Building Delivery Process Research Articles

Research on the application of BIM technology in intelligent building technology

With the continuous progress of society and science, building technology is also developing in the direction of intelligence, and the introduction of BIM technology has greatly promoted the development of intelligent buildings in China. The application of BIM technology in the field of intelligent construction is of great significance. It optimises project quality management, accelerates the building delivery process, and improves the operation and maintenance management efficiency of buildings. It is foreseeable that with the arrival of the intelligent era, BIM technology will continue to play an important role and bring more opportunities and challenges to the construction industry. Relevant practitioners should also actively learn and apply this technology to promote the development of the construction industry. This paper is based on a number of typical engineering cases, analyses a large number of existing literature, and reads various working reports and policies issued by the government. It introduces the role of BIM technology in project quality management, intelligent construction delivery and operation and maintenance management, with a view to providing reference for relevant practitioners.

The Use of Normative Energy Calculation beyond the Optimum Retrofit Solutions in Primary Design: A Case Study of Existing Buildings on a Campus

There are significant differences between expectations and fulfillment in the building delivery process. Many researchers have emphasized the need for design strategies that establish a direct correlation between design proposals and building performance. One of the main objectives is to support performance-driven primary design, which occurs before the design performance modeling (DPM) phase. To achieve this, a case study of retrofitting existing buildings on campus is presented. A normative calculation approach is used to identify the optimal combinations of a dozen retrofit strategies based on the Energy Performance Calculator (EPC) model. This approach reduces or eliminates the impact of parametric uncertainties on modeling assumptions and simplifies calculations, particularly in restrictive studies. These retrofit solutions involve structural and functional zoning renovation, meaning that disparity between expectations and fulfilments is considered, and a timely related information feedback route to architects is achieved. In the first step of the narrative development of the EPC model, EPC-Calib was used to find the optimal combination of input variables in the model that satisfies the desired target and complies with the problem constraints. Secondly, the retrofit study was implemented with EPC-TechOpt, and 16 retrofit solutions for three design performance models were examined based on the local climatic conditions, building features, and retrofit costs. Finally, design schemes were determined, and the cost-optimal mix of the measures was desired with a 40% energy saving.

Sustainable construction by using novel frameworks using BIM, LEED, and Lean methods

Sustainable building projects gained momentum in the last decade, and the trend continues. It is important to explore the factors affecting the sustainable building delivery process for concentrating on these factors and pace up the sustainability approach. Building information modelling (BIM) has developed as the definitive technology for managing construction projects. BIM technology has features like accuracy and precision that helps in improving the quality of construction. Green building construction methods and Lean construction are the methods that help to improve sustainability and reduce waste generated during construction. In this article, the author would like to propose a methodological framework that comprises BIM, Green building methods, and Lean methods. After implementation author is hoping to optimize resource utilization, monitor, and measure the construction progress and construction payment procedures. The author is believing that after the implementation of the framework, a virtual environment is prepared which brings more accountability in resource usage and tracking of project progress. Work also highlights the differentiating aspects of sustainable building projects regarding project phases and makes recommendations about the timing of services, such as value engineering, constructability analysis, technology integration, and construction management. The author considers one case study of a residential building and prepared a 3D model using BIM. Further, the author put lean tools and LEED-based methodology to produce the standard operating procedure for the case study considered. Then, a virtual environment is prepared using the 3D model in BIM, and the methodology is considered. This environment was tested from time to time with the actual execution of the project to claim the validity of the proposed model.

KAJIAN PENDEKATAN PERANCANGAN BERBASIS KINERJADALAM PROSES PENYELENGGARAAN BANGUNAN GEDUNG

ABSTRACT: Performance based design apporach in building delivery process is taking place from the initital stage or since the conceptual design, conducted collaboratively with multidisciplinary approach by involving all parties involved. This design approach has many advantages over traditional methods, including predicting building performance and optimizing all resources used when the building is operated by integrating building systems using simulation applications. However, this approach has not been widely practiced in the construction industry due to the sequential mannner apllied in many construction projects and the inadequate resources available. This paper attempts to convey the understanding and implementation of the performance-based design approach in building design, the problems faced and the use of simulation tools to predict and optimize the building performance.

Critical success factors for BIM implementation: a Malaysian case study

PurposeThis paper aimed to identify critical success factors (CSFs) of building information modeling (BIM) implementation among architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) firms in Malaysia using quantitative statistical methods.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted on the population of all AEC firms in Malaysia to rank the relative importance of 15 success factors (SFs) for BIM implementation in the firm on a 5-point Likert scale. The sampling frame consisted of all members registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) from which 184 responses were received. The distinction between SFs and CSFs was achieved by a normalized mean cutoff value. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the relative groupings of the CSFs and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the underlying relationships between the CSF groupings.FindingsResults of this study validated 11 previously identified CSFs for successful implementation of BIM among Malaysian AEC firms. Non-technical factors such as management, leadership and coordination were found to have higher relevance compared to technical factors such as software and hardware. Ranking analysis of the CSFs found internal coordination factors to have more importance compared to external coordination factors. PCA revealed 4 principal components (PCs) from the 11 CSFs. Together, these four PCs explain 74.3% of the variance in the data. Also, six hypothesized relationships between these groupings were supported using PLS-SEM.Research limitations/implicationsThis study found an interaction between internal and external coordination factors for the implementation of BIM. Future research could explore the dynamics of both intra- and inter-firm coordination, which may create an environment suitable for BIM implementation.Practical implicationsThis study provides Malaysian AEC firms with a general strategy on how to approach the implementation of BIM within the firm. In addition, government initiatives should focus on increasing BIM competency of graduates entering the workforce. This can be achieved through the development of a national BIM curriculum. Apart from that, the implementation of BIM requires a radical shift in the traditional building delivery process, not just simply acquiring new software and hardware.Originality/valueThis study revealed that the interactions between different firms at the industry level can influence successful implementation of BIM at the firm level. CSFs for BIM implementation at the firm level have been extensively studied. However, few studies exist which explore the inter-firm collaborations at the industry level that facilitate successful BIM implementation.

Explanatory stories of human perception and behavior in buildings

This paper is motivated by a perceived disconnect between standards and guidelines for supporting building design and operation professionals on the one hand and contemporary fundamental research findings in pertinent human sciences. In other words, the plethora of recent highly detailed studies do not appear to have been crystalized into versatile explanatory theories accessible to practice-oriented professionals in the building delivery process. In fact, to locate instances of high-level and intuitively comprehensible explanatory models of human perception and behavior, one may need to revert back to intellectual traditions originated as far back as in late nineteenth century. A review of a number of such explanatory models suggests that they display, despite their differences in levels of detail and degrees of sophistication, a few recurrent motifs. To revisit these models is rewarding not only from the historical point of view. Their conceptual transparency has arguably the potential to inspire the development of a new generation of accessible high-level explanatory theories of human perception and behavior.

Integration of operational data in building information modelling: From ontology to application

Building design, construction, and operation has been suggested to benefit from comprehensive and well-formed repository of associated information. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has pursued the supposition that repositories could facilitate seamless exchange of information amongst the multiple stakeholders in the building delivery process. Related research and development efforts have primarily focused on representation of buildings’ geometry and specifications of their constituent structural and constructional components. More recently, representations of building environmental control equipment and systems have begun to become incorporated in BIM applications. Ongoing work in this area has likewise targeted development of common schemes to incorporate, in BIM, buildings’ sensory networks and elements that serve, for instance, the operation of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) systems. To achieve these targets, comprehensive and robust ontologies of building monitoring data and building performance indicators are essential. In the present contribution, we first present a recently introduced original proposal for such ontologies, covering data regarding dynamic data relevant to state, operation, and performance of buildings. This ontology was developed based on an extensive review of building monitoring data and performance indicator catalogues in thermal, air quality, visual, and acoustical domains. The ontology’s structural core basically involves a systematic specification of the generic attributes of building performance variables. We then illustrate various benefits and applications of this ontology. It is shown to support data quality check, data visualization, building operation optimization, and preventive building systems maintenance. It can also add to the clarity of building performance requirements specifications, advance the understanding of building performance principles in educational and training settings, and provide and early integration of buildings’ operational attributes in BIM applications.

The role of building information modeling (BIM) in delivering the sustainable building value

The value of a sustainable building is the quality of building performance delivered to solve problems of consumers – developers, owners, and building users – within the constraints of time and cost of resources used to deliver the quality. The delivery of functional, environmentally responsible and liveable, maintainable and easy to operate, safe and secure building will solve consumers’ problems. The difficulty of delivering the required sustainable building value to consumers is due to several building delivery professionals working in silos – fragmentation. This paper discusses the role of building information modeling (BIM) in reducing the fragmentation among professionals at each and across building delivery stages using evidences from the literature. It is evident from the literature that BIM provides a virtual repository that allows easy access to and sharing of information and knowledge in real time. Thus, BIM provides a platform for professionals to work in an integrated environment at any stage of the building delivery process. However, the maximization of the benefits BIM provides through the virtual repository depends on the contracting method adopted for the building delivery. The identification of knowledge gained and gap from the literature led to suggestion of future research direction needed to improve the delivery of sustainable building value to the consumers.

Rule Based Building Construction Generation: An Approach Based on Formal Language Methods

The composition of efficient and appropriate building constructions is a key agenda in the building delivery process. While this process is regularly considered to be of highest importance for the final quality of a building, many involved stakeholders regard it as a cumbersome and repetitive routine. Therefore, approaches to facilitate this process should be investigated. Toward this end, we address the layer-wise building component composition via formal language methods. These are regularly used in computer science to formalize real-world processes into a language that can be processed by a computer. Regarding building component generation, relationships and interdependencies between different layers need to be considered. While these are easy to understand for a skilled human planner with pertinent domain knowledge, the exact formulation of building composition rules is far from trivial. Thus, automated building part generation requires collection and formalization of the required knowledge regarding building component composition, so that it can be readily transformed into a processual form. After collection, definition and structuring of such rules, the overall process of component generation can be expressed in Pseudo-Code. This offers three major advantages: i. Pseudo-code is vendor and platform neutral and is a widely used concept in computer science; ii. Potential mistakes and issues can be easily identified, iii. Flexibility, extensibility and editing ease is ensured. In this contribution we illustrate a general approach, define certain rules and thresholds, and introduce a formalized method for building part generation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the concept via a limited number of constructions and discuss potential application scenarios.

An Inquiry into the Current Practice of Building Product Data Handling by Different Stakeholders in Austria

The timely availability and quality of building product information is critical prerequisite for a successful building delivery process. However, little is known about the processes by which stakeholders acquire and use such data. This contribution documents the results of recent relevant surveys, addressing the building product data processing by planers, clients, and the industry. Web questionnaires and interviews with opinion leaders were conducted. Altogether, over 100 participants provided pertinent insights regarding strengths and weaknesses of the current data representation practices. A comparison of the obtained data with that of an earlier study allows for the documentation of the evolutionary trends in web-based data provision. Most importantly, the results facilitate the formulation of strategies for a more effective presentation and distribution of building product data.

The deployment-dependence of occupancy-related models in building performance simulation

The relationship between the proper choice of occupancy-related models for building performance simulation and the pertinent purpose of the simulation-based query is not well understood. We thus address the necessary conditions for a better understanding of the context-dependence of occupancy-related model use in building performance simulation. First, given the multitude of application scenarios (involving different users, different phases of the building delivery process, different queries, etc.) in which building performance simulation can be deployed, we propose a conceptual framework in terms of a multi-dimensional simulation deployment space. To demonstrate the desirability and usability of such a framework, we provide two specific case studies, involving deployment instances of probabilistic and non-probabilistic occupancy models. One case study focuses on occupancy model deployment options in the context of simulation-based predictive building systems control. The second case study explores the implications of occupancy model selection in the context of simulation-based building design support.

Initiatives in Educating Future Architects in Earthquake Resistant Design Practices

India has suffered the effects of a number of earthquakes in the recent past in which the poor seismic performance of the built environment emerged as a key area of concern. A number of initiatives have been taken in India to address this problem and these include, among others, revision and strengthening of the codes of practice, drafting of development regulations and building bylaws to take seismic safety into account, sensitization and awareness building in the community, and capacity‐building efforts directed at various stakeholders in the building delivery process. Architects, as initiators of projects, coordinate the team of professionals responsible for the building‐delivery process. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reach out directly to tomorrow’s architects through sensitization in seismic safety issues to better prepare them for their professional roles. Earthquake‐resistant architecture has fairly recently been included in the academic curriculum of undergraduate colleges of architecture. To supplement and strengthen this, a unique initiative was launched in India in 2008 to directly reach the undergraduate students of architecture through an Annual Workshop Series that is now in its sixth year. Through these workshops, nearly three hundred undergraduate students of architecture have been trained in concepts of the earthquake resistance of buildings. The objective of the series is to sensitize students of architecture in earthquake‐resistant design practices through technical lectures followed by design studios in which they are given hands‐on guidance in earthquake‐resistant design by working on an architectural design project in the Time Sketch format that they are familiar with. This paper presents a brief overview of this activity. India is located in one of the most earthquake‐prone regions of the world. The entire Himalayan belt is prone to earthquakes of magnitude exceeding 8.0, and in a relatively short span of about 55 years, four such earthquakes had occurred: 1897 …

Development of web-based information technology infrastructures and regulatory repositories for green building codes in China (iCodes)

With the unprecedented pace of construction in China, reliable and consistent communication between the various building industry players (both local and international) throughout the whole building delivery process is of paramount importance for the successful achievement of green building improvement in China. In order to achieve the goals of the green building standards through integrated team work in a reformed building delivery process, a web-based information technology (IT) infrastructure named China Green Building Codes and Standards Online (iCodes) is developed based on advanced web application and database technologies. The principal strategic thrust of the work is to develop an integrated bi-lingual platform to support the processes involved in building energy efficiency practices as well as research and development (R&D) purposes. It aims to provide a consistent knowledge repository for generating educational material for teaching and training purposes that cover the life-cycle building delivery process. With the help of the fast growing and wide spread Internet technology in China, this integrated IT framework and features will enable efficient dissemination of green building practice related information throughout China.

Cognitive biases in energy decisions during the planning, design, and construction of commercial buildings in the United States: an analytical framework and research needs

Despite a national goal for every building to achieve net-zero energy by 2050 and despite exemplary projects proving the technical and economic feasibility of much better energy performance, commercial buildings in the USA today use more energy per square foot than they ever have. Decisions made during planning, design, and construction (delivery) of commercial buildings appear systematically irrational, not maximizing utility for designers, occupants, or society. In other fields, notably economics, improved understanding of cognitive biases like “loss aversion” and “anchoring” has helped to explain seemingly irrational decision making. Related work has examined these cognitive biases for energy decisions made in an occupied building. Less clear is the role these cognitive biases play in the high-impact, long-term energy decisions made during commercial building delivery. As an initial step towards addressing this gap in understanding, this paper outlines key energy decisions in commercial building delivery and shows how cognitive biases may impact these decisions. A suggested approach to study these biases, and to design policies that address them, is provided. By highlighting these potential cognitive biases, based on an understanding of the building delivery process, this paper aims to engage those with relevant expertise in the behavioral and social sciences to help address the decision making that is preventing progress towards improved energy performance in commercial buildings.

Clients’ assessment of architects’ performance in building delivery process: Evidence from Nigeria

The overall intent of this research is to provide architects with information that can be used to improve their performance so as to optimally satisfy the client's requirements and achieve high-quality overall project performance in Nigerian construction industry. Architect performance criteria were identified based on literature within the domain of architect responsibilities. The assessment of architects’ performance was carried out through a questionnaire survey of clients of recently completed building projects in Nigeria. Analysis of data includes comparison of criteria using importance–performance index analysis. Factor analysis was carried out on criteria where architects are falling below average, to group and explore the latent structure of the criteria in the data. The results showed that the architect needs to focus on management skills and ability, buildability, design quality, project communication, project integration and client focus. These results would encourage architects to perform better within their full responsibilities in the building delivery process and deliver high-quality projects within Nigerian construction industry.

Computational support for building evaluation: Embedded Commissioning Model

Persistent evaluation of design throughout the building delivery process is a challenging task. Isolated measurements with discrete objectives typify current practices. However the goal of the AEC industry should be the improvement of the quality of buildings through continuous evaluation. This paper describes our research on an Embedded Commissioning Model, which proposes a building information model to make architectural evaluation a persistent part of the building lifecycle.

Examining architects' performance in Nigerian private and public sectors building projects

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine and compare the performance of architects with respect to clients' rating of importance over a set of performance criteria in Nigerian public and private sector building projects.Design/methodology/approachA survey involving clients from both public and private sectors of recently completed building projects in Nigeria was undertaken. Data analysis includes comparing similarities and differences using standardised ratio, Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests.FindingsThe results show that private sector clients are likely to be more concerned with cost, while public sector clients are more concerned with buildability of design. A total of 79 per cent of the criteria were similarly selected by both sectors with respect to importance of the criteria. Architects need to improve their performance significantly in about 82 per cent of the whole set of 28 criteria. The architects performed better in the public sector than the private sector and 14 per cent of the criteria were indicated as being statistically different in terms of architects' performance.Originality/valueThe results provide feedback which can be incorporated in architects' future projects so as to ensure successful project implementation in the building delivery process.

A neural network approach to assessing building façade maintainability in the tropics

A model was developed to assess the maintainability of façade using neural network techniques. Inputs were derived from comprehensive studies of 570 tall buildings (more than 12 stories) through detailed field evaluation and interviews with professionals in the whole building delivery process. Sensitivity analysis showed that the most significant factors associated with façade maintainability include the system selection, detailing, accessibility and material performance.

Model for Predicting Architect's Performance in Building Delivery Process

The aim of this study is to construct a model that can be used to predict the architect's overall performance in the Nigeria building delivery process and to provide adequate understanding of the criteria which constitute the model. Architect performance criteria were identified from existing literature within the domain of architect responsibilities and developed into a two‐part questionnaire survey. The survey involves clients of recently completed building projects in Nigeria. The first part of the questionnaire survey consists of 71 clients which were used to construct the model while the second part consists of another 17 clients which were used to validate the model. Based on this data, a predictive discriminant analysis model of two‐group cases (good and poor performance) was developed. The model shows that the predicted architect's overall performance is significantly correlated with the actual validated client ratings (0.783 at 99% confidence interval). The results show that if architects want to achieve good performance, they should give a high level of performance to ‘effective communication of design to contractor and other participants’; ‘effective constructability review’; ‘assistance in quality management strategies and clarity and consistency of specification with drawings’. The study would give architects a fore knowledge on how to ensure good performance in their future enterprise.

Factors Affecting Water-Tightness in Wet Areas of High-Rise Residential Buildings

Defects related to internal water leakage in wet areas of 1500 high-rise residential building blocks between 0–35 years of age were studied. The problem type, the extent of the problem, the mechanism, the implications of design; construction material and maintenance, and the local and international standards; codes of practices; good practice guides etc governing the aspects were discussed. The study highlights the significance of ensuring close interaction right from the planning and design phases between professionals including the maintenance team. The cases presented show the importance of reviewing structural, architectural and M&E issues using an integrated approach throughout the whole building delivery process.