BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) INTEGRATED GUIDE FOR VALUE CHAIN PARTNERS IN COLLABORATIVE VIRTUAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is often misinterpreted as a panacea to increase productivity for the building industry. However, technology alone is inadequate as a solution to higher productivity. The processes undertaken by people in deploying the technology must complement the technology to increase productivity and benefits. Despite the availability of different guides and evaluation, there is a lack of integration in the implementation processes of the stakeholders, which leads to overlaps or unfilled gaps in deliverables. Local studies on implementation guides usually cater to individual disciplines, enforcing silo mentality and increase lonely BIM practices. Evidently, there is a lack of coordination guides. For the study, quantitative data was collected through a survey conducted on Value Chain Partners of the local construction industry and evaluated using statistical instruments. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and case studies. The interview provided an in-depth analysis and validates the survey findings. Finally, a case study is conducted to identify the difference in delivery methods. The study investigates the relationship between BIM leadership and expected benefits to comprehend if leading BIM would increase the benefits received. Through the analysis, it is evident that having a larger role in leading BIM does not directly increase the benefits received. The study also analyses the relationship between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the benefits of implementing such standards to understand possible areas of facilitating VDC. Significantly, the results reveal that increase years of implementing SOPs and increase percentage in following the SOP would lead to an increase in benefits derived from BIM. The proposed integrated guide consisting of work process flowchart, checklists and assessments is proposed to tackle the research problem. The guide places emphasize that consistent implementation of virtual design and construction requires an understanding of the workflow of the value chain, collaboration and evaluation of the processes for each stakeholder. The study concluded with recommendations regarding the defining principles of project deliveries in implementing BIM.