Building Information Modelling

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is i s the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses threedimensional, real-time, dynamic building modelling software to increase productivity in building design and construction [Holness, 2008]. BIM in local construction industries is addition of a study that seeks in identifying the reasons behind slow implementation of this solution in construction industry. The process produces the Building Information Model, which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components [Lee, et al, 2006]. Building relationships,

information light

analysis,

modelling

had

geographic

cover

geometry,

information,

spatial

quantities

and

properties of building components. BIM can be used to demonstrate the entire building life cycle, including the process of construction and facility operation. Quantities and shared properties of materials can be extracted easily. BIM goes far beyond switching to new software. It requires changes to the definition of traditional architectural phases and more data sharing than most architects and engineers are used to.

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 An instance of BIM software is from Autodesk products which are a comprehensive environmental design tool that covers a wide range of simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building design will operate and perform. Architects and designers work easily in 3D and apply a rich flexible of tools that are important for our customers to drive and support an energy efficient and sustainable future [Holness, et al, 2006]. 1.2 Background Construction industry is moving rapidly towards the modernization. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has played the significant roles in this transformation. The use of BIM permeates various industries and is seen as a major driver for improvement in performance and cost efficiency (CIDB,2006). There are eminent research efforts on enabling and advising information technology to enhance work efficiency and collaboration among  Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) by providing mechanism infrastructure to deliver pertinent information required for decision making in a timely manner. According to Estamen et al 2005, Halfway and Froese 2001, technologies should facilitate information interchange between member of project team and across stages in the project lifecycle from construction to inspection and last on maintenance aspects. However, the performance of the ICT towards the industry still underprivileged. It might be due to the different types of software used by the participants of the industry, the amount of redundant information and the manual transfer of information (Molnar, Anderson & Ekhlom, 2008). Therefore, Khoury and Kamar, 2009 suggested that the central kernel of this communications infrastructure should be inhabited by a shared construction project model in form of integrated product models and project data base, these resulted to the Building Information Modelling (BIM).

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 An instance of BIM software is from Autodesk products which are a comprehensive environmental design tool that covers a wide range of simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building design will operate and perform. Architects and designers work easily in 3D and apply a rich flexible of tools that are important for our customers to drive and support an energy efficient and sustainable future [Holness, et al, 2006]. 1.2 Background Construction industry is moving rapidly towards the modernization. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has played the significant roles in this transformation. The use of BIM permeates various industries and is seen as a major driver for improvement in performance and cost efficiency (CIDB,2006). There are eminent research efforts on enabling and advising information technology to enhance work efficiency and collaboration among  Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) by providing mechanism infrastructure to deliver pertinent information required for decision making in a timely manner. According to Estamen et al 2005, Halfway and Froese 2001, technologies should facilitate information interchange between member of project team and across stages in the project lifecycle from construction to inspection and last on maintenance aspects. However, the performance of the ICT towards the industry still underprivileged. It might be due to the different types of software used by the participants of the industry, the amount of redundant information and the manual transfer of information (Molnar, Anderson & Ekhlom, 2008). Therefore, Khoury and Kamar, 2009 suggested that the central kernel of this communications infrastructure should be inhabited by a shared construction project model in form of integrated product models and project data base, these resulted to the Building Information Modelling (BIM).

2

Building Information Modelling (BIM), is a modelling technology and associated set of process to produce, communicate and analyze building models (Estamen et al, 2008), is seen as an enabler that may help the building industry to improve its productivity. BIM is suitable to support the simulation of a construction project in virtual environment with the advantages of taking place

in silico 

through the use of proper software

package (Jardin-Goncalves, 2010). Although, BIM has been on the market for a few years, it has not been adopted into the industry as it is not widely use from its full capacity. Yet, there is still some space for improvements.  As of 2009, approximately half of industry representatives r epresentatives do not use any BIM software on projects in the U.S (McGrawHill, 2009). Even though the concept of BIM has widely implemented, but people still failed to explore how a BIM concept can really talk to a construction project in a real time manner (W.S.Lu & Li, 2011). Therefore, this research will aim to study how the BIM will interoperate with the construction project and also will investigated the appropriated approach to enhance the implementation in our local industry.

1.3 Problem Statement The slow adoption of the BIM in the industry has been caused by several technical and human barriers, these barriers can be categorized as internal or external factors. In internal use of BIM, the main barriers are cost and human issues, mainly the learning of new tools and processes. The learning process is significantly more expensive than the actual costs of hardware and software. As software.  As Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim said “It is not a problem of knowledge and information on the usage of BIM, it is always about the cost”. Although there is awareness of using the BIM but the cost of investment prohibited companies from adopting the technology. Big companies can afford BIM system while most of the small companies find its adoption unaffordable (Star, 2009).

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 Another internal barrier is fear of lacking of features and flexibility of the modelling tools. Meanwhile, the external barriers as described by Williams (2007) include legal aspect of implementing BIM which have been an area of concern to many owners, Architects and Engineers (A&E), general contractors and sub-contractors. Furthermore, technical issue related mainly to lack of sufficient and reliable interoperability between software applications are significant obstacles, although perhaps not fully recognised by the industry yet. It is because most companies have no experience of the use of shared BIM in saying of Kiviniemi et al (2008). However, the degree and various of these factors has not been identified. Therefore there is need for research to identify degree.

1.4 Aim The aim of this research is to investigate the issue of Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in local construction industry in order to resolve the interoperability issues.

1.5 Objectives 

To study the current practice and awareness of the industry towards new technologies



To investigate the barriers of Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in construction industry.



To identify the potential factors that could accelerate adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM).



To envisage the consequences if Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been adopted.

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1.6 Scope of Study This research is focused on the participants of the construction industry which generally divided into few groups which are Developers,  Architects, Consultants, Engineers and Contractors to get their opinions towards the Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption in solving the interoperability issue. The respondents are chosen based on the top management level and the middle management only. Furthermore, the research will only focus on the construction firms that located within Klang Valley area.

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1.7 Project Organization Chapter 1: Introduction In chapter 1, the outline of the study will be illustrated. It consists of the background of studies, problem statement, and the aim of research, research objectives, scope of study and the study organization for this study. Chapter 2: Literature Review While in Chapter 2, the information about the research title will be obtained from different sources such as journals, books, web site and et cetera so that the concept of the research can be supported by facts and to prove the feasibility of the research title, aim and objectives. Chapter 3: Research Methodology For chapter 3, the research strategy, research method and data analysis that will used for this study will be explained and the information and data collected will be interpreted. Chapter 4: Findings and Analysis Moreover, in Chapter 4, the outcome of the analysis of data collected from the questionnaire will be presented and it will be supported by the facts that mentioned in the Chapter 2 in order to clarify the perceptions of the participants towards the study objectives and aim. Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation Lastly, the main conclusion will be drawn out in this chapter and the limitations of the research will be highlighted at the meanwhile. Except from that, some of the opinions/points will be recommended for the purpose of further investigation.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The Building Information Model  is primarily a three dimensional digital representation of a building and its intrinsic characteristics. It is made of intelligent building components which includes data attributes and parametric rules for each object. For instance, a door of certain material and dimension is parametrically related and hosted by a wall. Furthermore, BIM provides consistent and coordinated views and representations of the digital model including reliable data for each view. This saves a lot of designer’s time since each view is coordinated through  the built-in intelligence of the model. According to the National BIM Standard, Building Information Model is “ A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility and 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”  ("About the National BIM Standard-United

This chapter covers the basic information about Building Information Modelling (BIM) which is a process and practice of virtual design and construction throughout its Lifecycle. It is a platform to share knowledge and communicate between project participants. In other words, Building Information Modelling is the process of developing a building with sort of information in a model figure. Building Information Modelling (BIM) which includes the function and concept of BIM, the barriers to BIM implementation

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in our local construction industry such as legal issues, interoperability towards BIM software, clients and

stakeholder support, resistance to

change, personnel competencies are also discussed in this research. Furthermore, the strategies for the implementation of the BIM system include training, introduction of BIM software at university curriculum will also present in this chapter.  An architectural firm may decide to design a Building Information Model, and use it for visualization and energy analysis. Building Information Modeling is an emerging of technology and a procedural paradigm within the industry after paper-based drafting and computer aided design (CAD) (Succar, 2009). The architects firm may even have an internal collaboration with the others team members. BIM includes specific information on different building elements and systems associated with a building, such as wall types, spaces, air handling units, geo-spatial information, and circulation zones (GSA, 2007).

However, the architect may decide to provide the

drawings in two dimensions and restrict the Building Information Model access. This chapter would conclude the nature in construction with the professional

role

in

implementing

BIM.

The

concept,

uses

and

implementation of BIM have been discussed in this chapter.

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2.2 Nature of Construction Industry The construction industry has lagged behind other industries as the slow adaption in accepting the benefits of adopting Building Information Modeling

(BIM)

in

the

construction

industry.

In

the

1990s,

while

interoperability productivity benefits were being realized in other industries and the building construction industry went largely unaffected (Gabriel & W.Jun). Much of this was due to the fragmented nature of the industry where the relationship between designers, contractors and subcontractors often inhibited communications and teamwork. The problem was compounded further by the fact that many design and construction firms were small and did not have the resources required to take full advantage of new information transfer technologies (Gabriel & W.Jun). The fragmented nature of the industry who involved a wide range of parties from the blue collar labour, carpenters, bricklayers until the white collar workers such Engineer, Architects, Quantity surveyors and other project teams with play with different roles and duties in order to faster the development

of

the

construction

industry

which

include,

Designer,

Consultants, Construction team and clients. To cope with the improvement of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) the professions have been developed their own construction related software for the ease of their works. However, they only utilized it within their own department or within their professions group. The interoperability within one group and another still is an issue within the industry as there is lack of communication between all the team members which may cause some misunderstanding among the project team.

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2.3 Role of Construction Professionals In the traditional approach, a development may go through a few phases which all team members will contributes them it completing each other task. The architect, typically the lead designer in building projects and construction manager works directly for the owner. The engineering consultants are part of the designers’ team. The engineer and the architect first design the building as they are the design team. The team consist architect and a few engineer such as mechanical and electrical engineer and structural engineer. Upon, the completion of the design phase, the construction managers are also known as general contractors in the traditional approach bid for the job. Once the bid is awarded to selected contractor, then the construction will starts. It is not a fast track project delivery method. In other words, the approach does not involve early participation of the construction team during design (Eastman, 2008). If the designers generated a 3D parametric model for the project, the contractors will have some issue on the design as the contractors may focus on the information more than the building as the contractor do not join the design team during the design phase. Overall, Design-Bid-Build eliminates the benefits of having the construction input during the design phase when the ability to influence the cost is the highest as depicted in figure 1. The architects and the engineers may not want to share their models due to risks, liability concerns, unauthorized reuse of intellectual properties and misinterpretation of the information included in the model (Eastman, 2008).

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Figure 2.1: Project Life Cycle - ability to influence cost (Eastman, 2008) Building construction requires many workers and many trades. From the perspective of realizing a project, a professional project team is needed to make sure that the project will be constructed successfully. The construction professionals include the architect, engineer and quantity surveyor. Those personnel are the most responsible person when something happened in a project especially when technical works are concerned. The professionals’ expertise of each construction professionals must be careful exercise as they are answerable to any sinfulness occurred during the construction (Hussin & Omran, 2009). Many accidents have occurs and the one responsible is the contractor. The contractor was blamed if there is any accidents occur.

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Figure 2.2 : Typical organizational boundaries between the participants in construction project (Eastman et al, 2008)

2.3.1 Client The client’s  role is to provide leadership and a mandate for change. Whether or not the client becomes directly involved in technical issues is a matter of choice, but what is important is and the client is seen by the rest of the design and construction team to be committed and sufficiently knowledgeable to be committed and sufficiently knowledgeable to be decisive and set clear requirements. (Andrew Goddard Associates Ltd, 2010)

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2.3.2 Architect In general, architect is a person who is involved in the planning, designing and oversight of a buildings construction. In the broadcast sense, an architect is a person who translates the user’s needs into the builder’s requirements. The knowledge about the building and operational codes is necessary so that he or she is not apt to omit any necessary requirements, or produce improper, conflicting, ambiguous, or confusing requirements. Furthermore, architect must understand the various methods available to the builder for building the client’s  structure, so that he or she can negotiate with the client to produce a best possible compromise of the results desired within explicit cost and time boundaries. Then architect also responsible with being familiar with the construction work and reporting the general progress and quality of the work, as completed to the owner (Hussin & Omran, 2009).

2.3.3 Engineer The scope of work of engineers involves planning and execution of the designs from transportation, site development, and hydraulic environmental, structural and geotechnical engineers. The main part of engineer’s  job description is analysing report which includes

the

analysis

of

maps,

drawings,

blueprints,

aerial

photography, topographical information, calculation of the building loads and analyses the grade requirements and et cetera. Engineers also have to make sure that there are no impediments in the way of where the structure will be built and if there are any they must move them. Finally, the engineers have to provide construction information, including repairs and cost changes to the managers (Hussin & Omran, 2009).

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2.3.4 Quantity Surveyor Quantity Surveyor is the person who manages and control costs within construction projects and may involve the use of management procedures and technical tools to achieve this goal. The method employed cover a range of activities such as: cost planning, value engineering, feasibility studies, cost benefits analysis, lifecycle costing, valuation and cost estimation. A quantity surveyor can also be known as construction economists, cost engineers or construction managers. Quantity Surveyors control costs and prices of work, labour, materials and plant required, an understanding of the implications of design decision at an early stage to ensure that best value is obtained for the money to be expended. Quantity surveyors will also preparing tender document in accordance with a published standard method of measurement as agreed to by the quantity surveyor profession and representatives of the construction industry (Hussin & Omran, 2009).

2.3.5 Builder or Contractor  A contractor sources materials and manages the construction process. This involves both direct material purchase and indirect purchasing through trade contractors. Therefore, the contractor is the party responsible for agreeing with the design team how they will meet the client’s requirement for recycled content and et cetera. The contractor’s task is then to source and incorporate specif ic products that satisfy or exceed the client’s requirement into the works as specified. On completion, the contractor should be able to provide the client with documentary evidence that the target level of the project had been achieved (Hussin & Omran, 2009).

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2.4 The Concept of BIM Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents the process of development and use of a computer generated model to simulate the planning, design, construction and operation of a facility. A BIM is a data that rich, object-oriented, intelligent and parametric of digital which representing the facility, from a few views and data appropriate to various users need that can be extracted and analyse to generate information that can be used to make decisions and to improve the process of delivering the facility (AGC, 2005). While, Wong et al. said that BIM has the attributes of both an approach and a process or action. It is an approach as it provides an alternative to the traditional paper based approach of project design and management. It is also a process or action as it creates a product called Building Information Model, whose performance can be measured. BIM is actually the intersection of two critical ideas: (Autodesk, 2003) 

Keeping critical design information in digital form makes it easier to update and share and more valuable to the firms creating and using it.



Creating real-time, consistent relationships between digital design data with innovative parametric building modelling technology can save significant amounts of time and money and increase project productivity and quality.

BIM is now rapidly gaining acceptance as the preferred method of communicating the design professions intent to the owner and project builders (Bruce A. Burt, 2009). In addition, BIM now is also being increasingly used as an emerging technology to assist in conceiving, designing, construction and operating the buildings in many countries (Wong et al., 2009).

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Figure 2.3 : The Concept of BIM (Bruce A. Burt, 2009).

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2.4.1 Function of BIM  According to editor of BIM journal (2012), BIM has a broad range of application, right cross the design, construction and operation process. These BIM functions can be roughly grouped into f ive categories:   Design



  Analysis



  Construction



  Operation





Data Management Design applications relate to the pre-planning and planning phase

of a project. This section includes initial data collection like laser surveying, existing conditions modelling and site analysis, spatial programming and design authoring. It encompasses includes design review and coordination (Autodesk, 2003).  Analysis refers to secondary applications, often undertaken by a party who may not have authored the model themselves. Analysis activities include structural analysis, energy analysis, green building certification, lighting analysis, mechanical analysis, as well as other specialty disciplines. This category also includes model auditing, that is validating model integrity and verifying the model against design parameters and building code requirements. Construction functions refer to the deployment of BIM for construction management. This includes construction planning as well as applications for construction sequencing (4D) and quantity take off and estimation (5D). This section also examines shop drawing production and integration with Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). A significant part of this section addresses BIM to Field activities such as establishing construction set-out points and recording as-built data and construction status (Autodesk, 2003).

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Operation refers to BIM functions that support facility management. This includes record modelling, model maintenance and integrating the model with Facilities Management software for asset or spatial management, equipment tracking and maintenance scheduling. This section also examines how a model can be reactivated for future facility expansion (Eastman, 2008). Data Management examines best practices for BIM data structure and exchange, and how multi model data may be regulated. This section includes an introduction to collaborative platforms and electronic project delivery systems, as well as key sessions on model collaboration, change management and issue reporting and tracking. This section also includes functions relating to interoperability and exchange

formats,

managing

metadata

and

linking

multiple

databases like model and text file (Autodesk, 2003).

2.4.2 Benefits of BIM Due to the nature of BIM software, there are several wide ranging benefits to be gained by deploying BIM. Basically, the advantages of BIM technology are a means either to reduce cost, materials usage or indirectly through efficiency gains throughout the three major phases in the building lifecycle from design, construction and management (Autodesk, 2003). While when look into the individual elements, the main benefits that drive the deployment (Davidson, 2008) 

Accuracy and consistency of data



Design visualization



Ease of quantity takeoff



Multi-user collaboration



Energy efficiency and sustainability

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2.4.2.1 Design Phase During the course of a building project, an architect must balance the project scope, schedule and cost. By using BIM, all of the critical information such as design and geometry information is immediately available, so that project-related decisions can be made more quickly and effectively. Furthermore, BIM allows a project team to make changes to the project at any time during the design or documentation process without laborious, low value consideration and manual checking work. In addition, all of the building design and documentation work can be done concurrently instead of serially, because design thinking is captured at the point of creation and embedded in the documentation as the work proceeds. Lastly, the automatic coordination of changes offered by BIM would eliminate coordination mistakes, improves the overall quality of the work and helps companies win more repeat business (Autodesk, 2003). 2.4.2.2 Construction Phase During

the

construction

phase,

BIM

makes

available

concurrent information on building quality, schedule and cost. The builder can accelerate the quantification of the building for estimating and value engineering purposes and for production of updated estimates and construction planning. The consequences of proposed or procured products can be studied and understood easily and the builder can quickly prepare plans showing site use or renovation phasing for the owner, thereby communicating and minimizing the impact of construction operations on the owners operations and personnel. The result is that, less time and money are spent on process and administration issues but goes into the building (Eastman, 2008).

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2.4.2.3 Management Phase Management phase regularly involved facility management. In the management phase of the building lifecycle, BIM makes available concurrent information on the use or performance of the building, its occupants and contents, the life of the building over time and the financial aspects of the building. Moreover, the provided digital record of renovations accelerates the adaption of standard building prototypes to site conditions for businesses of similar buildings in different locations. Furthermore, BIM also provide the physical information about the building such as finishes, furniture and equipments or financially important data about leasable areas and rental income or departmental cost allocations are all more easily managed and available (Dana K Smith,2009). Generally, it can conclude that the consistent access to these types of information improves both revenue and cost management in the operation of the building (Autodesk, 2003).

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2.5 Use of BIM in Construction Management

There are many uses of Building Information Modelling for each project participant. Figure 2.4 depicts these uses for the planning, design (preconstruction), construction and operation (post construction) phases.

Figure 2.4 : BIM Uses throughout a Building Lifecycle (Messner, 2009) During the design phase, the use of BIM can maximize its impact on a project since the ability to influence cost is the highest. The team can creatively come up with ideas and provide solutions to issues before problems become high cost impacts to the project. This can be realized through the cooperation and coordination of the entire project staff. Therefore, it is extremely important to have a good collaboration (Dana K Smith,2009).

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The use of BIM especially enhances the collaborative efforts of the team. The architect and engineer can test their design ideas including energy analysis. The construction manager can provide constructability, sequencing, value and engineering reports. They can also start 3D coordination between subcontractors and vendors during early stages of design (Autodesk, 2003).

The owner can visually notice if the design is what he is looking for. Overall, the BIM promotes the collaboration of all of the projection participants. There are beneficial uses of BIM during the construction phase. However, the ability to impact the cost in a project reduces as depicted in figure 1 as the construction progresses. Several uses include sequencing, cost estimation, fabrication and onsite BIM (Dana K Smith,2009).

2.5.1 Cost Estimation The two main elements of a cost estimate are quantity take off and pricing. The quantity from a Building Information Model (BIM) can be extracted to a cost database or a Microsoft Excel file. However, pricing cannot be attained from the model. Cost estimating requires the expertise of the cost estimator to analyse the components of a material and how they get installed. If the pricing for a some of the activity is not available in the database, cost estimator may be needed a further detailed of the element for more accurate pricing (Dana K Smith,2009). For instance, if a concrete pour activity is taking place, the model may account for the level of detail for the rebar, wire mesh, pour stop, formwork, and concrete but not include it as part of the quantity take off extraction. Cost estimator may need this level of detail from the model to figure out the unit price which consists of the unit material cost, unit labour cost, overhead and profit.

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The unit labour cost is driven by the mobilization and installation durations, and the labour wage while the unit material cost is the sum of the material costs used for the activity per unit. Once the unit price is attained, the cost of the entire activity can be attained by multiplication of the total quantity extracted from BIM and unit price (Dana K Smith,2009). In Building Information Model, the data output is the data input. It is very important to have both of the contractor and designer to agree on component definitions. For instance, if an architect is using concrete slab to show the roof for modeling purposes, the roof quantity information will not be accurately accounted for quantity extraction purposes in the model (Dana K Smith,2009). Overall, the BIM technology is a great tool to optimize the productivity of the estimators through quantity extraction from the model especially if the construction and design team work collaboratively.

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2.5.2 BIM Tools There are plenty of Building Information Modelling tools. This subsection will identify these products. The following Table 2.1 depicts the BIM authoring tools and their primary functions. The list includes MEP, structural, architectural, and site work 3D modelling software. Some of this software are also capable of scheduling and cost estimation. Product Name Cadpipe HVAC Revit Architecture

Manufacturer AEC Design Group Autodesk

 AutoCAD Architecture

Autodesk

Revit Structure

Autodesk

Revit MEP  AutoCAD MEP  AutoCAD Civil 3D Cadpipe Commercial Pipe DProfiler

Autodesk Autodesk Autodesk AEC Design Group Beck Technology

Bentley BIM Suite

Bentley Systems

Fastrak SDS/2 Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP Digital Project

CSC (UK) Dsign Data EastCoast CAD/CAM Gehry Technologies

Digital Project MEP System Routing  ArchiCAD MEP Modeler HydraCAD  AutoSPRINK VR FireCAD

Gehry Technologies Graphisoft Graphisoft Hydratec M.E.P CAD Mc4 Software

CAD-Duct Vectorworks Designer Duct Designer 3D, Pipe Designer 3D RISA

Micro Application Nemetschek QuickPen International RISA Technologies

Tekla Structure

Tekla

Primary Function 3D HVAC Modelling 3D Architectural Modelling and parametric design 3D Architectural Modelling and parametric design 3D Structural Modelling and parametric design 3D Detailed MEP Modeling 3D MEP Modeling Site Development 3D Pipe Modeling 3D Conceptual Modeling with realtime cost estimating 3D Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical 3D Structural Modelling 3D Detailed Structural Modelling 3D Detailed MEP Modeling CATIA based BIM System for  Architectural, Design, Engineering and Construction Modeling MEP Design 3D Architectural Modelling 3D MEP Modeling 3D Fire Sprinkler Design and Modeling 3D Fire Sprinkler Design and Modeling Fire Piping Network Design and Modeling 3D Detailed MEP Modeling 3D Architectural Modelling 3D Detailed MEP Modeling Full suite of 2D and 3D Structural Design Application 3D Detailed Structural Modelling

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 Affinity

Trelligence

Vico Office

Vico Software

PowerCivil Site Design, Site Planning

Bentley Systems Eagle Point

3D Model Application for early concept design 5D Modeling which can ba used to generate cost and schedule data Site Development Site Development

Table 2.1: BIM Authoring Tools (Reinhardt, 2009)  A variety of shop BIM tools for drawing and fabrication are available or structural and MEP contractors as depicted in Table 2.2:

Table 2.2: BIM tools for drawing and fabrication (Dana K Smith,2009).

Revit Architecture provided by Autodesk Inc. has built-in sequencing options. Each object can be assigned a phase. Revit then uses snapshots of the model for each phase creating a simple sequencing for the viewers. Currently, there are a lot of architects that are using Revit Architecture. Various BIM construction management and scheduling tools are available. BIM

Construction

management

tools

that

support

coordination

are

Navisworks Manage, ProjectWise, Digital Project Designer, and Vico. Furthermore, Vico, Navisworks Timeliner, Innovaya and Synchro support BIM and schedule integration (Reinhardt, 2009)

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2.6 Implementation of BIM Building information modeling (BIM) is becoming more and more important to manage complex communication and information sharing processes in collaborative building projects (Sebatian and Léon, 2010). BIM is now increasingly used as an emerging technology to assist in conceiving, designing, constructing and operating the buildings in many countries, notably in the United States. Other countries including Finland, Singapore, Denmark and Norway have also adopted BIM (Wong et al, 2009). 2.6.1 Barriers to BIM in Construction Industry People, technology and the environment are critical to implementation of BIM (Alshawi, 2008). People and process are keys to change and improvement, while work environment and IT infrastructure are enablers without which the first two elements cannot be sustained (Bew and Underwood, 2010). In the market, much of the research devoted to BIM is focused on developing technological solutions aimed to standardize and streamline adoption across the design, construction and operational phases of a building. However, recently completed research indicates that a range of determining the success or otherwise of BIM adoption. It found these behaviours collectively resulted in the formation of a differentiated project team culture, sub-optimal ICT usage, and minimal utilization of BIM capabilities (Brewer et al., 2010). Thus, the intention to adopt comes always first in the adoption process (Nikas et al., 2006). For example, top managers’ intention to adopt innovations is an indicator of their subsequent decisions such as behaviour. Therefore, it can conclude that, executive who categorize innovation as functional will intend to decide in favour of adopting the innovations with a belief in the potential gains or benefits from this innovation (Nikas et al., 2006).

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Further, Nikas et al. (2006) also stated that, organizations satisfied with proprietary systems in conjunction with the existence of an existing IT infrastructure are more enthusiastic in adopting collaborative technologies.  Additionally, they also revealed that for organizations that already have an IT department, the continuous training and skills development of their personnel is positively related with the intention to adopt collaborative technology. However, the critical factors in implementing BIM application not only limited to people’s  attitudes towards the technology, characteristic of the industry and project, individual’s resistance to change, it also related to the risks involved in the transformation, the uncertain outcome of the new technology (Dana K Smith,2009). 2.6.1.1 Interoperability Interoperability is the ability to manage and communicate electronic data among owners, clients, contractors, and suppliers, and across

a

projects

design,

engineering,

operations,

project

management, construction, financial, and legal units. Interoperability is made possible by a range of information technology tools and applications including computer-aided drafting and design (CADD), three and four-dimensional visualization and modelling programs, laser scanning, cost estimating and scheduling tools, and materials tracking (NAP, 2009). Effective use of interoperable technologies requires integrated, collaborative processes and effective up front planning and thus can help

overcome

obstacles

to

efficiency

created

by

process

fragmentation. Interoperable technologies can also help to improve the quality and speed of project related decision making integrate processes; manage supply chains, sequence work flow, improve data accuracy and reduce the time spent on data entry, reduce design and engineering conflicts and reduce the time spent on data entry.

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It will reduce design and engineering conflicts and the subsequent need for rework improve the lifecycle management of buildings and infrastructure and provide the data required to measure performance (NAP, 2009). However, modernization of the workplace has long been a topic for research and innovation. The main challenge is to realize real innovation and change in the workplace, and cope with the many hurdles human, organizational, societal, and technological through learning

and

experimentation.

Considering

AEC-FM

domains,

innovation of the workspace is of major importance, as practice is intrinsically collaborative, within knowledge rich, multi-functional working environments (Dana K Smith,2009).

The evolution of

sophisticated CAD systems, in addition to handling vectorial data, has made it possible to enrich the 3D models of buildings and structures with complementary data, enabling the simulation of a construction project in a virtual environment. This has emerged as major trend, usually known as Building Information Modeling (BIM) (Grilo & Jardim-Goncalves, 2010).

2.6.1.2 Stakeholders Major

stakeholders

play

an

important

role

for

the

implementation BIM especially the support of the central government which can be regarded as the driving force towards higher utilization of BIM. A strong government support not only would create a uniform environment for nationwide acceptance of BIM, an active environment for research and development also would be created.

28

On the other hand, a strong involvement of private sector in BIM

initiatives

would

help

create

new

business

processes,

partnerships and collaborations. The involvement of private sectors would influence strong commercial incentives for developing new software or increasing the capabilities of existing software or hardware used for BIM. However, the creation of less uniformity environment may not be well compatible with other companies and thus the fragmentation of the real estate and construction companies would increase. This problem is reminiscent of many developing and under-developed countries where the implementation of BIM at both the public and private sector is at the initial stage or is non-existent (Wong et at., 2009). 2.6.1.3 Modeling Guidelines  As refer to the USA or UK which are success in changing the construction practice, their governments are setting out a BIM guideline in helping the industry in facing the changes and also provides several research in proving the viability of BIM. However, if without the private sector’s support, the implementation of BIM also will not be success in the acceptance of nationwide (Dana K Smith,2009). Therefore, it should be noted that modeling guidelines is essential in accelerate adoption of BIM and the successfulness of BIM implementation is depends on the cooperation between the public and private sectors.

29

2.6.1.4 Clients Demand In the local industry, many stakeholder are scare of change or scare of the uncertain outcomes of the changes and most of the clients will only willing to change if the benefits are proven and they believe that the request of the new technology for a project will enable the bidders to increased their bids price of the project and thus will limiting their potential pool of bidders. Whilst, the contractor may have the intention to change when they facing keen market competition, there are strong incentives for it to search for new innovations to help maintain or enhance its competitive edge (Dana K Smith, 2009).

2.6.1.5 Pilot Project The uncertainties of the outcome are one of the barriers in implementing BIM. Therefore it is best to start out with a pilot project that enables measuring of the investment. The pilot project should be a project type with known metrics and is already familiar with so that the benefits of BIM can be accurately gauged and also enable the pilot team can accelerate their learning process towards determining the methodologies that should be used for future projects.

30

2.6.1.6 Legal Issues  As the development of BIM has become more and more important, it is worth having a look at the legal issues that may arise when working with BIM. Carried out some of the legal issues in the adoption of BIM will ensure that the industry can collaborate without the worry of adverse legal consequences (Udom, 2012). As BIM is expected to break down the barriers created by implementing it in a project and replace it with a collaborative working process, where all designers, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors and specialist manufacturers working on a project feed into and work on one information model or federated models, the confusion about the precise legal effect of adopting BIM may arise (Dana K Smith, 2009). The identified legal issues are as below: (Udom, 2012) 

Contractual framework for incorporating BIM,



Model Management and other roles,



Intellectual property rights and data management,



Reliance on data,



Liabilities and



Ownership of BIM process, risk management during model transfer and model ownership (final product) Generally, as the consequences, the landscape of professional

practice and construction will change with the introduction of BIM. The risks of using BIM are far outweighed by its benefits. The issues mentioned above should be taken into consideration when doing the amendment so that it can be incorporated by reference into the various contracts in use in the industry to minimize risks and ensure successful BIM powered projects (Udom, 2012).

31

2.6.1.7 Issues of Training and Learning Implementation of new technology such as BIM technologies are costly in terms of training and changing work flows and work processes. The investment in software and hardware is typically exceeded by the training cost and initial productivity losses. Often most services providers are not willing to make such an investment unless the perceived the long term benefit to their own organization and or/if the owner subsidizes the training costs (Hammad, 2010). 2.6.1.8 Transition Team BIM represents a new approach to building design and engineering. It is not just the implementation of new supporting technology, thus the make-up of the transition team must be paid with close attention. The formation team needs to represent the entire organization, reflecting the underlying process changes that come with BIM and it should comprised of progressive individuals who understand the big picture and represent all aspects of the firm, so that knowledge of BIM will gradually expand to all areas of the company (Dana K Smith,2009).

32

2.7 Summary This chapter had review some literature related to the research topic by defining the BIM concept, identify the industry problems and also the barriers of implementing and conclude with the review of some identified strategies to promoting BIM adoption.

33

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction Data collection is one of the most important step to success this research. In this chapter, the procedure of getting the data will be describe which from the step of deciding the research strategy, research method and until the step of doing Data analysis. 3.2 Research Strategy There are two types of research strategies which are “quantitative research” and “qualitative research” (Naoum, 2007). Quantitative research is “objective” in nature  while Qualitative research is subjective in nature (Naoum, 2007). In this research, the data will be collected from journal articles, books, conference paper, published thesis and et cetera in order to enhance the understanding of the research.

34

3.3 Instrument for Data Collection In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the research, questionnaire will be sending out by hand or via email. It is the most widely used method in conducting the survey because it is the most economy method which can offer relatively high validity of results. Except from that, it is also one of the most suitable method when a mass of information is needed and within a short period. If go for the personal interview, it might need a longer period to reach the quantity that needed for the survey. However, there is some limitation when dealing with questionnaire survey. First, there is no guarantee that the people who complete the survey are the right person that you stated in the questionnaire form. Other than that, respondent might also answer the survey generally and also based on their knowledge or what they hear from other rather than based on their understanding towards the current industry.

3.3.1 Questionnaire Survey Design Questionnaire survey method was adopted for this research study. A set of questionnaire which comprise of two sections was designed and distributed out in the local construction industry. All questions are structured so as to enable a logical quantitative analysis of the result. Section A: The profile of the respondent and their organization, which includes: company specialisation, size of an organization, qualification of the respondent, working experience and profession Section B: seek to identify the Building Information Modelling (BIM) related issues which include advantages of BIM adoption, barriers for implementing BIM, consequences after Implementation.

35

It is also to identify the current practice of the industry in term of individual and organizational. The composition of the questionnaire for each category is: No.

Grouping

1.

Organization

2.

Individual

3.

Advantages

4.

Barriers

5.

Potential Factors

6.

Consequences after Implementing BIM

Table 3. 1 Composition of Questionnaire Moreover, five level rating scale methods were adopted for questions in Section B. The range of importance of each item has been ranked as shown below:

Figure 3.1 Ordinal Scale 1 to 5 (Qin T.X. 2012)

36

3.4 Data Analysis The data analysis that used in this research is with the help of Statistically Package Social Science software and described as below:

3.4.1 Frequency Analysis First of all, the frequency analysis is used to represent the summary of the respondents profile which will then be tabulated out. Basically, the respondents profile is into three main parts which Organizational, Personal and Current practice on BIM application. By knowing the distribution of the respondents group, the analysis can be done easily based on the ratio of it.

3.4.2 Reliability Test Next, Reliability Test will be carried out to measure the level of acceptance of the data. The purpose is to indicate the internal consistency reliability of the variables. It indicates the strength data is consistency reliable and shall be accepted. 3.4.3 Descriptive Analysis The basic descriptive analysis was carried out in order to found out the means and the standard deviations for the variable. The purpose is to figure out the most important variables within the identified categories. Further, the result obtained was used as the baseline for the comparison within the independent variables such as company specialization and organizations sizes.

37

3.5 Research Framework  As described in Figure 3.1, these research steps provided a clear methodology framework. As such, this framework provided the proper steps to find out how to be established the research study.

38

Figure 3. 2 Research Methodology Frame work

39

3.6 Summary In conclusion, when the data analysis has been conducted, the feasibility of this research can be proven and the opinion towards the particular issues can be summaries out and will be analysed detailed in the next chapter.

40

CHAPTER 4

FINDING AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction This chapter present and discusses the finding on Building Information Modeling (BIM) in local construction industry in Malaysia. The data collected through questionnaire that have been distributed were presented are in this chapter based on the outcome of the statistical analysis while the discussion on the result has been stated to provide a clear picture and understanding of the research been carried out. 4.2 Summary of Survey 50 set of questionnaire have been distributed to 5 different companies and firms by using email and by hand. Those questionnaire were distributed to all team member so then the result can be determine all the team member opinion regarding the Building Information Modeling (BIM) towards local construction industry now days. Therefore, analysis of the data generated is also presented in order a statistical inference that can be used to generalize the findings by using the data from the questionnaire collected. The distribution of respondent for the 50 set of questionnaire is illustrated on table.

41

Collected data Total data collected

Via email

By-hand

35

15 50 sets

Table 4.3 Distribution of Respondents

4.3 Respondents Profile Most of the questionnaire surveys are distributed among team member in an organization. Since there are 5 companies that have been selected, I was distributed equally among them. Table 4.2 will show the detail on respondents profile with the frequency collected from Section A in the questionnaire surveys. Descriptions Frequencies A. Profession Project Executive 6  Architect 13 Quantity Survey 9 Civil / Structural Engineer 10 Mechanical & Electrical Engineer 8 B. Highest Qualification Doctorates (PhD) 2 Master 14 Bachelor 27 Diploma 7 Others / Certificates 0 C. Working Experience Less than a year 5 1 to 2 years 18 3 to 5 years 14 6 to 10 years 10 More than 10 years 3 Table 4.4 Respondent Profile

Percentage (%) 12 26 18 20 16 4 28 54 14 0 10 36 28 20 6

42

Respondents' Profession

13%

17%

28%

22%

Project Executive Architect

20%

Quantity Surveyor Civil / Structural Engineer M&E Engineer

Figure 4.5 Respondents' Profession Area Figure 4.1 above show that the distributions of respondents are equally been distributed as only small different percentages between all 5 main professions that have been listed above. Architect hold 28% out of 100 percent then been follow by Civil and Structural Engineer with 22%, Quantity Surveyor 20%, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer with 17% while the lowest is Project Executive with 13%.

43

30 26 25

20

14

15

10 7 5 2

1

0 Doctorates (PhD)

Master

Doctorates (PhD)

Master

Bachelor (Degree) Bachelor (Degree)

Diploma Diploma

Certificates Certificates

Figure 4.6 Respodent Qualification Figure 4.2 shows that, Bachelor in Degree holder dominate the majority of the respondents with 20 persons and follow with Master holders with 17 persons. Diploma holders with 7 persons, PhD or doctorate holders with 2 persons and the lowest is 1 person with certificates qualification that have been selected to answer the questionnaire given.

44

Working Experiences 10 and Above

3

6-10 years

10

3 to 5 years

14

1 to 2 years

18

Less than 1 year

5

Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

3 to 5 years

6-10 years

10 and Above

Figure 4.7 Respondent Working Experiences Figure 4.3 shows that the working experiences of all the respondents in selected companies to show average in our local construction industry. Majority of the respondents have around 1 to 2 years working experiences with 18 persons out of 50 which are 36%. Then follow by 3 to 5 years with 28%, 6 to 10 years with 20%, less than a year with 10% and the lowest percentages is 6% which have 10 and above working experiences.

45

4.4 Current Practice of Building Information Modeling in Construction Industry Objective 1:  To study the current practice and awareness of the industry towards new technologies. Objective 2:  To envisage the consequences if Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been adopted. 4.4.1 Introduction This area may focus on the first objective of this research as the present data on the utilization and implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools in our local construction industry. However, Section B has been divided into two areas as to study on the awareness of BIM itself and the utilization of the software.

46

4.4.2 To study the awareness of the industry towards BIM system Figure 4.4 shows that negative feedback which 78% out of 50 respondents does not even heard about Building Information Modeling tools while only 22% have heard about this system. This kind results is similar with Industrialized Building System (IBS) as the system have been implement even over 40 years ago its acceptance is not widespread and he pace of implementation of the system is still slow ( Hamid,2008).

Percentages of Awareness of BIM tools

Yes 22%

No 78%

Figure 4.8 Percentages of Awareness of BIM Tools

47

Then one more question was asked in the questionnaire to see the percentages out of 5 companies that use in their everyday usage. Out of 50, 48 persons pick Yes as their use some of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools. Only 2 persons do not used the system. Figure 4.5 show the percentages of the usage of BIM tools in all 5 companies’ respondents.

Building Information Modeling Daily Usage No 6%

Yes 94%

Figure 4.9 BIM Usage in Daily Routine

48

4.4.3 The current practice of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in industry towards new technologies This section shows the data on the utilization of Building Information (BIM) tools in construction industry. The frequency level will show the frequent use of the software by the respondents. Discussion and analysis below covers the responses collected for each tools listed in the questionnaire. The analysis will be in each tool as the frequency level of usage can be seen clearly through one by one tool. Autodesk AutoCAD

Frequency

Never

0

Very rarely

0

Rarely

9

Occasionally

19

Frequently

22 Table 4.5 Autodesk AutoCAD

Tables 4.3 above show about 44% of the respondents are frequently using AutoCAD for their designing work and other works in their daily work. However, 38% pick occasionally using the software as they used the software in many cases but not so frequently. The other 18% are rarely used this software as they only used it sometimes during working.

49

25

22 19

20

15 9 10

5 0

0

0 Autodesk AutoCAD Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.10 Frequency of AutoCAD Tools Usage

50

Autodesk Revit

Frequency

Never

18

Very rarely

21

Rarely

8

Occasionally

3

Frequently

0 Table 4.6 Autodesk Revit

 Autodesk Revit can be categories into 3 kind of software’s which are Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Revit MEP and  Autodesk Revit Structure. Table 4.4 shows the frequency of using  Autodesk Revit among the respondents which 36% never use this software while only 21% use this software only once and seldom use it. 16% use this software sometimes to carry out design work and the remaining 6% occasionally use but not so frequently.

25 20

21 18

15 8

10

3

5

0 0 Autodesk Revit Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.11 Frequency of Autodesk Revit Tools Usage

51

ArchiCAD

Frequency

Never

0

Very rarely

3

Rarely

3

Occasionally

24

Frequently

20 Table 4.5 ArchiCAD

 ArchiCAD is one of the famous software when it comes in designing work. Table 4.5 shows that 40% of the respondents are frequently used this software and 48% of the respondents used in many cases but not too frequent. The remaining 12% are rarely used the software as they may seldom do the designing work. 30 24

25

20 20

15

10

5

3

3

0 0 ArchiCAD Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.12 Frequency of ArchiCAD Tools Usage

52

Tekla Structure

Frequency

Never

38

Very rarely

11

Rarely

1

Occasionally

0

Frequently

0 Table 4.6 Tekla Structure

Table 4.6 shows the frequency of respondents’ usage towards Tekla Structure software. Majority of the respondents pick never used this kind of software which collects 76% out of 50 respondents. 22% of the respondents very rarely used Tekla Structure to do their works and 2% pick rarely used.

38 40 35 30 25 20 11

15 10

1

5

0

0

0 Tekla Structure Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.13 Frequency of Tekla Structure Tools Usa ge

53

Bentley BIM Suite

Frequency

Never

50

Very rarely

0

Rarely

0

Occasionally

0

Frequently

0 Table 4.7 Bentley BIM Suite

Table 4.7 shows the response on Bentley BIM Suite. Surprisingly, 100% of the respondents r espondents never used Bentley software. It is an outstanding result as this software is quite famous when it comes in designing work.

50 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 0

5

0

0

0

0 Bentley BIM Suite Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.14 Frequency of Bentley Tools Usage

54

TurboCAD

Frequency

Never

39

Very rarely

11

Rarely

0

Occasionally

0

Frequently

0 Table 4.8 TurboCAD

TurboCAD is a software application for design and drafting work which run on Macintosh and Microsoft W indow operating system (IMSI, 2012). Table 4.8 shows 78% of the respondents never used this software and another 22% very rarely use this software for design and drafting purpose.

39 40 35 30 25 20 11

15 10

0

5

0

0

0 TurboCAD Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.15 Frequency of TurboCAD Tools Usage

55

IntelliCAD

Frequency

Never

47

Very rarely

3

Rarely

0

Occasionally

0

Frequently

0 Table 4.9 IntelliCAD

Table 4.9 shows the results on IntelliCAD software that been published by IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC). 94% of the respondents never used this software which one of the best alternative CAD platform for application developer that contain DWG or drawing compatible. Only 6% very rarely used this software to perform their work.

47 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10

3

5

0

0

0

0 IntelliCAD Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.16 Frequency of IntelliCAD Tools Usage

56

Sketchup

Frequency

Never

0

Very rarely

0

Rarely

31

Occasionally

18

Frequently

1 Table 4.10 Sketchup

Table 4.10 shows that 2% of the respondents always used Sketchup software to do 3D model while 36% just occasionally used this software. However, 62% rarely used this software in their daily work.

31

35 30 25

18 20 15 10 5

0

1

0

0 Sketchup Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

Figure 4.17 Frequency of Sketchup Tools Usage

57

4.4.4 Analysis of Finding on the Building Information Modeling tools Utilization Building Information Modeling is a system that has a building design and documentation methodology characterized by the creation and use of coordinated, internally consistent computable information about a building in design and construction (Autodesk, 2010). 78% of the respondents do not aware on Building Information Modeling. Some of the respondents never heard about BIM system. BIM system has started to be used since 2000. However, there is still someone does even know the existence of BIM system even 94% has used the tools in BIM system but the theory on BIM still looked blur between all the respondents selected. Still the awareness on BIM system has not known throughout the industry. The finding above have been conclude in the figure below that shows, out of 8 tools that been selected only two (2) of the tools are frequently being used in our local construction industry. It is Autodesk  AutoCAD and Google Sketchup. The other 6 tools are rarely being used and one of the never being used which is Bentley BIM Suite.

58

Frequency of BIM Tools Usage Never

Very rarely

Rarely

Occasionally

Frequently

50

47 39

38

31 24 20

22 21 19 18 9 00 Autodesk AutoCAD

18 11

8 3

0

Autodesk Revit

0

33

ArchiCAD

11 100

0000

000

Tekla Bentley BIM TurboCAD Structure Suite

3

0 00

IntelliCAD

1

00

Sketchup

Figure 4.18 Frequency of BIM Tools Usage

59

4.5 Barriers Implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction Industry Objective 3: To investigate the barriers of Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in construction industry 4.5.1 Findings on Barriers in Implementing BIM System To carry out this survey, a few interviews have been set up first to gain the main reason on the barriers in implementing this system with a few competent people by relating with some case study on Industrialized Building System (IBS) and Modular Construction (MC).  A few situations in both case studies are quite similar with Building Information Modeling issues. There are 8 barriers have been stated in the questionnaire as it comply and suitable towards all team members. Table below will show the agreement level on barrier to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) in t he industry. Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency

BIM Software

Percentag e (%)

Problem of

1  – Strongly

0

0

Interpretability

Disagree

2

4

2  – Disagree

8

16

3  – Moderate

25

50

4  – Agree

15

30

5  – Strongly Agree Table 4.11 Problem of Interpretability Table

4.11

shows

the

problem

of

interpretability

in

implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our industry. Majority agree with this statement with 50% of the respondents say interpretability is the barriers in implementing new technology in our industry.

60

People know the benefits of it but they cannot implement it as there still no authorize bodies that react to widen the software in our industry. 30% of the respondents strongly agree on the statement and 16% think it is a moderate cause and 4% say disagree on the barrier statement.

25 25 20 15 15 8

10 2

5 0 0

Problem of Interpretability Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.19 Percentage of Problem in Interpretability

61

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Lack of Legal Baking

1  – Strongly

5

10

from Authority

Disagree

9

18

2  – Disagree

18

36

3  – Moderate

16

32

2

4

4  – Agree 5  – Strongly Agree

Table 4.12 Lack of Legal Baking from Authority Table 4.12 shows that lack of legal baking from the Authority itself have slow the BIM software in our industry. Hence, 32% agree and 4% strongly agree with the statement. However, 36% of the respondents say it is a moderate cause, 18% disagree and 10% say it is strongly false statement.

36

40

32 35 30 25

18

20 15

10

10

4

5 0 Lack of Legal Baking Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.20 Percentage of Lack on Legal Baking

62

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Expensive Software

1  – Strongly

0

0

Disagree

0

0

2  – Disagree

0

0

3  – Moderate

18

36

4  – Agree

32

64

5  – Strongly Agree Table 4.13 Expensive Software Table 4.13 shows barrier in adapting BIM software which is expensive software. Majority of the respondents where 64% say strongly agree on this statement while 36% agree.

64

70 60 50 36 40 30 20 10

0

0

0

0 Expensive Software Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 421 Percentage of Expensive Software

63

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Lack of Competent Staff

1  – Strongly

0

0

to Operate Software

Disagree

0

0

2  – Disagree

16

32

3  – Moderate

9

18

25

50

4  – Agree 5  – Strongly Agree

Table 4.14 Lack of Competent Staff to Operate Software Table 4.14 shows half of the respondents strongly agree that lack of competent staff is one of the causes that BIM software are slow being adapted in our industry while 18% just agree and 32% say it is a moderate statement.

50 50 45 40

32

35 30 25

18

20 15 10 5

0

0

0 Lack of Competent Staff  Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.22 Percentage of Lack on Competent Staff 

64

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Takes Longer Times to

1  – Strongly

4

8

Develop Model

Disagree

1

2

2  – Disagree

13

26

3  – Moderate

12

24

4  – Agree

20

40

5  – Strongly Agree Table 4.15 Takes Longer Times to Develop Model Table 4.15 shows that 40% of the respondents strongly agree that it takes longer times to develop 3D model compared to 2D design. 24% agree, 26% is moderate on this statement while 2% disagree and 8% strongly disagree.

40 40 35 26

30

24

25 20 15

8

10 2 5 0 Takes Longer Times to Develop Model Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4. 23 Percentage of Takes Longer Times to Develop Model

65

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Difficult to Learn

1  – Strongly

0

0

Disagree

0

0

2  – Disagree

5

10

3  – Moderate

19

38

4  – Agree

26

52

5  – Strongly Agree Table 4.16 Difficult to Learn Table 4.16 shows that BIM software is difficult to learn as 52% of the respondents strongly agree while 38% agree with the statement. Only 10% say it is a moderate statement to be a barrier on implementing BIM software.

52

60 50 38 40 30 20 10

10 0

0

0 Difficult to Learn Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.24 Percentage of Difficult to Learn

66

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Not Ready to Distort

1  – Strongly

3

6

Normal Operation

Disagree

1

2

Structure

2  – Disagree

16

32

3  – Moderate

12

24

4  – Agree

18

36

5  – Strongly Agree Table 4.17 Not Ready to Distort Normal Operation Structure Table 4.17 shows that some of the companies do not ready to distort their normal operation structure as 36% of the respondents strongly agree while 24% just agree on the statement above. 32% of the respondents say it is moderate statement, 2% disagree and 6% of respondents strongly disagree.

36

40 32 35 30

24

25 20 15 10

6 2

5 0 Not Ready to Distort Normal Operation Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.25 Percentage of Not Ready to Distort Normal Operation

67

Barriers in Adopting

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

BIM Software

(%)

Never Required by

1  – Strongly

0

0

Other Team Member

Disagree

0

0

2  – Disagree

7

14

3  – Moderate

15

30

4  – Agree

28

56

5  – Strongly Agree Table 4.18 Never Required by Other Team Members Table 4.18 shows that BIM software is never required by other team members as 56% of the respondent strongly agree and 30% agree with the statement. Only 14% say the statement is moderate.

56 60 50 40

30

30 14

20 10

0

0

0 Never Required by Team Members Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.26 Percentage of Not Required By Team Members

68

4.5.2 Analysis of Finding on Barriers in Implementing BIM No 1

Barriers in Adopting BIM Software

Frequency

Percentages

Problem of Interpretability

0

0

There is not available protocol that enables

2

4

sharing of the model among team members,

8

16

25

50

15

30

Lack of Legal Baking from Authority

5

10

No legal backing on incentives, directives

9

18

18

36

16

32

2

4

Expensive Software

0

0

Software price is too high that only mega

0

0

firm can afford the licence

0

0

18

36

32

64

Lack of Competent Staff to Operate

0

0

Software

0

0

16

32

9

18

25

50

Takes Longer Times to Develop Model

4

8

More time is spend developing the model

1

2

13

26

12

24

20

40

Difficult to Learn

0

0

It takes times to learn and understand the

0

0

BIM software.

5

10

19

38

26

52

even the model is developed.

2

and promotion.

3

4

Most of the available personnel are not conversant with BIM software.

5

compared using 2D CAD

6

69

7

8.

Not Ready to Distort Normal Operation

3

6

Structure

1

2

No need to operate new method as the

16

32

organizational structure was well

12

24

established.

18

36

Never Required by Other Team Member

0

0

Not all team member preferred to use BIM

0

0

system compared to the traditional ways

7

14

15

30

28

56

Table 4.19 Barriers in Implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Industry

64

70 60 50 36 32

40

32

15

20 02

8

18 10

18 4

8 000

00

38

36 32 24

2624

25

30 10

40

36

56

52

50

10 2

00

30 14

6

2

00

0

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Moderate

Agree

Strongly Agree

Figure 4.27 Barriers in Implementing BIM System

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Table 4.19 above shows the present data collected using questionnaire from the respondents regarding the barriers that occur in

implementing

Building

Information

Modeling

(BIM)

in

our

construction industry. This section involved the analysis of major barriers to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) in local construction industry. Overall analysis on the Figure 4.23 above, a lot barrier that contributes in slow adaption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) towards local construction industry. The problem of interpretability is one of the factors that contributed in slow implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software in our industry which is 25% agree with the statement. There is not available protocol that enable sharing of the model among team members even the model has been developed. This situation occurs because 36% strongly agree the members are not ready yet to adapt new system in their normal operation procedure. Therefore, 36% of respondents moderately agree by lack of the legal baking from Authority as there is lack of baking on the incentives, directive and promotion by the Authority itself towards implementing Building Information Modeling in our industry. If there are many promotion or the Authority implement this system in every project onwards then this software can be well known and been used in our industry. Besides that, the BIM software is quite expensive where 64% strongly agree that only high or mega firm can afford to buy this software. Out of 5, just 1 companies that have known on Building Information Modeling and being used this software for all their operation on designing and drafting projects.

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Since this tool is still new in Malaysia, 50% of respondents said that lack of number for competent staff to operate this software has been a problem as most of the available personnel are not conversant with BIM software. 52% of personnel say that this software is difficult to learn as it will take some times to learn on the overall tools and understand the software. Therefore, when using BIM software it takes longer time in develop 3D design compared to 2D design as the available personnel says that it is easy to developed 2D design compare to 3D as many aspects have to be considered in developing 3D design. Moreover, some companies are not ready to distort their normal operation structure as they do not need new method as the organizational structure or method has been well established where 36% strongly agree on the statement given. If they want to change the method of operation, the risk in implement new things may not be accepted by the other team members. It is because the other team members may not or never required using BIM system compared to the traditional ways. The conventional method is more safe compared when implement the new things without taking any risk that may contributed on loss and failure in gaining the same opinion with the others team members. There are still lot more barriers that slowing down the process in implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our local industry. Hence, we should try to overcome the barriers by using a few strategies in absorbing this software in our daily work to release the burden on our team members and make it is easy to refer by any team members as there is only one master plan in every project that been constructed.

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4.6 Strategies in Implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software in Local Construction Objective 4: To identify the potential factors that could accelerate adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM)

4.6.1 Introduction Building Information Modeling (BIM) require proper planning, patience and full of commitment from all levels to be implement in an organization. Since BIM still new, developing a solid and smooth BIM action plan should be the first step towards getting an organization up and running in a BIM environment. The plan should consist a few strategies in achieving a good acceleration in adapting Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our local construction industry. Therefore, some potential factors that could accelerate adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our local industry have been identified as table below. 4.6.2

Findings

on

Strategies

in

Implementing

Building

Information Modeling Software Strategies in

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

Implementing BIM

(%)

Mobilizing Clients and

1  – Unimportant

Team Member on the

2  – Moderately

Importance of BIM

Important 3  – Very Important

0

0

15

30

35

70

Table 4.20 Mobilizing Clients and Team Member

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Table 4.20 shows the results on the respond from the respondents which 70% of the respondents says that mobilizing clients and team members on the importance of BIM software is one of the strategies in implementing BIM in our local construction industry. 30% of the respondents say it just moderately important to provide the services on mass organization of workshops, seminars and conference on BIM system. None of the respondents disagree with the important of mobilizing clients and team members towards BIM software.

0

Mobilizing Clients and Team Members on BIM Software

15

35

0 Unimportant

5

10

Moderately Important

15

20

25

30

35

40

Very Important

Figure 4.28 Mobilizing Clients and Team Members

74

Strategies in

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

Implementing BIM Training for Staff 

(%) 1  – Unimportant

0

0

2  – Moderately

0

0

50

100

Important 3  – Very Important Table 4.21 Training for Staff Table 4.21 shows that 100% of the respondents agree that training for staff is the best option in implementing BIM system in our local industry. Since BIM software takes times to learn and there are lacks of competent staff to operate BIM software, training on how to operate this software and it will encourage the staff with short course and in house training on the new software.

Training for Staff Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

50

0

Very Important

Moderately Important

0

Unimportant

Figure 4.29 Training for Staff

75

Strategies in

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

Implementing BIM

(%)

Provision of

1  – Unimportant

Legislation Issue on

2  – Moderately

BIM Usage

Important 3  – Very Important

0

0

26

52

24

48

Table 4.22 Provision of Legislation Issue Table 4.22 shows that 48% of the respondents agree that provision of legislation issue on Building Information Modeling usage is very important while 52% of the respondent say it is moderately important.

Provision of Legislation Issue on BIM Usage Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

26 24

0

Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

Figure 4.30 Provision of Legislation Issue

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Strategies in

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

Implementing BIM

(%)

Provision of Software

1  – Unimportant

Trial

2  – Moderately

8

16

16

32

26

52

Important 3  – Very Important

Table 4.23 Provision of Software Trial Table 4.23 shows that majority of respondents agree that provision of software trial is very important with 52% of respondents. While 32% say it is moderately important and only 16% say it is unimportant.

Provision of Software Trial Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

26

16

8

Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

Figure 4.31 Provision of Software Trial

77

Strategies in

Agreement Level

Frequency Percentage

Implementing BIM

(%)

Introduction of BIM in

1  – Unimportant

0

0

University Curriculum

2  – Moderately

9

18

41

82

Important 3  – Very Important

Table 4.24 Introduction of BIM in University Curriculum Table 4.24 shows that an introduction of BIM software in university curriculum collected 82% of the respondents’ agreement that it is very important strategies in implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) software in our local industry.

Introdustion of BIM in University Curriculum Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

41

9 0

Very Important

Moderately Important

Unimportant

Figure 4.32 Introduction of BIM in University Curriculum

78

4.6.3 Analysis of Finding on Strategies in Implementing BIM No

Strategies in Implementing BIM

Frequency

Percentages (%)

1

2

3

4

5

Mobilizing Clients and Team

0

0

Member on the Importance of

15

30

BIM

35

70

Training for Staff

0

0

0

0

50

100

Provision of Legislation Issue

0

0

on BIM Usage

26

52

24

48

8

16

16

32

26

52

Introduction of BIM in University

0

0

Curriculum

9

18

41

82

Provision of Software Trial

Table 4.25 Strategies in Implementing BIM Software

79

120 100 100 82 80

70

60

52

40

52

48 32

30

18

16

20 0

0

0

0

0

0 Mobilizing Clients Training for Staff and Team Member on the Importance of BIM Unimportant

Provision of  Legislation Issue on BIM Usage

Moderately Important

Provision of  Software Trial

Introduction of  BIM in University Curriculum

Very Important

Figure 4.33 Percentages of Strategies in Implenting BIM System in Local Industry

The strategies above show how to overcome the barriers that have been slowing down Building Information Modeling (BIM) system in our local construction industry. The studies above have identified some strategies in implementing BIM software by developing local guidelines which involve solving the understanding on the importance of BIM software towards mobilizing clients and team members As 70% agree that the statements is important to implement BIM system in our local construction industry. Hence, some of them do not really know what Building Information Modeling (BIM) itself is. 48% of respondents said that some issue on enactment of legislative backing from Authority as the development of BIM repository to enforce the adoption of the technology from higher level which is Government to users.

80

100% of respondents said that some training for staff in and organization may increase the competent staff that can operate BIM software well by encouraging the staff with some short course and in house training on the new software. It will reduce the workflows which are varying too much as the industry and the building life cycle will fit neatly within a single workflow paradigm by using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. The provision on software trial may not a good idea but may give some opportunities to available personnel in order to diffuse the technology and expertise the software during the trial period. However, the most relevant strategies is to introduce BIM software in university curriculum as 82% said students can learn fast on the new things and may give a better results and model as they have learn using the software from the basic.

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4.7 Summary of Chapter This research found that the usage of Autodesk AutoCAD is very popular among personnel involve within the industry and the software has make the industry more ready in adopting a new technologies in the future. Therefore, there are a few more barriers have been identified which can be grouped into three main categories which are people, financial and environment oriented that reflected the potential factors that affect the selection in using others tools in BIM system. A few strategies has been identified to overcome the problem on implementing BIM system in our local construction industry. The Building Information Modeling has been implementing in our local construction industry but still in slow progress.

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction The aim of this research is to investigate the issue of Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in local construction industry in order to resolve the interoperability issues. This chapter will conclude the whole research

by

reviewing

the

research

objective

and

discuss

the

implementation of this study which followed by recommendation of this research for future usage.

5.2Summary of Findings This research found that out of 50 respondents selected, 39 persons do not know about Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and the benefit using this software. All the design took a major step forward with some advanced CAD system which has been deliberated for two decades in our industry which have been resolved completely in favor of 3D drawing. BIM works on the basis of calibration in our local construction industry which all stakeholders including developer, project managers, consultants, contractors, and facility management have the access to the same design and plan with appropriate cost and scheduling information.

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5.2.1 Summary of Objective 1 Objective 1: To study the current practice and awareness of the industry towards new technologies The findings on objective 1 shows that out of the 8 tools that been selected only two (2) of the tools are frequently being used in our local construction industry. It is Autodesk AutoCAD and Google Sketchup. The other 6 tools are rarely being used and one of the never being used which is Bentley BIM Suite.

5.2.2 Summary of Objective 2 Objective 2: To envisage the consequences if Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been adopted. The Building Information Modeling has been adopted in our local construction industry. However, the function and the benefit of using BIM software have not yet to be understood and to be seen on the BIM system. Most of the personnel staffs use the tools but do not know the tools they use are among the tools in the BIM system. The existence of BIM system remains to be seen among personnel staff even they have used the system. To optimize use of the technology it is necessary to deploy the process. It is absolutely critical to understand this as in the construction industry. The traditional methods use technology in isolation but the BIM process uses technology in collaboration.

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5.2.3 Summary of Objective 3 Objective 3: To investigate the barriers of Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in construction industry. The findings show the present data collected from the respondents regarding the barriers that occur in implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our construction industry. This section involved the analysis of major barriers to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) in local construction industry. There are many barriers that contribute in slow adaption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) towards our local construction industry. The problem of interpretability is one of the factors that contributed in slow implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software in our industry. There is not available protocol that enable sharing of the model among team members even the model has been developed. This situation occurs because the members are not ready yet to adapt new system in their normal operation procedure. Therefore, by lack of the legal baking from Authority as there is lack of baking on the incentives, directive and promotion by the  Authority itself towards implementing Building Information Modeling in our industry. If there are many promotion or the Authority implement this system in every project onwards then this software can be well known and been used in our industry. Besides that, the BIM software is quite expensive where only high or mega firm can afford to bought this software. Out of 5, just 1 companies that have known on Building Information Modeling and being used this software for all their operation on designing and drafting projects. Since this tool is still new in Malaysia, lack of number for competent staff to operate this software has been a problem as most of the available personnel are not conversant with BIM software. Many personnel say that this software is difficult to learn as it will take

85

some times to learn on the overall tools and understand the software. Therefore, when using BIM software it takes longer time in develop 3D design compared to 2D design as the available personnel says that it is easy to developed 2D design compare to 3D as many aspects have to be considered in developing 3D design. Moreover, some companies are not ready to distort their normal operation structure as they do not need new method as the organizational structure or method has been well established. If they want to change the method of operation, the risk in implement new things may not be accepted by the other team members. It is because the other team members may not or never required using BIM system compared to the traditional ways. The conventional method is more safe compared when implement the new things without taking any risk that may contributed on loss and failure in gaining the same opinion with the others team members. There are still lot more barriers that slowing down the process in implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our local industry. Hence, we should try to overcome the barriers by using a few strategies in absorbing this software in our daily work to release the burden on our team members and make it is easy to refer by any team members as there is only one master plan in every project that been constructed.

86

5.2.4 Summary of Objective 4 Objective 4: To identify the potential factors that could accelerate adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Building Information Modeling (BIM) require proper planning, patience and full of commitment from all levels to be implement in an organization. Since BIM still new, developing a solid and smooth BIM action plan should be the first step towards getting an organization up and running in a BIM environment. The plan should consist a few strategies in achieving a good acceleration in adapting Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our local construction industry. Therefore, some potential factors that could accelerate adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in our local industry have been identified. The strategies show how to overcome the barriers that have been slowing down Building Information Modeling (BIM) system in our local construction industry. The studies above have identified some strategies in implementing BIM software by developing local guidelines which involve solving the understanding on the importance of BIM software towards mobilizing clients and team members. Hence, some of them do not really know what Building Information Modeling (BIM) itself is. Some issue on enactment of legislative backing from Authority as the development of BIM repository to enforce the adoption of the technology from higher level which is Government to users. Some training for staff in and organization may increase the competent staff that can operate BIM software well by encouraging the staff with some short course and in house training on the new software. It will reduce the workflows which are varying too much as the industry and the building life cycle will fit neatly within a single workflow paradigm by using Building Information Modeling (BIM)

87

software. The provision on software trial may not a good idea but may give some opportunities to available personnel in order to diffuse the technology and expertise the software during the trial period. However, the most relevant strategies is to introduce BIM software in university curriculum as students can learn fast on the new things and may give a better results and model as they have learn using the software from the basic.  A formal implementation strategy is an essential component of a successful Building Information Modeling (BIM) deployment (Lim, 2012). The implementation strategy must address the workflow and process changes inherent to BIM where both 2D and 3D modeling application have. This will enable a smooth workflow as there is no disrupt productivity.

88

5.3 Summary of Study This research found that the usage of Autodesk AutoCAD is very popular among personnel involve within the industry and the software has make the industry more ready in adopting a new technologies in the future. Therefore, there are a few more barriers have been identified which can be grouped into three main categories which are people, financial and environment oriented that reflected the potential factors that affect the selection in using others tools in BIM system. A few strategies has been identified to overcome the problem on implementing BIM system in our local construction industry. The Building Information Modeling has been implementing in our local construction industry but still in slow progress.

89

5.4 Recommendation 5.4.1 Recommendation on the Research  As Building Information Modeling is a new system, full comprehension of how to use a BIM program will take time. However, some of the benefits of BIM will be seen right away, and as some firm continues to work towards becoming more comfortable within the world of BIM, the process will improve and become increasingly easier and more efficient. However, there still some factor to be evaluates which is the information in the BIM system. Designing pretty model might impress the others but it information management tools that makes BIM really worth to use. There is one reason for slow take-up of BIM in the construction sector which is the BIM community has so focused on building compared to the information itself. Hence, using BIM properly will cut project time and energy use as well as cost. It is because BIM will reduce the waste of materials during construction and building management that assist it in suitable demolition. Both software and the professionals must work together as through BIM, the exchange of construction documents may help and avoids misunderstanding among the team members.

90