1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three- dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modelling software to increase productivity in building design and construction [Holness, 2008]. BIM in local construction industries is addition of a study that seeks in identifying the reasons behind slow implementation of this solution in construction industry. The process produces the Building Information Model, which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components [Lee, et al, 2006]. Building information modelling had cover geometry, spatial relationships, light analysis, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components. BIM can be used to demonstrate the entire building life cycle, including the process of construction and facility operation. Quantities and shared properties of materials can be extracted easily. BIM goes far beyond switching to new software. It requires changes to the definition of traditional architectural phases and more data sharing than most architects and engineers are used to.
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of generating and
managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three-
dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modelling software to increase
productivity in building design and construction [Holness, 2008]. BIM in local
construction industries is addition of a study that seeks in identifying the
reasons behind slow implementation of this solution in construction industry.
The process produces the Building Information Model, which encompasses
building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and
quantities and properties of building components [Lee, et al, 2006].
Building information modelling had cover geometry, spatial
relationships, light analysis, geographic information, quantities and
properties of building components. BIM can be used to demonstrate the
entire building life cycle, including the process of construction and facility
operation. Quantities and shared properties of materials can be extracted
easily. BIM goes far beyond switching to new software. It requires changes
to the definition of traditional architectural phases and more data sharing
than most architects and engineers are used to.
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An instance of BIM software is from Autodesk products which are a
comprehensive environmental design tool that covers a wide range of
simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building
design will operate and perform. Architects and designers work easily in 3D
and apply a rich flexible of tools that are important for our customers to drive
and support an energy efficient and sustainable future [Holness, et al, 2006].
1.2 Background
Construction industry is moving rapidly towards the modernization.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has played the significant roles in this
transformation. The use of BIM permeates various industries and is seen as
a major driver for improvement in performance and cost efficiency
(CIDB,2006).
There are eminent research efforts on enabling and advising
information technology to enhance work efficiency and collaboration among
Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) by providing mechanism
infrastructure to deliver pertinent information required for decision making in
a timely manner. According to Estamen et al 2005, Halfway and Froese
2001, technologies should facilitate information interchange between
member of project team and across stages in the project lifecycle from
construction to inspection and last on maintenance aspects.
However, the performance of the ICT towards the industry still
underprivileged. It might be due to the different types of software used by the
participants of the industry, the amount of redundant information and the
manual transfer of information (Molnar, Anderson & Ekhlom, 2008).
Therefore, Khoury and Kamar, 2009 suggested that the central kernel of this
communications infrastructure should be inhabited by a shared construction
project model in form of integrated product models and project data base,
these resulted to the Building Information Modelling (BIM).
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Building Information Modelling (BIM), is a modelling technology and
associated set of process to produce, communicate and analyze building
models (Estamen et al, 2008), is seen as an enabler that may help the
building industry to improve its productivity. BIM is suitable to support the
simulation of a construction project in virtual environment with the
advantages of taking place in silico through the use of proper software
package (Jardin-Goncalves, 2010). Although, BIM has been on the market
for a few years, it has not been adopted into the industry as it is not widely
use from its full capacity. Yet, there is still some space for improvements.
As of 2009, approximately half of industry representatives do not use
any BIM software on projects in the U.S (McGrawHill, 2009). Even though
the concept of BIM has widely implemented, but people still failed to explore
how a BIM concept can really talk to a construction project in a real time
manner (W.S.Lu & Li, 2011).
Therefore, this research will aim to study how the BIM will
interoperate with the construction project and also will investigated the
appropriated approach to enhance the implementation in our local industry.
1.3 Problem Statement
The slow adoption of the BIM in the industry has been caused by
several technical and human barriers, these barriers can be categorized as
internal or external factors. In internal use of BIM, the main barriers are cost
and human issues, mainly the learning of new tools and processes. The
learning process is significantly more expensive than the actual costs of
hardware and software. As Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim said “It is not
a problem of knowledge and information on the usage of BIM, it is always
about the cost”. Although there is awareness of using the BIM but the cost of
investment prohibited companies from adopting the technology. Big
companies can afford BIM system while most of the small companies find its
adoption unaffordable (Star, 2009).
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Another internal barrier is fear of lacking of features and flexibility of
the modelling tools. Meanwhile, the external barriers as described by
Williams (2007) include legal aspect of implementing BIM which have been
an area of concern to many owners, Architects and Engineers (A&E),
general contractors and sub-contractors. Furthermore, technical issue
related mainly to lack of sufficient and reliable interoperability between
software applications are significant obstacles, although perhaps not fully
recognised by the industry yet. It is because most companies have no
experience of the use of shared BIM in saying of Kiviniemi et al (2008).
However, the degree and various of these factors has not been identified.
Therefore there is need for research to identify degree.
1.4 Aim
The aim of this research is to investigate the issue of Building
Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in local construction industry in order
to resolve the interoperability issues.
1.5 Objectives
To study the current practice and awareness of the industry towards
new technologies
To investigate the barriers of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
adoption in construction industry.
To identify the potential factors that could accelerate adoption of
Building Information Modelling (BIM).
To envisage the consequences if Building Information Modelling
(BIM) has been adopted.
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1.6 Scope of Study
This research is focused on the participants of the construction
industry which generally divided into few groups which are Developers,
Architects, Consultants, Engineers and Contractors to get their opinions
towards the Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in solving the
interoperability issue. The respondents are chosen based on the top
management level and the middle management only. Furthermore, the
research will only focus on the construction firms that located within Klang
Valley area.
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1.7 Project Organization
Chapter 1: Introduction
In chapter 1, the outline of the study will be illustrated. It consists of the
background of studies, problem statement, and the aim of research,
research objectives, scope of study and the study organization for this study.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
While in Chapter 2, the information about the research title will be obtained
from different sources such as journals, books, web site and et cetera so
that the concept of the research can be supported by facts and to prove the
feasibility of the research title, aim and objectives.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
For chapter 3, the research strategy, research method and data analysis that
will used for this study will be explained and the information and data
collected will be interpreted.
Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis
Moreover, in Chapter 4, the outcome of the analysis of data collected from
the questionnaire will be presented and it will be supported by the facts that
mentioned in the Chapter 2 in order to clarify the perceptions of the
participants towards the study objectives and aim.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation
Lastly, the main conclusion will be drawn out in this chapter and the
limitations of the research will be highlighted at the meanwhile. Except from
that, some of the opinions/points will be recommended for the purpose of
further investigation.
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter covers the basic information about Building Information
Modelling (BIM) which is a process and practice of virtual design and
construction throughout its Lifecycle. It is a platform to share knowledge and
communicate between project participants. In other words, Building
Information Modelling is the process of developing a building with sort of
information in a model figure. Building Information Modelling (BIM) which
includes the function and concept of BIM, the barriers to BIM implementation
The Building Information Model is primarily a three dimensional digital representation of a building and its intrinsic characteristics. It is made of intelligent building components which includes data attributes and parametric rules for each object. For instance, a door of certain material and dimension is parametrically related and hosted by a wall. Furthermore, BIM provides consistent and coordinated views and representations of the digital model including reliable data for each view. This saves a lot of designer’s time since each view is coordinated through the built-in intelligence of the model. According to the National BIM Standard, Building Information Model is “A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility and a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition” ("About the National BIM Standard-United States", 2010).
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in our local construction industry such as legal issues, interoperability
towards BIM software, clients and stakeholder support, resistance to
change, personnel competencies are also discussed in this research.
Furthermore, the strategies for the implementation of the BIM system include
training, introduction of BIM software at university curriculum will also
present in this chapter.
An architectural firm may decide to design a Building Information
Model, and use it for visualization and energy analysis. Building Information
Modeling is an emerging of technology and a procedural paradigm within the
industry after paper-based drafting and computer aided design (CAD)
(Succar, 2009). The architects firm may even have an internal collaboration
with the others team members. BIM includes specific information on different
building elements and systems associated with a building, such as wall
types, spaces, air handling units, geo-spatial information, and circulation
zones (GSA, 2007). However, the architect may decide to provide the
drawings in two dimensions and restrict the Building Information Model
access. This chapter would conclude the nature in construction with the
professional role in implementing BIM. The concept, uses and
implementation of BIM have been discussed in this chapter.
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2.2 Nature of Construction Industry
The construction industry has lagged behind other industries as the
slow adaption in accepting the benefits of adopting Building Information
Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry. In the 1990s, while
interoperability productivity benefits were being realized in other industries
and the building construction industry went largely unaffected (Gabriel &
W.Jun). Much of this was due to the fragmented nature of the industry where
the relationship between designers, contractors and subcontractors often
inhibited communications and teamwork. The problem was compounded
further by the fact that many design and construction firms were small and
did not have the resources required to take full advantage of new information
transfer technologies (Gabriel & W.Jun).
The fragmented nature of the industry who involved a wide range of
parties from the blue collar labour, carpenters, bricklayers until the white
collar workers such Engineer, Architects, Quantity surveyors and other
project teams with play with different roles and duties in order to faster the
development of the construction industry which include, Designer,
Consultants, Construction team and clients. To cope with the improvement
of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) the professions have been
developed their own construction related software for the ease of their
works. However, they only utilized it within their own department or within
their professions group. The interoperability within one group and another
still is an issue within the industry as there is lack of communication between
all the team members which may cause some misunderstanding among the
project team.
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2.3 Role of Construction Professionals
In the traditional approach, a development may go through a few
phases which all team members will contributes them it completing each
other task. The architect, typically the lead designer in building projects and
construction manager works directly for the owner. The engineering
consultants are part of the designers’ team. The engineer and the architect
first design the building as they are the design team. The team consist
architect and a few engineer such as mechanical and electrical engineer and
structural engineer. Upon, the completion of the design phase, the
construction managers are also known as general contractors in the
traditional approach bid for the job. Once the bid is awarded to selected
contractor, then the construction will starts. It is not a fast track project
delivery method. In other words, the approach does not involve early
participation of the construction team during design (Eastman, 2008). If the
designers generated a 3D parametric model for the project, the contractors
will have some issue on the design as the contractors may focus on the
information more than the building as the contractor do not join the design
team during the design phase. Overall, Design-Bid-Build eliminates the
benefits of having the construction input during the design phase when the
ability to influence the cost is the highest as depicted in figure 1. The
architects and the engineers may not want to share their models due to
risks, liability concerns, unauthorized reuse of intellectual properties and
misinterpretation of the information included in the model (Eastman, 2008).
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Figure 2.1: Project Life Cycle - ability to influence cost (Eastman, 2008)
Building construction requires many workers and many trades. From
the perspective of realizing a project, a professional project team is needed
to make sure that the project will be constructed successfully. The
construction professionals include the architect, engineer and quantity
surveyor. Those personnel are the most responsible person when something
happened in a project especially when technical works are concerned. The
professionals’ expertise of each construction professionals must be careful
exercise as they are answerable to any sinfulness occurred during the
construction (Hussin & Omran, 2009). Many accidents have occurs and the
one responsible is the contractor. The contractor was blamed if there is any
accidents occur.
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Figure 2.2 : Typical organizational boundaries between the participants in
construction project (Eastman et al, 2008)
2.3.1 Client
The client’s role is to provide leadership and a mandate for
change. Whether or not the client becomes directly involved in
technical issues is a matter of choice, but what is important is and the
client is seen by the rest of the design and construction team to be
committed and sufficiently knowledgeable to be committed and
sufficiently knowledgeable to be decisive and set clear requirements.
(Andrew Goddard Associates Ltd, 2010)
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2.3.2 Architect
In general, architect is a person who is involved in the
planning, designing and oversight of a buildings construction. In the
broadcast sense, an architect is a person who translates the user’s
needs into the builder’s requirements. The knowledge about the
building and operational codes is necessary so that he or she is not
apt to omit any necessary requirements, or produce improper,
conflicting, ambiguous, or confusing requirements. Furthermore,
architect must understand the various methods available to the
builder for building the client’s structure, so that he or she can
negotiate with the client to produce a best possible compromise of the
results desired within explicit cost and time boundaries. Then
architect also responsible with being familiar with the construction
work and reporting the general progress and quality of the work, as
completed to the owner (Hussin & Omran, 2009).
2.3.3 Engineer
The scope of work of engineers involves planning and
execution of the designs from transportation, site development, and
hydraulic environmental, structural and geotechnical engineers. The
main part of engineer’s job description is analysing report which
includes the analysis of maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial
photography, topographical information, calculation of the building
loads and analyses the grade requirements and et cetera. Engineers
also have to make sure that there are no impediments in the way of
where the structure will be built and if there are any they must move
them. Finally, the engineers have to provide construction information,
including repairs and cost changes to the managers (Hussin &
Omran, 2009).
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2.3.4 Quantity Surveyor
Quantity Surveyor is the person who manages and control
costs within construction projects and may involve the use of
management procedures and technical tools to achieve this goal. The
method employed cover a range of activities such as: cost planning,
value engineering, feasibility studies, cost benefits analysis, lifecycle
costing, valuation and cost estimation. A quantity surveyor can also
be known as construction economists, cost engineers or construction
managers. Quantity Surveyors control costs and prices of work,
labour, materials and plant required, an understanding of the
implications of design decision at an early stage to ensure that best
value is obtained for the money to be expended. Quantity surveyors
will also preparing tender document in accordance with a published
standard method of measurement as agreed to by the quantity
surveyor profession and representatives of the construction industry
(Hussin & Omran, 2009).
2.3.5 Builder or Contractor
A contractor sources materials and manages the construction
process. This involves both direct material purchase and indirect
purchasing through trade contractors. Therefore, the contractor is the
party responsible for agreeing with the design team how they will
meet the client’s requirement for recycled content and et cetera. The
contractor’s task is then to source and incorporate specific products
that satisfy or exceed the client’s requirement into the works as
specified. On completion, the contractor should be able to provide the
client with documentary evidence that the target level of the project
had been achieved (Hussin & Omran, 2009).
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2.4 The Concept of BIM
Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents the process of
development and use of a computer generated model to simulate the
planning, design, construction and operation of a facility. A BIM is a data that
rich, object-oriented, intelligent and parametric of digital which representing
the facility, from a few views and data appropriate to various users need that
can be extracted and analyse to generate information that can be used to
make decisions and to improve the process of delivering the facility (AGC,
2005).
While, Wong et al. said that BIM has the attributes of both an
approach and a process or action. It is an approach as it provides an
alternative to the traditional paper based approach of project design and
management. It is also a process or action as it creates a product called
Building Information Model, whose performance can be measured.
BIM is actually the intersection of two critical ideas: (Autodesk, 2003)
Keeping critical design information in digital form makes it easier to
update and share and more valuable to the firms creating and using
it.
Creating real-time, consistent relationships between digital design
data with innovative parametric building modelling technology can
save significant amounts of time and money and increase project
productivity and quality.
BIM is now rapidly gaining acceptance as the preferred method of
communicating the design professions intent to the owner and project
builders (Bruce A. Burt, 2009). In addition, BIM now is also being
increasingly used as an emerging technology to assist in conceiving,
designing, construction and operating the buildings in many countries (Wong
et al., 2009).
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Figure 2.3 : The Concept of BIM (Bruce A. Burt, 2009).
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2.4.1 Function of BIM
According to editor of BIM journal (2012), BIM has a broad range
of application, right cross the design, construction and operation process.
These BIM functions can be roughly grouped into five categories:
Design
Analysis
Construction
Operation
Data Management
Design applications relate to the pre-planning and planning phase
of a project. This section includes initial data collection like laser
surveying, existing conditions modelling and site analysis, spatial
programming and design authoring. It encompasses includes design
review and coordination (Autodesk, 2003).
Analysis refers to secondary applications, often undertaken by a
party who may not have authored the model themselves. Analysis
activities include structural analysis, energy analysis, green building
certification, lighting analysis, mechanical analysis, as well as other
specialty disciplines. This category also includes model auditing, that is
validating model integrity and verifying the model against design
parameters and building code requirements.
Construction functions refer to the deployment of BIM for
construction management. This includes construction planning as well as
applications for construction sequencing (4D) and quantity take off and
estimation (5D). This section also examines shop drawing production and
integration with Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). A significant part
of this section addresses BIM to Field activities such as establishing
construction set-out points and recording as-built data and construction
status (Autodesk, 2003).
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Operation refers to BIM functions that support facility
management. This includes record modelling, model maintenance
and integrating the model with Facilities Management software for
asset or spatial management, equipment tracking and maintenance
scheduling. This section also examines how a model can be
reactivated for future facility expansion (Eastman, 2008).
Data Management examines best practices for BIM data
structure and exchange, and how multi model data may be regulated.
This section includes an introduction to collaborative platforms and
electronic project delivery systems, as well as key sessions on model
collaboration, change management and issue reporting and tracking.
This section also includes functions relating to interoperability and
exchange formats, managing metadata and linking multiple
databases like model and text file (Autodesk, 2003).
2.4.2 Benefits of BIM
Due to the nature of BIM software, there are several wide
ranging benefits to be gained by deploying BIM. Basically, the
advantages of BIM technology are a means either to reduce cost,
materials usage or indirectly through efficiency gains throughout the
three major phases in the building lifecycle from design, construction
and management (Autodesk, 2003). While when look into the
individual elements, the main benefits that drive the deployment
(Davidson, 2008)
Accuracy and consistency of data
Design visualization
Ease of quantity takeoff
Multi-user collaboration
Energy efficiency and sustainability
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2.4.2.1 Design Phase
During the course of a building project, an architect must
balance the project scope, schedule and cost. By using BIM, all of the
critical information such as design and geometry information is
immediately available, so that project-related decisions can be made
more quickly and effectively. Furthermore, BIM allows a project team
to make changes to the project at any time during the design or
documentation process without laborious, low value consideration
and manual checking work. In addition, all of the building design and
documentation work can be done concurrently instead of serially,
because design thinking is captured at the point of creation and
embedded in the documentation as the work proceeds. Lastly, the
automatic coordination of changes offered by BIM would eliminate
coordination mistakes, improves the overall quality of the work and
helps companies win more repeat business (Autodesk, 2003).
2.4.2.2 Construction Phase
During the construction phase, BIM makes available
concurrent information on building quality, schedule and cost. The
builder can accelerate the quantification of the building for estimating
and value engineering purposes and for production of updated
estimates and construction planning. The consequences of proposed
or procured products can be studied and understood easily and the
builder can quickly prepare plans showing site use or renovation
phasing for the owner, thereby communicating and minimizing the
impact of construction operations on the owners operations and
personnel. The result is that, less time and money are spent on
process and administration issues but goes into the building
(Eastman, 2008).
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2.4.2.3 Management Phase
Management phase regularly involved facility management. In
the management phase of the building lifecycle, BIM makes available
concurrent information on the use or performance of the building, its
occupants and contents, the life of the building over time and the
financial aspects of the building. Moreover, the provided digital record
of renovations accelerates the adaption of standard building
prototypes to site conditions for businesses of similar buildings in
different locations. Furthermore, BIM also provide the physical
information about the building such as finishes, furniture and
equipments or financially important data about leasable areas and
rental income or departmental cost allocations are all more easily
managed and available (Dana K Smith,2009). Generally, it can
conclude that the consistent access to these types of information
improves both revenue and cost management in the operation of the
building (Autodesk, 2003).
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2.5 Use of BIM in Construction Management
There are many uses of Building Information Modelling for each
project participant. Figure 2.4 depicts these uses for the planning, design
(preconstruction), construction and operation (post construction) phases.
Figure 2.4 : BIM Uses throughout a Building Lifecycle (Messner, 2009)
During the design phase, the use of BIM can maximize its impact on a
project since the ability to influence cost is the highest. The team can
creatively come up with ideas and provide solutions to issues before
problems become high cost impacts to the project. This can be realized
through the cooperation and coordination of the entire project staff.
Therefore, it is extremely important to have a good collaboration (Dana K
Smith,2009).
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The use of BIM especially enhances the collaborative efforts of the
team. The architect and engineer can test their design ideas including
energy analysis. The construction manager can provide constructability,
sequencing, value and engineering reports. They can also start 3D
coordination between subcontractors and vendors during early stages of
design (Autodesk, 2003).
The owner can visually notice if the design is what he is looking for.
Overall, the BIM promotes the collaboration of all of the projection
participants. There are beneficial uses of BIM during the construction phase.
However, the ability to impact the cost in a project reduces as depicted in
figure 1 as the construction progresses. Several uses include sequencing,
cost estimation, fabrication and onsite BIM (Dana K Smith,2009).
2.5.1 Cost Estimation
The two main elements of a cost estimate are quantity take off and
pricing. The quantity from a Building Information Model (BIM) can be
extracted to a cost database or a Microsoft Excel file. However, pricing
cannot be attained from the model. Cost estimating requires the expertise of
the cost estimator to analyse the components of a material and how they get
installed. If the pricing for a some of the activity is not available in the
database, cost estimator may be needed a further detailed of the element for
more accurate pricing (Dana K Smith,2009). For instance, if a concrete pour
activity is taking place, the model may account for the level of detail for the
rebar, wire mesh, pour stop, formwork, and concrete but not include it as
part of the quantity take off extraction. Cost estimator may need this level of
detail from the model to figure out the unit price which consists of the unit
material cost, unit labour cost, overhead and profit.
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The unit labour cost is driven by the mobilization and installation
durations, and the labour wage while the unit material cost is the sum of the
material costs used for the activity per unit. Once the unit price is attained,
the cost of the entire activity can be attained by multiplication of the total
quantity extracted from BIM and unit price (Dana K Smith,2009).
In Building Information Model, the data output is the data input. It is
very important to have both of the contractor and designer to agree on
component definitions. For instance, if an architect is using concrete slab to
show the roof for modeling purposes, the roof quantity information will not be
accurately accounted for quantity extraction purposes in the model (Dana K
Smith,2009). Overall, the BIM technology is a great tool to optimize the
productivity of the estimators through quantity extraction from the model
especially if the construction and design team work collaboratively.
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2.5.2 BIM Tools
There are plenty of Building Information Modelling tools. This
subsection will identify these products. The following Table 2.1 depicts the
BIM authoring tools and their primary functions. The list includes MEP,
structural, architectural, and site work 3D modelling software. Some of this
software are also capable of scheduling and cost estimation.
Product Name Manufacturer Primary Function
Cadpipe HVAC AEC Design Group 3D HVAC Modelling
Revit Architecture Autodesk 3D Architectural Modelling and
parametric design
AutoCAD Architecture Autodesk 3D Architectural Modelling and
parametric design
Revit Structure Autodesk 3D Structural Modelling and
parametric design
Revit MEP Autodesk 3D Detailed MEP Modeling
AutoCAD MEP Autodesk 3D MEP Modeling
AutoCAD Civil 3D Autodesk Site Development
Cadpipe Commercial Pipe AEC Design Group 3D Pipe Modeling
DProfiler Beck Technology 3D Conceptual Modeling with realtime
cost estimating
Bentley BIM Suite Bentley Systems 3D Architectural, Structural,
Mechanical, Electrical
Fastrak CSC (UK) 3D Structural Modelling
SDS/2 Dsign Data 3D Detailed Structural Modelling
Fabrication for AutoCAD
MEP
EastCoast CAD/CAM 3D Detailed MEP Modeling
Digital Project Gehry Technologies CATIA based BIM System for
Architectural, Design, Engineering and
Construction Modeling
Digital Project MEP
System Routing
Gehry Technologies MEP Design
ArchiCAD Graphisoft 3D Architectural Modelling
MEP Modeler Graphisoft 3D MEP Modeling
HydraCAD Hydratec 3D Fire Sprinkler Design and Modeling
AutoSPRINK VR M.E.P CAD 3D Fire Sprinkler Design and Modeling
FireCAD Mc4 Software Fire Piping Network Design and
Modeling
CAD-Duct Micro Application 3D Detailed MEP Modeling
Vectorworks Designer Nemetschek 3D Architectural Modelling
Duct Designer 3D, Pipe
Designer 3D
QuickPen
International
3D Detailed MEP Modeling
RISA RISA Technologies Full suite of 2D and 3D Structural
Design Application
Tekla Structure Tekla 3D Detailed Structural Modelling
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Affinity Trelligence 3D Model Application for early concept
design
Vico Office Vico Software 5D Modeling which can ba used to
generate cost and schedule data
PowerCivil Bentley Systems Site Development
Site Design, Site Planning Eagle Point Site Development
Table 2.1: BIM Authoring Tools (Reinhardt, 2009)
A variety of shop BIM tools for drawing and fabrication are available or
structural and MEP contractors as depicted in Table 2.2:
Table 2.2: BIM tools for drawing and fabrication (Dana K Smith,2009).
Revit Architecture provided by Autodesk Inc. has built-in sequencing
options. Each object can be assigned a phase. Revit then uses snapshots of
the model for each phase creating a simple sequencing for the viewers.
Currently, there are a lot of architects that are using Revit Architecture.
Various BIM construction management and scheduling tools are available.
BIM Construction management tools that support coordination are
Navisworks Manage, ProjectWise, Digital Project Designer, and Vico.
Furthermore, Vico, Navisworks Timeliner, Innovaya and Synchro support
BIM and schedule integration (Reinhardt, 2009)
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2.6 Implementation of BIM
Building information modeling (BIM) is becoming more and more
important to manage complex communication and information sharing
processes in collaborative building projects (Sebatian and Léon, 2010). BIM
is now increasingly used as an emerging technology to assist in conceiving,
designing, constructing and operating the buildings in many countries,
notably in the United States. Other countries including Finland, Singapore,
Denmark and Norway have also adopted BIM (Wong et al, 2009).
2.6.1 Barriers to BIM in Construction Industry
People, technology and the environment are critical to implementation
of BIM (Alshawi, 2008). People and process are keys to change and
improvement, while work environment and IT infrastructure are enablers
without which the first two elements cannot be sustained (Bew and
Underwood, 2010).
In the market, much of the research devoted to BIM is focused on
developing technological solutions aimed to standardize and streamline
adoption across the design, construction and operational phases of a
building. However, recently completed research indicates that a range of
determining the success or otherwise of BIM adoption. It found these
behaviours collectively resulted in the formation of a differentiated project
team culture, sub-optimal ICT usage, and minimal utilization of BIM
capabilities (Brewer et al., 2010).
Thus, the intention to adopt comes always first in the adoption
process (Nikas et al., 2006). For example, top managers’ intention to adopt
innovations is an indicator of their subsequent decisions such as behaviour.
Therefore, it can conclude that, executive who categorize innovation as
functional will intend to decide in favour of adopting the innovations with a
belief in the potential gains or benefits from this innovation (Nikas et al.,
2006).
27
Further, Nikas et al. (2006) also stated that, organizations satisfied
with proprietary systems in conjunction with the existence of an existing IT
infrastructure are more enthusiastic in adopting collaborative technologies.
Additionally, they also revealed that for organizations that already have an IT
department, the continuous training and skills development of their
personnel is positively related with the intention to adopt collaborative
technology.
However, the critical factors in implementing BIM application not only
limited to people’s attitudes towards the technology, characteristic of the
industry and project, individual’s resistance to change, it also related to the
risks involved in the transformation, the uncertain outcome of the new
technology (Dana K Smith,2009).
2.6.1.1 Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability to manage and communicate
electronic data among owners, clients, contractors, and suppliers, and
across a projects design, engineering, operations, project
management, construction, financial, and legal units. Interoperability
is made possible by a range of information technology tools and
applications including computer-aided drafting and design (CADD),
three and four-dimensional visualization and modelling programs,
laser scanning, cost estimating and scheduling tools, and materials
tracking (NAP, 2009).
Effective use of interoperable technologies requires integrated,
collaborative processes and effective up front planning and thus can
help overcome obstacles to efficiency created by process
fragmentation. Interoperable technologies can also help to improve
the quality and speed of project related decision making integrate
processes; manage supply chains, sequence work flow, improve data
accuracy and reduce the time spent on data entry, reduce design and
engineering conflicts and reduce the time spent on data entry.
28
It will reduce design and engineering conflicts and the
subsequent need for rework improve the lifecycle management of
buildings and infrastructure and provide the data required to measure
performance (NAP, 2009).
However, modernization of the workplace has long been a
topic for research and innovation. The main challenge is to realize
real innovation and change in the workplace, and cope with the many
hurdles human, organizational, societal, and technological through
learning and experimentation. Considering AEC-FM domains,
innovation of the workspace is of major importance, as practice is
intrinsically collaborative, within knowledge rich, multi-functional
working environments (Dana K Smith,2009). The evolution of
sophisticated CAD systems, in addition to handling vectorial data, has
made it possible to enrich the 3D models of buildings and structures
with complementary data, enabling the simulation of a construction
project in a virtual environment. This has emerged as major trend,
usually known as Building Information Modeling (BIM) (Grilo &
Jardim-Goncalves, 2010).
2.6.1.2 Stakeholders
Major stakeholders play an important role for the
implementation BIM especially the support of the central government
which can be regarded as the driving force towards higher utilization
of BIM. A strong government support not only would create a uniform
environment for nationwide acceptance of BIM, an active environment
for research and development also would be created.
29
On the other hand, a strong involvement of private sector in
BIM initiatives would help create new business processes,
partnerships and collaborations. The involvement of private sectors
would influence strong commercial incentives for developing new
software or increasing the capabilities of existing software or
hardware used for BIM. However, the creation of less uniformity
environment may not be well compatible with other companies and
thus the fragmentation of the real estate and construction companies
would increase. This problem is reminiscent of many developing and
under-developed countries where the implementation of BIM at both
the public and private sector is at the initial stage or is non-existent
(Wong et at., 2009).
2.6.1.3 Modeling Guidelines
As refer to the USA or UK which are success in changing the
construction practice, their governments are setting out a BIM
guideline in helping the industry in facing the changes and also
provides several research in proving the viability of BIM. However, if
without the private sector’s support, the implementation of BIM also
will not be success in the acceptance of nationwide (Dana K
Smith,2009). Therefore, it should be noted that modeling guidelines is
essential in accelerate adoption of BIM and the successfulness of
BIM implementation is depends on the cooperation between the
public and private sectors.
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2.6.1.4 Clients Demand
In the local industry, many stakeholder are scare of change or
scare of the uncertain outcomes of the changes and most of the
clients will only willing to change if the benefits are proven and they
believe that the request of the new technology for a project will enable
the bidders to increased their bids price of the project and thus will
limiting their potential pool of bidders. Whilst, the contractor may have
the intention to change when they facing keen market competition,
there are strong incentives for it to search for new innovations to help
maintain or enhance its competitive edge (Dana K Smith, 2009).
2.6.1.5 Pilot Project
The uncertainties of the outcome are one of the barriers in
implementing BIM. Therefore it is best to start out with a pilot project
that enables measuring of the investment. The pilot project should be
a project type with known metrics and is already familiar with so that
the benefits of BIM can be accurately gauged and also enable the
pilot team can accelerate their learning process towards determining
the methodologies that should be used for future projects.
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2.6.1.6 Legal Issues
As the development of BIM has become more and more
important, it is worth having a look at the legal issues that may arise
when working with BIM. Carried out some of the legal issues in the
adoption of BIM will ensure that the industry can collaborate without
the worry of adverse legal consequences (Udom, 2012). As BIM is
expected to break down the barriers created by implementing it in a
project and replace it with a collaborative working process, where all
designers, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors and specialist
manufacturers working on a project feed into and work on one
information model or federated models, the confusion about the
precise legal effect of adopting BIM may arise (Dana K Smith, 2009).
The identified legal issues are as below: (Udom, 2012)
Contractual framework for incorporating BIM,
Model Management and other roles,
Intellectual property rights and data management,
Reliance on data,
Liabilities and
Ownership of BIM process, risk management during model transfer
and model ownership (final product)
Generally, as the consequences, the landscape of professional
practice and construction will change with the introduction of BIM. The
risks of using BIM are far outweighed by its benefits. The issues
mentioned above should be taken into consideration when doing the
amendment so that it can be incorporated by reference into the various
contracts in use in the industry to minimize risks and ensure successful
BIM powered projects (Udom, 2012).
32
2.6.1.7 Issues of Training and Learning
Implementation of new technology such as BIM technologies are
costly in terms of training and changing work flows and work processes.
The investment in software and hardware is typically exceeded by the
training cost and initial productivity losses. Often most services providers
are not willing to make such an investment unless the perceived the long
term benefit to their own organization and or/if the owner subsidizes the
training costs (Hammad, 2010).
2.6.1.8 Transition Team
BIM represents a new approach to building design and
engineering. It is not just the implementation of new supporting
technology, thus the make-up of the transition team must be paid with
close attention. The formation team needs to represent the entire
organization, reflecting the underlying process changes that come with
BIM and it should comprised of progressive individuals who understand
the big picture and represent all aspects of the firm, so that knowledge of
BIM will gradually expand to all areas of the company (Dana K
Smith,2009).
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2.7 Summary
This chapter had review some literature related to the research topic
by defining the BIM concept, identify the industry problems and also the
barriers of implementing and conclude with the review of some identified
strategies to promoting BIM adoption.
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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
Data collection is one of the most important step to success this
research. In this chapter, the procedure of getting the data will be describe
which from the step of deciding the research strategy, research method and
until the step of doing Data analysis.
3.2 Research Strategy
There are two types of research strategies which are “quantitative
research” and “qualitative research” (Naoum, 2007). Quantitative research is
“objective” in nature while Qualitative research is subjective in nature
(Naoum, 2007).
In this research, the data will be collected from journal articles, books,
conference paper, published thesis and et cetera in order to enhance the
understanding of the research.
35
3.3 Instrument for Data Collection
In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the research,
questionnaire will be sending out by hand or via email. It is the most widely
used method in conducting the survey because it is the most economy
method which can offer relatively high validity of results. Except from that, it
is also one of the most suitable method when a mass of information is
needed and within a short period. If go for the personal interview, it might
need a longer period to reach the quantity that needed for the survey.
However, there is some limitation when dealing with questionnaire
survey. First, there is no guarantee that the people who complete the survey
are the right person that you stated in the questionnaire form. Other than
that, respondent might also answer the survey generally and also based on
their knowledge or what they hear from other rather than based on their
understanding towards the current industry.
3.3.1 Questionnaire Survey Design
Questionnaire survey method was adopted for this research
study. A set of questionnaire which comprise of two sections was
designed and distributed out in the local construction industry. All
questions are structured so as to enable a logical quantitative
analysis of the result.
Section A: The profile of the respondent and their organization,
which includes: company specialisation, size of an organization,
qualification of the respondent, working experience and profession
Section B: seek to identify the Building Information Modelling
(BIM) related issues which include advantages of BIM adoption,
barriers for implementing BIM, consequences after Implementation.
36
It is also to identify the current practice of the industry in term
of individual and organizational. The composition of the questionnaire
for each category is:
No. Grouping
1. Organization
2. Individual
3. Advantages
4. Barriers
5. Potential Factors
6. Consequences after
Implementing BIM
Table 3. 1 Composition of Questionnaire
Moreover, five level rating scale methods were adopted for
questions in Section B. The range of importance of each item has
been ranked as shown below:
Figure 3.1 Ordinal Scale 1 to 5 (Qin T.X. 2012)
37
3.4 Data Analysis
The data analysis that used in this research is with the help of
Statistically Package Social Science software and described as below:
3.4.1 Frequency Analysis
First of all, the frequency analysis is used to represent the
summary of the respondents profile which will then be tabulated out.
Basically, the respondents profile is into three main parts which
Organizational, Personal and Current practice on BIM application. By
knowing the distribution of the respondents group, the analysis can be
done easily based on the ratio of it.
3.4.2 Reliability Test
Next, Reliability Test will be carried out to measure the level of
acceptance of the data. The purpose is to indicate the internal
consistency reliability of the variables. It indicates the strength data is
consistency reliable and shall be accepted.
3.4.3 Descriptive Analysis
The basic descriptive analysis was carried out in order to found
out the means and the standard deviations for the variable. The
purpose is to figure out the most important variables within the
identified categories. Further, the result obtained was used as the
baseline for the comparison within the independent variables such as
company specialization and organizations sizes.
38
3.5 Research Framework
As described in Figure 3.1, these research steps provided a clear
methodology framework. As such, this framework provided the proper steps
to find out how to be established the research study.
39
Figure 3. 2 Research Methodology Frame work
40
3.6 Summary
In conclusion, when the data analysis has been conducted, the
feasibility of this research can be proven and the opinion towards the
particular issues can be summaries out and will be analysed detailed in the
next chapter.
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CHAPTER 4
FINDING AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter present and discusses the finding on Building Information
Modeling (BIM) in local construction industry in Malaysia. The data collected
through questionnaire that have been distributed were presented are in this
chapter based on the outcome of the statistical analysis while the discussion
on the result has been stated to provide a clear picture and understanding of
the research been carried out.
4.2 Summary of Survey
50 set of questionnaire have been distributed to 5 different companies and
firms by using email and by hand. Those questionnaire were distributed to all
team member so then the result can be determine all the team member
opinion regarding the Building Information Modeling (BIM) towards local
construction industry now days. Therefore, analysis of the data generated is
also presented in order a statistical inference that can be used to generalize
the findings by using the data from the questionnaire collected. The
distribution of respondent for the 50 set of questionnaire is illustrated on
table.
42
Via email By-hand
Collected data 35 15
Total data collected 50 sets
Table 4.3 Distribution of Respondents
4.3 Respondents Profile
Most of the questionnaire surveys are distributed among team member in an
organization. Since there are 5 companies that have been selected, I was
distributed equally among them. Table 4.2 will show the detail on
respondents profile with the frequency collected from Section A in the
questionnaire surveys.
Descriptions Frequencies Percentage (%)
A. Profession
Project Executive
Architect
Quantity Survey
Civil / Structural Engineer
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
6
13
9
10
8
12
26
18
20
16
B. Highest Qualification
Doctorates (PhD)
Master
Bachelor
Diploma
Others / Certificates
2
14
27
7
0
4
28
54
14
0
C. Working Experience
Less than a year
1 to 2 years
3 to 5 years
6 to 10 years
More than 10 years
5
18
14
10
3
10
36
28
20
6
Table 4.4 Respondent Profile
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Figure 4.5 Respondents' Profession Area
Figure 4.1 above show that the distributions of respondents are equally been
distributed as only small different percentages between all 5 main
professions that have been listed above. Architect hold 28% out of 100
percent then been follow by Civil and Structural Engineer with 22%, Quantity
Surveyor 20%, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer with 17% while the
lowest is Project Executive with 13%.
13%
28%
20%
22%
17%
Respondents' Profession
Project Executive
Architect
Quantity Surveyor
Civil / Structural Engineer
M&E Engineer
44
Figure 4.6 Respodent Qualification
Figure 4.2 shows that, Bachelor in Degree holder dominate the majority of
the respondents with 20 persons and follow with Master holders with 17
persons. Diploma holders with 7 persons, PhD or doctorate holders with 2
persons and the lowest is 1 person with certificates qualification that have