Architecture, Engineering And Construction Industry Research Articles

Waste Identification in the Operation of Structural Engineering Companies (SEC) According to Lean Management

Although the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is highly relevant to national development, it suffers from significant productivity challenges. Beneath the design and documentation of structures, a dynamic, complex process is taking place, with constant modifications and feedback involving numerous professionals from different fields and their respective approaches and work developed using various computer programs. This diversity of factors converges within an iterative trial-and-error process and does not stop until a refined model is achieved. To understand traditional structural engineering companies (SECs) in Chile involved in building private procurement projects, 25 non-value-adding SEC activities were identified and classified according to typical lean management waste categories. These were initially validated by a panel of experts and then confirmed through a survey of 37 companies. The identified activities reduce the productivity of SEC organizations, contributing to low AEC industry indicators.

Knowledge Extraction and Discovery Based on BIM: A Critical Review and Future Directions

In the past, knowledge in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries mainly come from experiences and are documented in hard copies or specific electronic databases. In order to make use of this knowledge, a lot of studies have focused on retrieving and storing this knowledge in a systematic and accessible way. The Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology proves to be a valuable media in extracting data because it provides physical and functional digital models for all the facilities within the life-cycle of the project. Therefore, the combination of the knowledge science with BIM shows great potential in constructing the knowledge map in the field of the AEC industry. Based on literature reviews, this article summarizes the latest achievements in the fields of knowledge science and BIM, in the aspects of (1) knowledge description, (2) knowledge discovery, (3) knowledge storage and management, (4) knowledge inference and (5) knowledge application, to show the state-of-arts and suggests the future directions in the application of knowledge science and BIM technology in the fields of AEC industries. The review indicates that BIM is capable of providing information for knowledge extraction and discovery, by adopting semantic network, knowledge graph and some other related methods. It also illustrates that the knowledge is helpful in the design, construction, operation and maintenance periods of the AEC industry, but now it is only at the beginning stage.

Intelligent optimal design of floor tiles: A goal-oriented approach based on BIM and parametric design platform

Floor tile is an essential building material, which is extensively used in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Current existing design-aid approaches for floor tiles are based on simulating the manual design, lacking the attention to proactive planning on cut tiles. Therefore, the existing design-aid tools cannot enable users to generate accurate and comprehensive design results to reduce material and labor waste. Building information modeling (BIM) and parametric design (PD) approaches show considerable potential in optimizing building materials’ design. This research proposed a workflow based on the BIM and PD approaches to generate and optimize floor tiles’ layout design intelligently. The workflow formalizes the trades know-how cutting and planning rules of floor tiles, including the proactive planning of cut tiles, into a design algorithm to automatically generate the floor tiles planning and while reducing material waste. An evolutionary algorithm (EA) is then integrated with the workflow to conduct goal-oriented optimization for the generated planning. Moreover, due to the formalized design algorithm considering the cut tiles planning, the workflow expects to output accurate and comprehensive results, including uncut and cut tiles’ graphical and numerical results. We developed a prototype system in Rhino (a BIM platform) and Grasshopper (a PD platform) to verify the feasibility of the proposed workflow. The results show that the prototype system effectively generates and optimizes floor tiles’ layout design (using 19.1s–116.4s) and provides accurate and comprehensive coordinate points for positioning the cutting and laying of uncut and cut tiles. Compared with the industry benchmark (i.e., 10%–15%), the material waste rates of the generated layouts have been significantly reduced, which are 3.43%–5.50%. The outcomes are summarized to provide deeper insight for improving floor tile prefabrication, robot construction, and transportation, as well as the promotion of the sustainable development of the AEC industry.

Integration of BIM and Immersive Technologies for AEC: A Scientometric-SWOT Analysis and Critical Content Review

With the outset of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0), every sector is escalating to get enrichment out of it, whether they are research- or industry-oriented. The Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry lags a bit in adopting it because of its multi-faceted dependencies and unique nature of work. Despite this, a trend has been seen recently to hone the IR 4.0 multitudes in the AEC industry. The upsurge has been seen in the usage of Immersive Technologies (ImTs) as one of the disruptive techniques. This paper studies the literature based on ImTs, which are Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) integrating with Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the AEC sector. A total number of 444 articles were selected from Scopus following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol of reviewing the literature. Among the selected database, 64 papers are identified as the result of following the protocol, and the articles are divided into eight domains relevant to the AEC industry, namely client/stakeholder, design exploration, design analysis, construction planning, construction monitoring, construction health/safety, facility/management, and education/training. This study adopts both a scientometric analysis for bibliometrics visualization and a critical review using Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat (SWOT) analysis for finding gaps and state of play. The novelty of this paper lies in the analysis techniques used in the literature to provide an insight into the literature, and it provides directions for the future with an emphasis on developing sustainable development goals (SDGs). In addition, research directions for the future growth on the adoption of ImTs are identified and presented based on categorization in immersive devices, graphical/non-graphical data and, responsive/integrative processes. In addition, five subcategories for each direction are listed, citing the limitations and future/needs. This study presents the roadmap for the successful adoption of ImTs for industry practitioners and stakeholders in the AEC industry for various domains. The paper shows that there are studies on ImTs with or without BIM; however, future studies should focus on the usage of ImTs in various sectors such as modular integrated construction (MiC) or emerging needs such as SDGs.

Assessing the capabilities of computing features in addressing the most common issues in the AEC industry

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the potential capabilities of the application of computing features (CFs) in resolving the most common issues that adversely affect performance in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects.Design/methodology/approachThrough a comprehensive review of the literature, 10 most significant CFs were identified. Also, the 15 most prevalent issues in AEC projects (AECIs), for which computers can provide remedial solutions, were determined and categorized into three phases of design, construction and operation. Potential impacts of each CF on handling AECIs in each of the three stages were assessed based on experts’ perceptions.FindingsCFs are ranked based on their potential on solving the identified AECIs. So too, the order of the most common AECIs is provided in terms of their disposition for being solved by CFs. In this regard, findings reveal that the most effective CF in addressing AECIs is “artificial intelligence” and the most solvable AECI by using CFs is “increased costs and poor budgeting.” Furthermore, the most appropriate CF to handle each AECI is specified, as a result of which, it is inferred CFs are more effective in handling operation-related issues, compared to design, construction phases.Practical implicationsThe results can provide a profound insight into software/tool selection based on features that enable technological tools and programs to handle AECIs in the three major phases of projects. Moreover, technology providers and vendors are provided with a benchmark to supply products according to the demands of the AEC industry. The study provides a readily available point of reference for practitioners in selecting various CFs for handling common AECIs that affect their projects.Originality/valueA large body of research is available on the evaluation of various computer-based technologies and tools. Nevertheless, little, if any, study exists that explores the potential of underlying CFs of these technologies in addressing endemic problems across various stages of AEC projects. This study is one of the first in its kind that shifts to exploring various CFs, as the main enablers of computer technologies, establish links between these CFs and common issues of projects and assesses the potential of various CFs in addressing common problems of construction projects.

The hype factor of digital technologies in AEC

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on 11 digital technologies (i.e. building information modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, 3D scanning, sensors, robots/automation, digital twin, virtual reality, 3D printing, drones, cloud computing and self-driving vehicles) that are portrayed in future trend reports and hype curves. The study concentrates on the current usage and knowledge of digital technologies in the Swedish architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to gain an insight in the possible expectations and future trajectory of these digital technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies an abductive approach which is based on three different types of methods. These methods are a literature and document study which focused on 11 digital technologies, two workshops with industry (13 participants) and an online survey (N = 84).FindingsThe paper contributes to a current state analysis of the Swedish AEC industry concerning digital technologies and discusses the trajectory of these technologies for the AEC industry. The paper identifies hype factors, in which the knowledge of a digital technology is related to its usage. From the hype factors, four zones that show different stages of digital technology usage and maturity in the industry are induced.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper is twofold. The paper shows insight into opportunities, the current barriers, use and knowledge of digital technologies for the different actors in the AEC industry. Furthermore, the study shows that the AEC industry is behind the traditional Gartner hype curves and contributes with defining four zones for digital technologies for the Swedish AEC industry: confusion, excitement, experimentation and integration.

Key Management Skills for Integral Civil Engineering Education

Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry requires many interactions between professionals of different areas. Thus, project managers in the AEC industry should have a set of management-aligned skills. International agreements and accreditation boards states the expected skills for engineering graduates, but they usually overrate technical skills. This study aims to identify the most relevant skills in management for civil engineer's education. To achieve this, a literature review was carried out and a list of 129 competencies was obtained. This list was summarized in 34 competencies, and his importance level was evaluated using a web-based survey, targeted to Chilean project managers and civil engineers. The collected skills were classified in management, technical and soft skills. According to respondents, the 34 skills described in this paper are important for the exercise of the profession. However, the most important skills in relative terms are soft skills, then management, and finally, technical skills.

Deep Learning-Based Applications for Safety Management in the AEC Industry: A Review

Safety is an essential topic to the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. However, traditional methods for structural health monitoring (SHM) and jobsite safety management (JSM) are not only inefficient, but also costly. In the past decade, scholars have developed a wide range of deep learning (DL) applications to address automated structure inspection and on-site safety monitoring, such as the identification of structural defects, deterioration patterns, unsafe workforce behaviors and latent risk factors. Although numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of the DL methodology, there has not been one comprehensive, systematic, evidence-based review of all individual articles that investigate the effectiveness of using DL in the SHM and JSM industry to date, nor has there been an examination of this body of evidence in regard to these methodological problems. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to disclose the state of the art of current research progress and determine the relevant gaps, challenges and future work. Methodically, CiteSpace was employed to summarize the research trends, advancements and frontiers of DL applications from 2010 to 2020. Next, an application-focused literature review was conducted, which led to a summary of research gaps, recommendations and future research directions. Overall, this review gains insight into SHM and JSM and aims to help researchers formulate more types of effective DL applications which have not been addressed sufficiently for the time being.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Enhancing the Applying of Knowledge Areas in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry

Background: The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is one of the sectors that contribute the most to the Palestinian economy. However, it now suffers from many problems, one of which is not adopting new innovations, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM recently achieved far reaching consideration in the AEC industry. Aim: This research aimed to understand the contribution of BIM to the enhancement and application of Knowledge Areas (KAs) in the AEC industry in Palestine. Methods: A quantitative survey was utilized in the pilot study. Thirty copies of the questionnaire were dispersed to respondents from the target group. The completed questionnaires were analyzed to test for statistical validity and reliability. After the pilot study, the questionnaire was validated and dispersed to the entire sample, comprising respondents from the target group who were selected by convenience sampling. Eighty copies of the questionnaire were dispersed, and 71 copies of the questionnaire were obtained from the respondents with a response rate of 88.8%. Results: To draw meaningful results, the gathered information was analyzed by utilizing quantitative data analysis techniques, including the RII, Pearson correlation analysis, and Factor analysis. Conclusion: The results illustrated the extent of enhancing the application of KAs in the AEC industry using BIM technology from the highest to lowest as follows: Cost Management (CM), Time Management (TM), Resource Management (REM), Procurement Management (PROM), Scope Management (SCM), Stakeholder Management (STM), Integration Management (IM), Quality Management (QM), Communication Management (COM), Risk Management (RM), and Safety Management (SM). As an example, BIM is effectively applied to each KA, and high efficiency is achieved when BIM is applied to TM by 4D modeling; to CM by 5D modeling; to REM by collaboration; to PROM by quantity takeoff; to SCM by element-base; to STM and IM by using integrated project delivery; to QM by using clash detection; to COM by centralized, structured data management, and information flow; to RM by constructability; and to SM by automated safety code checking.

Strategic determinants of big data analytics in the AEC sector: a multi-perspective framework

With constant flow of large data sets generated by different organisations, big data analytics promises to be a revolutionary game changer for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Despite the potential of Big Data, there has been little research conducted thus far to understand the Big Data phenomenon, specifically in the AEC industry. The objective of this research therefore is to understand the contributing factors for adopting big data in AEC firms. The investigation combined the perceived strategic value of BDA with the TOE framework (technology, organization, and environment), to develop and test a holistic model on big data adoption. A set of hypotheses derived from the extant literature was tested on data from structured surveys of about 365 firms, categorised as construction service firms (engineering and architecture) and construction firms (firms engaged in managing construction projects). The results indicated that the inhibitors and facilitators of BDA adoption are different in the construction services (architecture and engineering) and construction firms. For effective adoption of BDA solutions, the findings will guide the business managers to have realistic expectations of BDA integration challenges in AEC sector.

Inserção da ACV no processo de projeto de edificações: avaliação de alternativas e ferramentas computacionais para a prática de mercado

A Avaliação do Ciclo de Vida (ACV) tem sido muito difundida no meio acadêmico e em alguns setores industriais, inclusive na indústria da Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção (AEC). Nessa ótica, ela pode ser vista como uma nova disciplina da prática projetual, mas ainda com necessidade de ser adaptada ao processo de projeto típico do mercado. Esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de traçar diretrizes para a difusão da ACV para a prática de mercado. Primeiramente, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica para a identificação de diferentes ferramentas computacionais e os processos realizados na literatura. Posteriormente, foi realizada avaliação dos custos das licenças com os fornecedores do mercado. Verificou-se que as fases iniciais projeto são as mais adequadas para a inserção da ACV no processo. Quando os custos são avaliados percebeu-se que o caminho mais viável tende a se dar com uso de ferramentas de forma integrada ao BIM, de preferência com o uso de plugins. A presente pesquisa traz como principal contribuição o fato de ser mais orientada à prática profissional na indústria da AEC, fortalecendo assim a maior difusão da ACV, e, consequentemente, uma melhor gestão dos impactos ambientais no ciclo de vida de edificações.

Digital Platform for Circular Economy in AEC Industry

The construction industry is one of the world´s largest consumers of resources (sand, building materials) and produces significant amounts of waste. Simultaneously it is one of the least digitalized industries. With increasing levels of urbanization, scarceness of resources and lack of landfills, the policy of circular economy (CE) is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. The European Union is obliging material recovery of construction and demolition waste to a minimum of 70% by weight by 2020 for all new construction projects. Simultaneously, digitalization in construction is one of the major goals in the EU digitalization action plan. We thereby hypothesize that digital technologies have significant potential to support CE in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) in multiple ways – for assessment of resources as well as for the prediction and optimization of upcoming waste and recycling masses. Based on our conducted and ongoing research projects - BIMaterial: Process-Design for a BIM-based Material Passport; SCI_BIM: Scanning and data capturing for the Integrated Resources and Energy Assessment using Building Information Modeling; and finally a Case Study reviewing digital tools and processes within a large design and planning company (DPC) - we assess to which degree and to what purpose digital technologies are used, and define the potentials and challenges for the realization of CE objectives in the construction industry. Based on the conducted assessment, we propose a framework for a Digital Platform for Circular Economy (DEEP), integrating various stakeholders and data repositories on the external (inter)-firm and internal (intra)-firm level, using open interfaces. Such a platform for the AEC aims to optimize the use of resources in the circular economy – from cradle to grave, foster mutual learning and coordination, and finally generate added value along the life cycle of a building project.

Addressing the knowledge management “nightmare” for construction companies

Purpose Knowledge management presents a problem for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, largely because of the industry’s fragmented structure and project-driven nature. Construction companies may be involved in a variety of projects in different locations, each having its own knowledge requirements. Companies are also expected to be competitive, flexible and innovative, but introducing new knowledge management systems (KMSs) may represent a change that is beyond the organisation’s capacity to undergo successfully, and thus becomes a “nightmare”. The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a KMS solution that can help to facilitate the capture and application of important knowledge without introducing unnecessary changes in internal procedures for the organisation. Design/methodology/approach Following a review of existing systems, and an interview survey of 22 managers in the Portuguese AEC industry (contractors, design consultants and project management consultants) a new IT-based construction KMS called ConstruKnowledge was developed. The KMS was tested, verified and validated in two Portuguese construction projects and assessed by 12 managers in the construction company undertaking those projects. Findings The results of two pilot tests using ConstruKnowledge in two Portuguese construction projects demonstrate that its use can raise the levels of confidence in decision-making, and retaining knowledge; and that it serves to add value to the company. Practical implications The Construknowledge KMS is an innovative contribution to the greater acceptance of KMSs in the construction industry. The system facilitates the effective and efficient development of an organisational KMS using basic Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based collaboration tools. While undertaken in the context of the Portuguese industry, the KMS has a wider global potential for implementation and further development. Originality/value The originality and value of this research are that it demonstrates how a KMS can be developed and then used in a construction company to capture and share knowledge without introducing additional constraints.

Challenges Facing the Implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Techniques in Iraq.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is a modern technology in the construction industry that has seen widespread and implementation in construction projects around the world in recent years. Developing countries trying to follow up on the newly developed methods and technologies in terms of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Iraq is one of these countries that depends on the traditional methods for design and managing construction projects. This paper aims to review and analyze the most important constraints and challenges (barriers) that stand against the implementation of BIM technology in the AEC industry of Iraq. This paper is part of an ongoing master thesis that in dedicated to the application of BIM technology in the Iraqi AEC industry. A comprehensive literature review has been made beside a face-to-face interview with specialists in the AEC industry along with a questionnaire survey directed to the specialists involved in the process of building and construction and some expert academic parties. The reliability has been approved statically, and the analysis showed that the most influential barriers are lack of demand, lack of authority’s support, absence of a national standard for BIM, lack of experts, and the social and habitual resistance to change. The results gained were discussed and compared to the previous studies. More effort must be taken by authorities to overcome these barriers to improve the AEC industry and to take BIM techniques into implementation in Iraq.

Exploring Cultivation Path of Building Information Modelling in China: An Analysis from the Perspective of an Innovation Ecosystem

Ecosystem theory provides a new perspective for studying the development of the architecture engineering and construction (AEC) industry in the age of information and communication technology (ICT). As an extremely ICT innovation, building information modelling (BIM) not only brings technical benefits to the AEC industry, but changes the innovation paradigm of the AEC industry towards an innovation ecosystem, which improve productivity and sustainability throughout the project life cycle. This article contributes to innovation ecosystem theory by exploring the structure of the BIM ecosystem and deriving its cultivation path. Then, as the leading city in China for developing BIM technologies, Shanghai was selected as the case study to elaborate on the cultivation path of the BIM ecosystem. The results indicate that three layers identified in the structure contribute to the understanding of the boundaries, units, and analytical focus of the BIM ecosystem, with the BIM platform being the core layer. This topology structure, with the BIM platform as the hub, promotes interdependency and symbiosis among participants in the cultivation of the BIM ecosystem, supporting the birth, expansion, maturity, re-innovation (or extinction), and sustainable development of the BIM ecosystem. This research complements and extends literature on the BIM ecosystem, and provides implications as to the construction, cultivation, and sustainability of BIM ecosystems for emerging economy firms.

Best practices of organizational change for adopting alternative project delivery methods in the AEC industry

PurposeAlthough numerous studies have examined alternative project delivery methods (APDMs), most of these studies have focused on the relationship between these methods and improved project performance. Limited research identifies how to successfully add these methods within architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) organizations. The purpose of this paper is to identifying organizational change management (OCM) practices that, when effectively executed, lead to increased success rates of adopting APDMs in owner AEC organizations.Design/methodology/approachSeven OCM practices were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Then, through a survey of 140 individuals at 98 AEC organizations, the relationships between OCM practices and organizational adoption of APDMs were established.FindingsThe findings indicate that OCM practices with the strongest relationship to successful APDM adoption are realistic timeframe, effective change agents, workloads adjustments, senior-leadership commitment and sufficient change-related training.Practical implicationsAdopting APDMs can be extremely difficult and requires significant organizational change efforts to ensure the change is a success. Organizations that are implementing APDMs for the first time should consider applying the OCM practices that this study identifies as most related to successful APDM adoption.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying the OCM practices that are most significantly associated with successfully adopting APDMs.

Model‐Based System Engineering for Life Cycle Development of Digital Twins of Real Estate

AbstractThe evolving complexity of today's Smart City challenges requires agile systems that can deliver quick, real‐time insight into as‐built assets to all stakeholders. Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPS) or digital twins hold promise to enable interconnected, data analysis of as‐built assets throughout the lifecycle of the asset. In the real estate industry, a vision is emerging to develop Digital Twins of Real Estate (DTREs) – being dynamic, virtual data models of real‐world assets that aggregate all information on the asset and provide continuous feedback via a single, 3D dashboard. Key technologies in use include Internet of Things (IOT) technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) processes and Machine Learning (ML). A DTRE enables stakeholders to better understand, predict and optimize performance of the real‐world asset throughout its lifecycle.In practice, most as‐built assets are not in digital, data model format and owners and managers are faced with distributed information sets and analytical tools. ISO 19650 (Part 1 and 2) guides the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and management processes to deliver data models during the design and build phase. There is no formal process to guide DTRE development and limited, published case studies to demonstrate the business case.This paper presents a first Model‐Based System Engineering (MBSE) framework for the AEC industry to guide development of DTREs. The framework was compiled by synthesizing the author's experience, the traditional System Engineering (SE) vee diagram, ISO 19650 and reverse engineering available case studies. The paper concludes with a recommendation to develop case studies of different nature to validate the proposed MBSE framework.

Using virtual reality to facilitate communication in the AEC domain: a systematic review

PurposeThe architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry exists in a dynamic environment and requires several stakeholders to communicate regularly. However, evidence indicates current communication practices fail to meet the requirements of increasingly complex projects. With the advent of Industry 4.0, a trend is noted to create a digital communication environment between stakeholders. Identified as a central technology in Industry 4.0, virtual reality (VR) has the potential to supplement current communication and facilitate the digitization of the AEC industry. This paper aims to explore how VR has been applied and future research directions for communication purpose.Design/methodology/approachThis research follows a systematic literature assessment methodology to summarize the results of 41 research articles in the last 15 years and outlines the applications of VR in facilitating communication in the AEC domain.FindingsRelevant VR applications are mainly found in building inspection, facility management, safety training, construction education and design and review. Communication tools and affordance are provided or built in several forms: text-based tools, voice chat tool, visual sharing affordance and avatars. Objective and subjective communication assessments are observed from those publications.Originality/valueThis review contributes to identifying the recent employment areas and future research directions of VR to facilitate communication in the AEC domain. The outcome can be a practical resource to guide both industry professionals and researchers to recognize the potentials of VR and will ultimately facilitate the creation of digital construction environments.

Development of a tool for measuring building information modeling (BIM) user satisfaction – method selection, scale development and case study

PurposeWith the increasing attention acquired from researchers and practitioners in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, building information modeling (BIM) has fundamentally changed the approach we design, construct and delivery, as well as operate and maintenance of buildings and civil infrastructures. This study tries to provide an innovative perspective on BIM research. This study aims to analyze the necessity and feasibility of BIM user satisfaction research and define what BIM user satisfaction is, and then to develop a quantitative method for the measurement of BIM user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachAs it is indicated in the content, BIM user satisfaction is measured by the sum of the user's weighted reactions to a set of factors. To be specific, the entropy method was adopted to calculate the “weighting” of the factors, and the triangular fuzzy number (TFN) method was selected to compute the “scoring” of the factors. Through the literature review, methodology and tool development, as well as case study and discussions, this paper was generated sequentially.FindingsThis study found that the proposed tool for the measurement of BIM success is valid and reliable; it formerly translated the conceptual definition of BIM user satisfaction into an accurate measurement instrument. It also indicated that many factors are affecting the BIM users' satisfaction, and each of the factors inherited various importance and score, and the findings are expected to improve the performance and effectiveness of BIM management.Originality/valueThrough the translation of the conceptual BIM user satisfaction into a valid quantitative measurement instrument, this research provides an excellent framework for the management of BIM from the user's perspective, and it could help to stimulate user's acceptance of BIM in the AEC industry in future.

A Study of Current situation, Difficulties, and Advantages of implementing BIM in the Construction Sector in Northern Iraq

Building Information Modeling (BIM) as an effective Technique of construction projects management has been adopted by the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry. BIM has substantial benefits over the whole construction lifecycle. In spite of the importance of applying BIM in construction projects, It looks there is fewer study presented to rank the difficulties factors of implementing BIM , also there is less study conducted to show the advantages of using BIM in the construction sector in Northern Iraq. The major objective of this study is to investigate the current situation of applying BIM in the construction sector in Northern Iraq, examine the difficulties of implementing BIM and identify the advantages of implement BIM in the construction industry. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed to 276 engineers in three Governorates (Erbil, Kirkuk, and Sulaymaniyah) in both sectors (private and public). The collected data analyzed using the relative importance index (RII) and mean to rank the difficulties and advantages of implement BIM in Northern Iraq. The analysis results revealed that the most significant difficulties factors in adopting BIM in Northern Iraq are lack of education and syllabus in college regarding the sophisticated package, e.g., ArchiCAD and Revit, there is no training and tutoring for BIM applications in government departments and lack of government supporting and encouraging implementing BIM. The results also revealed the most significant advantages of using BIM are reduce risks in the design stage, improve building design and models, and improve the quality of the building.