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Special Issue "BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry"

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (21 April 2022) | Viewed by 21683

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Stephen Paul Coates

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Guest Editor

School of Science, Engineering & Environment, Room 408, Maxwell Building, University of Salford, Salford, UK
Interests: BIM; HBIM; BIM education; applied technology; innovation and change management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Adonis Haidar
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Guest Editor

School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
Interests: BIM; digital design

Dr. Suha Jaradat

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Guest Editor

School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
Interests: building information modelling (BIM); historic building information modelling (HBIM); architectural design and practice; thermal comfort and spatial behaviour; sustainable design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Special Issue related to "BIM implementation in the Construction Industry".

The use of building information modelling continues to expand as the preferred method of delivering projects in the built environment. This represents a transition from the use of drawings and documents to a creation, delivery, and recording system based on graphical/data constructs integrated with collaborative practices in a common data environment. This object-oriented approach enables multiple forms of representation, allowing new forms of data analytics and insight. The ongoing development in the computer sciences and associated frontend technologies mean that it is appropriate to re-evaluate the theoretical basis of BIM and its potential to provide a foundation for other systems of task and activity augmentation. BIM, although data-centric, can be seen as the starting point in the development of knowledge and intelligent systems. Developments in AI, VR, IOT, block chain and GIS all offer new questions when it comes to the future development of BIM.

The Special Issue, entitled "BIM implementation in the Construction Industry", offers an opportunity to re-evaluate the theoretical basis underpinning BIM and also to consider BIM’s role in a digitally emerging world.

Dr. Stephen Paul Coates
Dr. Adonis Haidar
Dr. Suha Jaradat
Guest Editors

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Keywords

BIM
BIM theory
Emerging BIM practice
BIM and data science
BIM and knowledge management
AI
virtual and augmented systems
BIM and blockchain
BIM and GIS

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Toolchains for Interoperable BIM Workflows in a Web-Based Integration Platform

and

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5959; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125959 - 11 Jun 2022

Viewed by 981

Abstract

The construction industry is characterized by the diversity of its processes, whereby persons involved in changing project communities are confronted with a changing interplay of software applications. Therefore, planning workflows, and especially the exchange of information between stakeholders, need to be formalized. The automation and execution of these workflows go one step further to achieve added value in implementation and project management using building information modeling. For the configuration and execution of collaborative BIM workflows with compatible software products, a framework is conceived and developed that enables the modeling of project-specific workflows by linking individual software tools based on a standardized process notation. The resulting toolchains enable seamless information exchange between applications that integrate an openCDE-compliant web interface. The methodological approach in this paper is a concept implementation, including a proof of concept. For the concept development, a review of the state of the art is conducted, and requirements are analyzed. The concept development comprises data models and API descriptions and includes the concept of a central integration platform. The interaction between workflow management on the platform and the execution of tasks in the software product clients is explained. The implementation of the toolchains on the proposed platform is evaluated in a demonstrator scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

BIM for Landscape Design Improving Climate Adaptation Planning: The Evaluation of Software Tools Based on the ISO 25010 Standard

Evelina Keibach

and

Homeira Shayesteh

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020739 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1462

Abstract

This paper investigates the capabilities and limitations of different software tools simulating landscape design adaptability. The evaluation of tools is based on the ISO 25010 framework, which investigates software functionality, reliability, performance efficiency, usability, compatibility, and information quality. These quality characteristics of software are analysed during objective experiments where five software tools are used for a case study project at the conceptual design phase. These experiments reveal that the existing software tools for climate adaptation planning are focused on different aspects of climate adaptability, generating different types of information. Moreover, all tools deal with some limitations in terms of compatibility, performance efficiency, and functional operations. The ISO 25010 quality model provides a comprehensive framework to compare the capabilities of different software tools for climate adaptation planning. This paper is part of a wider study including an analysis of the needs of project stakeholders regarding climate adaptation software tools. However, this article focuses on technical capabilities of current climate adaptation software tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

Determination of Business Intelligence and Analytics-Based Healthcare Facility Management Key Performance Indicators

Gökhan Demirdöğen

Zeynep Işık

and

Yusuf Arayici

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020651 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

The use of digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and smart meters induces a huge data stack in facility management (FM). However, the use of data analysis techniques has remained limited to converting available data into information within activities performed in FM. In this context, business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) techniques can provide a promising opportunity to elaborate facility performance and discover measurable new FM key performance indicators (KPIs) since existing KPIs are too crude to discover actual performance of facilities. Beside this, there is no comprehensive study that covers BI&A activities and their importance level for healthcare FM. Therefore, this study aims to identify healthcare FM KPIs and their importance levels for the Turkish healthcare FM industry with the use of the AHP integrated PROMETHEE method. As a result of the study, ninety-eight healthcare FM KPIs, which are categorized under six categories, were found. The comparison of the findings with the literature review showed that there are some similarities and differences between countries’ FM healthcare ranks. Within this context, differences between countries can be related to the consideration of limited FM KPIs in the existing studies. Therefore, the proposed FM KPIs under this study are very comprehensive and detailed to measure and discover healthcare FM performance. This study can help professionals perform more detailed building performance analyses in FM. Additionally, findings from this study will pave the way for new developments in FM software and effective use of available data to enable lean FM processes in healthcare facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

BIM-Based Methodology for the Management of Public Heritage. CASE Study: Algeciras Market Hall

Ángela Moreno Bazán

Marcos García Alberti

Antonio A. Arcos Álvarez

Rubén Muñoz Pavón

and

Adela González Barbado

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11899; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411899 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1638

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is modifying the workflow of the construction field, not only in design and construction stages but also for the management of the facilities. Most advances in academics and industry have focussed on the use of BIM for building. However, the possibilities of the use of three-dimensional information models for the construction and management of public works and civil engineering infrastructure projects (known as CIM) are still a matter of concern, being complex though offering a wider number of possibilities when compared with regular building industry. Moreover, the construction process in comparison with its lifespan represent only a small part of the investments for the use of public works. With this background, the possibilities based on BIM for the maintenance and rehabilitation of public heritage (HCIM) can greatly improve traditional management capabilities. Making best use of BIM and digitalisation for the management of public heritage (HCIM) requires creating tools for documentation, registering and data management to permit the adequate information transfer between the actors involved. Such actors may be experts or not and hold or not skills to use BIM tools. This study proposes the creation of a database to support the regular inspection during the lifespan of the infrastructure and connect it with the three-dimensional information model, serving the latter as an information repository of the whole life of the infrastructure. Such data include damage and causes as well as a description of the pathology and this information is referred to each element, showing all the historic measures taken. In addition, quantification and quotation of the repairs needed can be obtained. Lastly, the study has applied this methodology in Algeciras Market Hall, the notorious rationalist building designed by the engineer Eduardo Torroja and built in 1935. The results shown in this study can be of great interest for both researchers and practice, with an adaptation and innovation of the BIM and HCIM possibilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Improvement of BIM-Based Digitalization in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Projects in China

Yu Zheng

Llewellyn C. M. Tang

and

K. W. Chau

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11895; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411895 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

Digitalization is considered a dynamic change process powered by the rapid development of innovative concepts (e.g., building information modeling) that brings substantial potential benefits to the construction industry. However, previous studies of the benefits of digitalization (BIM) were mainly based on laboratory data rather than actual practices, which compromised the reliability of the results for construction practitioners. This study investigated the impact of digitalization in EPC construction projects by integrating descriptive statistics and survey-based exploratory factor analysis (SEFA). After a detailed review of related studies and meetings with experts, ten main variables and 14 unified variables were identified. The data on these variables were collected by questionnaire surveys and the extraction of information from project documentation. A total of 62 participants from 33 EPC construction projects responded to the questionnaire survey. The SEFA results indicated that digitalization can improve both the cost and time performance, with greater potential for improvement in time performance for EPC projects. In a scenario with limited digitalization implementation, this research could motivate future researchers to develop more applied research and guidelines to achieve best practices in the domain of the digitalization of construction projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

An Investigation of Work-Based Education and Training Needs for Effective BIM Adoption and Implementation: An Organisational Upskilling Model

Jalal Semaan

Jason Underwood

and

Jason Hyde

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8646; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188646 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

Research reveals that organisations in general are keen to provide their staff with the support needed to boost their competency in BIM and subsequently leverage the effectiveness of its implementation. However, employers need a decision-making tool to make better informed investments in specific work-based education and training that addresses the immediate upskilling needs of their employees. Therefore, the aim of this research project is to investigate the significance of Work-Based Education and Training (WBET) needs through the development of an Organisational Upskilling Model (OUM). A comprehensive literature review retrieved 25 hypotheses that were tested for significance from a questionnaire survey completed by 73 AEC professionals working for a large-scale UK engineering consultancy. Based on the current expert sample, the study revealed a holistic inter-organisational agreement that technology training is in high demand. Whereas, the organisational body of knowledge needs only to be better publicised, as employees were unaware of its immediate availability. OUM proved that the most influential variables to BIM Uptake were Attitude (R² = 0.569 & Q² = 0.395), User Competency (R² = 0.523 & Q² = 0.369), and Organisational Support (R² = 0.400 & Q² = 0.233). Informed by their in-house culture, OUM enabled the sponsoring engineering consultant to predict immediate WBET upskilling needs and plan for the required capital investment. However, ‘OUM’ may be applied by any BIM-adopting organisation seeking WBET informed decision-making assistance for better upskilling, continuous improvement, organisational learning, and ultimately business growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Current State of Automation of Hazard Detection Processes in BIM in Slovakia

and

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8130; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178130 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1663

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) brings several benefits to design and construction companies, especially in higher efficiency and quality of work. Several companies also use common data environment (CDE) systems, which speed up communication and collaboration between project participants. These can be used for occupational health and safety (HS) purposes and to increase the level of HS on construction sites. The first part of the article presents the state-of-the-art possibilities and approaches to implementing BIM in automatic or semi-automatic health and safety hazard detection. The following parts analyze the interviews with experts in BIM coordination, project management and health and safety in Slovakia and their answers to a survey, that covers the topic of safety hazard detection in BIM. The analysis shows that BIM is a suitable tool for increasing safety on construction sites, but there are several obstacles to achieving its full potential. The survey brings readers closer to the current state of the topic and the possibilities offered by BIM and CDE software in Slovakia. This paper, through the requirements and opinions of experts in BIM, project management and HS management, points out areas for further research and development of BIM software. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Open AccessArticle

Influence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation in High-Rise Buildings towards Sustainability

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Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7626; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167626 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2661

Abstract

To secure full benefits without jeopardizing project feasibility, sustainability standards in high-rise building design should be included at all phases of the decision-making process. However, there are limited empirical studies on the influence of building information modeling (BIM) implementation in high-rise buildings. Implementing BIM is a viable technique to improve high-rise building sustainability performance. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore the influence of BIM implementation in high-rise buildings by integrating the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) approaches. Following a detailed review of the literature to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for BIM implementation, empirical evidence was gathered through a questionnaire survey with 205 stakeholders in construction projects. The EFA revealed five components, namely, productivity, visualization, coordination, sustainability, and safety improvement, all of which have a significant impact on the long-term construction of high-rise buildings. Moreover, SEM was conducted to develop the model for high-rise buildings. However, it has been revealed that awareness and usage level of BIM technology in high-rise buildings still appears to be limited. This scenario paves the way for future researchers to develop more models in the domain of high-rise buildings in order to improve sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

BIM and GIS Applications in Bridge Projects: A Critical Review

and

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 6207; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11136207 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2870

Abstract

In recent years, interest in BIM and GIS applications in civil engineering has been growing. For bridge engineering, BIM/GIS applications such as simulation, visualization, and secondary development have been used to assist practitioners in managing bridge construction and decision-making, including selection of bridge location maintenance decisions. In situ 3D modelling of existing bridges with detailed images from UAV camera has allowed engineers to conduct remote condition assessments of bridges and decide on required maintenance actions. Several studies have investigated the applications of BIM/GIS technology on bridge projects. However, there has been limited focus on reviewing the outcomes of these studies to identify the limitations of BIM and GIS applications on bridge projects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the research on BIM/GIS technology applications in bridge projects over the last decade. Using a systematic review process, a total of 90 publications that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed in this study. The review identified the state-of-the-art methods of BIM and GIS applications, respectively, at the planning and design, construction, and operation and maintenance phases of bridge projects. However, the findings point to segregated application of BIM and GIS at all phases of bridge projects. The findings of this study will contribute to guiding practitioners in selecting appropriate BIM and GIS technologies for different aspects of bridge projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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Other

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Open AccessSystematic Review

A Review of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Facility Management (FM): Implementation in Public Organisations

Lidia Pinti

Ricardo Codinhoto

and

Serena Bonelli

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031540 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2895

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been extensively studied and applied within the AEC sector, particularly in design and construction. In recent years, Facility Management (FM) processes are becoming more digitalised, thus requiring effective BIM-FM integration. BIM adoption in many countries, such as the UK, Italy and Brazil, has been publicly driven. Generally, adoption was targeted at design and construction implementation, with little effort in framing public action for FM implementation. The lack of an integrated approach for BIM-FM implementation resulted in numerous bespoken implementation approaches that mimic the private sector and hinder knowledge exchange. Therefore, there is a need for assessing and amalgamating knowledge about BIM-FM for public organisations. This research aims to leverage knowledge about BIM-FM in the public domain by analysing and classifying articles published between 2010–2021. The research was carried out through a systematic review and comparative thematic analysis investigating the use of BIM for different public buildings (e.g., schools and hospitals) and the implementation for FM purposes. Research results outline prevalent trends and areas of research from three perspectives: people, process and technology. Results show an increasing number of publications about BIM-FM. However, the divide between BIM-FM for public and private organisations is unequal. BIM-FM research for public organisations is still limited and lacks standardisation. This state-of-the-art review makes an incremental contribution to knowledge by identifying progress, gaps and new industry directions on the subject matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Implementation to Meet the Changing Demands of the Construction Industry)

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