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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2024) | Viewed by 22482

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Irene Lill

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Interests: BIM and simulation for construction and construction education; digitalization in construction; construction management; whole life cycle costing for construction sustainability and circular economy; disaster resilience in construction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Theophilus Olowa

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Guest Editor

Department of Quantity Surveying, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
Interests: BIM and simulation for construction education; digitalization in construction; construction management; cost in use management; project management; whole life cycle costing for construction sustainability and circular economy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a revolutionary technology that has transformed the construction industry in recent years. BIM applications have provided immense value to construction management professionals by optimizing the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualization to eventual demolition, upcycling and recycling. The integration of BIM into construction management enables real-time collaboration among stakeholders, facilitating enhanced communication and coordination throughout the project's lifecycle. Furthermore, BIM applications provide data-driven insights that enhance decision-making processes during planning, construction and post-construction phases. Due to the potential benefits and the innovative nature of BIM applications, research and development in this field have become crucial in the realm of construction management.

Interested authors are invited to submit their papers addressing BIM applications in all relevant fields of construction management to this Special Issue. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: clash detection, quantity take-off and cost estimates, project schedule and control, safety prediction and simulation, quality assurance, team collaboration and coordination, subcontracting, and material supplies and fabrication. It also investigates the connection between BIM and other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, virtual reality, the Internet of Things (IOT), big data, lean construction, and the construction cloud, among others. We welcome both original research and reviews that address the aforementioned topics.

Prof. Dr. Irene Lill
Dr. Theophilus Olowa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

construction/project management
information systems
automated technologies
virtual reality and visualization technologies
digital towns and smart cities
BIM
digital twins
sustainable construction

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

39 pages, 7576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Emerging Technologies with Construction Practices in Australia

by Mia L. Chaaya, Lucia M. Sarkis and Faham Tahmasebinia

Buildings 2025, 15(3), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030396 - 26 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

Although the construction sector significantly bolsters the Australian economy, it is widely recognised for lagging behind other industries in adopting emerging technologies. This study reviews existing literature to explore the current state of technology integration in the Australian construction industry, focusing on its impact on safety, cost, quality, and project timelines. The research methodology involved conducting interviews and surveys with industry stakeholders to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding technology integration. The analysis of survey data provided insights into the current and anticipated future adoption of emerging technologies in Australia, identifying significant obstacles that impede the industry’s digital transformation. Based on the survey results, a specialised system was developed for Tier 1 and Tier 2 construction firms, enabling them to evaluate their present and predicted future use of emerging technologies. Additionally, this system helps university graduates gauge their understanding and awareness of emerging technologies to meet the expectations of leading industry professionals. The findings of this study aim to enhance the understanding and implementation of emerging technologies within the construction sector, thereby fostering a new generation of professionals who recognise the significant potential of these technologies to revolutionise construction practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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19 pages, 5959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Building Information Modeling Based Method for Prioritizing Clash Detection in the Building Construction Design Phase

by Iman Bitaraf, Ali Salimpour, Pedram Elmi and Ali Akbar Shirzadi Javid

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3611; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113611 - 13 Nov 2024

Viewed by 2491

Abstract

The rising complexity of construction projects and the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices have driven the extensive adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. A core function of BIM is the early identification and resolution of clashes during the design phase, which serves to mitigate costly rework and delays in the construction process. This study presents an advanced method for classifying and prioritizing hard clashes between structural components and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Employing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), this research assigned specific weights to structural and MEP elements based on expert evaluations. Six parameters were incorporated into this prioritization framework: the weights determined by the BWM, outputs from Navisworks software (v2021), the ratio of MEP volume to floor volume, the functional purpose of each floor, and the number of adjacent elements. A custom-developed plugin for Autodesk Navisworks integrated these parameters, enabling real-time automated clash prioritization. Clashes were ranked by criticality through a calculation involving the six parameters, which enhanced the efficiency of clash detection by optimizing time and cost considerations during the design phase. Case study results indicate that beams and columns represent the most critical structural elements, while ducts are identified as the most significant MEP elements. The proposed method substantially improves clash detection and prioritization efficiency and accuracy, yielding considerable benefits in project management and resource allocation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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23 pages, 2977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergizing BIM and Value Engineering in the Construction of Residential Projects: A Novel Integration Framework

by Ahmed Gouda Mohamed, Fahad K. Alqahtani, Elhassan Reda Ismail and Mohamed Nabawy

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2515; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082515 - 15 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3419

Abstract

This study explores integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Value Engineering (VE) to enhance cost management and project value optimization in residential construction. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive framework that synergizes 5th Dimension Building Information Modeling (5D BIM) with VE processes to identify and evaluate the most cost-effective construction alternatives. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research includes an extensive review of existing practices, an integrated BIM-VE framework proposal, and the application of 5D BIM principles to improve visualization, cost estimation, and scheduling. The findings reveal that integrating BIM and VE significantly enhances project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the case study of a twin villa project demonstrates a 42% reduction in floor material costs and a 30% reduction in door material costs, resulting in an overall project cost savings of 35%. Additionally, the integrated approach contributes to a 15% reduction in project duration and a notable improvement in design quality and stakeholder collaboration. This research contributes significantly by providing a robust framework for BIM and VE integration, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cost management practices in the construction industry. The novelty of this study lies in its detailed and practical approach to merging BIM with VE, offering a viable solution for resource optimization and sustainable building practices. This study highlights the transformative potential of BIM-VE integration, advocating for its broader adoption to achieve superior project outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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16 pages, 1735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Framework of Information Flow Synchronization Throughout the Building Lifecycle

by Christopher-Robin Raitviir and Irene Lill

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072207 - 17 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1777

Abstract

The construction industry’s reliance on traditional methods and fragmented workflows results in significant information loss, inefficiencies, increased costs, and errors. This study addresses these issues by integrating comprehensive urban planning with building information modeling (BIM) to create a seamless information flow throughout the building lifecycle. We propose a holistic framework that synchronizes data from planning to demolition, incorporating national and municipal digital twins. An imperative literature review and analysis of international best practices were conducted to develop a conceptual framework aimed at improving data accuracy and interoperability. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting open standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and CityGML for effective information exchange. By implementing an information model (IM)-based approach in urban planning and public sector permit processes, project timelines can be streamlined, and regulatory compliance enhanced. This study concludes that continuous, integrated information flow facilitates more efficient, cost-effective construction practices and improved decision-making. Furthermore, this research illustrates the potential of digital twin technology to revolutionize the construction industry by enabling real-time data integration and fostering stakeholder collaboration, ultimately offering a robust framework for practitioners, and significantly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of construction processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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28 pages, 7368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A BIM Package with a NEC4 Contract Option to Mitigate Construction Disputes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

by Reda Abdelshafy Abougamil, David Thorpe and Amirhossein Heravi

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072009 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2267

Abstract

The construction sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), valued at USD 152 billion and employing 2.54 million people by 2023, is crucial to its economy. However, it faces challenges such as delays, disputes, and cost overruns. This study aims to address these issues by implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the KSA, based on an extensive literature review highlighting the role and significance of BIM in mitigating construction claims. BIM improves collaboration, communication, and data integration among stakeholders. Hence, this study proposes a comprehensive BIM Package framework comprising Revit Architecture, Microsoft Project, and Cost-X to reduce claims effectively. Validated through a KSA claims case study with a USD 1,870,000 claims value and 360-day delay, the BIM Package significantly reduced the claims value to USD 188,000 and saved 275 days. Interview sessions were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the BIM Package; 95% favored the use of BIM, 86% supported NEC4 contract adoption alongside BIM, 100% acknowledged BIM’s potential in reducing design errors, 95% were confident in the case study’s accuracy, and 82% were satisfied with data accuracy. This study confirms that BIM is an effective approach for minimizing construction claims in the KSA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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19 pages, 9579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging BIM for Enhanced Camera Allocation Planning at Construction Job Sites: A Voxel-Based Site Coverage and Overlapping Analysis

by Si Van-Tien Tran, Doyeop Lee, Hai Chien Pham, Long H. Dang, Chansik Park and Ung-Kyun Lee

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1880; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061880 - 20 Jun 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

In the construction industry, the imperative for visual surveillance mechanisms is underscored by the need for safety monitoring, resources, and progress tracking, especially with the adoption of vision intelligence technology. Traditional camera installation plans often move toward coverage and cost objectives without considering substantial coverage overlap, inflating processing and storage requirements, and complicating subsequent analyses. To address these issues, this research proposes a voxel-based site coverage and overlapping analysis for camera allocation planning in parametric BIM environments, called the PBA approach. The first step is to collect information from the BIM model, which is the input for the parametric modeling step. After that, the PBA approach simulates the virtual devices and the construction layout by employing visual language programming and then generates a coverage area. Lastly, the performance simulation and evaluation of various placement scenarios against predefined criteria are conducted, including visual coverage and overlapping optimization for eliminating data redundancy purposes. The proposed approach is evaluated through its application to construction projects. The results from these various implementations indicate a marked decrease in data overlap and an overall enhancement in surveillance efficacy. This research contributes a novel, BIM-centric solution to visual information adoption in the construction industry, offering a scalable approach to optimize camera placement while mitigating overlapping areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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19 pages, 2558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to BIM Implementation in the HVAC Industry: An Exploratory Study

by İsmail Cengiz Yılmaz, Deniz Yılmaz, Onur Kandemir, Hamdi Tekin, Şenay Atabay and Ülger Bulut Karaca

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030788 - 14 Mar 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

In recent times, the rise of urbanization, industrialization, population growth, food security, and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased demand for indoor spaces with efficient air conditioning systems. As a result, there is a growing interest in creating more complex HVAC systems to improve indoor spaces. Building information modeling (BIM) offers numerous benefits to the HVAC industry, such as clash detection, budget and time reductions, and increased efficiency. However, its implementation is currently hindered by various challenges. This research aims to identify the major barriers to BIM implementation in the HVAC industry in Turkey, using a questionnaire survey of 224 domain experts working in 42 different companies across various fields of the HVAC industry. The study utilized several statistical analyses to categorize and prioritize the most critical barriers, including reliability tests, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test, Bartlett’s test, and ranking of factors (IRI). The results indicate that the “Deficiencies of Infrastructure and Lack of Qualified Personnel (DIP)” factor group constituted the most significant barrier, followed by “Lack of Documentation and Specifications (LDS)”, “Deficiencies of Case Studies and Project Drawings (DCP)”, and “Lack of Motivation and Resistance to BIM (LMR)”. Moreover, our research revealed that 60% of the participants’ companies allocate less than 40% of their budgets to technological infrastructure, which hinders the adoption of BIM. To promote BIM in the HVAC sector, we recommend enhancing personnel capacity building, improving skills and knowledge about BIM, promoting guidelines, and providing free access to documentation for practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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31 pages, 8814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation of BIM Advantages in Analysing Claims Procedures Related to the Extension of Time and Money in the KSA Construction Industry

by Reda Abdelshafy Abougamil, David Thorpe and Amirhossein Heravi

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020426 - 4 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2667

Abstract

The construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a significant sector in the Middle East, with annual expenditures exceeding USD 120 billion. It employs 15% of the workforce and consumes more than 14% of the country’s energy resources. Despite the significant growth in the Saudi construction sector, it faces various challenges due to the rapid launch of mega projects, such as the Line project engaged with the NEOM project, as well as other new projects as part of the Saudi Vision 2030. The challenges might be limited to a shortage of skilled labourers, rising costs, construction disputes, and material shortages. This study aims to investigate claims management procedures under traditional practice and compare them with a proposed BIM package as an alternative solution to mitigate construction disputes. The objective of the study focuses on reducing the time consumed when analysing claims against the level of accuracy of claims values. The proposed BIM model improves and streamlines the claims process through automation. This study presents prospective and retrospective methods in delay analysis under an accepted programme. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and out of a total of 123 practitioners, 79 replied. The findings in tables in this article reveal that there are demands and a growing awareness of BIM in the KSA construction industry. The results reveal that BIM can help to reduce potential disputes and can reduce overall project cost overruns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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18 pages, 1971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Critical Factors for Effective BIM-Enabled Education: An Adaptive Structuration Theory Perspective

by Theophilus Olowa, Emlyn Witt, Irene Lill, Abdulkadir Rasheed, Abdulazeez Abdulmumin and Ranti Adebiyi

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3044; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123044 - 7 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2804

Abstract

Educational systems of the 21st century require agility and flexibility for construction graduates to have the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for effective performance in the construction industry, especially with the global digitalization of the industry. With reference to adaptive structuration theory (AST) as a theoretical lens and a survey research design, this research examined the relationship between building information modeling (BIM) as an advanced information technology and educators’ attitudes toward implementing BIM for construction education to prepare local graduates for global relevance and employment. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Ver 25). The findings of the study showed that group internal system, structure of BIM, and task and organizational environment play important roles in implementing BIM for construction education in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC/FM) disciplines. It was recommended that policymakers, academics, and curriculum developers pay attention to these factors for rapid development in the realm of BIM education. The development of a robust BIM education framework that considers these factors should also be studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue BIM Application in Construction Management)

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