Engineering information format utilisation across building design stages: An exploration of BIM applicability in China

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been extensively advocated in the construction industry for its potential to improve design efficiency and quality. However, its application continues to encounter considerable resistance from designers because BIM is less efficient than conventional 2D and 3D data formats in some design tasks. Consequently, a flexible approach that integrates BIM into existing workflows, instead of fully replacing traditional data formats, is believed to better enhance BIM application. Given this concern, this study conducts a questionnaire survey among Chinese designers to investigate the engineering information formats used in practice and to assess the potential and applicability of this flexible approach. Analysis of the survey responses using relevance analysis, logistic regression, and multiple correspondence analysis reveals that BIM is more frequently used for coordinating multi-disciplinary data in the later stages of project development than in early design phases. Conversely, conventional 2D and 3D formats are preferred for creating and comparing design alternatives during the concept and developed design stages. A practical application for BIM emerges in the technical design stage of prefabricated construction projects. These results suggest a promising approach for BIM application: allowing the use of conventional data format in the concept and developed design stages, integrating these designs into a shared BIM model in the technical design stage, and maintaining them in the BIM model thereafter. Besides offering an in-depth analysis of engineering information format utilisation, this study offers practical strategies for contractors, policymakers, and BIM developers to extend BIM application and promotion.