Establishing key factors towards implementing integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) in AEC industry: Malaysia study

Building information modeling (BIM) is a systemic approach that enhances the effectiveness and overall quality of construction projects. Integrated BIM (iBIM) is an advanced state of BIM that integrates and synchronizes disparate project data in a centralized database of reliable, accessible and real-time project information. The purpose of this paper is to investigate key factors of iBIM implementation by AEC industry players within the Malaysian context. This study adopted a quantitative method. A questionnaire survey is conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to collect data using 5-level Likert scale questions. The study population was AEC industry players working in firms affiliated with professional institutes in Malaysia. The one-sample T-test and Descriptive Statistics are employed to rank the key factors of iBIM implementation in construction projects. The data were analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Science SPSS software version 20 and Microsoft Excel. It is found that policy factors are the statistically significant factors affecting iBIM implementation in Malaysian construction projects followed by interoperability; learning and education; and finally standardization. Key factors are important as a reference or guideline in advance of selecting the most appropriate framework for achieving successful iBIM implementation in AEC industry

Acoustical investigation of open-plan offices in green building: Simulation experiment

The authors have previously reported on the measurement results from the investigation and evaluation done on the acoustical performance of open-plan offices in green buildings in Malaysia. This research uses the results from field measurements for verification on the optimum modeling process for two existing open-plan office in term of calculation time and accuracy of the simulation. Two models of open-plan office layout were constructed in four different level of model detailing utilizing 3D modeling tool. Using ODEON Room Acoustic Simulation Software, the authors examined the effects of the geometrical properties to identify the appropriate model setting for further simulation process. The simulated results of two acoustical parameters; reverberation time (RT) and speech transmission index (STI) for each model setup are then compared between each other, and further compared with field measurement results. The study concludes that the modeling process in term of number of surfaces is affecting the acoustical parameters. The discrepancy of simulated RT and STI data between model setup will be discussed

Effect of model simplification through manual reduction in number of surfaces on room acoustics simulation

Model simplification is an important step in room modelling for acoustics simulation. Various simplification algorithms were previously suggested. However, they are highly demanding methods, which are more suitable for large complicated spaces. As this paper focused on small size open-plan office (OPO) spaces, basic modelling and manual simplification processes were used. The aim is to find the optimum level of model simplification through a manual reduction in number of surfaces. Parallel to this aim, the objective is to examine the effects of the change in model detail level on selected acoustical parameters in six OPOs. Construction of models started with the most detailed model. Simplified models were developed by gradually reducing the number of surfaces. Simulation on RT, STI and decay in SPL were done and compared to the measured data. The study found that models with up to 80% reduction in number of surfaces can still produce plausible simulation results. © 2019, University of Malaya. All rights reserved

Topographical survey engineering education retrofitted by computer-aided 3D-printing

Due to the sophisticated nature of contour lines on 2D drawings, students often find difficulties in visualizing three-dimensional interpretations of flat and 2D displays, especially when they attempt to comprehend topographic maps. This study aims to determine the issues encountered in topographical survey education that could be mitigated by 3D-printed models and to explore the effectiveness of hands-on 3D-printing exercises in real teaching practices by guiding students to design and fabricate 3D models using 3D-printing techniques. A mixed method combining quantitative and qualitative approaches has been employed including experiments and structured interview surveys. The qualitative ethnographic method through a qualitative experiment developed 3D-printed models for topographic education. Topographic maps were developed using Sketchup Version 8 software in order to fabricate the 3D topographic models. Hands-on 3D-printing exercises engender better understanding and appreciation of topographic maps among the students. This research demonstrates how 3D models could complement the conventional teaching using 2D maps in university education