Analysis of Architectural Constructability using BIM

Overview

As construction projects are getting more large scaled, complicated and high rise, the process of construction is getting complicated which causes the reduction of construction period and cost etc. through efficient management when constructing to be an important factor.

For the purpose of this efficient project management, it can be said that BIMis one of convergence technologies that draw public attention to achieve the target of process innovation and efficient project management. The term BIM has been used as a concept to integrate information (3D object information and related data) that is created during the life cycle of the whole construction project ranging from the planning of construction projects to maintenance and their process and their compatibility.

By using BIM Modeling Services, it is possible to minimize various interception and errors that is caused by inaccuracy of information at the early stage of construction projects and makes it possible for smooth communication of participants of those projects.

Recent construction has tendency to utilize the technological aspect of 3D- based BIM for improvement of constructability works. When delivering information, there is a problem that the intention of an architect is hard to be understood due to discordance on the drawings.

Many uncertain items are not solved through pre-cooperation in construction projects. From the past up to recently, constructability is not considered at the phase of design in most structures, and due to this, many problems occur when performing the actual construction. Therefore, a plan must be prepared to improve the efficiency of construction by reviewing and checking various problems in terms of construction that occurred at the phase of design in advance. Like this, to minimize time and cost that are unnecessarily consumed at the construction field, the introduction of BIM technology is being actively reviewed. This introduction of BIM technology will improve the productivity when performing a construction project through an elaborate prearranged plan and review before performing a project, and it is intended to visualize interception that occurs 2D drawings and to suggest the expected effectiveness of constructability analysis and items to be improved using BIM technology.

Constructability Improvement Plan

Integration of engineering, construction, operation knowledge and experience while constructability analysis helps in improved achievement of project objectives. The significance of designing for constructability is universally acknowledged in the construction industry.

Most influential design decisions are made at the early stage of any architectural, engineering and construction projects regarding the design shape, layout, sizes, dimensions or material selection. It is therefore vital to use our construction knowledge and experience when making such decisions.  Most of the designers and building clients ignore the design constructability until the commencement of the construction which then leads to costly design changes if any.  Barriers to implementing constructability vary from one project to another and from one company to another. However, the required effort in terms of time and manpower largely impedes the actual implementation of the concept.

Another dominant factor in most construction projects is the lack of formal, explicit constructability knowledge bases that can connect observed constructability issues and the design processes. These knowledge bases can be provided as online repositories to be accessible by project partners at the right time in the decision-making process. Therefore, devising a tool that can build such knowledge bases based on experts’ inputs, and then applying them back on relevant cases, will significantly facilitate concept implementation, which is not currently the case. Revit Modeling Services can play a vital role in improving design constructability through a collaborative process with early contribution into the design options. It encourages the reconciliation of the design and construction process that apparently leads to improved quality of building with savings in cost and time taken.

Object-oriented models have real potential in measuring constructability application, where architects can draw out related constructability factors using a quick, simple and precise tool. What’s more, BIM can be electronically displayed and modelled with the huge measure of data epitomized in the design plan, from its origination to end-of-life. Such data can be utilized to evaluate, plan, detail, advance bill creation, mechanize shop drawing, and construction planning for all of the trades.

Furthermore, the integration of time into the design solution to build a 4D BIM model could help significantly in conducting visual analyses of constructability status. Design teams can now simulate the entire construction process virtually, leading them to identify what could go wrong during the process. Crucial constructability aspects such as materials and labours accessibility, construction sequences and activities interdependency can be qualitatively analysed and assessed – giving a room to constructors to optimise the construction schedule.

How constructability analysis can be beneficial?

1. Cost

• Saves 1-14% of capital cost
• Saves of total project cost
• Lower cost of bidding
• Reduced site labour
• Increased cost effectiveness
• Better resource utilization

2. Time

• Early competition
• Increased productivity
• Reduced outage duration

3. Quality

• Higher quality of built product

4.Safety

• Safer environment on site

5. Others

• Reduction in unforeseen problems
• Improvements in industrial relations, teamwork, communication and client satisfaction.

Conclusion

When previously constructing a building, works were performed based on 2D and after modifying and supplementing the performance of constructability analysis and reviewing & checking the constructability analysis, design, the construction were conducted. If the interface is not sufficient due to impediment of communication between members and separation of design/construction, there is a tendency to depend on only experiences and knowledge. But when progressing works through BIM, if the scheduling is efficiently managed with minimization of errors according to changes of design/construction, improvement of communication between each company by performing design and construction after works of constructability analysis utilizing 3D BIM, it’s possible to check whether there is interception or not before construction. Thus minimization of time and cost. Since the constructability analysis and review at the phase of preconstruction through 3D virtual BIM and efficient cooperation support are possible, enhancement reliability with a client and quality improvement can be expected.