Research on Full-Element and Multi-Time-Scale Modeling Method of BIM for Lean Construction

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a very effective technology for supporting lean construction. However, the current application of BIM during the construction phase does not incorporate all necessary elements of the construction site in a comprehensive manner. Additionally, the depiction of the construction process lacks the desired level of detail. These limitations impede the application of BIM-based lean construction. In this paper, we propose a full-element and multi-time-scale modeling approach to BIM during the construction phase. Our method first establishes a full-element model by reconstructing the main body of the building based on construction subdivision dimensions, construction technology, and management objectives. We then create a three-dimensional model that includes a process elements model of circulating materials, temporary facilities, construction machinery, and surrounding environmental elements. The integrated model of these elements provides a comprehensive representation of BIM at any static time point. Second, we conduct multi-time-scale simulations based on the full-element model. Our approach divides the entire time, local time, and special time points into three scales to simulate project progress, local structure construction technology, and working conditions. A case study of the Daxing International Airport construction project verifies that our method can achieve lean management of construction resources. Full-element modeling provides a comprehensive BIM representation at any static time point, thereby supporting lean construction by improving construction resource management, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency.

1. Introduction

During the so-called real estate bubble, China’s construction industry experienced uncontrolled growth at a private and public level. This progression led to private housing prices reaching excessive levels. This lack of control also extended to the public administration, which bid for projects developed with little control and significant detours. This predisposition to considerable time and cost deviations during the execution of construction work was one of the main causes of the real estate bubble burst. The problem of cost overruns and deviations in building delivery times also extends to the international context. Some authors identify an average cost overrun of 12.22% in construction and engineering projects [1,2].

A significant amount of waste is generated through various design and construction decisions, with design-related waste being particularly complex. Lean construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM) collaborate to eradicate these waste products. Lean construction is increasingly transitioning towards digitalization and automation, with BIM acting as a very effective technical support [3,4].

In an industry where sustainability and resource efficiency are paramount, the waste generated through BIM usage is a pressing issue. Lean construction, a systematic methodology aiming to minimize waste and optimize value, provides a promising solution to this problem. It offers principles and tools that emphasize continuous process improvement and the elimination of non-value-adding activities.

However, the application of BIM in the construction phase is currently incomplete and fragmented. A comprehensive BIM application system that covers the entire construction process is yet to be developed. This situation is in conflict with the central idea of lean construction, which aims to achieve a continuous workflow [4]. As a result, the practical implementation of BIM-based lean construction is limited [5]. To effectively apply BIM-based lean construction, it is essential to create a dynamic information integration environment that can encapsulate the entire construction process. This process involves developing a BIM system that can fully cover both the construction site and the entire construction process.

Scholars in China and abroad have conducted many studies on the construction method of BIM in the construction phase. Ma [6] pointed out that construction enterprises need to rebuild the model corresponding to construction activities as they cannot directly use the model information of upstream design units. In terms of 3D model element integration, Tauscher et al. [7] pointed out that the lack of a fine classification of model elements would affect the generation of the construction schedule. Chau et al. [8] divided the objects in the 3D model into structural elements (i.e., the main body of the building), operational objects (representing various activities performed on specific elements, such as formwork erection, etc.), and temporary facilities (material storage areas, site offices, etc.), which can serve as the basis for refined site management. Zhang et al. [9] proposed an IFC-GIM model that divides the physical entity model into building elements and building resources, conducive to the fine management of various elements. However, the current research on the full element of BIM in the construction phase is lacking.

The research results of each element of BIM in the construction phase are shown in Figure 1. In terms of construction process expression, Zhang et al. [10] pointed out that the 4D model is a mode of “3D model + time,” and the elements in the 3D model should correspond to the construction activities in the 4D model. Zhang and Wang and Jia et al. [11,12] proposed a 4D++ model for building construction, which links the structural components in the three-dimensional model with the process template for subsequently refined construction process representation. Guo et al. [13] proposed the rules of construction process decomposition, including decomposition by construction layer and construction section, decomposition by construction method, and decomposition by component level, which is conducive to lean construction. However, the current studies have only realized the expression of the overall construction project progress in the BIM.

While current studies on BIM in the construction phase have established the relationship between the three-dimensional model and time and explored the division of elements within BIM, they have not fully integrated the components of the construction site. These components include the building’s main body, construction machinery, temporary facilities, the surrounding environment, as well as the construction process itself, which encompasses the overall project progress simulation, local structure construction process simulation, and a special time point condition analysis. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the construction method of BIM in the construction phase, integrating full-element and multi-time-scale simulation to enhance the application of BIM in lean construction.

It is against this backdrop that this paper delves into the intersection of BIM and lean construction. We argue that lean principles can be integrated into the BIM process to minimize wastage and enhance sustainability. We propose a multi-time-scale simulation approach based on a full-element BIM model that incorporates lean construction principles. This proposed approach aims to offer a more detailed, efficient, and less wasteful understanding of the construction process. It represents a significant step towards more sustainable construction practices.

2. The Essential Attributes of BIM for Lean Construction in the Construction Phase

Lean construction projects are widely recognized for their ease of management, safety, speed, and quality. From a lean construction perspective, the building’s structure is decomposed into various steel or concrete components and constructed in a “building block” manner. In this process, the meticulous management of all elements, seamless connections, and the entire implementation process is critical, which are the results of the deep integration of lean management and industrialized construction [14,15]. However, current research has not yet fully explored and applied this methodology. Therefore, the goal of this study is to fill this research gap by developing a new Building Information Model (BIM) that can comprehensively integrate building elements during the construction phase and reflect the construction process.

This section focuses on the column component and uses it as an example to illustrate the essential attributes of BIM in the construction phase (as shown in Figure 2). To depict the construction process of the column in the construction phase, the column model should be deconstructed into the concrete component model, steel bar model, template model, and decoration model. Secondly, according to the construction method of a concrete column, the reinforcement cage, column formwork, and column veneer need to be further disassembled into process resources such as materials (e.g., cement, steel bars), labor force, machinery, turnover materials, etc., to carry out lean management of full-element. In addition, during the entire construction process, the main form of the building and the combination of various resources are constantly changing. Usually, all types of resources are delivered or turned over in batches according to the divided construction sections. The delivery mode and intensity of each construction link can lead to different flow rhythms, so it is essential to carry out lean management of construction links.

Lean construction is a systematic management mode that applies to the entire construction process, refined to every construction link, process, and element. Combining lean construction with BIM can improve the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of construction projects [15]. Therefore, BIM in the construction phase, oriented towards lean construction, should fully integrate the construction elements and reflect the construction process.

3. Proposed Full-Element and Multi-Time-Scale Modeling Method of BIM

The 3D model of the construction phase includes the building’s main body, which is typically divided into floors and construction sections, as well as construction machinery, temporary structures, and other on-site facilities [9,10,11,12]. For a more comprehensive representation of the construction site, it is essential that BIM during the construction phase fully integrates these elements. Collectively, these elements form a complete depiction of the construction site at any given static point in time. However, the construction site is dynamic and evolves in real-time, implying that the combination of elements also changes over time. To accurately reflect the construction process, BIM must simulate the changes in the assembly of construction elements as time progresses.

To ensure that the building information model in the construction phase comprehensively covers the construction site scene, it is necessary to first divide the main body of the building from different dimensions to increase the expression of the reconstructed main elements. Secondly, adding process elements and supplementary environmental elements to obtain the representation of BIM during the construction phase, as shown in Equation (1).

$$f_{BIM}=f_B+f_P+f_E$$

(1)

In the equation: $f_B$ is the constitutive function of the reconstructed main element model; $f_P$ is the constitutive function of the added process element model; $f_E$ is the constitutive function of the complementary environment element model; and B, P, E are the sets of the above three elemental models, respectively.

The main model of the building during the construction phase needs to be deconstructed and reconstructed. $f_B$ includes the reconstruction of elements caused by construction layering, segmentation, and joint setting, the reconstruction of elements caused by different management objectives, and the reconstruction of elements caused by differences in construction techniques, which can be represented by Equation (2).

$$f_B=f_{B1}+f_{B2}+f_{B3}=\sum _{i=1}^3{f}_{Bi}$$

(2)

In the equation: $f_{B1}$ is the constitutive function of the main element model reconstructed by construction layering, segmentation, and joint setting; $f_{B2}$ is the constitutive function of the main element model reconstructed by different management objectives; and $f_{B3}$ is the constitutive function of the main element model reconstructed by construction techniques.

3.1. Full-Element Modeling

To achieve full-element modeling in BIM during the construction phase, the following steps are carried out:

• Deconstruction and reconstruction of the main building elements from multiple dimensions, including construction segmentation, joint construction, construction techniques, and lean management objectives.
• Addition of construction process elements such as turnover materials, temporary facilities, and mechanical equipment based on the main building elements.
• Supplement environmental elements around the construction site to create a more accurate and comprehensive model.
• Integrate the reconstructed main building, process, and environmental elements to create a complete model.

By following these steps, the BIM model can reflect the construction process more accurately and provide a more comprehensive and realistic representation of the construction site. This approach addresses the limitations of previous BIM models, which often did not include all relevant construction elements, leading to an incomplete representation of the construction site.

3.1.1. Reconstruction of Main Elements

The construction process heavily relies on the main building elements, necessitating a considerable amount of resources and time [13]. Given the limited resources and lean construction requirements, it is common to employ a segmented and stratified construction approach. Therefore, it is crucial to deconstruct and reconstruct the main building model considering dimensions such as construction stratification, subdivision, and joints. Software tools such as Revit can facilitate this modeling process, with components being modeled in sections and defined sequentially according to the construction section [16,17].

Furthermore, the construction of a single component is usually stratified. For instance, the main structure of the wall and the facade decoration require significant construction periods. Consequently, in BIM, it is necessary to represent the decoration layer separately.

Moreover, actual construction techniques might result in changes in the main building’s structure. Therefore, the main building model must be deconstructed and reconstructed from the construction technology dimension. For example, during masonry wall construction, elements such as tensioned bars, constructional columns, and ring beams must be incorporated based on the wall’s bearing type, the masonry filling wall’s length, and door and window openings [18]. Therefore, BIM in the construction phase should be able to split the entire masonry wall and establish the position relationship and connection mode between masonry bricks and tensioned bars, constructional columns, ring beams, and lintels [19]. This helps pre-arrange masonry bricks, control material loss at the construction site, and embody lean construction principles.

Different objectives of lean management will lead to further rules for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the main building model. When BIM is used for quality, schedule, or cost management of the primary building, the boundary of the elements is different. For instance, when the model is used for quality management, the boundary of elements depends on the construction technical specification. When used for schedule management, the boundary of the elements depends on the construction scheme and the current situation. When used for cost management, the boundary of elements depends on the measurement regulations of engineering quantity. Thus, it is necessary to consider the information, such as measurement rules, when building BIM and establishing the component model in one-to-one correspondence [20].

3.1.2. Incorporating Process Elements in BIM for Lean Construction

After the reconstruction of the main building elements, the structure has been divided into a lean construction structure. To accurately represent the construction process, it is essential to include the input of various resources, including a class of resources that do not form the main building elements but are crucial to the construction process. Process elements, therefore, refer to various auxiliary resources that are not represented in the design model and do not exist after project completion but are integral to the construction process. Formula (3) includes turnover materials, temporary facilities, and construction machinery and equipment:

$$f_P=f_{P1}+f_{P2}+f_{P3}=\sum _{j=1}^3{f}_{Pj}$$

(3)

In the equation: $f_{P1}$ is the constitutive function of the turnover material model; $f_{P2}$ is the constitutive function of the temporary facility model; and $f_{P3}$ is the constitutive function of the construction machinery and equipment model.

Revolving materials, such as formwork and scaffolding systems, are extensively used during construction, especially in concrete structures where they are indispensable during the pouring process. Formwork accounts for approximately 30% of the construction cost and 28% to 45% of the labor of concrete structures, making it one of the greatest costs in building reinforced concrete structures [21]. To improve the lean level of construction and reduce waste and delays associated with turnover materials, it is necessary to embed the formwork and scaffold component families in BIM. This will serve as the basis for the overall modeling of the formwork and scaffold project and allow for rapid mold allocation and engineering quantity statistics [22,23,24].

During construction, a large number of temporary facilities are built, including temporary dormitories, offices, material storage yards, and various protective temporary facilities that are not delineated on building drawings [25,26,27]. To reflect the principles of lean construction, temporary facilities are usually processed in factories and assembled on the construction site. To achieve accurate planning of the approach and site materials and arrange the spatial relationship between the proposed project and temporary facilities in advance, a standardized family database of temporary facilities should be embedded in BIM during the construction phase [28].

3.1.3. Incorporating Environment Elements into BIM for Lean Construction

The construction site’s surrounding environment is an essential factor that impacts the primary building construction. The construction plan of an overground viaduct project depends on various factors, such as the existing highway, high-voltage lines, high-rise buildings, and others. Similarly, the underground engineering plan relies on the surface environment, geology, terrain, underground space conditions, and other factors. Therefore, it is essential to establish building models around the primary building, including above-ground and underground infrastructure models, surface and soil layer models, and others, to carry out subsequent construction site layouts, foundation pit monitoring, and earthwork statistics [29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36].

3.1.4. Full-Element Integration

To fully integrate all the elements, the main element model of the building is first deconstructed and reconstructed with the addition of the construction process elements and the surrounding environment elements model. To achieve this, software such as Navisworks is used to integrate the different models. Figure 3 shows the BIM fully integrated with all the elements. This BIM allows for a comprehensive representation of the construction site and serves as the foundation for progress simulation, partial structure construction process simulation, and working condition analysis.

3.2. Multi-Time-Scale Simulation

This paper proposes a multi-time-scale simulation approach based on the full-element BIM model developed in the previous section to comprehensively reflect all construction elements’ changes and thoroughly demonstrate the building’s construction process. The construction process is divided into three time scales: overall time, local time, and time point, and each is simulated using three forms of expression: progress simulation, process simulation, and work condition analysis.

In the 4D construction model, a specific instant of time can be represented in a 3D format. Thus, in the construction system described in this paper, the state of any static time node on the construction site can be expressed as the combination of the above three elemental models, and its composition function can be represented by Equation (4).

$$f_t={\sum }_{i=1}^3{f}_{Bi}+ {\sum }_{j=1}^3{f}_{Pj}+f_E$$

(4)

In the equation: $f_t$ is the constitutive function of BIM in the construction phase of any static time node on the construction site, $t\in W, W=\{0, t_1,···,T\}$ (0 is the construction project start point and T is the construction project completion point) and W is the overall time course. $b_i$ are the subsets of the set of main element models B, and $p_j$ are the subsets of the set of the process element models P, that is $b_i\subset B_i$, $p_i\subset P_i$.

3.2.1. Overall Evolution—Progress Simulation

BIM in the construction phase not only presents the final result but also reflects the entire process of building construction. The building model needs to be linked with the overall schedule of the construction project to simulate the progress [9].

However, unexpected factors, such as design modifications and weather issues, might affect the actual construction, leading to inconsistencies with the schedule simulation. Therefore, feedback on site conditions, such as tracking the actual construction progress, is required. The completion of construction is validated based on real-time start and end times, followed by real-time adjustments to the BIM, which results in the creation of a real-time BIM-based construction model [37].

BIM in the construction phase not only presents the results of the subject’s existence but also reflects the process of the subject’s movement. The evolution of the reconstructed subject elements, process elements, and environmental elements, along with the overall time, constitutes the progress simulation of the construction project to track the operation of the actual construction. To track the operation of the actual construction, the overall evolution of BIM in the construction phase can be represented by Equation (5).

$$R_w={\int }_0^T({\sum }_{i=1}^3{f}_{Bi}+ {\sum }_{j=1}^3{f}_{Pj}+f_E)$$

(5)

3.2.2. Local Evolution—Process Simulation

The erection of the building body requires the execution of various construction techniques, each necessitating a series of process resources. Different selections of construction techniques can lead to dynamic combinations of multiple elements, impacting the construction quality or duration. Therefore, the local building structure should be linked to a certain period based on an integrated full-element BIM to finely simulate the construction process of the local structure. This approach reflects the orderly interaction between certain process elements and certain process states of the building body and thus measures the rationality of the allocation and combination of various resources [38].

The process simulation is an interception of a small part of the overall time and element set, describing the ordered interaction between process elements, environmental elements, and the process state of the subject. The local evolution of the construction model can be represented by Equation (6).

$$R_1={\int }_{t_k}^{t_l}({\sum }_{i=1}^3{f}_{Bi}+ {\sum }_{j=1}^3{f}_{Pj}+f_E)$$

(6)

In the equation: $t_k, t_l \in W (k<l).$

3.2.3. Key Nodes Evolution—Working Condition Analysis

The most unfavorable working conditions of the building structure itself and all kinds of resources should be considered during the construction of the local building structure so that it does not exceed its bearing limit at each time node. This unfavorable condition is defined in this paper as the actual condition of the project, which is a special engineering state, mainly including structural stress and geological conditions. Therefore, when simulating the construction process of the local structure, it is necessary to combine the BIM with structural analysis or geological analysis to continuously monitor the stress–strain situation, settlement, etc. [39]. This approach allows for the examination of the modifications of each element or the imposition of feasibility constraints until the final building is formed.

Thus, it is paramount to maintain vigilant surveillance of the conditions throughout each phase of the construction’s evolution, facilitating timely adaptations to an array of elements. This monitoring of conditions can be mathematically encapsulated in Equation (7).

$$R_S={\int }_{t_k}^{t_l}({\sum }_{i=1}^3{f}_{Bi}+ {\sum }_{j=1}^3{f}_{Pj}+f_E)$$

(7)

In the equation: $t_k, t_l \in W (k<l), \Delta =(t_l-t_k) \to 0.$

4. Case Study: The Construction of the Core Area of the Daxing International Airport Terminal Building

The core area of the Daxing International Airport Terminal Building is a massive structure with a total construction area of about 600,000 square meters. The construction of this building posed numerous challenges, including an extra-long and wide construction plane, horizontal material transportation issues, a complex underground construction environment, difficult construction of the C-shaped column, and a stringent construction timeline of fewer than 4 years.

To overcome these challenges, Building Information Modeling (BIM) was utilized during the construction phase. This article focuses on the BIM application in the construction of the core area of the Daxing International Airport terminal building. The following are the key BIM applications used in the project.

4.1. Full-Element Modeling Application

The 3D model of the core area was constructed to comprehensively reflect the construction site scene and the actual construction situation. In addition to constructing the overall main model, the main model was reconstructed, and the process elements model (as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5) and the environment elements model (as shown in Figure 6) were added. Finally, the models of various elements were integrated using software such as Navisworks for subsequent applications, including site layout, construction machinery alignment, overall progress simulation, and earth excavation simulation.

4.1.1. Model Creation with Revit

In this project, the core area’s 3D model was developed using Autodesk’s Revit, a powerful tool for Building Information Modeling. Revit was chosen due to its comprehensive architectural modeling capabilities and superior interoperability with other software. With Revit, architects and engineers can collaboratively design and document building projects in a unified environment. Its capability to enable the creation of consistent, coordinated, and complete model-based designs greatly contributed to the efficiency and accuracy of the construction process.

The first step was the creation of the core area’s 3D model using Autodesk Revit (see Figure 7). Revit allowed for the construction of detailed building elements, such as walls, floors, roofs, and stairs, along with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The complex geometrical shapes of the core area were accurately depicted with the parametric modeling feature of Revit. The components were assigned attributes (material, cost, and vendor information) that would later assist in various project phases like estimating, scheduling, and procurement.

During the construction phase, the external walls of the building are built in layers, and if the floor slab is too large, it is divided into construction sections. Figure 8 shows the division of construction sections during the construction of the B1 floor slab of Beijing Daxing International Airport.

When dividing the construction sections, it is necessary to maintain a balanced workforce across each section, and divisions should align with the structural boundaries of the construction object (temperature joints, settlement joints, and unit demarcation lines).

In addition to the layers of the main body of the building, the individual components themselves are also layered. For example, the wall is divided into the main structure, the plaster layer, the waterproof layer, the insulation layer, and the decorative layer. In the design phase, the main structure of the wall and other layers, such as the facade layer, are often expressed together. In Revit, the facade layer belongs to the properties of the main body without being independent (see Figure 9). However, in the construction phase, the façade decoration and main structure construction span a considerable period of time and are not even implemented by the same organization, so they often need to be broken up and deconstructed into two separate model subjects.

Once the main building elements were modeled, the next step was to incorporate the construction process elements. This included turnover materials, temporary facilities, and mechanical equipment. For temporary projects with complex structures and high investment, such as the temporary steel walkway built during the construction of the core area of the Daxing International Airport terminal (as shown in Figure 9), it is necessary to establish a separate BIM for subsequent process simulation, force checking calculation, and engineering quantity statistics.

The reasonable application of construction site mechanical equipment can significantly improve construction efficiency. Large equipment, such as elevators, bulldozers, loaders, and tower cranes, and small equipment, such as straightening machines, concrete mixers, and steel processing equipment, provide a guarantee for material processing and transportation. Tower crane layout design and placement on a construction site is a common technical issue and a complex combinatorial problem. Tower cranes are essential for transporting heavy materials, including rebar, formwork, scaffolding, equipment, and steel components. Proper placement of tower cranes can reduce construction costs and safety hazards. Therefore, embedding the tower crane and other construction machinery and equipment families into BIM during the construction phase is necessary. By adjusting the family parameters to control the length and height of tower cranes, subsequent construction site layouts can be conducted to prevent collisions and other safety accidents.

4.1.2. Model Integration with Navisworks

Navisworks was employed to integrate the different models generated, providing a holistic view of the project. As project review software, Navisworks enables architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to holistically review integrated models and data with stakeholders. Its ability to handle large, complex BIM models and facilitate clash detection and resolution made it an invaluable tool for this project.

The individual models, representing different aspects of the construction project, such as architectural, structural, and MEP, were then integrated using Navisworks. This software enabled the coordination of multidisciplinary models into one unified project model, providing an all-inclusive view of the construction site and helping identify and resolve clashes or inconsistencies before actual construction commenced.

4.2. Multi-Time-Scale Simulation Application

For the construction difficulties of the tight construction period in the core area and the difficult construction of the C-shaped column, the construction process is simulated from different time scales, dynamically deducing the construction progress from the overall time plan of the project (taking the complex foundation pit project progress simulation as an example, as shown in Figure 10). Finely simulating the construction of local complex structures, such as the simulation of the complex steel node connection of C-shaped columns, and monitoring and simulating the effect of local bar instability on the overall load-bearing capacity of the column during the construction of the C-shaped column [40] (Figure 11).

4.2.1. Time and Cost Integration with Glodon 5D

The construction project leveraged Glodon 5D 2.0 software for quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and the establishment of construction schedules. The choice of this software was driven by its ability to offer an integrated solution that amalgamates cost estimation, scheduling, and project controls. Glodon 5D’s unique capability to incorporate time and cost data into the 3D building model enables visualization of construction progress and cost over time. This, in turn, significantly improves the accuracy of cost and time estimates.

The process of incorporating Glodon 5D included an initial phase of data collection and scheduling. The project schedule was created using Project software, which was then imported into the Glodon 5D BIM software. This was followed by a manual operation where tasks from the schedule were individually linked with components from the BIM model. After the completion of this association, the BIM model could provide a vivid representation of progress or differential analysis.

Following the establishment of these links, the integrated BIM model was processed with Glodon 5D for quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and construction scheduling. Each component within the BIM model was connected with its corresponding scheduled task and cost item. As such, changes within the model would be automatically mirrored in the schedule and cost estimate, offering real-time insight into the project status. The combined effect of this methodology was to enable a more efficient, accurate, and lean construction process.

4.2.2. Iterative Process

The modeling process was not a one-time task but rather an iterative process. As the project progressed and changes occurred, the BIM model was continually updated to reflect the actual construction scenario. These updates included tracking the actual construction progress, monitoring the stress–strain situation, and modifying the BIM based on actual start and completion times. The updated model was then used to revise cost estimates and schedules accordingly.

This dynamic, iterative process helped manage changes efficiently, keeping the project on track, within budget, and maintaining high-quality standards.

5. Discussions

5.1. Advantages and Limitations

A full-element modeling approach provides a comprehensive representation of BIM at any static time point, which can support lean construction by improving the management of construction resources. Multi-time-scale simulations enable the modeling of project progress, local structure construction technology, and working conditions, leading to better resource management and identification of potential issues. In addition, it can lead to better resource management, which can help in reducing construction costs and increasing efficiency. With a detailed model, it is easier to plan for materials, labor, and equipment needed for the project, which can help in optimizing the use of resources. Integration of process elements models of circulating materials, temporary facilities, construction machinery, and surrounding environmental elements can help to identify potential conflicts or issues that could arise during construction. A detailed model can also improve the accuracy of the construction schedule, aiding in ensuring the timely completion of the project. By considering the time required for each construction element, the schedule can be more precise and realistic, leading to fewer delays and disruptions.

However, there are also limitations to this approach. One significant limitation is the need for additional resources and time to create a more detailed model. Creating a detailed model requires a significant amount of effort, which can be time-consuming. Furthermore, a detailed model may not always be feasible, especially for smaller projects with limited resources. In such cases, a more simplified approach may be necessary, which may not offer the same level of accuracy and detail.

Overall, while the proposed approach can offer significant benefits in terms of resource management and scheduling, it also requires careful consideration of the costs and resources needed to create a detailed model.

5.2. Comparison with Existing Method

The BIM integrated full-element and multi-time-scale simulation for lean management of various resources, such as materials and labor, and achieved benefits in multiple aspects, such as cost and quality. In practical application, the deployment of this comprehensive BIM modeling method resulted in tangible effectiveness. Specifically, the development of the BIM model necessitated an expenditure of approximately 1.97 million CNY. However, the subsequent cost savings outstripped this initial investment considerably. Through the BIM-enhanced processes of model construction, scheme optimization, and visual communication, the project attained savings of around 7.3 million CNY. Furthermore, clash detection facilitated by the BIM model significantly reduced instances of rework during the construction phase, thus leading to an additional saving of about 2.55 million CNY. Ultimately, these optimizations culminated in comprehensive savings of approximately 7.88 million CNY.

These economic advantages were particularly apparent in several notable instances. For instance, BIM technology was used to design a rapid connection process for complex steel nodes in C-shaped columns, yielding substantial savings in material weight and associated costs. Similarly, the integration of a pallet system dramatically enhanced the efficiency of material handling, while the incorporation of a trestle system enabled the structural work team to adhere to regular working hours, thereby increasing efficiency by 10% and yielding a substantial reduction in labor costs.

Our proposed full-element and multi-time-scale modeling method significantly enhances BIM’s capacity to support lean construction, aiding waste reduction in the process. This method provides a more complete and detailed perspective of the construction process, combining all essential elements and activities within the building site.

The full-element modeling approach integrates key models—main building, construction process, and environment—offering a comprehensive view that facilitates efficient planning and resource utilization. The multi-time-scale simulation further enhances process transparency, enabling the elimination of non-value-adding activities in line with lean construction principles.

In summary, this method promises reduced waste and increased efficiency in construction, strengthening lean practices within the BIM framework. Future research should explore its application and effectiveness in real-world construction projects.

6. Conclusions

Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands as a fundamental technology in supporting lean construction. However, the current integration of construction site elements in BIM is not comprehensive enough, and the construction process is not accurately reflected. These limitations hamper the full potential of BIM in the realm of lean construction. Therefore, this study has sought to address these challenges and proposed a novel construction BIM full-element multi-time-scale construction method to enrich the representation of BIM by including site scenes and construction processes more precisely.

The core findings from this study are as follows:

• The full-element modeling approach, which integrates the main building model, the construction process elements model, and the surrounding environment model, enhances the static representation of the construction site scene at any given time point.
• The multi-time-scale simulation approach, which stratifies the dynamic construction site deduction process into progress simulation, construction process simulation, and work condition analysis on the scales of overall time, local time, and specific time points, delivers a more detailed depiction of the main building’s construction process.

The application of these methods significantly improved the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the BIM representation, aligning it more closely with the ideals of lean construction and hence advancing the objectives of this study.

However, it is worth noting that this paper’s proposed BIM construction method primarily focuses on two aspects—the composition of construction elements and the expression of the construction process. Therefore, potential avenues for future research should focus on the model-based collaborative application involving all parties, as well as model-based construction management, to further optimize the benefits of BIM in lean construction. This study lays a solid foundation for such explorations, extending the boundaries of lean construction and opening new possibilities for improved efficiency and waste reduction in the construction sector.