Experience from the use of BIM-Stations

ABSTRACT BIM has gone from being a design-tool to being an important part of the production process. BIM-stations make 3D-models available for everyone, including all the workers on-site. This paper 1) reports on experiences from the use of BIM-stations on site and 2) suggests certain improvements to increase the benefit of the BIM-stations. Following a case study approach, it examines the production phase of a building project in Norway. Initially, a survey among 50 workers on-site was carried out. Both carpenters, plumbers and electricians conducted the survey. This was followed by semi-structured indepth interviews with six key actors. Among the interviewees was the project manager, the BIM-coordinator on the project, and managers from the project owner's organization. The research revealed that workers experience saving time with BIM-stations. They report higher productivity due to having the necessary information available at all time. The highest productivity increase appeared for the MEP workers. This study was carried out over a relatively short period, with limited access to measurements of cost and savings from the use of BIM-stations. Nonetheless, the findings are still very positive and can guide future implementation of BIM-stations in the production phase