Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions

Matthijs Prins, Robert Owen

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2010
• Print ISBN: 9781849712750
• eBook ISBN: 9781136537042
• Topic: Architektur
• Subtopic: Architektur Allgemein

Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions (IDDS) represent a significant new research trajectory in the integration of architecture and construction through the rapid adoption of new processes. This book examines the ways in which collaboration and new methods of contracting and procurement enhance skills and improve processes in terms of lean and sustainable construction.

Based on high quality research and practice-based examples that provide key insights into IDDS and its future potential, this book surveys the technologies that are being employed to create more sustainable buildings with added value for clients, stakeholders and society as whole.

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ARTICLE

Attributes of Building Information Modelling Implementations in Various Countries

Andy K. D. Wong*, Francis K. W. Wong and Abid Nadeem

Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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Abstract

Various initiatives can be taken to implement building information modelling (BIM) systems in a country. The purpose of this article is to highlight critical initiatives derived from the review of BIM implementations in both the public and private sectors in six selected countries. The methodology adopted for structuring the study is to classify BIM initiatives for its implementation in policy, process and technology fields. A literature review of such BIM fields from the USA, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Singapore and Hong Kong is provided. Moreover, the experiences of authors in BIM research projects conducted in the past through questionnaire surveys and interviews are also utilized to synthesize the findings. The review suggests that, in several situations, BIM is implemented in conjunction with industry foundation classes for better integration and interoperability of various components of a BIM system. The types and roles of major stakeholders in promoting and providing support for the implementation, research and development of BIM systems are presented. The findings suggest that initiatives can be taken for policy formulation, BIM organization, information exchange capability, research areas identification, promotion, presentation and liaison of BIM programmes for an effective BIM implementation in a country.

■ Keywords - Building information modelling, Hong Kong, industry foundation classes, interoperability, Scandinavian countries, Singapore, stakeholders’ roles

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INTRODUCTION

Building information modelling (BIM) has emerged from three-dimensional (3D) architectural design technology to a comprehensive ‘methodology to manage the essential building design and project data throughout the building’s lifecycle’ (Penttilä, 2006). Using BIM, a computer model of a building is developed that simulates the design (also pre-design), construction and operation of a facility. BIM has the attributes both of an approach and of a process/action. It is an approach because it provides an alternative to the traditional, paper-based, two dimensional (2D) or 3D computer-aided design (CAD)-based approaches to project design and management. It is a process/action in that it creates a product called a building information model, which can be manipulated for various business purposes and whose performance can be measured. In normal practice, the terms ‘building information modelling’ and ‘building information model’ are used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between these two terms, as the former is a process and the latter is a product.

The knowledge domain of BIM is expanding with its implementation in many countries in the conceptualization, design, construction and Operation of the buildings. In this article, a review of BIM initiatives for its implementation in a number of countries is presented. Such initiatives can be categorized with respect to the type of main stakeholders taking initiatives, such as the public and private sectors, as well as by the class of initiatives. BIM initiatives have been classified into the policy, process and technology fields (Succar, 2009). Further explanation of this classification is provided in the Methodology section. Findings from this study are based on the review of literature of BIM initiatives from the USA, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Singapore and Hong Kong. The chosen countries are from three continents and the review is expected to cover a wide range of BIM implementations. The USA is a large country and produces a great deal of BIM technology. Finland, Norway and Denmark represent the Scandinavian region in Europe. This region is regarded as one of the earliest adopters of BIM technology, outside of North America. Asia is represented by Hong Kong, which is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and Singapore. Singapore is one of the earliest BIM adopters in Asia in the public sector; BIM is being gradually implemented in Hong Kong in both the public and the private sector.

In order to implement BIM, certain policies, processes and technologies are needed that interact and/or overlap with each other to produce the desired outcomes in the form of a building information model. The purpose of this article is to highlight such policies, processes and technologies from the selected countries and integrate the findings to illustrate the common behaviour of such initiatives or implementations.

METHODOLOGY

This article is based on the review of literature of BIM initiatives in various countries. Moreover, the experiences of authors in BIM implementation research from information obtained in the past through questionnaire surveys and interviews for other BIM research studies are also used to integrate the findings. In order to structure the information presented in this article, BIM initiatives are divided into three fields: the technology, process and policy fields. For each field, the players and deliverables can be identified. Admittedly, the information presented in this article about the deliverables and players is not exhaustive. However, it is expected that the presented information is a good indicator of the overall pattern of BIM implementations. After identifying players and deliverables in these fields, analysis is made of any overlap in the fields or interaction of fields to arrive at the research findings. The chosen fields are explained as follows.

Policies are ‘written principles or rules to guide decision-making’ (Clemson, 2010). It includes players such as insurance companies, research centres, educational institutions and regulatory bodies. Their jobs are normally to train practitioners, deliver research, distribute benefits and minimize conflicts between industry participants. These players do not generate any construction products but are specialized organizations.

Process is defined as ‘a specific ordering of work activities across time and place, with a beginning, an end, and clearly identified inputs and outputs: a structure for action’ (Davenport, 1992). It includes people who procure, design, construct, manufacture, use, manage and maintain building facilities or structures. Facility owners, architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, etc. can be included in this group.

Technology is ‘the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes’ (Oxford, 2010). It includes the players who develop the software, hardware, equipment and networking systems necessary for BIM implementations.

BIM PLAYERS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

THE USA

● General Services Administration (GSA) is the main public client implementing BIM in the public sector. GSA’s National 3D-4D BIM programme was launched in 2003 (GSA, 2007).

● National Institute for Standards and Technology (NISI) conducts research on BIM and interoperability among other areas (NIBS, 2007). CAD/BIM Technology Center is a research centre for the US Army Corps of Engineers, providing technical and professional services for BIM deployment across the professional services in a consistent manner that ensures acceptable return on investments and promotes interoperability between BIM and other geospatial technologies.

● Construction Engineering Research Laboratory of the Corps of Engineers with the support of its other laboratories is transforming the use of BIM and is a primary player in the industry transformation with products such as COBIE (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange).

● Other players from the USA are listed in Appendix 1 along with their brief description of BIM involvement.

FINLAND

● Senate Properties is the public owner running pilot projects using BIM and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). It has assessed the prod...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Editorial introduction: Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions
• Challenges for Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions
• Supplier-Driven Integrated Design
• Tool for Benchmarking BIM Performance of Design, Engineering and Construction Firms in The Netherlands
• Towards Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions: Pinpointed Challenges of Process Change
• Exchange of Relevant Information in BIM Objects Defined by the Role- and Life-Cycle Information Model
• Attributes of Building Information Modelling Implementations in Various Countries