To What Extent Can Lean Construction Processes and Principles be Utilised in the Design Stage of a BIM Project in the Irish Design and Construction Industry

Although different in many ways, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean Construction are two processes that are having a significant impact on the Design & Construction Industry. In recent years, the Irish AECO industry has seen a tenfold increase across numerous construction disciplines with the adoption of new workflows and processes centred around both BIM and Lean methodologies. Existing literature identifies a strong synergistic relationship between the two processes and highlights the opportunity for Lean processes and principles to be implemented into the design stage workflow. This paper investigated existing literature relating to several lean processes currently implemented in the construction industry and specifically highlights Target Value Delivery (TVD), Last Planner System (LPS) & Set Based Design (SBD) as suitable for implementation during the design stages. The Thematic Analysis method was used for analysing the data sets obtained from the online questionnaire and interviews to help gauge industry awareness and opinion relating to the implementation and potential constraints associated with the side by side implementation of these processes. An interaction matrix that investigated the positive and negative interactions associated with the synergistic relationship between the two processes was carried out as part of this research. Additionally, this paper investigated and collated a list of barriers that exist in today\u27s design and construction industry that continue to prevent a complete and successful BIM project delivery process and specifically highlighted the need to identify the value to project stakeholders when implementing these new processes throughout all project areas of the AECO industry

An Investigation Into Current Procurement Strategies That Promote Collaboration Through Early Contractor Involvement With Regards to Their Suitability for Irish Public Work Projects

Previous research has established that multi-disciplinary collaboration will benefit a construction project throughout its lifecycle. While Lean Construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) can all be viewed as separate processes which add independent value to a project, they are more effective when used in partnership with each other. In order to ensure the high levels of collaboration expected for these processes to work in unison, the early involvement of the Contractor is paramount. Early contractor involvement within the design process can ensure a more focused integrated project team, improvement of both constructability and cost certainty, as well as better risk management. This approach has only been used occasionally on Irish public works projects. Competitive tendering has resulted in creating a culture of claims and adversity, not conducive to collaboration and therefore raising the question, is the traditional procurement format representing value for money for the Irish State. This paper will investigate current procurement strategies that promote early contractor involvement and their suitability for Irish public works projects. The research will primarily focus on contracts that are best aligned to the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) strategic objectives of ensuring greater cost certainty, better value for money and more efficient end-user delivery. To achieve this an initial literature review was undertaken exploring award criteria for early Contractor involvement both within the International and Irish public and private sectors. This research focused on establishing and examining the potential barriers for implementation. The analysed data from this process was interrogated through Stakeholders interviews that aimed to understand the current state of the public work project procurement process and if government agencies would endorse a move away from the “lowest bid win” criteria for contractor selection. A case study was also carried out showcasing a form of IPD used in Ireland. The findings from this paper suggest that early contractor involvement in partnership with IPD can provide a more advantageous solution for the Irish State while also promoting both BIM and Lean Construction processe

A Review of the Second Level Construction Studies syllabus in Ireland: in response to a changing Technological Environment promoting Digital Construction

The zeitgeist of Construction Studies ought to adopt digital construction and work practises. However, legacy is slow to change/adapt, and a lack of awareness persists. From the perspective of the continuing legacy (vocational training) of Construction Studies being linked with industry, this research explores how the subject could evolve to deliver new digital skill sets and to meet the demands of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.A pilot study was undertaken with 24 Transition Year students. The method and content of the study was based on an existing model from the Design Engineering Construction in the UK and was adapted for the Irish context based on findings from an extensive literature review. Outcomes of the study were critically evaluated by key stakeholders via interview and 4th generation evaluation. The research demonstrated the potential of this pilot to effect curriculum change and enabled the development of a proposed curriculum change management plan. This detailed research resulted in 4 key findings: (1) a campaign is needed to improve teacher awareness of changes within the AEC sector; (2) leadership is required from stakeholders, Department of Education and Science, industry, third level, & teachers, to create a Road Map for the Construction Studies curriculum; (3) Current & required skills, theoretical knowledge, and pedagogical needs must be identified for the sector and aligned training and CPD must be provided; (4) the teaching of an innovative curriculum must be incentivised through collaboration, time allocation and investment. It is proposed that the implementation of the four key findings will enable curriculum development to leverage the benefits of 21st century pedagogical approaches and theoretical knowledge to prepare students for technological advancements in the AEC industry, resulting in better outcomes for society, in the short-, medium- and long-term for all stakeholders

A Critical Appraisal of the Potential for Public Works Contracts’ and Design-build Clients in Ireland to Leverage Benefits From BIM Processes

The zeitgeist of the Irish Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) Industry is digital construction and collaborative processes. However, Clients don’t know what they want from BIM, and are confused about how to get what they need. This paper critically appraised the potential for public works contracts’ Clients to leverage the benefits from BIM processes. Key stakeholders were interviewed to establish where possible barriers and issues arise in order to enhance Client engagement throughout the capital/ delivery and operations phase of the built asset. A Toolkit, derived from the Literature Review, was investigated by the interviewees. This detailed research resulted in 4 Key Insights: (1) Improved Education & a BIM online portal to be provided by the Government; (2) The urgent revision of GCCC/CWMF Public Works Contracts to include reference to BIM technologies, standards and processes, and include confirmation of Client ownership of the BIM Model; (3). A new role of Client BIM Consultant, to be included in the Mandate from Government; (4) The requirement of a BIM Mandate for Ireland in order to drive engagement. It is proposed that the implementation of the 4 Key Insights will enable Clients to leverage the benefits of BIM would result in better outcomes on Public Works, in the short, medium and long term for all Stakeholder

A critical analysis of how large Irish architectural practices responded to initial COVID-19 restrictions and the affect implementing remote working had on BIM processes, policies, and people

The unprecedent events which transpired in the 88-day period from the 31st of December 2019 to the 27th of March 2020 have changed the world in which we live and work. The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and the ensuing pandemic which has evolved are descripted as one in a hundred-year events. This paper researched and critically analyses the operations which large Irish Architecture firms initiated during this period in order to facilitate the ability of its employees working from a remote location, focusing on how the People, Processes and Policies of BIM (3 Ps of BIM); adapted to the changes of a challenging working environment. In order to understand both this event and the actions taken by Architecture firms a prism of synthesizes methodologies was implemented. This prism utilised the collection and analysation of Event study in order to provide both a frame and context of the transpired event. This assisted in the gathering of data from expect industry sources through the process of Qualitative interview alongside Qualitative survey. From these collected data sets and through the application of thematic analysis and metric based results this unearthed these key findings. This event has shown that the advancements in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) over the past decade available to the industry have not been utilized to their fullest prior to this event, and that when required the industry has the capability to mobilise and adapt to sudden change. With these technologies now being fully implemented and remote working a viable option in the industry a blended approach of both remote and office working has emerged as the preferred option going forward with little desire for a full return to the previous norm. But with this presents challenges for the junior members within the industry as previous learning by osmosis which took place in these office environments now remove and diluted

A critical examination of the use of business intelligence (BI) in the optioneering of generative design models: a case study.

This research outlines the development of a generative des ign workflow for the architectural space planning of a 1,200 sq.m office located in Dublin, Ireland, and the application of statistical analysis and data visualisation for the optioneering of gen erated models. First, the paper defines a computational desig n model with the potential to generate a variety of office layouts, including circulation routes and desk locations. It then identifies three unique performance metrics that evaluate each design option. Finally, the study applies a multi objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) to explore the high dimensional design space of all potential options and describes several visualisation techniques that can assist the designer in selecting the most appropriat e option. There have been several articles published regardi ng the use of generative design systems, model evaluation processes and business intelligence (BI). However, a clearly defined methodology for relating all three remains undocumented. The aim of t his research is to critically examine the use of business in telligence in the optioneering of generative design models. It is anticipated that this research will go some way to filling the gap in the current published material regarding the impacts that th ese emerging technologies have on the building design proces s

To what extent does the knowledge gap between client’s expectations and project construction team deliverables adversely impact commercial (Office Buildings) BIM projects?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an evaluation methodology that has the potential to achieve an adequate communication of information between different construction project stakeholders and clients. Due to the amount of information involved in construction projects and the requirement in control of time, cost and waste, BIM can be perceived as a future-proofed design, construction and Facilities Management (FM) process. Having been involved in various projects working to Level 2 BIM standards over the past 3 years the author has seen a gap in terms of client’s expectations of BIM deliverables and those which are actually produce by the project teams. This is most evident during the building to operations phase at project handover. A better way of communicating the BIM process to client should be implemented, exploiting its full potential, not only through the duration of design and construction phase of the building, but more importantly for the operation and maintenance of the building assets following handover to the client. Literature review was conducted investigating the gaps in communication and client and design and construction team stakeholder perspectives on the BIM process. A prototype solution, aiming to help and bridge the communication gap was derived. The objective of this research, which involved literature review, stakeholder interviews and proposed focus group discussions was to develop a prototype solution with the aim of helping to bridge the gap between client expectations and project team delivery

An examination of the use of Geotechnical BIM to provide value engineering solutions for coastal infrastructure.

The digitisation of construction is taking root as Building Information Modelling is becoming more prevalent across the industry. From an Irish context, the adoption rate of BIM has been slow; nationally its advantages and merits have been welcomed and the appropriate government support is either available, soon to be implemented or in the early conceptual stage. Within the Irish governments Project Ireland 2040 framework there are significant infrastructure developments looming ahead, in particular regarding ports and harbours. The importance of this type of infrastructure is only further compounded due to the UK’s departure from the EU and the need for creating robust trade infrastructure. This research explores Geotechnical BIM as a crucial tool to be utilised but yet to be recognised in the development of coastal infrastructure. Suffice to say Coastal Infrastructure such as Harbours or Tidal Defences have long projected lifespans. Due to their function, they have to endure severe environmental loading as well as the geological complexities at where they interface with the natural environment. The primary purpose of this research is to offer guidance and awareness to the wider AEC industry through an investigation of current literature, emphasising the importance of Geotechnical BIM as a value engineering tool for coastal infrastructure. The findings in this section point to an urgent need of a national mandate to propel BIM in Ireland and examines the current status of Geotechnical BIM. Secondly it aims to explore the application of Geotechnical BIM through a case study where BIM in principle has been applied to the geotechnical design. The findings in this section examined significant capital savings in the range of 40%. Finally a survey was then carried out to gather data from industry providing insight on how other disciplines find Geotechnical BIM within the wider BIM process and derive recommendations as to better integrate Geotechnical BIM. The results indicate that Geotechnical BIM is welcomed however there are concerns related to cost and risk. The Author concludes that the advantages outweigh the concerns shared in addition to the limitations of the traditional process and suggests the need for a specific level of model detail identifier for Geotechnical models to improve communication and reduce risk

Can the Application of the Visual Programme Tool Dynamo Assist in Streamlining Current COBie Requirements for Design Professionals

information exchange (COBie) is still a misunderstood and miscommunicated topic. Despite the free distribution of supporting information, many errors remain in its practical application. This study explores strengthening COBie design practices, reducing computational expense by data automation and streamlining the workflow process without the need for designer’s total immersion into COBie theory. Synergies between Autodesk Revit and Dynamo BIM were the chosen software utilised to achieve such a goal. A literature review is first employed to provide a current overview from academic and industry sources, with the principles of design science the chosen methodology in the development, implementation and evaluation of a solution orientated research strategy. Data was gathered via questionnaires from eight Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) engineering firms in Ireland who currently have a demand for COBie design deliverables. This paper reports a general lack of awareness for the open source COBie Testing software tool and a misconception as to exact COBie for Design deliverables. Results indicate considerable time saving across separate projects for six COBie parameters identified for streamlining due to inefficient workflows. Testing COBie data was fully verified in accordance with the international standard NBIMS v3 using the COBie Quality Control Reporter, making it compliant for Facilities Management software use

A critical examination of visual programming and generative design for the compliance checking of open plan office layouts against HSE guidelines post Covid-19.

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of Visual Programming (VP) and Generative Design (GD) in assisting employers review open plan office layouts against Ireland’s HSE guidelines implemented in May 2020 in response to Covid-19. The pandemic has affected all areas of life with workplace standards requiring a complete overhaul. This study will attempt to ascertain compliance with natural ventilation and social distancing requirements through the completion of an experimental research study, utilising Computational Design (CD) tools. A GD study will be undertaken to provide the designer with numerous office layout design solutions to evaluate and evolve. The findings will be examined through a semi structured focus group study with industry professionals. All visual programming algorithms shall be repeatable and adaptable to be utilised on an individual project’s unique situations. The author hopes this study will show that in theory, computational compliance checking, and computational design can be a viable workflow for designers