Use Of Building Information Modelling Tools Research Articles

Multiple holistic case study of project-level building information modelling (BIM) adoption in Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to undertake a contextual analysis of project-level building information modelling (BIM) adoption in Nigeria and demonstrate how BIM is applied across different projects in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This research generates contextual and holistic understandings of multiple project-level cases of BIM adoption through an interpretive paradigm guided by relativist ontology and subjectivist epistemology. Two models of project-level BIM adoption (ten-factor theory of BIM adoption and strategic-contingent model of BIM adoption) were merged to formulate the BIM adoption assessment scale (BIM-AAS). A qualitative-oriented case study protocol was developed to extract valid and reliable data from external and internal project data based on BIM-AAS features. The extracted data were analysed using the pattern-matching technique and cross-case analysis. Findings The results indicate that there was substantial use of BIM tools and technologies in the projects. All the projects adopted collaborative procurement and team and developed integrated building information models. The use of BIM tools, technologies and processes in the projects was found to be above average. The complexities and expectations levels of the projects compliment the nature of BIM adoption in the projects. Research limitations/implications The BIM-AAS adopted in this research is an excellent example of a project-level BIM adoption analytical tool. It can be assumed in future research. Also, this research contributes to the theory that the level of project complexity and expectations must align with the level of BIM adoption in projects. The study’s findings ratify BIM tools, technologies and processes as the elements of project-level BIM adoption. Practical implications This research substantiates the actual nature and structure of BIM adoption in Nigeria, thereby simplifying the development of initiatives towards BIM adoption in projects and determining the appropriate strategies for BIM implementation and innovation in the Nigerian construction industry. The most important initiative that the Nigerian government can make to drive BIM implementation is the automating of code checking for building rules and regulations in Nigeria. Originality/value Previous studies have only reported cases of project-level BIM adoption using surveys and without a standardised project-level BIM adoption model to guide the analysis. This study is the first to formulate and use BIM adoption models for a uniform, critical and contextual analysis of project-level BIM adoption.

Level of Awareness and Use of the Different BIM Software Packages in the Nigerian AEC Industry

This study considered the extent of use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry (AEC) in Nigeria. The factors influencing the level of adoption of BIM and the barriers to the adoption of BIM in the AEC industry in Nigeria was investigated. The data collection technique used was the survey method, which involved the administration of structured questionnaires to 100 professionals in the AEC industry in Nigeria in the three main cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The result shows that most professionals in the AEC Industry are aware of the use of BIM in the AEC Industry and a lot of professionals have also engaged in the use of BIM tools. It also shows that the BIM tools are mostly used for activities in the design stage such as design, visualization and drafting but, are least used for maintenance activities. The major barriers to the adoption of BIM in the AEC Industry in the study include, lack of training and education on BIM use, technical challenges associated with adoption of BIM, the complicated nature and processes involved in BIM use, inadequate government support for BIM use in the AEC Industry and general resistance to change by people in the AEC Industry. The study recommends that in order to achieve critical mass adoption of BIM and its benefits maximized in the AEC Industry in Nigeria there is a need for sensitization on the benefits of BIM and training of students and professionals in the industry on the use of BIM.

Civil Engineering students’ response to visualisation learning experience with building information model

The paper presents a study of Civil Engineering students’ responses to a questionnaire on their visualisation learning experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM). Fourth-year undergraduate students of the Civil Engineering Course at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, were participants of the survey. BIM was introduced and incorporated into two subjects (called Units hereafter), namely Construction Technology (CT), and Integrated Design and Construction (IDC). Training was provided to students on the use of the modelling tool, structural engineering software, construction scheduling and simulation software, and how to transfer files in a BIM environment. In the CT Unit, the use of BIM tools was demonstrated through worked examples and students were given assessment tasks to create a model, perform structural analysis and design, and produce construction scheduling and simulation. In the IDC Unit, the assessment task contained a larger scope requiring a more collaborative approach and roles changing to simulate the complete process of the design, tender and construction phases of a project; however, the use of BIM tools was optional. Details of the work tasks given in the Units and the learning outcomes will be presented. The results from the questionnaire survey show that students were very enthusiastic and agreed that learning BIM technology would benefit them, with many respondents indicating they preferred to start learning from as early as in their first year. This outcome enforces the much-needed paradigm shift in teaching and learning from being traditional to more technology-based learning.

Building information modelling in the highways sector: major projects of the future

This paper assesses the current situation and ongoing developments with regards to the use of building information modelling (BIM) tools and processes in major projects by the UK Highways Agency. Using the M25 widening scheme as a case study, it explains the benefits of BIM within the sector as well as the current restrictions to its use. The potential for added benefits through the use of embedded information within BIM models is discussed, as well as the use of BIM tools in the handover process. The A556 improvement project is discussed as a possible demonstration project for these added benefits. Current challenges relating to the link between major project BIM tools and highways asset management are identified, and conclusions made as to what more can be done in this area to improve the whole-life management of highways assets.

Implementing ‘Site BIM’: A case study of ICT innovation on a large hospital project

Numerous Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools are well established and potentially beneficial in certain uses. However, issues of adoption and implementation persist, particularly for on-site use of BIM tools in the construction phase. We describe an empirical case-study of the implementation of an innovative ‘Site BIM’ system on a major hospital construction project. The main contractor on the project developed BIM-enabled tools to allow site workers using mobile tablet personal computers to access design information and to capture work quality and progress data on-site. Accounts show that ‘Site BIM’, while judged to be successful and actively supporting users, was delivered through an exploratory and emergent development process of informal prototyping. Technical IT skills were adopted into the construction project through personal relationships and arrangements rather than formal processes. Implementation was driven by construction project employees rather than controlled centrally by the corporate IT function.