Identification of information requirements for implementing Building Information Modeling based on model uses

Abstract

This study aimed to provide guidance in adopting BIM, specifically in determining the level of development of the components in a model. The main objective was to identify the information items to be included in a model based on the required BIM uses. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with nine professionals to identify the information items that are required for the selected BIM uses. The professionals filled out a form by selecting the required information items from a list of component properties for specific BIM uses. The responses were analyzed to determine the most frequently selected information items for each BIM use. The results were validated via literal replication and external validation. The main properties that were most frequently selected were determined for two types of building components, duct and pipe, and limited to five BIM uses. The study revealed that the most frequently selected properties and related BIM modeling effort varied based on the BIM use/s required in different project types. The list of identified information items can be used by the practitioners when defining the properties required to prepare a BIM model for the selected BIM uses. The practitioners can utilize the findings of this study to increase their efficiency in adopting BIM and decrease the time and effort loss and cost overruns while adopting BIM. Although the previous studies emphasized that determination of the right level of development from the very beginning of the construction process is critical, guidance on which information items are required are lacking in the literature. This study provided guidance on how the required properties of elements that are going to be included in a BIM model changes based on BIM uses. Future studies can investigate the information needs required for other types of components and for other BIM uses.