A GUIDE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING FOR DESIGN FOR SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

With the spike in the recent construction workplace fatality rate, the construction industry seems to have drifted further from the goals set by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC). However, with BIM garnering more attention beyond the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) aspects, it might be possible to turn the table on the rising trends. Research has proved that the design stage has the most influence on safety hence this study is focused on Design for Safety (DfS). Literature review and interviews were conducted with DfS Professional to further understand the problems faced during the DfS review process in Singapore. It became clear that the tools adopted for DfS review process are insufficient. To counter this problem, interview was conducted with BIM expert to understand the applicability and feasibility of the BIM tools that could help ease the DfS process. Upon analysis of the findings, a BIM-DfS strategy was proposed. The BIM-DfS strategy comprises two workflows and a guide. The workflows provide a step-by-step technical guide in implementing BIM for the DfS process. Pilot project was conducted to investigate the feasibility of the workflows and the findings from this pilot project are adopted to develop a guide. The guide aims to ease the process of adopting BIM for DfS by laying out the preparations and ground rules stakeholders should consider before implementation. The guide and workflows are presented to industry practitioners for validation and improvements were made to the proposed guide based on the feedbacks received.