten genutzt. Die gemeinsame Erstellung und Nutzung dieses Modells zur virtuellen Abbildung des Bauwerks und seiner Erstellungsprozesse, das sog. Building Information Modeling (BIM), ist dabei zentraler Bestandteil der Planung. Die Integration der Terminplanung in diese Arbeitsweise erfolgt bisher jedoch nur unzureichend, meist lediglich in der Form einer nachgelagerten 4D-Simulation zur Kommunikation der Planungsergebnisse. Sie weist damit im Verhältnis zum entstehenden Zusatzaufwand einen zu geringen Nutzen für den Terminplaner auf. Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die tiefere Einbettung der Terminplanung in die modellbasierte Arbeitsweise. Auf Basis einer umfassende Analyse der Rahmenbedingungen und des Informationsbedarfs der Terminplanung werden Konzepte zur effizienten Wiederverwendung von im Modell gespeicherten Daten mit Hilfe einer Verknüpfungssprache, zum umfassenden Datenaustausch auf Basis der Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) und für das Änderungsmanagement mittels einer Versionierung auf Objektebene entwickelt.Die für die modellbasierte Terminplanung relevanten Daten und ihre Beziehungen zueinander werden dabei formal beschrieben sowie die Kompatibilität ihrer Granularität durch eine Funktionalität zur Objektteilung sichergestellt. Zur zielgenauen Extraktion von Daten werden zudem Algorithmen für räumliche Anfragen entwickelt. Die vorgestellten Konzepte und ihre Anwendbarkeit werden mittels einer umfangreichen Pilotimplementierung anhand von mehreren Praxisbeispielen demonstriert und somit deren praktische Relevanz und Nutzen nachgewiesen.In context of the current change from a segmented, drawing based to an integrated, model based planning approach for buildings and their construction processes, computer models are no longer used for physical simulations of structural characteristics only, but also as basis for coordination between different design disciplines and stakeholders. Thereby the collaborative compilation and utilisation of such a model which serves as virtual representation, the so called Building Information Modeling (BIM), is within the core of the new planning approach. But currently, construction sequence planning is only insufficiently integration in this new approach and mostly limited to a subsequent 4D-Simulation for communication of scheduling results. Consequently accruing additional effort for the model use cannot be fully justified by the resulting benefits. Therefore subject of the present thesis is a deeper integration of construction sequence planning into the model based way of working. Starting from a comprehensive analysis of general conditions and information needs during scheduling, concepts of a linking language for efficient reuse of model data, complete data exchange based on Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and change management based on object versioning are presented. Data used during scheduling and its inherent relationships are described formally and a functionality of object splitting is developed to ensure the compatibility of data granularity. For the sake of target precise data extraction, algorithms of spatial queries are presented. All concepts are implemented in an extensive software package and their practical application is demonstrated by several examples

4D Simulation of Capital Construction Projects: Levels of Development and Ontology for Delay Claims Applications

4D simulation is commonly used in building construction projects as part of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes. A construction project progresses through different phases. At each of these phases, the project schedules and 3D models have various levels of development (LODs) ranging from summarized to detailed models. Therefore, 4D simulation should consider multiple LODs. However, the literature does not define 4D-LODs adequately. On the other hand, there is limited research related to the visualization of complex delay claims using 4D simulation. Moreover, although BIM, 4D simulation, Delay Effects and Causes (DEC), and claims are knowledge domains with active research in the construction industry, there is a gap in integrating these domains in a more formal and overarching ontology-based approach to link essential concepts such as liability, causality and quantum in a delay claim using 4D simulation. The long-term goal of this thesis is to propose a systematic approach for the development of 4D simulation to fulfill the needs of different applications focusing on the area of delay claims. The thesis has the following specific objectives: (1) Providing a guideline about 4D-LODs definitions that are based on needs and project progress; (2) Introducing a formal method for developing 4D simulation of capital construction projects considering different time horizons; (3) Investigating the current usage, efficiency and value of 4D simulation in construction delay claims and applications such as analyzing delay DEC and assigning responsibilities; (4) Developing a multidisciplinary ontology for linking delay claims with 4D simulation to analyze DEC and responsibilities; and (5) Developing a method for delay claim visualization and analysis using 4D simulation. The selection of the suitable 4D-LOD based on the proposed guideline enables an effective simulation considering the needs of the project and the available information. The proposed 4D-LODs are useful in identifying the different representations of workspaces created at each LOD. Furthermore, the proposed 4D simulation development method is efficient and useful for project owners and contractors to streamline the simulation process by focusing on needs. This method has been applied in several large-scale projects, and resulted in reducing project cost and duration by quickly identifying feasible scenarios, as well as avoiding claims and minimizing site conflicts. A survey has been conducted to understand the potential applications of 4D simulation in forensic investigation of delay claims in construction projects. The results of the survey show that 4D simulation is efficient for all roles involved in delay claims negotiations and litigations including judges, lawyers, experts and witnesses. However, 4D simulation would provide more benefits if it is required in the contract. 4D simulation can facilitate the identification, visualization, quantification and responsibility assignment of delay events by identifying spatio-temporal conflicts and generating a better collaboration environment for finding appropriate mitigation measures. Finally, an ontology (called Claim4D-Onto) has been developed for linking delay claims with 4D simulation to analyze effects-causes and responsibilities. Claim4D-Onto has been validated with legal experts and delay claims professionals considering the criteria of clarity and completeness. Claim4D-Onto can facilitate a systematic and clear representation of the DEC and responsibilities in 4D simulation for delay claims management and avoidance. Using the concepts of Claim4D-Onto, it has been demonstrated that visual analytics based on 4D simulation can clarify the causality and analyze delay responsibilities and entitlements as a complementary tool to the cause-effect matrix. The main contributions developed in the context of this thesis are: (1) Defining 4D-LODs with a guideline based on the available information and needs; (2) Introducing the development of 4D simulation with a formal method considering different time horizons; (3) Identifying the efficiency and value of 4D simulation in construction claims as a tool for supporting legal arguments, stakeholder’s viewpoints and interrogatory considerations; (4) Developing a visualization method to facilitate the identification and quantification of events in delay claims using 4D simulation; (5) Developing a multidisciplinary ontology (Claim4D-Onto) for linking delay claims with 4D simulation; and (6) Extending the benefits of 4D simulation in the area of delay claims with visual analytics of DEC and responsibilities

Intermediate function analysis for improving constructability

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Exploitation du BIM pour la modélisation Chronographique de la planification et la simulation 4D

La planification des projets de construction est une fonction managériale des plus importantes car elle influe directement sur le succès de la réalisation des travaux. Ces dernières années, différentes études ont été menées et divers outils ont été créés pour exploiter les possibilités de combiner le Building Information Modeling (BIM) et les méthodes traditionnelles de planification afin d’assister à la réalisation des calendriers de construction. Cependant, ces outils et méthodes sont principalement destinés à aborder les perspectives de conception des ouvrages. Leur utilisation pour la planification des travaux en phase de construction nécessite alors d’importants efforts pour remanier, d’une part les maquettes numériques BIM et d’autre part les échéanciers, notamment pour caractériser le caractère spatial des projets. La méthode Chronographique développée au sein du laboratoire MGPlan offre une modélisation de la planification des projets de construction adaptée aux différentes contraintes d’exécution des travaux. L’objectif de la présente recherche est donc de créer une stratégie de communication entre les maquettes numériques BIM, la méthode Chronographique et les outils de simulation 4D afin de réaliser plus efficacement la planification de la réalisation des travaux et le montage des modèles 4D. Afin de répondre à cette problématique, des études approfondies des mécanismes de la méthode Chronographique, des outils BIM de modélisation et de la simulation 4D ont été menées. Sur la base de ces observations, une stratégie de communication entre ces différents éléments a été conçue et des outils ont été mis en place pour l’assister. Une étude de cas d’un projet fictif a été réalisée pour éprouver cette stratégie

Risk-based facility management approach for building components using a discrete Markov process - predicting condition, reliability, and remaining service life

The U.S. building stock is large, diverse, and of critical importance to the economic and social well-being of the country. A proactive facility asset management approach is required to ensure these buildings support the purposes, functions, and missions for which they were built and continue to be used. For federal organizations, particularly those with large building portfolios, the goal is to deliver an acceptable level of performance while minimizing life cycle cost and risk. This research presents a framework that explicitly measures the risk and uncertainty associated with building conditions, and uses this framework to support better decisions for facility investment and resource allocation. The end result of this research provides a model for optimizing the selection and application of building work activities ranging from inspection to repair to replacement and recapitalization. Realizing the importance of physical condition in the determination of a building’s performance, a major objective of this research was to improve the statistical accuracy of building component condition prediction models by using a probabilistic approach. To do this, a discrete Markov chain model was proposed and developed. The result of this work is a robust process for developing Markov transition probabilities to model the condition degradation process using existing condition assessment data that has been acquired and continues to be collected for large portfolios of facilities. It solves the problems with data quality issues, effects from major repair interventions, and variable inspection observation times. It also provides a direct means of measuring uncertainty, reliability, and risk of component failure. Finally, it supports an unbiased process of determining expected service life for components by using the Markov chain model to compute the average number of time cycles to reach the failure state. This probabilistic Markov chain prediction model provides a foundation towards a risk-based framework for facility management decision making. A Value of Inspection Information (VOII) model was developed by combining the probability distribution from the Markov prediction model with the decision tree logic from a value of information approach to calculate the benefit of inspection at a point in time using the last inspection results and the cost of component repair, replacement, and potential failure. In addition, the Markov prediction model was also applied to the work activity selection process, where the objective is the selection of the best activity to perform against a building component such that life cycle costs are minimized yet performance constraints are still satisfied. Traditionally these constraints have been condition based, but the proposed model also allows for risk based reliability performance measures as well. Including risk more explicitly in the decision framework has the potential to change the selection optimization process. The overall framework provides a logical approach that utilizes historic data to develop a more realistic model for building component condition and reliability. The approach analyzes component re-inspection information from large building assessment datasets (multiple inspections over time for a single component), to determine how past observed conditions correlate with future observed conditions to predict future reliability and service life. This model provides a stronger correlation to future condition and reliability estimates compared to an age-based deterministic model, and helps to counteract the situations where the recorded age of a component is not representative or expected design life is unknown. This allows a facility manager to proactively manage facility requirements using real-time risk-based metrics aligned with a data-driven probabilistic process