-
CriticalSuccessFactorsfor
ApplicationofBIMfor
SingaporeArchitecturalFirms
ThantZinOo
H00118354
Adissertationsubmittedinpartialfulfilmentoftherequirementsforthedegree
of
MScinConstructionProjectManagement
Dissertationsupervisor:LimJeeYat,NicolaNaismith
HeriotWattUniversity
SchooloftheBuiltEnvironment
4April2014
Declaration:
Iherebyconfirmthatthisdissertationismyownwork.
ThantZinOo 4April2014
___________________________ ________________
Signature Date
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Page
ALP STUDENT
DECLARATION................................................................................................i
ALP LOCAL ADVISOR
DECLARATION..................................................................................i
TABLE OF
CONTENTS..............................................................................................................ii
LIST OF
TABLES........................................................................................................................v
LIST OF
ILLUSTRUATIONS....................................................................................................vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................................vii
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................viii
GLOSSARY OF
ABBREVIATIONS..........................................................................................ix
Chapter 1 Introduction to the
research.......................................................................................10
1.1
Introduction...................................................................................................................10
1.2 Rationale of the
research..................................................................................................10
1.3
Aim...................................................................................................................................11
1.4
Objectives.........................................................................................................................11
1.5
Hypothesis........................................................................................................................12
1.6 Research
methodology.....................................................................................................12
1.7 Outlined of research
method............................................................................................12
1.8 Scope of the
research........................................................................................................13
1.9 Structure of
dissertation....................................................................................................13
Chapter 2 Literature
Review......................................................................................................16
2.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................16
2.2 BIM in
design...................................................................................................................16
2.3 State of the
industry..........................................................................................................17
2.2.1 Removing impediment to ease transition from 2D to
BIM.......................................19
2.2.2 Providing incentives for early
adopters.....................................................................20
2.2.3 Creating the demand public sector taking the
lead.................................................20
2.2.4 Building capability and
capacity...............................................................................20
2.2.5 Promoting Success
Stories........................................................................................21
2.4 Design
Services................................................................................................................22
2.5 Design Coordination
Process...........................................................................................23
2.6 Integrated Deliveries: Design-Construction
Integration...................................................24
2.7 BIM benefits and
Challenge.............................................................................................24
2.8 BIM design productivity
benefits.....................................................................................26
2.9 New and changed staffing within design
firms................................................................26
2.10 BIM contractual
terms....................................................................................................27
2.11
Conclusion......................................................................................................................28
Chapter 3 Research
methodology...............................................................................................29
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3.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................29
3.2 Selection of research
methods..........................................................................................29
3.3 Research
process..............................................................................................................30
3.4 Research
techniques.........................................................................................................30
3.5 Literature
Review.............................................................................................................31
3.6 Semi-structured
interview................................................................................................32
3.7 Interviews Candidates: Selection of
Interviewees...........................................................33
3.8 Interview process and
procedure......................................................................................33
3.9 Content
Analysis..............................................................................................................34
3.10
Conclusion......................................................................................................................34
Chapter 4 BIM Executive
Planning............................................................................................35
4.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................35
4.2 Background
Information..................................................................................................35
4.2.1
Participants................................................................................................................35
4.2.2 Architectural
Firms....................................................................................................36
4.2.3 Previous BIM
experience..........................................................................................37
4.3 Experience on BIM Execution
Planning..........................................................................37
4.4
Conclusion........................................................................................................................39
Chapter 5 BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural
Firms..............................................................40
5.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................40
5.2 BIM uses in Singapore Architectural
Firms.....................................................................40
5.2.1 Design
Authoring......................................................................................................40
5.2.2
Programming.............................................................................................................41
5.2.3 Existing Condition
Modelling...................................................................................41
5.2.4 Design
Reviews.........................................................................................................42
5.2.5 System
Analyses.......................................................................................................44
5.2.6 Phase Planning and 4D
modelling.............................................................................45
5.2.7
Estimating.................................................................................................................46
5.2.8 3D
printing................................................................................................................46
5.3 Model content and level of
details....................................................................................46
5.4 Taxonomy of BIM use in
Design.....................................................................................47
5.5
Conclusion........................................................................................................................48
Chapter 6 BIM Impact
Analysis.................................................................................................49
6.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................49
6.2 Impact Analysis on
BIM..................................................................................................49
6.3 Impact Analysis on Time, Cost, Quality, Sustainability and
Safety.................................50
6.3.1
Time..........................................................................................................................50
6.3.2
Cost...........................................................................................................................51
6.3.3
Quality.......................................................................................................................52
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6.3.4
Sustainability.............................................................................................................52
6.3.5
Safety.........................................................................................................................53
6.4 Design Staff
Composition................................................................................................53
6.6 Issues and
concern............................................................................................................54
6.7 Modelling Process and software
Application...................................................................55
6.8 Team
Competencies.........................................................................................................55
6.9 Legal, Insurance, and Contractual
Considerations...........................................................56
6.10
Risks...............................................................................................................................56
6.11 Future Industry
Trends...................................................................................................57
6.12 Critical success
factors...................................................................................................58
6.13
Conclusion......................................................................................................................59
Chapter 7
Conclusion.................................................................................................................61
7.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................61
7.2 Recommendation for best practice of BIM Execution
planning......................................61
7.2.1 Participants of BIM Execution
Planning...................................................................62
7.2.2 Decision making process for BIM Execution
Planning.............................................63
7.2.3 BIM Execution Plan Development
process...............................................................64
7.5 Limitation of the
Research...............................................................................................65
7.6 Recommendation for further
study...................................................................................65
Bibliography...............................................................................................................................66
Appendix A Interview
Questions...............................................................................................70
Appendix B Interview Questions Mind
Map.............................................................................73
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 4-1 General overview of the position of
interviewees......................................................36
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LIST OF ILLUSTRUATIONS
Figure 1-1 Research Process
Diagram.......................................................................................15
Figure 2-1 Roadmap for BIM (Source: BCA,
2013)..................................................................19
Figure 5-1 Taxonomy of BIM uses in design stage by Singapore
Architectural firms..............48
Figure 7-1Potential Participants in the Creation of BIM
Execution Plan...................................63
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The master course was an exciting journey for me. In 2010 I
joint as an Architectural
Coordinator in Downtown Line Stage 1 Bugis Station Construction.
I notice that almost all of the staffs at manager level in the
office are master degree holders. That makes me to realise that
if I want to get higher position I need to have a master degree.
Late 2010, my colleague gave
me a link of a school that he has been perusing MSc. It took me
another 6 months to think. After
that I enrolled and accepted by Heriot-Watt University.
Im so satisfied with the learning journey. In 2012, I met with
Mr. Lim Jee Yat and I got my
first A in the subject taught me. I learned a lot of knowledge
from him. Not only the knowledge to sit an exam but also for the
life lessons. He always helped me and encouraged me for the
course. Thanks for your guidance and supervision. I have a deep
sense of gratitude to him.
I like to say thanks of my colleague, Goh Sin Rong. We had
studied together in the office for
years. Without his help, I may not start this journey. I am very
much indebted to Goh, who
showed me the incredible opportunity to give my life and career
a different path, and at the
same time guided, supported, and inspired me to achieve my best.
Thanks for helping me.
I would like to say thank to my bosses, Koh Lye Hock and Andrew
Reeves for letting me study
in the office and always giving me leave when the exam is near.
Our C903 project team has been so nice to me. Without your
supports, I wouldnt be able achieve this. I got determination
and motivation to enrol this MSc program by joining this SBKB JV
C903 team. The team
support me through out the learning journey. The learning
culture was some how grown in our
team. Probably, the seniors in the firm are holding highly
professional status and younger ones need to fill in their shoes.
Obviously, two people in the office have received advance
academic
qualifications during this project period. Thanks everyone from
our team.
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all the Architectural
firms and their staffs who
volunteered to participate in this research in the March 2014.
Your contributions were really
valuable and made enormous contribution to this research. I have
greatly benefitted from you. Without your kind help this
dissertation would not have been possible.
I would like to say thanks to my mother any my aunt, Khin May
Aung. Youre my inspiration.
Thanks to my girlfriend, Mo Mo Tun because you have been so nice
to me all these year.
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ABSTRACT
The Client, Facility Manager, and project participants (Project
Managers, Architects,
Engineers, Contractors, Subcontractors, and Fabricators) are
exploring the best usage of
emerging technology, Building Information Modelling (BIM) on
their projects. In
general there are four individual stages of the project;
planning, design, construction,
and operation. The project team required to make decision on BIM
execution at those
stages. This study is focused on the implementation of BIM in
the design stage of
Singapore Architectural firms. The goals is to discover and
define BIM uses in design
process by developing taxonomy with the purposed of as the basis
for BIM execution
plan.
The research methods involved in this study are a focused
literature review, expert
interviews, and qualitative analysis of the collected data.
In-depth interview with
industrial experts from Singapore Architectural Firms were
conducted, and their
opinions on BIM were recorded. By using content analysis
procedure, quantitative data
were analysed. The results were presented in details including
taxonomy of BIM uses
in design stage of Singapore Architectural firms and recommended
for future studies.
From the expert interviews, collected data were analysed.
The centric focus of the result was presented as a taxonomy
including 15 BIM
applications in design with present regular usage in three
distinctive categories. These
are Design Communication, System Analysis, and Scheduling.
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GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
2D Two Dimensional
3D Three Dimensional
AEC Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
BCA Building and Construction Authority
BDS Building Description System
BIM Building Information Modelling
CAD Computer Aided Drafting
CCIT Centre for Construction Information Technology
CORENET Construction and Real Estate Network
CPCF Construction Productivity and Capability Fund
CSFs Critical Success Factors
CURT Construction Users Round Table
CORENET Construction Productivity Network
CPCF Construction Productivity Fund
C&S Civil and Structural
GFA Gross Floor Area
GIS Global Information System
HDB Housing Development Board
IHL Institutes of Higher Learning
LOD Level of Details
LTA Land Transport Authority
M&E Mechanical and Electrical
MOE Ministry of Education
OMM Operation and Maintenance Manual
PSSCOC Public Sector Standard Condition of Contract for
Construction Works
RFI Request for Information
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Chapter 1 Introduction to the research
1.1 Introduction
The successful implementation of Building Information Modelling
(BIM) at project
level needs thorough planning by client and all the project
participants (Project
Managers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Subcontractors,
and Fabricators) to
achieve smooth transition from traditional approach to integrate
this emerging
technology, BIM into the project workflow (Arayici et al,
2011a). Implementation of
BIM takes time, resources and creates unavoidable learning
curve. The implementation
of BIM can be counter-productive if it is not supported by new
workflow (Arayici et al.,
2011a, Arayici et al., 2011b). A potential answer to smooth and
successful transition
would be to establish the BIM execution plan in the various
stages of the project:
planning, design, construction, and operation. Prior to
producing the BIM execution
plan, the project team should concentrate on the desire outcomes
and agree on
appropriate BIM uses on the project. This dissertation
particularly focuses on the
implementation of BIM at the design stage of Singapore
Architectural firms.
1.2 Rationale of the research
Building information modelling (BIM) has been made mandatory for
public-sector
projects in developed countries in recent years (BCA, 2013a).
During the past 10 years,
there were many discussions on BIM that changed the
Architectural, Engineering and
Construction (AEC) industry work practice. In particular,
Architects and Engineers are
affected by the change (CURT, 2005). Further, BIM has been
acclaimed as a proven
tool for increasing productivity and efficiency in the AEC
industry (Arayici et al,
2011a).
Thus, the governments in the UK, Canada, Finland, and New
Zealand are implementing
BIM in their AEC industry to improve their productivity.
According to the NBS
survey 39%, 64%, 65% and 57% of the respective respondents from
the UK, Canada,
Finland and New Zealand answered that they are aware of BIM and
currently using
(NBS, 2014). In year 2010, the Building, and Construction
Authority (BCA) of
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Singapore implemented the BIM Roadmap. The authority targeted
for 80% of the
construction industry to use BIM by 2015 (BCA, 2011c).
The most recent insightful research for BIM implementation rate
in Singapore was done
in 2012 (Ang, 2012). His research was conducted on the Client,
Facility Manager, and
project participants (Project Managers, Architects, Engineers,
Contractors,
Subcontractors, and Fabricators). However, only 20% of the local
firms use BIM in
some of their projects (Ang, 2012; Keung, 2011b) and as low as
12% of the firms use
BIM in all of their projects. These figures may not fully
reflect todays Singapores
state of the industry. However, these figures, arguably, reflect
todays Singapores state
of the industry. There is no exploratory study on the uses of
BIM for Singapore
Architect firms in design stage. There are limited capacity of
data to observe the uses
of BIM in Singapore Architectural firms and deciding the
critical success factors.
Therefore, this dissertation is exploratory study to explore the
uses of BIM in Singapore
in Singapore Architectural firms in design stage by interviewing
BIM experts from
these firms. The collected will be analysed and presented by
taxonomy. The critical
success factors will be identify through literature and
interviews.
1.3 Aim
The aim of the research is to investigate the use of BIM in
Singapore Architectural firm
and develop taxonomy to see an overview of a BIM Execution Plan
in the early stage of
a construction project. This dissertation focuses exclusively on
the design stage of BIM
Execution Plan. This aim is realised by analysing the results
from interviewing
industrial experts practicing in Singapore and reviewing
literature on BIM and it uses.
The following research objectives were identified.
1.4 Objectives
To investigate the trends of BIM implementation process and
develop taxonomy
in design practice of in Singapore Architectural firms;
To identify the critical success factors for implementation of
BIM
To recommend the best practice for BIM Executive Planning for
Singapore
Architectural Firms
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1.5 Hypothesis
BIM improves Singapore Architectural design firms to be more
productive.
1.6 Research methodology
Chapter 3 explains the detail of research methodology by
justifying the chosen research
methods and techniques. This chapter clarifies why this research
is exploratory in
nature. Different types of research techniques were employed in
this study and why
these techniques were chosen were rationalised. The research
techniques, literature,
interviews, and content analysis, are briefly explained during
the research process.
1.7 Outlined of research method
To achieve the objectives of the study, following research steps
were executed.
Step 1, Literature review: This step explains the definition of
BIM while
discovering many issues on BIM, its current status, barriers and
success factors.
From the industrial aspect, literature review on BIM
implementation in design
was conducted. The review papers are academic journals, BIM
guides,
unpublished thesis, conference proceeding and expert
articles.
Step 2, Semi-structured interview: In this step, BIM methods in
design, together
with challenges and opportunities were discovered. Interview
questions were
established after literature review. Interviews were conducted
with four BIM
experts practicing in three of the leading Singapore
Architectural firms.
Step 3, Content analysis: In this step, the collected data were
analysed. The
summary and conclusion were made based on the result of
analysis. Data
analysis was performed by analysing the content and mapping to
organise the
information. Quantifiable data were averaged as well as those
were organised
base on their frequencies.
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Step 4, BIM uses in Design: Taxonomy was created in this step.
The uses of
BIM in design stage are established in detail manner. The
taxonomy of BIM
application in design stage as a research product was provided
as part of
establishing critical success factors for application of BIM for
Singapore
Architectural firms for design stage.
1.8 Scope of the research
The focus of the study is the implementation of BIM in the
design phase for Singapore
Architectural firms. The research participants of the study are
various architectural
firms in Singapore, currently using BIM. The interviews were
conducted on March
2014 to fulfil aims, objectives and hypothesis of the
research.
1.9 Structure of dissertation
The dissertation is structured as follow. The research process
together with their
corresponding chapters is illustrated in Figure 1-1.
Chapter 1 provides the introduction to the topic along with the
rationale of the
study, aims, and objectives of the research, outline
methodology, scope of the
research and the structure of dissertation.
Chapter 2 acts as commencement, and gives the literature review
on BIM
implementation in design was conducted. This chapter outlines
current uses,
motives, critical factors, and different outlook, and explains
approached that
Architectural firms take upon.
Chapter 3 explains the procedures and techniques that were
employed:
literature, expert interviews, and content analysis; gives
justification for why
these methods are selected for the dissertation; and also
details the procedure of
data collection, data analysis and research results.
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Chapter 4 explains the background of interviewees and their BIM
Execution
Planning.
Chapter 5 details BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms. It
discusses the
numerous items related to BIM uses in design stage of Singapore
Architectural
firms. All the important results regarding the uses of BIM
implementation on
Singapore Architectural from expert interview are mapped and
presented.
Taxonomy of BIM uses in design stage of Singapore Architectural
firms is
presented.
Chapter 6 provides the results of the research, summarising of
the expert
interviews. All the important results regarding the impact on of
BIM
implementation on Singapore Architectural from expert interview
are mapped
and presented. Eventually critical success factors are
identified
Chapter 7 concludes the research by summarising the results and
provides the
final conclusions of the research, recommendation for BIM
Executive Planning
for Singapore Architectural firms in design stage and
recommendation for future
studies. The aim, objectives and hypothesis of the research were
review.
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Figure 1-1 Research Process Diagram
Chapter1Interoduc>onoftheresearch
Chapter2literaturereviewonresearchtopic
Chapter3
Researchmethodologyandra>onaleforchoosingpar>cularresearchmethod
Chapter4
Backgroundofinterviewees
Evalua>onofcollecteddata
Chapter5
BIMUsesinSingaporeArchitecturalFirm
Evalua>onofcollecteddata
TaxonomyofBIMusesindesignstage
Chapter6
Theresultsoftheresearch
Evalua>onofcollecteddata
Cri>calSuccessFactors
Chapter7
Conclusionandrecommenda>onthebestprac>ceofBIMExecu>vePlanning
Recommenda>onforfuturestudy
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Chapter 2 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
BIM can be considered as a paradigm shift in the Architectural,
Engineering, and
Construction (AEC) industry (Arayici et al., 2011). BIM
technology has been used in
other industries such as automobile factories, shipbuilding and
aircrafts building (Birx,
2006). BIM has been proven a successful technique in these
industries. Also, BIM is a
breakthrough technology that improves the construction
productivity by integrating
various disciplines in the construction value chain (BCA,
2013d). Nowadays, AEC
industry starts adopting BIM. The impact of BIM can be seen in
the architectural
design firms. During conception design stages, the BIM
technology brings better
visualisation that architects can get design feedback from
Client. Furthermore, in
Construction level design stage, with BIM, detailing,
specifications, and cost estimation
can do easier than traditional 2D drawings (Eastman et al,
2011). However, changing
from traditional 2D to BIM is not straightforward (Loh, 2011,
Eastman et al, 2011).
Practically, effective implementation of BIM required
significant changes in AEC
industry (Arayici et al., 2011)
2.2 BIM in design
Over the past decades, there have been many discussions focused
on the potential of
BIM changing AEC industrys design practice (Construction Users
Round Table
(CURT), 2005, AIA 2006). After meticulous literature review, BIM
is viewed as a
great potential to help effective coordination and collaboration
of different disciplines
(Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Sub-contractors, Facility
Managers, and Owners)
working complex projects (Birx, 2006, Eastman et al, 2011).
The concept of BIM was stated as it is seen today in Eastmans
Building Description
System (BDS) in 1970s (Eastman et al., 1974, Eastman et al.,
1976). However the term
was first used in van Nederveens 1992 paper. (Van Nederveen and
Tolman 1992).
Nevertheless, commercial BIM software became plentiful and
architecture engineering
and construction (AEC) industry gradually started adopting BIM
in its process
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(Autodesk., 2003, Bentley and Workman., 2003, Cylon Research
Corporation, 2003,
Laiserin, 2003).
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore
defined BIM as,
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a new three-dimensional
modelling
technology and an integrated process that allows the building
professionals of
various disciplines to explore the building project digitally,
before it is built
(BCA, 2011a).
BIM can be applied into mumerous numbers of dimensions such as
three dimensional
modelling (3D), construction scheduling and sequencing (4D),
costing (5D),
sustainability (6D) and as-built modelling for facilities
operations and maintenance (7D)
(Redmond et al., 2012). The benefits for implementing BIM
include, faster drafting
without compromising the quality consistency across all drawings
and reports, clash
analysis with building services even before the actual
construction and producing
accurate quantity surveys and cost estimating, simulation and
enhance visualisation
(Eastman et al, 2011, Azhar, 2011). Although many benefits have
been acclaimed, there
are practical concerns for Singapore Architectural firms on the
selection of hardware
and software support BIM, training, initiating BIM project,
shifting, or changing of
liability among project participants (Loh, 2011).
2.3 State of the industry
In 2010 the Singapore government announced that a $250-million
funding to the
construction sector through Construction Productivity and
Capability Fund (CPCF)
(Keung, 2010). This fund is intended to assist construction
firms in three main areas.
These are
- Manpower development and skills upgrading;
- Technology adoption and
- Capability building.
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In Singapore CPCF support many technology adoption. BIM is one
of the technologies
supported by it (Keung, 2010). All Singapore registered business
enterprises are
eligible to apply for the scheme (Keung, 2010).
In 2001, BCA launched the CORENET (Construction and Real Estate
Network) e-
submission system to facilitate electronic submission and
approval process of all types
of application made to government agencies. This system
transformed Singapore AEC
industrys time-consuming submission process to easy and
efficient paperless
submission process (Keung, 2011a).
In January 2010, BCA has launched the worlds first BIM
e-submission of architectural
model for regulatory approval. Nowadays in Singapore, the whole
industry already
adopted 100% CORENT e-submission system. The BIM technology
adoption also
shares the same experience as that of the CORENET. In 2011, only
20% of the local
firms use BIM in some of their projects. BCA set up a target of
getting industry to use
BIM widely by 2015 in a view of higher productivity and better
integration (Keung,
2011b),
Out of $250 million CPCF, $5.7 million was reserved as BIM fund
for adopting BIM
(Keung, 2011b). This BIM fund covers cost for BIM supporting
software and hardware
as well training and consultancy. BCA launched Construction
Productivity Centre and
Centre for Construction IT (CCIT) which have been guiding and
funding on training,
technology adoption and improving the way things work in the
construction sector
(BCA, 2011b).
BCA set up a road map to extensive adoption of BIM in AEC
industry. (BCA, 2011a):
- Removing impediment to ease transition from 2D to BIM;
- Providing incentives for early adopters;
- Creating the demand public sector taking the lead;
- Building BIM capability and capacity;
- Promoting success stories;
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Figure 2-1 Roadmap for BIM (Source: BCA, 2013d)
2.2.1 Removing impediment to ease transition from 2D to BIM
BIM submission templates have been developed by BCA with the
intention of smooth
transition from 2D CAD drawings to BIM. Architectural BIM
submission template was
introduced in January 2010 and Structural BIM submission
template was introduced in
April 2011 (BCA, 2013d).
BCA and buildingSMART Singapore create a library for building
and design objects.
This is to facilitate information sharing. More than 200
projects used BIM models e-via
CORENET submission system to respective regulatory agencies for
review and
approval (BCA, 2013d).
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2.2.2 Providing incentives for early adopters
In June 2010, the BCA introduced a Singapore $5.7-million BIM
Fund under the
Construction Productivity and Capability Fund for early adoption
of BIM in Singapore
AEC industry. The BIM Fund covers costs for BIM supporting
software, hardware,
training staffs. In year 2011, 70% of the BIM Fund has been
committed (BCA, 2011c).
Firms can either apply for the firm specific scheme or project
collaboration scheme
(BCA, 2013d). The latter allows them learn how to operate in a
multi-party
environment.
2.2.3 Creating the demand public sector taking the lead
BIM has been mandatory for public-sector projects in United
States, and Scandinavian
countries such as Finland and Norway. In Singapore, the public
sector is taking the
leads by making BIM as requirement for new building projects.
Notably, key public
sector agencies are the Ministry of Education (MOE), Land
Transport Authority (LTA)
and Housing Development Board (HDB) (BCA, 2013a).
Additionally, mandatory regulatory BIM submission was enforced
by BCA. Starting
from July 2013, building projects which are larger than 20000
gross floor areas (GFA)
are required to submit electronically Architectural BIM model
for regulatory approval
via CORENET. Similarly, starting from July 2014, there will be
mandatory BIM model
submission for engineering design if building projects are
larger than 20000 gross floor
areas. Eventually, projects larger than gross floor area of
5,000 square meters are
required to submit architectural and engineering BIM model in
2015 (BCA, 2013a).
2.2.4 Building capability and capacity
BCA engaged Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore to
incorporate BIM in
their curriculum with the intention of equipping the new
entrants with BIM skills.
These IHL include Singapore Polytechnic and National University
of Singapore.
Starting from 2011, students from the department of architecture
in these institutions
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21
have to learn BIM as part of their curriculum. Furthermore, BCA
arranges intensive
BIM training programmes for the students graduated in 2011 (BCA,
2011c).
In May 2011, BCA Academy of Build Environment initiated a
Specialist Diploma in
BIM. In September 2011, the academy started BIM Modelling and
Management course
(BCA, 2011c).
Since 2011, the BCA Academy has been offering various BIM
courses to equip industry
professionals with the necessary know-how in BIM (BCA, 2011c).
The courses
include:
- BIM Planning for Client and Facility Managers
- BIM Management
- BIM Modelling (covering Architectural, M&E and C&S
disciplines)
- Specialist Diploma in BIM (a five month in-depth course to
train BIM
managers and coordinators)
Currently, more than 1,000 professionals in the industry and
graduates are trained in
BIM at BCA academy. Today BIM is taught at Vocational
Institutes, ITE, Diploma,
Bachelor, and Master degree levels. Approximately 2,000 students
are trained BIM
each year. (BCA, 2013d)
BIM vendors also play important roles in providing BIM training.
Besides conducting
training courses, they are also provides consultancy clinic and
in-depth workshops.
Today, more than 3,400 industry professionals have been trained
by them (BCA,
2011c).
2.2.5 Promoting Success Stories
In September 2010, BCA established the Centre for Construction
Information
Technology (CCIT). The objective of CCIT is to provide guidance
for BIM adoption
for companies and professionals in the AEC industry. The Centre
is promoting BIM
success case studies and best practices for adoption of BIM via
webpage. Additionally,
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22
the CCIT collaborates with buildingSMART Singapore and work with
the industry to
organise regular BIM workshops and seminars (BCA, 2011c).
Having supports form the government, some Singapore
Architectural firms adopt BIM
with great enthusiasm and they used BIM in some of their
projects. As government is
promoting the success stories, BIM is viewed as a great
potential to streamline costs and
process, to help effective coordination and collaboration of
different disciplines and to
minimise the confusion on job sites. However, these successful
stories have though
learning path before success. Thus, there are many of pros and
cons, and unknowns that
have to be considered when implementing BIM. Immediate benefits
cannot be
harvested by applying the BIM software to old process because
implementing BIM
effectively not only requires learning new software application
but also training staffs,
assigning responsibilities, and changing way of modelling the
construction (Bearnstein
and Pittman, 2004, Eastman et al., 2011).
2.4 Design Services
Traditionally, exchanging of two dimension (2D) drawings and
documents has been
practised as inter-disciplinary collaboration in the AEC
industry (Singh et al., 2011). In
these two dimensional drawings, each building professionals such
as architects,
engineers and contractors, prepare their own plans for clash
analysis. Therefore design
clashes, for example, pipe running in to the air-con ducts,
cannot be foreseen, and solve
before it actually happen during the construction stage. With
assistant of BIM, 3D
model of project can be share among the professionals, allowing
them to simulate the
situation and resolve potential design clashes before the
construction begins. The
simulation capability of BIM helps reduce unnecessary reworks at
site. However, better
teamwork is necessary (Eastman et al, 2011).
Current design practice is only limited to providing drawings
while schedules and
specifications are provided in separate packages. For example,
full specification of
material cannot be found in the drawings as it is usually
mentioned in material and
workmanship specification, which is a separate document. This
inadequacy of
information is a drawback to maintain consistency of
interrelated packages. According
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23
to BCAs public sector standard condition of contract for
construction works (PSSCOC)
(BCA, 2008), and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)s
Condition of Contract (SIA,
2010), the drawings, specification, schedule of rate (if any),
schedule of quantity (if
any) etc., to supply to the Contractor. Current practice in
Singapore, those documents
packages are supplied to the Contractor in separate packages.
Current practice does not
provide BIM model. Therefore, the way it works in AEC should
change and the
building contracts should be amended.
Also, with BIM technology, unlike traditional practice,
Architects can do digital
analysis for performance of the building such as to run thermal,
energy usage, lighting
design, and clash analysis. The analyses of building performance
are considered value
added services. BCAs BIM essential Guide for Architectural
Consultants (BCA,
2013b) suggested additional fees should be negotiated and value
added services.
Such value added BIM services may have potential cost
implication to the employer.
Therefore additional fees for these services should be
negotiated between all the parties
involved. BIM objectives and BIM deliverables must be
identified. Finally, BIM
Responsibility Matrix should be signed off at the earlier stage
of the project (Eastman et
al., 2011, BCA, 2013c).
2.5 Design Coordination Process
BIM places the effective use and exchange of information at its
heart. Effective
implementation of BIM needs substantial changes in AEC industry.
However, BIM is
not the technical solution to CAD integration (Arayici et al.,
2011). Going from
tradition 2D drawings to BIM is not an easy way. This
transformation is required good
preparation and organised approach. (BCA, 2012) recommended
following process.
Notably, BCA did not include the dispute resolution process.
(1) BIM Objectives and Responsibility Matrix to be signed off by
the parties
involved;
(2) Identify the BIM deliverables to be produced of project
members to meet
project objectives with every project stage;
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24
(3) To collaboration procedure for how the step taken to be
enable a BIM
deliverables to be created and shared through the project;
And Sub-French and Khanzode (2007) recommended
(4) To establish dispute resolution procedure;
2.6 Integrated Deliveries: Design-Construction Integration
BIM is a proven tool for the integration of design-Construction.
Some of the benefits
that Architects teaming with Contractors are early
identification of long lead-time items,
value engineering as BIM based designing process provides
automate material take-off
and costing and sharing BIM and better visualisation assist
better analysis for
fabrication and detailing (Eastman et al., 2011).
One of the main advantages of BIM for Architects is Construction
level BIM models as
the Architects design intent can be represent to the Client
easily. This is widely
accepted among Architects today to minimise or eliminate the
liability of Construction
issue (Eastman et al., 2011).
2.7 BIM benefits and Challenge
Benefits and challenges of BIM were studied for the adoption of
BIM form Architects
point of view.
After through literature review the benefits of BIM are.
- BIM creates accurate and standardised construction documents
(Azhar, 2011);
- BIM can do 3D visualization, renderings and fly-through
(Azhar, 2011);
- BIM can do faster drafting without compromising the quality
(Azhar, 2011);
- BIM creates repetitive elements in drafting automatically
(Azhar, 2011);
- BIM can detect and do the clash analysis with building
services even before the
actual construction happen (Eastman et al, 2011);
- BIM can produce accurate quantity surveys and cost estimating
(Azhar, 2011);
- BIM can do better time planning and project management by as
visualise
construction simulation can be done (Azhar, 2011);
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25
- With BIM design change can be tracked and record easier better
and transparent
change management (Langroodi and Staub-French, 2012);
- With the assistance of BIM, off site production become easier
therefore BIM can
minimizing material wastages (Eastman et al, 2011, Lu and
Korman. 2010)
- BIM helps facility management and assets management easier
(Eastman et al,
2011, Kelly et al, 2013);
- BIM can fulfilling government or regulatory requirements (BCA
newsroom,
CORENET, Azhar, 2011);
- Construction simulation process can simulate different options
and choose the
best alternative at design phase (Azhar, 2011) and this
simulation include all
factors including safety by building design (Zhang and Hu, 2011,
Lee et al,
2012, Zhou et al, 2013);
- BIM can do energy analysis (Bynum et al, 2013, Azhar, 2011)
and carbon
emission analysis (Li et al., 2012);
After through literature review the challenges of BIM are.
- Investment Cost (Bernstein et al., 2012, Gilligan and Kunz,
2007, Eastman et al,
2011, Loh, 2011);
- Unavoidable Learning Curve (Bernstein et al., 2012, Gilligan
and Kunz, 2007,
Eastman et al, 2011, DAgostinoet al., 2007, Young et al.,
2009);
- Lack of Management buy-in (Koo, 2012);
- Shift of Liability among project Participants (DAgostino et
al, 2007, Building
and Construction Authority, 2012 and 2013);
- Poor collaboration between project participants (Eastman et
al, 2011, Won and
Lee. 2008, DAgostino et al, 2007);
- Poor interoperability among BIM software (Gilligan and Kunz,
2007, Won and
Lee 2008, Young et al., 2009);
- Management problem with BIM master model (Eastman et al.,
2011)
- Security risk (Eastman et al., 2011);
- Lack of subcontractor who can use BIM technology (Alva,
2012);
The benefits of BIM is obvious but the additional cost such as
BIM supporting software,
hardware, training staffs, productivity downtime before staffs
are not familiar with new
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26
system. These additional cost should be offset by providing
value added services such
as performance based analysis and simulation (Eastman et al.,
2011).
2.8 BIM design productivity benefits
To rationalise the extra cost for implementing BIM, the benefit
of productivity for
Singapore Architectural firms should be accessed. This can be
accessed by number of
Request of Information (RFI), Variation Orders (VO) and
productivity lost/gain of
salaried staffs (Ang, 2012). There are not many empirical study
focuses on these
aspects of Singapore Architectural firms. BIM is expected to be
improved code
checking process, visualisation, fabrication, clash analysis,
shop drawings, cost
estimating, and change management (Ang, 2012).
Presently in Singapore, Architectural firms are not keeping
track of cost involvement of
implementing BIM and cost gain by the improvement of
productivity. Therefore, these
metrics needs to be studied systematically to quantify the cost
benefit ratio (Ang, 2012).
The identified key success factors are (NBIM, 2007)
1. Strong leadership to move the BIM implementation;
2. Management buy-in and building up BIM skill in the team;
3. Transparency and accessibility of BIM model;
4. Ability to use BIM among project participants such as,
Architects,
Contractors;
5. Collaborative sprit and mutual trust;
6. Proper quality assurance procedure for BIM process;
7. Reorganisation of new liability among project participants,
i.e. BIM manager;
2.9 New and changed staffing within design firms
Singapore architectural firms struggled with the steep learning
curve. Learning new
software and new workflows and trying to break from traditional
CAD dogma can be
daunting (Koo, 2012).
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27
BCA introduced two new professionals to facilitate BIM process.
Those are BIM
Manager and BIM Coordinator (BCA, 2012; BCA 2013c).
Additionally, the PAS 1192-2:2012 requires the BIM Manager
to:
Provide a focal point for all information modelling issues in
the project;
ensure that the constituent parts of the Project Information
Model are compliant
with the MIDP [Master Information Delivery Plan]; [and] ensuring
that the
constituent parts of the Project Information Model have been
approved and
authorized as suitable for purpose before sharing and before
issuing for
approval.
BCA (BCA, 2012, BCA 2013c) suggested the responsibly BIM
coordinator as
maintaining a register to record the latest information
incorporated in the model and
BIM manager is responsible for the coordination for the
application BIM in a project
and appropriate implementation by implementing BIM Execution
Plan among project
members. BIM Manager can be a person, firm, or corporation
appointed by the Client.
BCA (BCA, 2012, BCA 2013c) suggested new roles can be carried
out by existing
member in the project team for example, project manager, and
architect. There may be
more than one BIM manager in a project. However, project
participants are reluctant to
take up new liabilities and risks (Bernstein et al, 2012,
Gilligan and Kunz, 2007,
Eastman et al., 2011, DAgostino et al., 2007).
2.10 BIM contractual terms
Unlike traditional 2 dimensional drawings, and 3D CAD, BIM model
consist of
geometric attributes such as size, volume, shape and orientation
and non-geometric
attribute such as system data, performance data, regulatory
compliance, specification
and cost (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2012, Singh
et al., 2011).
Because of new deliverables, building contracts, liabilities,
risk management, and
insurability need to be tackled.
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28
In 2012, Singapores Building and Construction Authority have
published Particular
Condition for Building information modelling in Singapore BIM
Guide Version.1 on
how to incorporate in Contract document in the Principal
Agreement (BCA, 2012,
BCA, 2013c).
2.11 Conclusion
There are still limited numbers of reports and papers on
implementation of BIM for
Singapore Architectural firms (Ang, 2012). Although, Singapores
Building and
Construction Authority published in the guidelines in 2012 and
2013 for
implementation of BIM, there is no study for the actual
application of BIM for
Singapore Architectural firms. The aim of the research is to
provide taxonomy of BIM
uses in Singapore Architectural firms for early stage of
construction projects. This
dissertation focuses exclusively on the design stage of BIM
Execution Plan. Next
chapter will discuss research methodology in details.
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29
Chapter 3 Research methodology
3.1 Introduction
This chapter explains the research methodology employed in this
exploratory study.
The methods are explained in details to justify for their
selection. Different types of
research techniques were employed in this study and why these
techniques were chosen
were rationalised. The research techniques, literature,
interviews, and content analysis,
are briefly explained during the research process.
The first objective of the research is realised by developing
taxonomy of BIM uses in
Singapore Architectural firms. This taxonomy was constructed
based on the quantified
data, content analysis, conclusions were made, utilising
categorisation and frequency of
the answers given on certain subjects.
The second objective of the research is realised by identifying
the critical success
factors through the literature review and expert interviews.
The third objective of the research is realised by recommending
the best practice of
BIM Execution Planning.
3.2 Selection of research methods
Generally, there are two strategies of research. They are
quantitative research and
qualitative research (Naoum, 2007). To determine what type of
research to be
selected depends on the purpose of research, the type and
availability of the information
required (Naoum, 2007).
This study focuses on the BIM design experience for the BIM
experts in the Singapores
AEC industry. In this research, social science research
techniques have been chosen
because the nature of this research is exploratory. Exploratory
research is selected
because it is the appropriate approach when the amount of the
knowledge about the
topic is limited. Exploratory research is used to investigate
less understood phenomena
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30
and identify variables and generate hypotheses for further
research (Fellows and Liu,
2008). The research techniques consist of literature review,
expert interviews, and
content analysis. The collected data are qualitative in nature.
However, some collected
data can be quantitatively analysed.
3.3 Research process
Secondary data were collected by reviewing literature to
establish a clear perspective on
subject matter prior to primary data collection. The literature
covered academic
journals, trade journal, conference proceeding, text books,
periodicals, websites, etc.
Subsequent to a focused literature review on numerous BIM
topics, interview with
Architects and BIM managers were conducted and their opinions on
BIM were recorded
and analysed. Success stories, important lessons learned, and
recommendations were
recorded from these expert interviews. The summary and
conclusion were made based
on the data received with the intention of integrating in the
taxonomy for BIM use in
Singapore architectural firms.
In this exploratory study, following research steps were
performed;
1. Literature Review;
2. Semi-structured Interviews;
3. Content Analysis;
4. BIM Uses in Design Taxonomy;
3.4 Research techniques
The literature review and interviews were used as research
techniques for an exploratory
study. These techniques are appropriate for diagnosing a
situation, screening
alternatives and to discover new ideas for current hot issues
(Naoum, 2007).
Personal interview is considered as qualitative method of data
collection whereas an
interviewer asks respondents. The questions of the interview are
designed to obtain
answers relevant to the research hypothesis. Many forms of
interview are evaluated for
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31
this research. Those are structure and semi-structured
interviews along with open-ended
questions.
Structured interview: All the interviewees receive same order
and wording of
questionnaire (Naoum, 2007). Structured interviews are, by
nature, close to
questionnaire survey as questions are carefully structured and
arranged and let
the interviewees a limited number of choices to answer. As a
result, the
interviewer full control on the interview process.
Semi-structured interview: This type of interview is more formal
than the
former. This method is chosen because it allows to interviewees
to give their
opinions on specific issues that interviewer needs to explore to
build up reports
(Naoum, 2007). Open-ended questions were proposed because this
is
appropriate to find peoples opinion where the answers towards
hypothesis are
unclear. Therefore analysis of open-ended question can be
complicated compare
to structured interviews. Pre-coding of question into ideas and
themes assists
the large number of individual responses to a few general
categories of answers
that can be assigned a numerical code (Naoum, 2007).
Content analysis was employed of the research to systematically
analyse the
facets of a set of data through qualitative research. This
qualitative research
emphasised on the judging of the meaning of collected data. Data
are given
coded allocations to categories Data collected from the
interviewees are filled
into these categories. Therefore, matrix of categorised data can
be acquired.
(Fellows and Liu, 2008).
3.5 Literature Review
The research started with literature review on BIM
implementation in practice through
available references. The intention of the literature review is
to explain the definition of
Building Information Modelling, its current status, barriers,
and success factors. From
the industrial aspect, literature review on BIM implementation
in design was conducted.
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32
The review papers are academic journals, BIM guides, unpublished
thesis, conference
proceeding and expert articles.
3.6 Semi-structured interview
The purposed of semi-structure interview was to find out as much
as possible on the
issues architectural firms faced during BIM implementation in
design phase in their
projects. They outlined previous experiences, current best
practices, major challenges,
lessons learned, and the success factors for implementing BIM.
The interview results
were presented together with initial taxonomy for the uses of
BIM in design process.
Integration with other project stages and future studies were
discussed.
A draft list of interview questions was established after
literature review. Draft
interview question were emailed to dissertation supervisors for
comments and feedback.
The final interview questions were created based on the feedback
and comments of
dissertation supervisors. The interview questions and mind map
of interview question
are enclosed in the Appendix A and B.
Then in-depth interview with Architects and BIM managers
currently using were
conducted, and their opinions on BIM were recorded.
Semi-structured interview
technique was selected to avoid similar responses like in
structured interview. However
at the same time data collected from the interviews holds
certain structure. The
interviewees were given the chance to talk about the subject
without restriction but the
discussion was controlled. Therefore, data collected could be
analyzed, summarised
and then reported. The rationale for selection semi-structured
interviewed was to allow
interviewer to share in-depth knowledge on the subject (Naoum,
2007) and the nature of
the research was exploratory research. In this way,
semi-structured interview permits
the interviewees to lead the talk and give their own input which
is not reconceptualised
by the interviewer.
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33
3.7 Interviews Candidates: Selection of Interviewees
Numerous benchmarking were used for the selection of
participants for the study. The
participants were limited to architects and BIM managers having
more than one year of
experiences on implementing BIM in Singapore architectural firms
who interested to
share their experience and knowledge. First, a list of possible
Singapore Architectural
design firms developed based on the literature review. Those
professionals had
contributed their knowledge on Singapore Building and
Construction Authority
(BCA)s publication, Build Smart Magazine, BIM Essential Guide
for Architectural
Consultants and Singapore BIM Guides. Invitations for
participation in the research
was emailed to potential interviewees and followed up with phone
calls within 3 days
after the invitations were disseminated. Positive responds were
received from this
approach. As many as four practicing professionals from three
Singapore Architectural
firms accepted the invitations for interview. The interview was
conducted in March
2014.
3.8 Interview process and procedure
Semi-structured in-depth interviews with Architects and BIM
managers were conducted
within 2 weeks. Informed Consent Proforma was distributed to
protect the rights and
welfare of interviewees. Permission to audio record was
requested from the
interviewees prior to the interviews. The interviewees were
briefed on the aims,
objectives, and scope of the research. The interviews generally
took 45 minutes to an
hour. The interview question were categorised into six sections
Background
Information, BIM Execution Plan, BIM Uses in Singapore
Architectural Firms, BIM
Impact, Case Study and Conclusion Questions.
Background information focused on previous experience of
interviewee on BIM
implementation of Singapore Architectural firm, their position,
and responsibilities.
BIM Execution Plan question focused on major decisions and steps
for implementation
of BIM. BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms questions
focused on majors uses
of BIM. These questions identified contract consideration,
insurance, legal issues, team
competencies, application, process, content and model detail.
BIM Impact question
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34
focused on possible metrics and results including its impact on
time, cost, quality, and
changes in staffs. Case Study questions focused the potential of
BIM uses in projects
and its prospect. Conclusion Questions wrapped up interviews
with prospect of BIM
for the future, possible trends and additional opinion on
Singapore Architectural firms.
Interviews were performed in person. Open-ended questions were
used. These types of
question reduced interviewers bias by allowing the interviewees
to express their
opinions on the subject within the framework. During the
interview periods the
interviewer did not make any judgement or leading answers. The
interviews were audio
recorded for accurate interpretation and future referencing. All
the interviews were
written out and mind mapped to summarise and apply for content
analysis.
3.9 Content Analysis
The interviews were systematically interpreted and categorised
by their meanings,
intentions, etc. Content analyses were performed for every
interview. This technique
systematically analysed the facets of a set of data through
qualitative research. Content
analysis yield quantitative data for each content category.
Detailed content analysis can
be found in Chapters 4, 5 and 6 with some quantitative data
collected and evaluated.
Taxonomy is created in Chapter 5 and critical success factors
are identified in Chapter
6. A summary of the topics covered and conclusions drawn can be
found in Chapter 7.
3.10 Conclusion
As stated procedures and techniques used in this research was
explained. Justification
has made for the selection of the methods and techniques. Next
chapter will discuss on
the BIM Executive Planning of Singapore Architectural firms in
details.
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35
Chapter 4 BIM Executive Planning
4.1 Introduction
Together with the data collection process, the expert interviews
were performed. In the
Chapter 4, 5, and 6, the collected data were analysed and
discussed in specific category:
Background Information, BIM Execution Plan, and BIM Uses in
Singapore
Architectural Firms, BIM Impact, Case Study, and Conclusion
Questions. The
collected information is described with the designation of [I-#]
to identify the number
of interviewee that made the statement. Each analysis result is
followed by short
discussion. Chapter 7 gives a conclusion with general findings
and recommendation for
further study.
4.2 Background Information
The background information of the respondents were asked. Those
questions included
the background information of interview participants, of firms.
The year of BIM
implementation personnel experience and company wise experience
were recorded..
4.2.1 Participants
Interviews stared with simple questions such as the interview
participants name, the
name of the company for record and sharing. Addition to this,
their role, and
responsibilities in the Architectural firm were asked. Table 4-1
provide a general
overview of the positions of the interviewees. Notably, these
interviewees are all
belongs to 3 main groups; Executives, Architects and Technical
Supports. All of the
interviewees have more than 10 years experience with BIM in
Singapore and abroad.
They implemented BIM in their respective Singapore Architectural
firms more than 5
years ago.
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36
Interviewees
Number
Position Group Firm
number
I-1 Principal (Technical) Executive/Implementation
Group
Firm A
I-2 Senior Technical Manager Implementation
Group/Technical Staff
Firm A
I-3 Director Building Information
Modelling (BIM)
Executive/Implementation
Group
Firm B
I-4 Director & Principal
Architect
Executive/Implementation
Group
Firm C
Table 4-1 General overview of the position of interviewees
4.2.2 Architectural Firms
Firm A is an international architectural firm with more than
2000 staffs within Asia, the
Middle East, Europe, and America. There are more than 300 staffs
in Singapore. The
firm offers services in architecture, interior design, master
planning, landscape, urban
design, and building consultancy. This firm was formed in early
2000s by merger of a
UK based firm and Hong Kong based firms. Firm A has been working
with BIM for
Singapore office since Singapore 10 years ago.
Firm B was founded in Singapore four decades ago. The firm has
more than 600 staffs
globally 400 staffs working in Singapore. The firm offers a
complete design
consultancy and project management solution, such as
architectural design services,
civil and structural engineering design services, electrical,
mechanical and plumbing
(MEP) design services, construction project management, urban
and environmental
planning, landscape, interiors and environmental. It has
operation in China, India,
Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates and
United States, and
Singapore. Firm B has implemented BIM more than 5 years ago.
Firm C was founded approximately 3 decades ago in Singapore. The
firm has more
than 100 staffs in Singapore. The firm offer architectural
design service, interior design
service and project management services. It involved many
building project in
Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, China,
Vietnam, and Singapore.
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37
For all three firms, their executives and technical staffs are
actively supporting and
industry wide implementation of BIM leaded by BCA. They
participated in annual
BIM competition arranged by BCA.
4.2.3 Previous BIM experience
All the interviewees stated that they have previous experience
with BIM and they
implemented BIM into their respected Architectural design firm
and they have been
working win BIM in their day-to-day basis. Thus the interview
could continue,
otherwise the interview would be stopped as the interviewees
could not be consist red as
a competent person in this area.
All the interviewees have more than 10 years experience in
implantation BIM and
managing projects which use BIM. Interestingly, all of the
interviewees also have BIM
experience in other counties, such as, the UK and Australia.
They have been
implemented BIM and managed BIM projects in others countries
before they moved to
Singapore. They have more than 5 years experience for managing
and implantation of
BIM for Singapore projects.
4.3 Experience on BIM Execution Planning
Interviewees were asked about their experience on BIM Execution
Plan (BEP). All of
them have experience for developed BEP for Singapore
Architectural firms. All of the
interviewees considered that the development of BEP is a
valuable activity. The
respondents answers will be summarized and reviewed. The
conclusions will be drawn
in Chapter 7.
Participants: The participants of BEP are usually singed off
between the Client,
Architects, Engineers, other Consultants, Contractors,
Sub-Contractors, and Suppliers.
Therefore, they can be divided into two groups: internal parties
who are the people
within the Architectural design firm. External Parties can be
Structural Engineers,
Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Plumbing Engineers,
Landscape Designers,
Interior Designers, the Client, Contractors, Sub-Contractors,
Fabricators,
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38
Manufacturers, and Facility Manager. Internal participants are
Executives, Architects,
designers, and technical support team members. The commitment
from all parties,
internal and external, is so crucial for successful
implementation and to get the best
value out of BIM. Senior buy-in is equally important as having
the lower level staffs to
use BIM.
Interviewee No. 3 [I-3] All the parties needs to be involved.
The senior
management provides required facilities and support the teams to
carry out the
job success fully. The feedback from technical staffs,
architects, and designers
to senior management is important as well because in practice
the technical
team needs supports from the senior management. Again, these
technical staffs
need to communicate and share the BIM knowledge between each
other.
Therefore, for successful implementation of BIM all the level of
staff within the
company needs to proactive in BIM and the external parties need
to use BIM as
well.
Interviewee No. 1 [I-1] we try to ensure that our teams are
harmonious and
collaborative and we encourage people to share knowledge.
Interviewee No. 4 [I-4] BIM will not provide the best value if
it is not being
adopted by the other consultants.
Decision: These participated architectural firms made the
commitment to the
development of the project using BIM because of the urgency
within the industry to
embrace this approach. These Singapore Architectural firms are
utilising BIM not only
for Singapore but also for other over sea projects.
Interviewee No. 1 [I-1] There are other projects were doing
regionally, we
dont use BIM because, and there is no man day either from the
client or
statutory board point of view. It is the case of this stage,
within the industry and
the maturity, senior management make careful selection based on
availability of
the staff, client direction, and way up to the benefits that we
generate.
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39
Interviewee No. 3 [I-3] In Singapore BIM is statutory
requirement but we
encouraged our clients and project members from other countries
to use BIM
although those countries like Indonesia, and Malaysia BIM is not
the statutory
requirement.
Process: The firms which participated in the interview are
constantly reviewing their
core competencies and the demand of the market to leverage them
and to expend their
market to get more Clients. The mind sets of these firms are to
provide design solutions
that exceed Clients expatiation. The practice is more on selling
the value products
rather than selling the consultation time. The participated
firms are providing the best
architectural design solution without pricing the extra than
traditional two dimensional
designs and documentation system. This is because the
competitiveness in the market
and the firms commitment to provided the best design solution by
using the best
available technology of the time. These firms confirmed that BEP
needs to be separated
into two parts which are internal BEP and external BEP as the
objectives are slightly
different.
Interviewee No. 2 [I-2] I like to add the actual fact. We have
split the execution
plan in two. One is project execution plan, somewhat internal.
So there are
slightly different objectives for the project and internal
execution plan. There are
times when you roll; youll need to split the execution plan.
4.4 Conclusion
Background information of the interviewee, architectural firm
and their experience were
summarised in this chapter. All of the interviewed firms have
local and international
design offices. The smallest design office participate in the
interview has more than
100 staffs and biggest design office has more than 300 staffs.
All the interviewees
stated that they have more than 10 years overall BIM experience
and approximately 5
years experience working with BIM in Singapore Architectural
firms. Small
Architectural firms did not participate in the research. Next
chapter will discuss about
various items related to BIM uses in design by Singapore
Architectural Firms.
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Chapter 5 BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms
5.1 Introduction
This chapter details the numerous items related to BIM uses in
design. It begins from
the discovery of BIM uses which were evaluated from this study.
Then it investigates
the topics of model contents and level of details, modelling
process and software
application, team competencies, and legal, insurance, and
contractual, consideration.
The uses of BIM are summarised with interview comments about the
uses. The
collected information is described with the designation of [I-#]
to indentify the
number of interviewee that made the statement.
The BIM uses are outlined along with interview comments
regarding the uses. The
information obtained from the interviewees is reported and
indicated with the
designation of [I-#] to indicate the number of the interviewee
that made the statement.
Not all statements have been validated through research so the
reader should only
evaluate these statements as one opinion from an experienced
person.
5.2 BIM uses in Singapore Architectural Firms
The taxonomy of BIM used was produced based on the literature
review and expert
interview. There are 21 number of BIM uses were identified.
After the taxonomy was
created, each BIM use was systemically looked into the details
for BEP guide.
5.2.1 Design Authoring
Design authoring is 3D tools to develop the BIM model in regard
to the criteria which is
important to building design translation. The common users of
these tools are:
architects and designers, 2D to 3D conversion teams, and
subcontractors.
Basically, there are two main type of BIM use for design
phase.
- Design Authoring tools and
- Audit and Analysis tools.
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Authoring tools create models with geometrical attributes
whereas audit and analysis
tool can analyse non-geometrical attributes. Those
non-geometrical attributes are very
useful for engineering analysis such as sustainability analysis,
sun path analysis etc.
Design authoring tools are the fundamental of BIM by combining
3D model with useful
building database system which allows extraction of building
data and simulation for
engineering analyses.
5.2.2 Programming
The definition of Programming is an assessment process on design
performance to
spatial requirements. All the interviewees answered that they
had done special analysis
by using BIM. They have used this feature form the schematic
stage; from early
conceptualisation and massing to the construction design are
done by BIM based
software in their offices. All of them confirmed that this
feature of BIM improved their
quality of design solution.
5.2.3 Existing Condition Modelling
Existing Condition Modelling is a process of developing a 3D
model of existing
condition of a site, building, facility, or specific area.
Protecting Singapores culture
and heritage is clearly an important part of the Urban
Redevelopment Authority (URA)
Draft Master Plan. Currently, there are more than 7000 buildings
are protected. In
other words, Singapore really familiar with brown field
construction/addition and
alteration works. All the respondents have experience in
existing condition modelling
because doing architectural practise in Singapore brown field
construction/addition and
alteration works is unavoidable. The outputs are usually BIM
model of the whole
existing building or a portion of the existing building and 3D
site topography model
combine with Global Information Systems (GIS).
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5.2.4 Design Reviews
Design review process for Singapore Architectural Firms is to
review the quality of the
design product to meet client expectation [I-1]. This process
can be internal process,
which is within the Architect firms and external, which includes
stakeholders using
BIM models.
Interviewee No. 1 [I-1] The design review of our firm is about
the quality of our
product. What our products look like and ensuring that is
meeting expectation
of our Client.
Design review can be categorised in to:
- Clash analysis
- 3D Design Coordination and
- Virtual Mock-ups
All of the interviewees answered that they used design review
for all three categories.
All of them answered that with BIM model the design review
meetings are must faster
go get the design resolutions because people can see things
better when they are
presented in isometric 3 dimensional with BIM.
Interviewee No. 4 [I-4]: BIM models allow us to coordinate a
much greater
detail, a much greater understanding.
Interviewee No. 3 [I-3]: BIM models provide ability to
communicate the
stakeholders better using a 3 dimensional model.
Clash analysis is an important and it is the integral part of
the BIM modelling process.
Clash analysis feature of BIM allow various stakeholders to
investigate the building
project digitally in the design studio before it is built. Clash
detection in BIM could be
not only one model but also several, those are, eventually,
integrated into a master BIM
model. This can be consider as one of the greatest benefits of
BIM as visualising the
ideas and iterating of information are more precise and faster
than before by eliminating
the manual tedious and error prone process.
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This study is focused on design stage. Therefore design
coordination at design stage
can be defined as an iterative process which includes a process
of evolution, iteration,
revising to the point where the Client has been able to
incrementally understand the
building as a end product and as a cost to him and architectural
firm produce a design
that is efficient, and exemplary as a design product.
Three Dimensional Design coordination at design stage can be
defined as an iterative
process which includes a process of evolution, iteration,
revising to the point where the
Client has been able to incrementally understand the building as
a end product and as a
cost to him and architectural firm produce a design that is
efficient, and exemplary as a
design product.
All the interviewees answered that they used BIM as three
dimensional design
coordination tool. All of the interviewees agreed that BIM helps
Architects and other
consultants to resolve coordination during design stage and BIM
enables to develop
more accurate and better-coordinated design product which ensure
the clients
satisfaction.
Interviewee No. 1 [I-1]: For a client, they dont want to
understand that detail of
coordination. They just wanted to be correct. BIM enables us to
provide more
accurate information and better-coordinated design product.
It is mostly done either in complicated projects for
construction details like wall
sections or ceilings, or for certain chosen spaces in the
project that would benefit greatly
from building the virtual mock-up.
Virtual Mock-ups assist all the project participants to
understand complicated projects
for construction.
BIM enables to construct virtual mock-ups. This helps all the
project participants to
understand complicated projects for construction. It would be an
ideal situation to use
BIM, when each supplier or contractor have relevant BIM model,
such as a chiller plant,
to insert in to the building model and everyone understand the
possible implication to
other components. All the interviewees answer that they are
using this feature. They
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have been using virtual mock-ups allows to resolve not only
coordination issue but also
use as an analysis tool for lighting, security, ergonomics,
acoustics, textures and
colours, etc.
5.2.5 System Analyses
System Analysis can be divided into Site Analysis, Engineering
Analyses, and Code
Checking.
Site Analysis is a process to analyse specific location to
decide the optimal use of site
location for proposed project by using BIM/GIS tools. All the
interviewees answered
that they had done site analysis using BIM technology as they
view that this analysis
has great potential to do necessary calculation, to determine
the building orientation, to
develop topographical model and to create existing building
model, etc.
Engineering Analyses are a series of BIM uses in design.
Engineering Analysis in
design stage can be defined as a process of judging the most
optimal and effective
methods depend on design specification. During the interview,
interviewee answered
that their firm have done the following engineering analyses
-
- Building and energy consumption analysis
- Sustainability analyses
- Egress analysis
- Traffic and human analysis
- Peak load analysis
- Fire protection analysis
Engineering analyses are a series of BIM uses in design.
Engineering Analysis in
design stage can be defined as a process of judging the most
optimal and effective
methods depend on design specification. BIM model enables many
types of
engineering analyses. These engineering analyses and building
performance simulation
improve the energy consumption, and design of the building for
entire lifecycle. These
abilities make BIM superior to 2D designs. All the interviewees
answers that they did
egress analysis, traffic and human analysis, peak load analysis,
and fire protect analysis.
Additionally, they merge with engineering BIM model and
architectural BIM model as
part of the sustainability analyses.
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Interviewee No. 1 [I-1]:The technology make the designing
process more
interesting because its not just about an architect standing
there in a
presentation saying to a client, weve open this frontage of the
building up to
allow for the breeze way and this will be very nice. Its ability
to say weve open
this up because when we did the analytic we can see 60% of the
year the
prevailing wind from the North-East generate some fantastic air
movement
through the area and well be able to through very complex
modelling. Exactly
why they should buy our design and why they should embrace these
ideas.
Code checking is a process of checking of the compliance of the
building code of
building design by using BIM. In 2001, BCA launched the CORENET
(Construction
and Real Estate Network) e-submission system to facilitate
electronic submission and
approval process of all types of application made to government
agencies. This system
transformed Singapore AEC industrys time-consuming submission
process to easy and
efficient paperless submission process (Keung, 2011a). BIM
submission templates
have been developed by BCA with the intention of smooth
transition from 2D CAD
drawings to BIM. Architectural BIM submission template was
introduced in January
2010 (BCA, 2013a). Firm A, B, and C have volunteered to
developed CORENET
statutory BIM model submission system for authorities approval
process. These firms
believe that eventually the system will be very robust.
5.2.6 Phase Planning and 4D modelling
Phase planning is usually defined a 4D model because adding
dimension of time to 3D
model for the purpose of effective time scheduling. All the
interviewees indicated that
they used 4D modelling which is a BIM model corporate with
adding time schedule.
They do not put huge emphasis on this for green field, new
development. However,
they used this feature for additional and alteration,
renovation, retrofitting, and
preservation