ENHANCING COBIE IMPLEMENTATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Advancing into the world of technology, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become one of the popular technologies in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Improvements have made to enhance the traditional practices to allow conducting of works in a sustainable way. Open BIM management is the current goal for the industry in this age. Its collaborative platform allows players from different aspects to access a single file in different locations. Construction Operations Building information exchange (COBie) is one of the features highlighted under open BIM management. It is an open information exchange format with the ability of interoperability between different software. Transferring of information from the Design and Construction (D&C) to Facility Management (FM) platforms requires only a few clicks. According to FMmagazine (2016), those data stored in BIM is the best solution to FM issues. Despite that, Singapore has a low use of BIM (Low, 2015). Some reasons for it might be due to the low advertising, complicated implementing process and doubts on its effectiveness. This research study focuses on analysing challenges posed on the implementation of COBie leading to low usage and highlighting the use and benefits of BIM COBie Model in FM operation. Recommendations are proposed to counter issues faced by COBie implementer. A fully utilized BIM COBie Model throughout the building lifespan is the final goal of this study. Due to the limited real life case in Singapore, this study collected data mainly from the desktop study and case studies from overseas. Interviews are conducted with the local industry players to ensure validity.