Research on the POPi Digital Model Framework for BIM Implementation in High-Rise Megaprojects

Abstract

For more than a decade, researchers and practitioners have been working to advance the implementation of virtual design and construction (VDC) and building information modeling (BIM) in the construction industry. Based on the product-organization-process (POP) research model of VDC/BIM, this paper presents the product-organization-process-infrastructure (POPi) digital framework by adding the core element: the software and hardware infrastructure. This paper discusses the element models and corresponding relationship of the POPi framework in terms of practical characteristics: the diversity of BIM applications and software in high-rise megaprojects and cross-organizational task interdependence. In addition, by combining the practices of the Suzhou Zhongnan Center, this study analyzes the four core element models of the POPi framework and discusses the typical applications and benefits to projects in design and the early stage of construction based on the element models. The research results provide a theoretical framework for the BIM application and related software development of similar projects.

1. Introduction

Currently, the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry still plays an important role in the country’s social and economic development. The AEC sector accounts for 6.9% of China’s gross domestic product (GDP) [1]. However, the production environment of this industry is relatively complex, and the production and management efficiency is low, owing to the dynamics of the construction site, weather changes, inferior materials, and other issues [2,3,4,5], as well as backward production and management methods, differences in the abilities of participants, and information fragmentation [6,7].

In essence, a construction project is based on collaboration between entities and information and requires reliable information and cross-organizational collaboration and communication. Recent studies on and practices in engineering projects indicate that the application of building information modeling (BIM) is considered a revolutionary technology in addressing information fragmentation in engineering projects [8], especially large megaprojects with complex functions, promoting collaboration between participants and improving management efficiency. It is widely believed that BIM can reduce project costs and delivery time, improve product quality [9], and increase labor productivity and enterprise competitiveness [10]. BIM has developed from 3D digital design into an integrated technology that is visualized, parameterized, and automated. The application of BIM covers the full life-cycle of a construction project, including design, construction, and operation and maintenance phases, and includes diversified areas such as site analysis, design scheme display and comparison, multidisciplinary collaboration, etc. at the design stage [8,11,12]; quantity surveying, performance analysis, clash detection, construction scheme simulation, schedule simulation, and site planning at the construction stage [13,14,15,16]; and visual operation and maintenance, asset management, maintenance, and emergency management at the operation management stage [17,18].

The integration in BIM is clearly manifested in the virtual design and construction (VDC) theory proposed by the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University. VDC focuses on collaboration and system integration during the design and construction processes of engineering projects [19]. Furthermore, an operable digital technology and method based on VDC/BIM is needed to innovate technical tools and transform organization modes and management processes [20]. The product-organization-process (POP) model of construction projects is prompted to be further applied in the integrated management paradigm.

Although VDC and POP can support the integrated construction of projects theoretically, the problems of “information fragmentation” have not been solved [21]. To address this issue, several solutions have been proposed. For instance, Anumba and Duke [22] suggested using “Internet and local area network technology” to establish a collaborative communication infrastructure and form a “collaborative integrated communication facility for engineering construction”. Siountri et al. [23] and Teizer et al. [24] put forward the concept of a “virtual project collaborative environment” and applied the IOT technology to the construction site. No et al. [25] investigated the application of software in specific scenarios and the suitability of information transmission. Obviously, the configuration of infrastructure such as hardware and software will affect the application effect of BIM in engineering projects. Li and He [26] proposed that without the development of software and hardware infrastructure, VDC/BIM theories, standards, and applications cannot be implemented.

This study proposes a newly formed POPi digital theoretical framework based on the combination of the original POP model and the element of infrastructure “i” and details the organic relationship of the four elements in the framework: product, organization, process, and infrastructure. To verify the proposed framework, a complex high-rise megaproject is selected as an application case, since this kind of project generally has large investment scales, long construction periods, multiple participants, and difficulties in implementing functions, resulting in the traditional production and management modes and information communication methods being far from sufficient to effectively manage these projects. Furthermore, the framework of POPi is then applied to the further development of a software platform.

The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. Section 2 provides a review of the basic connotation of VDC/BIM in engineering projects. Section 3 details the POPi digital integration framework. Section 4 introduces the practical application of the POPi framework in the Zhongnan Center project. Section 5 provides conclusions with the highlights of this study and puts forward the future research directions.

2. Basic Connotation of VDC/BIM in Engineering Projects

2.1. Meaning of BIM

Some scholars, including Eastman, consider BIM a technology or method and believe that BIM is the integrated application of a series of building model software programs. In BIM, building can be expressed by creating data for parameterized models that are visualized in 3D and intelligently computed and analyzed via functional software [8]. Scholars such as Succar [27] believe that BIM is a parameterized model-based management system where participants cooperate and integrate with each other and technologies, processes, and policies are integrated to manage data and information during the full life cycle of buildings. Kunz and Fischer [28] further expand the meaning of BIM in the context of engineering project management and assert that in the process of realizing VDC, in addition to the physical model of the product, there are organizational and process models, collectively referred to as project models.

2.2. Application Characteristics of BIM

Affected by the inherent features of the engineering project production process, the application process of BIM shows clear practical characteristics, which are reflected in two aspects:

(1)

BIM is diverse with respect to its application, software, and hardware. Studies in China and elsewhere have demonstrated that BIM can be applied in different stages of an engineering project and involves the work content, application fields, and application points of different participants. The application of BIM in Shanghai plays a leading role nationwide. In 2017, the Shanghai BIM Guidelines were updated. They list 9 major aspects of BIM application during the full life cycle of an engineering project, with a total of 39 basic application points [29]. To implement these functions, different BIM software and hardware are needed. In addition to basic model creation and analysis and simulation software, BIM software broadly includes the following: a collaborative project management platform, an operation and maintenance system, and quantity calculations. These types of BIM software, together with the corresponding hardware, constitute the infrastructure for BIM applications.

(2)

The application of BIM is cross-organizational task interdependent. As a complex information interaction process, the application of BIM in engineering projects requires different participants to cooperate with and support each other, i.e., task interdependence. This arrangement is a type of cross-organizational collaboration. The cross-organization coordination of information interaction and sharing based on BIM in the project layer creates multipoint webbed communication with strong task interdependence. The individual functions of BIM, such as model creation and collision detection, can be completed by individuals. However, for design coordination, model integration, and BIM-based collaborative management, multiple participants are required for cross-organizational collaboration. Dossick and Neff [30] found that unlike the traditional management mode and information fragmentation, BIM application requires the coordination and cooperation of all participants in the project. Differences in cross-organizational cooperation can influence the effect of BIM application in engineering projects.

2.3. Connotation of VDC/BIM

The CIFE of Stanford University first proposed the concept of VDC [19,31]. VDC is the process of applying cross-professional, multidisciplinary, and integrated BIM in the construction process of engineering projects to accurately show and control engineering projects to better achieve project management goals. Emerging at nearly the same time, VDC and BIM are different perspectives on the model application of project information. BIM is more akin to the digital foundation of the integrated application of VDC. Guanpei [32] described the relationship between BIM and VDC as follows: BIM is a subset of VDC; it is equivalent to the product model of VDC. Through an in-depth study on VDC, Guangbin et al. [33] from Tongji University proposed that VDC/BIM theory and methods would be widely applied to the informatization of the building industry. For engineering projects in China, through the integration model of VDC, the complete data and information of project construction can be generated, and the assistance of visual design can be realized, which greatly improves the design efficiency [34].

3. POPi Digital Integration Framework Based on BIM

3.1. Integrated POP Model

Based on BIM, VDC contains the innovative idea of integrated management in engineering construction. Through years of study and application, the connotation of VDC has been further expanded and enriched. Based on the VDC/BIM theory, Kunz and Fischer [28] from Stanford University proposed a POP model to summarize the project models that integrate product, organization, and process in the construction process of engineering projects; this model is called the POP model in this study.

3.2. Software and Hardware Infrastructure of BIM

As mentioned in Section 2.2, due to the diversity of BIM applications and software, the software and hardware infrastructures can influence the effect of BIM applications in engineering projects and play a key role in the VDC/BIM application in particular. In this study, the software and hardware are collectively called infrastructures. With the rapid development of information technology, the software and hardware technologies and tools of VDC/BIM have been greatly improved, gradually forming a complex, mutually coupled, and data-interconnected digital ecological environment. Here, we refer to these hardware and software infrastructure configurations collectively as BIM software and hardware infrastructure (abbreviated as infrastructure).

Industry applications have found that the selection and configuration of different software and hardware have a great impact on VDC/BIM applications. Related research reveals that the entire industry is outlining the importance of implementing the right software/hardware (or collectively referred to using different methods and tools) and providing continuous training to the BIM team as well as checking if the new process is well integrated into the current one [35]. First, without BIM software and hardware, VDC/BIM application is impossible. Second, different software and hardware must contend with the data storage format of the BIM product model (such as the .rvt data format of the Revit software and the .nwd data format of Navisworks software). The use of the .nwd data format and interactive forms have a great influence; in addition, various BIM software and hardware cover model creation software are suitable for designers, and model application software are suitable for managers. The development of BIM software and hardware promotes the flattening of the project organization structure (organization model); finally, the application of the BIM collaboration platform in BIM software and hardware has greatly improved the project management process (process model) and promoted cross-organization and multi-participant collaboration. The emergence and development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), geographic information systems (GIS), 5G networks, etc. [36,37,38] and innovative applications such as cloud storage, virtual reality (VR), digital twins (DTs), mobile internet technology, etc. [39,40,41,42] will affect the future development of the AEC industry. The field of construction engineering has gradually entered the industrial Internet era, and the associated influence of infrastructure, products, organizations, and processes in the BIM application process is also increasing.

3.3. POPi Digital Integration Framework

VDC/BIM is an innovative IT method applied in the construction process of engineering projects. POPi draws on the related integration philosophy of integrated project delivery (IPD) [43]. Through the integration of the four core elements of product, organization, process, and infrastructure, VDC/BIM can be applied to the full life cycle of engineering projects through the multidisciplinary performance model. Despite the very large gains, there are many obstacles in the process of VDC/BIM application. In addition to the lack of an effective communication mechanism, collaboration, mutual trust, and interoperability, an operable implementation framework for VDC/BIM has not been established [11,31]. This paper proposes a POPi digital integration framework based on the models for the four core elements of VDC/BIM, as shown in Figure 1, which is a project model describing digital application. From the POPi integration framework, the internal interactive detailed process of any digital application task can be deconstructed. Specifically, the POPi integration framework can be used to describe how BIM-based digital technology implements specific project tasks. The project model structurally expresses the digital technology application points of the actual project. For example, the role is required to complete the digital technology application points, the workflow is followed, the software and hardware infrastructures are required, and digital products that meet standard requirements are created. Moreover, the digital technology application of the entire engineering project can be expressed in these terms.

Applying the project model over the full life cycle of the project can better leverage digital technology to achieve project goals. In the beginning of project development, the owner determines an overall goal for the application of BIM during project planning, and the executive decomposes and continuously refines the project during the construction process (every task in each stage can generate a subgoal) and assesses it with some performance assessment methods. Subgoals can decompose the project model into element models of POPi, i.e., a product model, an organizational model, a process model, and an infrastructure model.

The product model (P) contains the BIM product, BIM content, and BIM quality. The BIM product refers to the models produced during task implementation, including 3D and 4D-nD models. The BIM content is the detailed information during the task implementation or the BIM construction process. BIM quality refers to the specifications and requirements that the BIM engineer or project must follow during task implementation or the modeling process. The product model is either a model created in the middle of the process, such as the process integration model produced during collision detection, or the facility accepted upon project completion.

The organizational model (O) includes the participants and the organizational flowchart involved in the task phase. The organizational model can accurately reflect the coordination relationship between personnel from different units and organizations and the architecture of the organization and personnel so that the project manager can properly deploy personnel for project management. The organizational model involves all the teams or individuals who participate in the project. The digital management system created under the digital integration framework of POPi provides organizational support for the entire project.

The process model (P) includes integrated concurrent engineering meetings and workflow diagrams. By continuously integrating concurrent engineering meetings, stakeholders keep discussing project objectives, possible problems, solutions, and result forecasts. Thus, problems are solved by project stakeholders at meetings. Because the workflow diagram reflects the process that must be followed to implement tasks, it can help the executive plan the implementation of the entire project. The process model reflects the summary and record of the project workflow in the process of implementation.

The infrastructure model (i) is the software, hardware, or network facilities used by the organization to complete a product or to achieve goals during project construction. Currently, there are many types of software and hardware for BIM applications in engineering projects, and the use of different software across organizations can result in the interaction of achievements. The POPi digital integration framework applies a unique functional analysis method to integrate the infrastructures over the full life cycle of the project.

In summary, the POPi framework is composed of the following elements: (1) a clear description of the owner and task goals; (2) measurable performance of the project; (3) the project model (including product, organization, process, and infrastructure models); and (4) a clear description of the project’s task goals (daily, weekly, and milestone ranges). According to the research of Kunz and Fischer [28] in related fields, there is an information flow and a circular relationship between these elements of the POPi framework, as shown in Figure 2. Each element in the POPi framework provides data for its related elements to inform the process and result of the task. As the project progresses, the data can flow forward in a timely manner to create the final consistent project performance evaluation indicators. In addition, these evaluation indicators can produce a feedback loop so that the executive team can update the POPi project model.

In addition, the research of Kunz and Fischer [28,44] from Stanford University provides analysis methods for further deconstructing elements of the POPi framework, and the content of each subitem of the four element models is expressed and analyzed from three aspects, i.e., F (Function), F (Form) and B (Behavior), referred to as the FFB analysis method.

3.4. Internal Mechanism of the POPi Digital Integration Framework

Modern engineering project management cannot be achieved without the support of information tools. In practice, different stages, such as planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance, are supported by digital technology. BIM is applied in many stages of the project, such as selecting planning schemes by the 3D visualization of BIM, applying BIM’s 3D geometric properties for collaborative design, utilizing BIM data for numerical control machining, using the simulation characteristics of BIM to simulate the construction plan, and using BIM data to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) data for operation and maintenance management.

Digital applications of engineering construction are based on the four core elements of the POPi framework. In this process, digital technology and project entities are organically combined or integrated. The product model, organizational model, process model, and infrastructure model are the processes that define the roles, digital models, process to be used, and BIM software and hardware tools that are employed to complete digital applications, respectively. The POPi digital integration framework can be used for overall digital planning and top-level design and employed to guide applications for specific digital tasks.

According to Kunz and Fischer [28], the product model is implemented by BIM software, the process model by a 4D information system, and the organizational model by the organization simulation system SimVision. The product, organization, and process are associated with the corresponding software and hardware infrastructures. From the single-function software in the early stage to the current compound software and hardware infrastructure system based on the internet, IoT, and data flow, the basic design of software and hardware has always been the implementation tool and information carrier for VDC/BIM applications. Therefore, BIM software and hardware infrastructures play a key role in implementing the POPi framework. Note that the solution to the software integration system over the full life cycle involves both tool and management applications. The POP framework created by the product model, organizational model, and process model in the production process can be solidified in the infrastructure model (i), as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the software and hardware infrastructure should be selected and configured according to the actual demands of the product model, organizational model, and process model. On the one hand, different software can be used to solve problems in different specialties. For example, Revit can create architecture, structure, and MEP models, and Tekla can create steel structure models or prefabricated concrete models. On the other hand, different users use different types of software. For example, modelers often use Revit or Tekla, while project managers usually operate Navisworks or BIM lightweight integrated system platforms.

Therefore, the integrated management of engineering projects can be achieved by establishing a BIM-based digital full-process integration system to integrate the core data during the whole process, including design, production, transportation, and installation, into the system platform to effectively integrate the product data, organization permissions, and work process. According to related research [45], this paper uses the practice method (a typical case) to verify the implementation effects of progressive BIM technology and the POPi framework.

4. Practical Application of the POPi Framework in the Zhongnan Center

4.1. About the Project

4.1.1. Project Overview

The Suzhou Zhongnan Center is located in the central business district (CBD) to the west of Jinji Lake, Suzhou, and is a complex high-rise megaproject. It is adjacent to the Century Plaza to the north, close to the Xingzhou Street double-layer 3D transportation system to the east, and faces high-rise residential buildings to the southeast. This project covers 513,375 m² of floor area, including 103 floors with 364,606 m² of floor area above ground and six floors with 148,769 m² of floor area underground; the height of the main building is 499 m. With the goals of building a green, ecological, intelligent, efficient, and multifunctional high-rise complex, this project aims to build a modern large-scale complex integrating sightseeing, an eight-star hotel, top-class apartments, and an international 5A office building and world-class top-level commercial building (Figure 4). With complicated commercial activities, this project has many specialties that necessitate subcontractors. The building height is strictly controlled, and the underground reverse construction method is complicated. Following the owner’s requirements, this project must meet very high standards for project quality and progress.

4.1.2. Application Background

The effective implementation of BIM is key for the Zhongnan Center project to achieve specialized management, reduce costs, and shorten the construction period. The importance and challenges of the project are as follows:

(1)

There are many participating parties throughout the life cycle of the project, including more than 20 major participants. Communication and coordination are difficult, requiring an efficient organizational process.

(2)

The design process is complex, and the number of drawings and other documents is immense. Determining how to improve the efficiency of design communication and coordination and ensure design quality is a great challenge.

(3)

The structural system is complex, and construction is difficult. The main structure is a “mega frame-core tube structure system”. The depth of the six floors of the foundation pit excavation is 33.4 m, and the reverse construction method is adopted.

(4)

The owner lacks experience in the development and management of similar projects. They must rely on modern technology and management methods, as well as the integrated wisdom and experience of project consultants and contractors.

Based on these points, the Zhongnan Center project established a POPi integrated application method based on BIM technology. It aims to improve the owner’s comprehensive management ability through the in-depth application of BIM technology and to achieve the overall project goal. Aiming to address the key and difficult points, the POPi method can manage and coordinate the data and application results through a common data environment (CDE), solve the problems of design drawings to improve design quality through the multidisciplinary collaboration of BIM models, supply a guarantee for the construction process of complex structural systems through construction simulation, and provide support for owner decision-making through the real-time visual display of the models.

The collaborative management platform and workflow established for this project can guarantee real-time collaboration between multiple specialties in the entire process. First, to ensure the effective flow of BIM information among the elements of the project, the BIM Implementation Guidelines are prepared according to the design and construction standards of the BIM applications and characteristics of this project. The POPi digital integration framework can guide digital applications, including overall digital planning and the application of a single task.

4.2. POPi Element Model for the Suzhou Zhongnan Center

The BIM Implementation Guidelines clearly specify the task and goal of each element under the POPi framework and plan in detail the product technical requirements, the organizational structure, the workflow (process), and the software and hardware configuration (infrastructure) provided during the implementation of this project, which provides a basis for the application of BIM in the project. Specifically, these requirements include the following:

(1)

Organization: The BIM consulting team is introduced to establish a BIM organizational structure with the owner as the core and all participants working collaboratively. The responsibilities and work responsibilities of each participant are defined.

(2)

Process: According to the characteristics of the Zhongnan Center project, the BIM application collaboration process is set at different stages, such as forming a “visual information sharing and problem solving mechanism” through BIM at the design phase to improve drawing quality and a “real-time comparison model and real-life construction quality management mechanism” through BIM+ scanning and BIM platform application to promote the owner’s ability to control the construction quality at the construction phase.

(3)

Model: To realize BIM collaboration at different stages, the overall model accuracy requirements of LOD300, LOD350, and LOD400 are set at the design, construction and operation, and maintenance stages separately.

(4)

Infrastructure: For the entire project, the CDE and the corresponding hardware and software platforms are set up, and the application software and versions of different scenarios are standardized. It is required to provide unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and laser scanning data in specific scenarios, and all software and hardware data can be exchanged.

4.2.1. Product Model

The BIM implementation team of the Suzhou Zhongnan Center employs visual software (e.g., Revit and Navisworks) to build a 3D product model according to the drawings of different specialties, including architecture, structure, mechanical and electrical, curtain wall and steel structure, and modeling standards, as shown in Figure 5. These disciplines and integrated models provide the database for BIM applications within the POPi framework.

4.2.2. Organizational Model

The BIM application cost is provided by the owner, who hopes to create value for managing the entire life cycle of the project. The BIM organizational structure is established based on this goal. Therefore, considering the background of project application, the owner’s general idea is to require the BIM consulting team to coordinate the design side to carry out modeling, visual presentation, and coordination at the design stage to optimize the design and improve design quality. At the construction stage, the BIM consulting team coordinates the construction participants to detail the models and apply them within various disciplinary scopes. In the construction management process, the 3D scanning results are used for on-site review. The BIM consulting team is responsible for the review, supplementation, and submission of the construction process and as-built models. The whole management process is realized by each project participant under the collaborative BIM platform of the project.

Led by the owner, the Zhongnan Center project has engaged a BIM consultant as the general project coordinator. The architect, general contractor, specialty subcontractor, and supplier are required to build their own BIM teams so that they can apply BIM. The BIM consultant prepares the project standards and controls measures to plan and manage the entire BIM implementation team (Figure 6).

4.2.3. Process Model

With the POPi framework, various processes of the project were developed in detail to guide the development of the entire project.

The workflow prepared for the BIM application in different stages is shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. The owner’s BIM team is responsible for the application of BIM achievements; the BIM consultant team controls and manages the quality, progress, and data security of the entire BIM; each participant’s BIM team builds the corresponding BIM product model according to the drawings and modeling standards and solves the problems encountered in the implementation process at each stage.

Figure 7 shows a typical BIM workflow during the design phase. Firstly, BIM models are created based on the provided drawing information, and the generated reports verify whether they meet the design specifications. Then, 3D collision detections and comprehensive pipeline optimizations are conducted until all collision points are solved. Furthermore, head clearance verifications and optimizations are carried out until all net clearance requirements are satisfied. Finally, architectural, structural, and MEP drawings are generated directly from BIM models.

Figure 8 shows a typical BIM workflow during the construction phase. Firstly, detailed BIM models are created based on shop drawing models and detailed drawings. Then, these models are used to check 3D collisions. Afterward, the models are applied for schedule, quality, safety management, and other applications at the construction stage. When the project moves to the indoor construction stage, 3D scanning models are needed to adjust as-built BIM models. Finally, equipment information is added to the BIM models.

4.2.4. Infrastructure Model

Software and hardware facilities are essential factors in the BIM implementation process. On the one hand, these facilities are equipped according to BIM task requirements; on the other hand, the development of the facilities has also changed the efficiency of BIM tasks.

In the BIM planning of the Zhongnan Center project, detailed software and hardware infrastructures for different implementation stages based on the BIM task implementation requirements of different participants are determined. In addition, when software and hardware infrastructures for BIM applications are built, factors such as the application requirements of different specialties, advantages, and disadvantages of software, and uniform standards for the interfaces between different software are considered, including the software configuration of systems (core modeling, animation production, and project platform management) and the corresponding hardware configuration (Figure 9).

4.3. BIM Application

4.3.1. BIM Collaborative Platform

Notably, the common data environment (CDE) provides information integration capabilities for organizations and processes in the POPi framework and is expected to play an increasingly important role in BIM project management.

In the Zhongnan Center project, a BIM collaborative platform titled “Jindouyun2018” was established for data management according to the owner’s requirements (Figure 10). The platform functions are designed following the POPi framework. For example, the platform provides the display and management of BIM product models both on computers and on mobile phones. All organizational participants are given specific permission settings. The process realizes the collaborative working scenario of multiple participants of the project. The related authoring software Autodesk Revit can transfer BIM model data into the platform, which also contains other types of data such as CAD drawings and office documents.

Virtual design and construction are realized through the integrated application of the collaborative platform and virtual reality technologies. The collaborative platform realizes secure cloud data storage based on the cloud end, which allows the viewing, navigating, and accessing of uploaded model information from multiple platforms. Through the application of the collaborative platform, management problems are properly classified and organized to be identified and followed up, and management efficiency is substantially improved.

4.3.2. Collision Detection

Figure 11 shows the pipeline layout in the basement and collision detection. This task must be completed through collaboration between different specialties, engineers, and digital teams. When executing collision detection, the designer and model creator (Organization) cooperate with each other on the building model (Product) according to drawings and modeling standards. Then, they look for collision points, submit a collision report and optimization achievement, and solve problems by following specific workflows (Process). During the entire process, the software and hardware (infrastructure) in the working environment must be standardized and implemented. The relationship between the software and hardware and the process of POPi subitems for the entire task are shown in Figure 11.

The workflow requires categorizing problems before solving them. As shown in Figure 11, at the shop drawing phase, a total of 386 problems on the drawings have been identified through collision checks of the basement. These problems can be divided into drawing problems, collision problems, special problems, and net height problems. The significance of the classification is that it helps to identify problems and facilitates communication among various professional participants in the organizational team easily. Among them, the 48 drawing problems are relatively easy to modify; the 70 conflict problems and the 95 special problems are the top concerns of designers, while the 173 net height problems are the top concerns of owners, as head height relates to the functional needs of different spaces. After this classification, the communication and coordination works are substantially optimized.

4.3.3. Head Clearance Optimization

In the context of the spatial layout being satisfied, combined with the pipeline maintenance conditions, the spatial layout of the pipeline is rationally arranged. The head clearance optimization results are shown in Figure 12. Although the head clearance optimization of certain parts is not the final design, the optimized models still provide help for timely and rapid design adjustment, which reduces errors, omissions, and deficiencies in the process design, improves design efficiency, and ensures project constructability.

Head clearance optimization provides the owner with faster and better design options and optimizes the project design results. It also provides more solutions for subsequent decoration design.

4.3.4. Transportation Analysis

There are six floors in the basement, five of which are parking garages, with three car ramps for floor conversion. Therefore, there are different kinds of in-out choices in the basement, which have high requirements for automobile streamlined design. Through the three-dimensional visualization simulation of the car ramp entrance, the flow line of parking on each floor, the important parking area of each floor, the streamlining of the personnel entering the elevator hall of the lobby, etc. to help the design team optimize the traffic streamline and the VIP parking space, etc., BIM transportation analysis is shown in Figure 13.

Through the analysis of underground transportation, the project maximizes saleable parking spaces and utilization efficiency.

4.3.5. Template Modularization

The rebar and steel structure joints of the basement structure are complex, and there are many embedded pipelines. The optimized model still encounters many difficulties when it is constructed. Template modularization design is adopted, and three-dimensional visual construction disclosure is carried out, which helps in the review and optimization of constructability. The details are shown in Figure 14.

Through the modular template design, the project achieves the constructability of shop drawings, reducing construction errors and reworks. Thus, the construction efficiency is improved, and the target construction period is reduced.

4.3.6. Automatic Monitoring of Foundation Pit

Through the smart visualization platform, dynamic monitoring of the complex situation of the foundation pit is carried out by real-time data exchange between the 3D models and on-site construction. The monitoring data-driven model is used to visualize the monitoring conclusions, and the deformation risk points of the foundation pit engineering are grasped intuitively and accurately. Based on the risk management scheme, online disposal and offline inspection can save considerable time in terms of analyzing reports. Timely monitoring and early prevention are closely combined with safe and civilized construction. There are 440 settlement monitoring points, 400 axial force monitoring points, 300 precipitation monitoring points, 31 displacement monitoring points, 55 inclination monitoring points, and 408 plate stress monitoring points in the foundation pit of the project. The platform is shown in Figure 15.

Through the automatic monitoring platform, the project can automatically transfer the real-time data collected on-site to realize automatic analysis. When the data are abnormal, the platform automatically alarms and tracks through model positioning, improving the efficiency of maintenance work planning and the execution process.

4.3.7. Indoor Three-Dimensional Scanning

As the detailing design and construction defect control are the key points of the control of super high-rise projects, BIM and three-dimensional laser scanning technology are combined to compare and analyze structural construction deviation and send the point cloud model data to the responsible parties. For positions with large deviations, judgment, adjustment, and optimization are performed in advance to eliminate the deviation influence to avoid rework and demolition caused by on-site construction defects. The application results are shown in Figure 16.

The project optimizes and adjusts the model through the comparison of an on-site accurate model and the original digital model. It helps digital construction interference checks and accuracy verification and improves the accuracy and efficiency of completion and delivery verification due to faster defect resolutions.

4.4. Summary

In summary, as the project progresses, the BIM application process is a process of information and data flow. The information and data flow from the owner’s task goal to the element model and finally to the performance evaluation of the project. The evaluation results are then circulated to other related element models so that the executive in the process can further optimize and adjust the element models. These evaluation and optimization processes may be either phase or final processes, as shown in Figure 17. Phase evaluation results are more effective in helping the owner and the executive accurately obtain the key information about problems generated during the BIM implementation of the engineering project, i.e., time, organization, or process, to identify problems and to adjust the project models of the POPi framework in a timely manner.

The application of the POPi theoretical framework has achieved satisfactory effects, proving that the framework can also provide beneficial experience and reference for other similar projects. The development of the collaborative platform also applies the basic concept of POPi, and its functions are more targeted, which has effectively guided the successful development and implementation of the platform.

5. Conclusions and Prospects

VDC/BIM technologies are useful management processes and methodologies to enhance project communication and coordination. VDC/BIM can fully integrate technical and management problems in application scenarios during the construction process of engineering projects. For more than a decade, researchers and practitioners have made efforts to promote the adoption of VDC/BIM in the AEC industry. However, currently, the promotion and adoption of VDC/BIM are relatively slow in China. This paper focuses on developing an approach to drive the adoption of VDC/BIM through cooperation among project stakeholders and proposing a method of collaboration and integration through a case study. However, with the rapid development of IT, the task goals and participants’ requirements continue to increase, and BIM-related new technical tools are increasingly being adopted and applied. Engineering projects, especially large-scale projects with complex functions, need an integration framework to guide implementation. This paper was written to benchmark the status of VDC/BIM applications in China from an owner’s perspective. The case study was conducted with various project participants throughout the organization.

The POP model of VDC also covers management organization and process issues. This paper incorporated an important factor, infrastructure, into the POP model. Based on the analysis results, a POPi digital integration framework is proposed to increase the adoption of VDC/BIM. There are four core elements involved in the POPi framework: product, organization, process, and infrastructure. These four elements play different roles in this framework, but they do not function independently. Instead, they are linked together closely, and they affect others. So, they have a causal relationship, influencing and supplementing each other and forming a circular beneficial pattern of development. Based on the framework, this research can provide a general understanding of VDC/ BIM adoption in projects and areas of improvement in transitioning to more digital working in a project management environment. In addition, using BIM application scenarios in high-rise megaprojects, which have practical characteristics of cross-organizational task interdependence and diverse BIM applications and software, we discussed the element models and corresponding relationships of the POPi framework. Based on a practical case, the Zhongnan Center project, the typical applications are presented: BIM collaborative platform, collision detection, head clearance optimization, transportation analysis, template modularization, indoor three-dimensional scanning et al. At the same time, the resulting project benefits have also been verified, such as improving management efficiency, reducing design errors, improving change management, faster and better design options, reducing construction errors and rework, improving the accuracy and efficiency of completion and delivery verification, and so on. This paper also provided a clear paradigm for the practice of the POPi framework and laid a foundation for the subsequent circulation of implementation and assessment optimization of the POPi framework.

In conclusion, there are three main contributions through this study. Firstly, the element of infrastructure “i” has been identified and added to extend the original POP framework, which makes the role of hardware and software infrastructure more important. Through organically combining the element “i” with POP, a new theoretical POPi framework is proposed. Secondly, the POPi digital framework is applied to a typical high-rise megaproject case (i.e., the Zhongnan Center project) for the practical test. Through case implementation, the value of the POPi framework is empirically verified. Thirdly, the framework of POPi is applied to develop a new BIM collaborative platform “Jindouyun2018”, which can provide a theoretical reference for the development of the platform functions.

The POPi framework is proposed for the first time and the present study can be expanded in the future in the following aspects. On one hand, the interrelationships between the four elements (i.e., product, organization, process and infrastructure) of the framework need be further studied. On the other hand, the Zhongnan Center project is currently in the design completion and early construction stages, and some of the project participants have not yet got involved in the project implementation processes. As such, there are still shortcomings in the deep and comprehensive verification of the POPi framework throughout a project lifecycle. As the project continues to progress until the completion and delivery phase, we will continue to analyze, assess and optimize the proposed POPi framework accordingly.