Measuring the Impact of Building Information Modeling on Rework

Abstract

Rework is a major factor affecting the productivity in the Singapore construction industry. In an attempt to improve the productivity of the Singapore construction industry, one of the measures by the Singapore government was to promote the usage of Building Information Modeling (BIM) by mandating BIM e-submission for architectural and engineering plans for approval. However, even with such efforts made by the government, the construction industry has yet to exploit the full potential of BIM.

Hence, it is important for organization to know the impact of BIM on rework so as to allow them to realize the potential benefits that BIM can bring about to the project. Through literature review, eight sources of rework were identified and the impact of BIM on the rework time and cost were quantified for each of these sources of rework. The result of the analysis shows that BIM is able to reduce rework arising from Owner Change, Design Error, Design Change, Constructor’s Error and Constructor’s Change.

In addition, eight key strategies to effectively utilize BIM to reduce rework were identified, and the top four strategies will be discussed in detail. Based on the analysis, the top 4 strategies identified are “Use of BIM throughout Design and Construction Phase”, “Design Checks”, “Rework Tracking System” and “New Processes for BIM”.

By quantifying rework cost and allowing industry experts to gain a better understanding on rework and BIM, it will allow industry experts to know the importance of reducing rework and the strategies to effective utilization of BIM to reduce rework, thus improving the overall productivity of Singapore construction industry.