Application of BIM Technologies at All Stages of a Construction Project Life Cycle

Abstract

Introduction. In the current realia of limited resources, high level of competition and high degree of market uncertainty the use of the modern information technologies at all stages of the construction investment project life cycle aimed at facilitating the construction companies in fulfilling their tasks becomes a priority. The implementation of BIM technologies is possible at all stages of a construction project life cycle. This is its advantage over traditional project management tools. The use of BIM technologies makes it possible to add and accumulate information about a capital construction facility in a 3D virtual model throughout the entire life cycle of the project. In this regard, it is possible to optimize such important managerial processes as planning, designing, supply chain management, building and erecting, equipment installment and commissioning of the completed facility. Thanks to using the virtual model, it is possible to control and coordinate the progress of works in all areas and at all stages of the project. Materials and methods. This study considers the possibility of forming and executing all stages of the construction investment projects using BIM technologies, including analysis and forecasting of the facility’s subsequent operation. The use of BIM technologies in the development of the construction investment projects makes it possible to reduce the risk of errors, quickly revise the design and extract the necessary data about the facility, as well as facilitate work progress monitoring.Results. Life cycle management of a construction project using BIM technologies includes five main stages that save not only time but also financial resources required for implementing the project. The BIM model ensures the accumulation of information about the facility in a scope and composition appropriate for making timely managerial decisions, as well as helps to avoid incorrect calculations of time, labor, finance and other resources demand, the same as inconsistencies between the structural elements of a facility and its engineering infrastructure. The use of a BIM model makes it possible to accurately plan the operation of machines and equipment, generate up-todate schedules for procurement of materials and optimize the main logistics processes within construction and operation.Discussion and conclusion. At present, the context and tradition of BIM technologies application in Russia are underdeveloped, their full potential is not used. In most domestic projects there is no integrate application of BIM. The transition to application of BIM technologies in the construction investment projects in Russia will still require some time. However, taking into account the scale and complexity of ongoing projects, the positive effect of BIM technologies implementation will increase encouraging more and more participants of construction investment market to turn to the use of modern technologies. The use of BIM technologies at all stages of construction projects life cycle will significantly contribute to boosting the level of process management, ensuring the high quality of construction products, reducing costs and time of construction. The implementation of BIM technologies at all stages of facilities entire life cycle is an important aid which will greatly foster the transformation of the construction industry in the context of its digitalization.