Building Information Modeling in

Site Management
Golam Kawser Chowdhury, M.Sc. ConREM Student at HTW Berlin (s0536324),
(email: [email protected])

Abstract
The construction industry is ever evolving with increasing performance demand. Project
handover deadlines are shorter, costs are tighter, regulation more stringent, project briefs are
more complex, construction procurement methods more varied, Technology forever
developing, parallel to technology quality more difficult to achieve and maintain. How do we, as
construction professionals, respond to these increasing demands and retain implementing
quality in an environment of such increasing complexity and competing constrain? The purpose
is to deconstruct the process of managing construction site to investigate how a BIM approach
to design and development as well as documentation might assist us to meet the future
demands of implementation and site management practice. I will try to focus on present
techniques used and successfully implemented examples, especially with the help of BIM tools
to assist the process of site management. This report will show an outline methodology in
regard to the site management work flow in practice. Particular emphasis will be placed upon
the fast track nature of site implementation that is becoming more commonplace in the
construction industry. These approaches, supported by property developed and implemented
standard and procedures will assist to maximize the efficiency of our practice’s workflow as
well as clarify some myths under the increasing pressure of contemporary site management.

Keywords: BIM, Construction, Site Management, Site implementation, collision.

 Background
Industrial Context
Managing site is a process that consists of the building or assembling of infrastructure. Far from
being a single activity, large scale construction is a feat of human multitasking. Normally, the
job is managed by a project manager, and supervised by a construction manager, design
engineer, construction engineer or project architect. For the successful management and
execution of a construction project, effective planning and technical supports are essential.
Involved with the design and execution of the infrastructure in question must consider the
environmental impact of the work, the successful scheduling, budgeting, construction site
safety, availability of building materials, logistics, inconvenience to the public caused by
construction delays and bidding, etc. Participants in the whole managing process are constantly
challenged to deliver successful projects despite tight budgets, limited manpower, accelerated
schedules, and limited or conflicting information. The BIM concept envisages virtual
construction of a facility prior to its actual physical construction, in order to reduce uncertainty,
improve safety, work out problems, and simulate and analyze potential impacts.1 Sub-
contractors from every trade can input critical information into the model before beginning
construction, with opportunities to pre-fabricate or pre-assemble some systems off-site.

Problem
Of course, BIM is an absolutely wonderful tool, and it has great potential to streamline costs,
processes and time, to help different disciplines communicate effectively and to ensure little
confusion on a construction site. But to get to that promised land of benefits, you have to pass
through the wilderness of adoption, which always seems to hinge on organizational change, not
technology. This is the inconvenient truth. Without having a clear concept and following some
myths, BIM has become another cost, instead of a cost-savings tool for site management.

1
Smith, Deke (2007). "An Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Learning Objectives:
 What is BIM?
 What is virtual construction and how it helps to manage site?
 What is BIM 3D to 6D approaches for construction site management?
 How BIM collaborate all contractor works in a single platform to the project from collision?

Approach
Masters(ConREM) Course materials of Product Modeling, literatures, recent real estate
journals, Conference Lectures of world renowned practicing BIM experts and site managers of
these days were my key features for investigation and analysis of this discussion topic.

Course materials were well organized and highly informative to understand BIM and personally
I have used 2D / 3D CAD for more than 2 years and have had the opportunity to work in a
largest construction site (satellite city) in Bangladesh as a Project Engineer in my professional
career.

Analysis
What is BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional

characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a
facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from
earliest conception to demolition.2 For the professionals involved in a project, BIM enables a
virtual information model to be handed from the design team (architects, surveyors, civil,
structural and building services engineers, etc.) to the main contractor and subcontractors and
then on to the owner/operator; each professional adds discipline-specific knowledge to the
single shared model. This reduces information losses that traditionally occurred when a new
team takes 'ownership' of the project, and provides more extensive information to owners of
complex structures. BIM can be used to demonstrate the entire building life cycle, supporting
processes including cost management, construction management, project management and

2
National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee,
http://www.buildingsmartalliance.org/index.php/nbims/faq/
facility operation. Quantities and shared properties of materials can be extracted easily. Scopes
of work can be isolated and defined. Systems, assemblies and sequences can be shown in a
relative scale with the entire facility or group of facilities. Dynamic information about the
building, such as sensor measurements and control signals from the building systems, can also
be incorporated within BIM to support analysis of building operation and maintenance. 3 BIM
also prevents errors by enabling conflict or 'clash detection' whereby the computer model
visually highlights to the team where parts of the building (e.g.: structural frame and building
services pipes or ducts) may wrongly intersect.

Features of BIM in site management

One of the features of BIM in site management is Virtual design and construction. Virtual Design and
Construction is the use of integrated multi-disciplinary performance models of design-
construction projects to support explicit and public business objectives. Virtual models are
virtual because they show computer-based descriptions of the project. The Virtual project
model emphasizes those aspects of the project that can be designed and managed, i.e.,
the product (typically a building or plant), the organization that will define, design, construct
and operate it, and the process that the site management teams will follow. These models are
logically integrated in the sense that they all can access shared data, and if a user
highlights or changes an aspect of one, the integrated models can highlight or change
the dependent aspects of related models. The models are multi-disciplinary in the sense
that they represent the Architect, Engineering, Contractor (AEC) and Owner of the
project, as well as relevant sub disciplines. The models are performance models in the sense
that they predict some aspects of project performance, track many that are relevant, and can
show predicted and measured performance in relationship to stated project performance
objectives.

3D – Model

Model walkthroughs: These provide a great visualization tool enabling designers and
contractors to work together to identify and resolve problems with the help of the model
before walking on-site.

3
Liu, Xuesong; Akinci, Burcu (2009). "Requirements and Evaluation of Standards for Integration of Sensor Data
with Building Information Models". Computing in Civil Engineering. pp. 10
Clash detection: Traditionally design drawings must be coordinated to assure that different
building systems do not clash and can actually be constructed in the allowed space.
Accordingly, most clashes are identified when the contractor receives the design drawings and
everyone is on-site and working. With clashes being detected so late, delay is caused and
decisions need to be made very quickly in order to provide a solution. BIM enables potential
problems to be identified early in the design phase and resolved before construction begins.
Illustrating the advantages of BIM, one project for the General Services Administration in
America saw BIM model reviewers find 257 constructability issues and 7,213 conflicts. On the
same project, traditional plan reviewers found six constructability issues and one conflict.

Project visualization: Simple schedule simulation can show the owner what the building will
look like as construction progresses. This provides a very useful and successful marketing tool
for all those involved in a project. Contractors can also use project visualization to understand
how the building will come together.

Virtual mock-up models: Often on large projects the owner will request physical mock-up
models so they can visualize, better understand and make decisions about the aesthetics and
the functionality of part of the project. BIM modeling enables virtual mock-ups to be made and
tested for a fraction of the cost.

Prefabrication: The level of construction information in a BIM model means that prefabrication
can be utilized with greater assurance that prefabricated components will fit once on-site. As a
result, more construction work can be performed offsite, cost efficiently, in controlled factory
conditions and then efficiently installed.

4D – Time

Construction planning and management: BIM models provide a means of verifying site logistics
and yard operations by including tools to visually depict the space utilization of the job site
throughout a project's construction. The model can include temporary components such as
cranes, Lorries and fencing. Traffic access routes for lorries, cranes, lifts, and other large items
can also be incorporated into the model as part of the logistics plan. Tools can further be used
to enhance the planning and monitoring of health and safety precautions needed on-site as the
project progresses.

Schedule visualization: By watching the schedule visualization, project members will be able to
make sound decisions based upon multiple sources of accurate real-time information. Within
the BIM model a chart can be used to show the critical path and visually show the dependency
of some sequences on others. As the design is changed, advanced BIM models will be able to
automatically identify those changes that will affect the critical path and indicate what there
corresponding impact will be on the overall delivery of the project.

5D – Cost

Quantity Takeoffs: To determine a project's construction cost and requirements, contractors

traditionally perform material ‘take-offs’ manually, a process fraught with the potential for
error. With BIM, the model includes information that allows a contractor to accurately and
rapidly generate an array of essential estimating information, such as materials quantities and
costs, size and area estimates, and productivity projections. As changes are made, estimating
information automatically adjusts, allowing greater contractor productivity.

‘Real Time’ cost estimating: In a BIM model cost data can be added to each object enabling the
model to automatically calculate a rough estimate of material costs. This provides a valuable
tool for designers, enabling them to conduct value engineering. However, it should be noted
that overall project pricing would still require the expertise of a cost estimator.

6D – Facilities Management

Lifecycle management: Where a model is created by the designer and updated throughout the
construction phase, it will have the capacity to become an ‘as built’ model, which also can be
turned over to the owner. The model will be able to contain all of the specifications, operation
and maintenance (O&M) manuals and warranty information, useful for future maintenance.
This eliminates the problems that can currently be experienced if the O&M manual has been
misplaced or is kept at a remote location.

Data Capture: Sensors can feed back and record data relevant to the operation phase of a
building, enabling BIM to be used to model and evaluate energy efficiency, monitor a building's
life cycle costs and optimize its cost efficiency. It also enables the owner to evaluate the cost-
effectiveness of any proposed upgrades.
Project communication and Collaboration

Communication is essential to integrated site management processes. Without tools that

simplify communication and allow the decision maker to make timely decisions, it is difficult to
minimize errors and keep everyone in the loop. A collaborative approach by BIM to project
communications is the best way to minimize problems. In an integrated process, it is the only
way. Different BIM models ideally, a construction project would utilize a single BIM model used
by designers, contractors, subcontractors and fabricators for all purposes. Each party could
access the model at will, adding content that all others could immediately utilize. The reality is
that for many years there will rarely be a single BIM model. The architect may have its design
model, each engineer may have an analysis model for its discipline, and the contractor may
have a construction simulation model and the fabricator its shop drawing or fabrication model.
Interoperability - the sharing of information between these different models - is critical to the
collaborative use of BIM, by assuring that each model consistently represents the same
building. However, current technologies, and levels of BIM adoption, do not yet allow seamless
coordination between different BIM models. The use of multiple models undermines the
collaborative use of BIM and prevents project parties from reaping the full benefits of BIM's
capabilities.

Identify Collisions before They Cause Issues in the Field: Here’s an example of how BIM can
dramatically reduce construction cost overruns. KAI was providing BIM services for a large
hospital project already under construction. When the managers integrated the MEP, HVAC and
fire protection drawings into BIM model, they detected a potential collision between the
electrical cable raceways and the HVAC. Then they met with the owner, the designer and the
affected contractors to review the 3-D BIM model and work out the best solution for co-
locating the raceways and the HVAC. The three-hour meeting saved thousands of dollars in
change orders and weeks of potential construction delays.

In addition to collision detection, BIM enables the cost-saving power of reusability. For
example, for health-care portfolio, they developed standard hospital room types in our BIM
system that they continuously adapt for standard components, such as wall and bathroom
designs. That allows them to build quickly and keep costs competitive. BIM also makes more
off-site fabrication possible.

BIM’s benefits for general contractors include higher quality work completed on a faster
schedule, better design visualization, ability to clarify and control scope of work, more detailed
scheduling and phasing, more accurate estimates and quantity takeoffs, improved spatial
coordination and, of course, better collision detection.
 Results and Business Impacts
Key Findings
BIM – building information modelling is a co-ordinated set of processes, supported by
technology, that add value by creating, managing and sharing the properties of an asset
throughout its lifecycle. BIM incorporates data physical, commercial, environmental, and
operational on every element of a development’s design.

 Better outcomes through collaboration

All project partners – different design disciplines, the customer, contractor, specialists and
suppliers – use a single, shared 3D model, cultivating collaborative working relationships. This
ensures everyone is focused on achieving best value, from project inception to eventual
decommissioning.

 Enhanced performance

BIM makes possible swift and accurate comparison of different design options, enabling
development of more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

 Optimised solutions

Through deployment of new generative modelling technologies, solutions can be cost-

effectively optimised against agreed parameters.

 Greater predictability

Projects can be visualised at an early stage, giving owners and operators a clear idea of design
intent and allowing them to modify the design to achieve the outcomes they want. In advance
of construction, BIM also enables the project team to ‘build’ the project in a virtual
environment, rehearsing complex procedures, optimising temporary works designs and
planning procurement of materials, equipment and manpower.

 Faster project delivery

Time savings, up to 50%, can be achieved by agreeing the design concept early in project
development to eliminate late stage design changes; using standard design elements when
practicable; resolving complex construction details before the project goes on site; avoiding
clashes; taking advantage of intelligence and automation within the model to check design
integrity and estimate quantities; producing fabrication and construction drawings from the
model; and using data to control construction equipment.
  Reduced safety risk

Crowd behaviour and fire modelling capability enable designs to be optimised for public safety.
Asset managers can use the 3D model to enhance operational safety. Contractors can minimise
construction risks by reviewing complex details or procedures before going on site.

 Fits first time

Integrating multidisciplinary design inputs using a single 3D model allows interface issues to be
identified and resolved in advance of construction, eliminating the cost and time impacts of
redesign. The model also enables new and existing assets to be integrated seamlessly.

 Reduced waste

Exact quantity take-offs mean that materials are not over-ordered. Precise programme
scheduling enables just-in-time delivery of materials and equipment, reducing potential for
damage. Use of BIM for automated fabrication of equipment and components enables more
efficient materials handling and waste recovery.

 Whole life asset management

BIM models contain product information that assists with commissioning, operation and
maintenance activities – for example sequences for start-up and shut-down, interactive 3D
diagrams showing how to take apart and reassemble equipment items and specifications
allowing replacement parts to be ordered.

 Continual improvement

Members of the project team can feed back information about the performance of processes
and items of equipment, driving improvements on subsequent projects

Business Impact

BIM is the future of construction and long term facility management but there is still much
confusion about what exactly it is and how it should be utilized and implemented. BIM is a
relatively new technology in an industry typically slow to adopt change. Yet many early
adopters are confident that BIM will grow to play an even more crucial role in building
documentation.
BIM provides the potential for a virtual information model to be handed from Design Team
(architects, surveyors, consulting engineers, and others) to Contractor and Subcontractors and
then to the Owner, each adding their own additional discipline-specific knowledge and tracking
of changes to the single model. The result greatly reduces information losses in transfer. It also
prevents errors made at the different stages of development/construction by allowing the use
of conflict detection where the model actually informs the team about parts of the building in
conflict or clashing. It also offers detailed computer visualization of each part in relation to the
total building.

Conclusion
BIM is much more than an electronic drawing tool. In a nutshell, BIM is the creation of a
complete digital representation of all stages of the building process in order to facilitate the
exchange of project information in a digital format. Driven by an information-rich database, it
enables members of the project team to simulate the structure and all of its systems in three
dimensions and to share this information. The drawings, specifications and construction details
are integral to the model. As a result, the team members are able to identify design issues and
construction conflicts well before the first earth mover arrives at the site. A project can realize
its greatest potential and highest value when it is collaboratively designed and built that is,
when the entire design team works together starting in the early planning and design phase.
When effectively used by all key members of a project team the architecture/engineering firm
(A/E), general contractor or construction manager, and specialty contractors, in particular, the
mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection contractors BIM is a platform for true
collaboration. In fact, input from the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection
contractors in the design phase is critically important to prevent collisions or conflicts in the
field.
 Practical Tips and Key Lessons:

 Virtual modeling by BIM

 3D to 6D approach
 Cost saving
 More organized site management
 Prediction of site problems
 Collaboration of site works
 Well scheduled management of site

Acknowledgements
I would like to thanks my BIM course tutor Janne Salin (part time lecturer, ConREM) and Päivi
Jäväjä (teacher, ConREM) for providing me helpful information in the field of Building
Information Modeling.

References

 Eastman, BIM Handbook, 2008

 1
Smith, Deke (2007). "An Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM)
 National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee,
http://www.buildingsmartalliance.org/index.php/nbims/faq/
 Liu, Xuesong; Akinci, Burcu (2009). "Requirements and Evaluation of Standards for Integration of
Sensor Data with Building Information Models". Computing in Civil Engineering. pp. 10
 http://moodle.metropolia.fi/course/view.php?id=3780
 Kymmell W., Building Information Modeling –Planning and Managing Construction
Projects with 4D CAD and Simulations, McGraw Hill, 2008.,ch-BIM approach
 Author Biography

th
Golam Kawser Chowdhury born in 17 June 1985 at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Completed his school and college in 2000 and 2002 respectively. Optimism,
enthusiastic, searching for knowledge and creativity are his main characteristics
which drive him to be interested in the field of Civil Engineering and he
completed his Bachelor over Civil Engineer in 2007 from Ahsanullah University
of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. While working as a Project
Engineer in large construction company in his country, he became interested to
broaden his career prospective in international level and to search for the scope,
he found ConREM. He is now attending his M.Sc. on Construction and Real
Estate Management (ConREM) at HTW Berlin.