The Advancements of Building Information Modelling in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations Disciplines

REVIEW OF
“THE ADVANCEMENTS OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IN THE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DISCIPLINES”

STEPHEN ESPINET^[1]†

Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD4222, Australia

This paper presents a review of Building Information Modelling. Building Information Modelling is a knowledge domain that is quickly expanding within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AEC/O) industry. The study provides a review into how BIM can be used, the steps of the software to create a construction model and the main benefits of using Building Information Modelling during all stages of a project life cycle.  

Keywords: Building Information Modelling, BIM, maturity stages, visualization, integration

1. Building Information Modelling (BIM)

1.         Introduction

Modelling is a computational method that represents an approximation of a system. The mathematical model will describe the physical processes and boundaries of a system [6]. The representation of all the information needed to describe buildings throughout the whole project life cycle and management process has been For many years the AEC/O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) industry spends billions each year on modelling to attempt utilize modelling to assist in achieving efficiency throughout the whole life cycle of a building [2,3]. The development of building information modelling has allowed product-model data to be used to model, analyze, visualize and simulate a building from start to finish as well as for operations and maintenance [10].  

1. Dimensional Views

Building information-modelling uses computers to replicate traditional ways of building information via separate applications  (two-dimensional drawings, perspectives, engineering calculations, quantities, management networks and costs, and integrates them into one application [8]. This integration allows not only a 3-d environment and building to be simulated but a 4-d, 5-d, and 6-d.  4-d BIM refers to adding time to a 3-d model, therefore allowing construction project visualization, CPM scheduling, supply chain management, cost management and risk management to occur [3, 9]. This support allows architects, engineers and constructors envisage what it to be constructed and identify any potential issues [1].  5-d refers to cost identification and estimation, a tool that is very useful during the bidding purpose in the AEC/O industry [4].

1. The BIM Maturity Stages

BIM can be collated into stages – stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3. BIM stage 1 refers to object based modelling. It is initiated through the use of object based 3-d software in which users create a single-disciplinary model in either the design, construction or operation phase of the project life cycle. Stage 2 refers to collaborating the first stage with other discipline areas (i.e. design of engineers collaborates with architects design) [8]. Step 3 refers to a network based integration synopsis. In this stage, all aspects of data and information from each stage of the project life cycle are joined together using model server technologies. Doing so allows issues to be identified and a complex analysis of contract relationships, risk allocation and procedures to occur [8].