Cost-benefit analysis of BIM-enabled design clash detection and resolution

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly deployed as part of the processes in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry projects. While the benefits of BIM have been extensively proclaimed, explicit justification in terms of direct cost savings for BIM implementation on real-life projects, particularly for clash detection BIM workstream, are not well documented. This paper proposes and demonstrates a methodology to prove how BIM-based clash detection leads to cost savings. A schema is developed based on literature review and industrial expertise to quantify cost savings achieved by the utilisation of BIM-based clash detection and resolution. This paper provides validation of the proposed schema on a major infrastructure project. The developed schema includes the categorisation of identified clashes based on stakeholder involvement and required actions. The validation used the estimated cost of clashes were those not resolved before site operations took place. This schema simplifies both the categorisation and cost estimation of clashes in design. Estimated savings yielded 20% of contract value using the schema, for the multi-million-dollar project case study, thus extending evidence of BIM savings and benefits. The schema improves the existing process and valorises clash detection, thus allowing stakeholders to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. In addition, the categorisation methodology allows prioritising on the most costly clashes, and draw lessons learnt for further projects. This schema opens the path towards a systematic methodology to appraise the benefits of different BIM uses or processes

An ontology for analysing cognition in geometric and parametric design platforms: a review.

Things are changing. Designers are now torn between the geometric modeling environment (GME) and the parametric design environment (PDE). Neither of these is a replacement or a substitute for the other. Moreover, non-design disciplines are also responding to this change. Construction managers and estimators are now required to have the ability to interact with CAD drawings and design models. This has become necessary so that they can distill the robustness of digital design platforms as they ingrain the compatibility and accuracy of their deliverables (e.g. object-based estimating, virtual reality and process simulation). In essence, new theories on digital processes and methods are being primed for the management of data in digital platforms rather than the iteration of conventions as in manual processes. The aim of this study, therefore, is to add to the evolving knowledge on this subject by evocating an ontology for analyzing cognitive processes in geometric modeling and parametric project environments. The significance of this is critical. It adds value to the framework for multidisciplinary interaction within a BIM project team towards a synchronous cognition processes within design and non-design disciplines. It also adds depth to extant methodological debates in multidisciplinary research studies. Further areas of research are elicited in the conclusion of the study.Full Tex

Latent Variables in Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers. Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams makes or mars project success. Empirical research findings have reinforced the need for project team partners to collaborate, particularly on BIM projects. Without collaboration, it is impossible to foster project deliverables. This study explores the descriptors of collaboration through five frameworks: governance, administration, autonomy, mutuality and, trust norms and reciprocity. The descriptors of these variables are discussed, with lesson drawn on how to reinforce collaboration in multidisciplinary project environments