Omer Syed - The Integration of BIM in Construction Organizations & its Impacts on Productivity-Research Paper
1. FINAL CAPSTONE REPORT:
The Integration of BIM in Construction Organizations & its Impacts on Productivity
Authored by: Omer Syed – 100777134
Degree Candidate for
Bachelor of Technology in
Construction Management – T314
Prepared For:
Professor Christopher Willis
Angelo Del Zotto School of Construction Management
George Brown College
MARCH 31, 2016
2. To: Professor Christopher Willis
From: Omer Syed – 100777134
Date: March 31, 2016
Subject: Capstone Report – The Integration of BIM in Construction Organizations & its Impacts
on Productivity
Greetings Professor Willis, please accept this report which that aims to explain what Building
Information Modeling is about and its impacts it has on productivity in the construction
industry. Several color coded graphs have been made to further showcase my research and to
further validate its legitimacy. BIM is the process of representing building elements into a
digital format with all its information of its components to be shared & viewed across the many
different disciplines in construction. The process is to help reduce the common redundancies
that arise when working on 2 Dimensional Drafting and the use of manual estimation in order
to increase productivity workflow and to increase project turnover rates.
My secondary research is comprised of online articles, databases, charts, tables, and scholarly
documents that provide concrete answers to my research investigation on BIM and its impact
on productivity. My primary research was done throughout the course of the previous
semesters. The primary research that was conducted further supports my secondary research
findings and further validates that BIM does have a positive impact on the productivity within
the construction industry.
During the course of conducting my research I found many interesting facts and trends that are
currently happening within the construction industry, as well as within the architectural
industry as well. I decided to include both findings (although more findings along the side of the
construction industry) as I came from a background in Architectural Technology and found the
relation between the two industries to be common and insightful.
Although conducting this research paper took time and dedication, I did find it to be both
insightful and informative whether I was conducting primary or secondary research. Completing
this Capstone Report gave me insight as to the current construction trends that are currently
taking place. From my research, the general direction these trends seem to be going is that
George Brown College has prepared me for my future career in the Construction Industry. I
hope you find the results of this report as informative as I have.
3. Table of Contents
Table of Figures.............................................................................................................................. iv
Table of Tables................................................................................................................................ v
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................... vi
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Intensions of this Report............................................................................................... 1
1.2 Assumptions & Approach ............................................................................................. 2
2.0 BIM – Building Information Modeling .......................................................................... 3
2.1 History ......................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Applications of BIM....................................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 Off-Site Applications ...................................................................................... 7
2.2.2 On-Site Applications....................................................................................... 8
2.3 Various BIM Programs ................................................................................................ 11
2.3.1 Autodesk Revit............................................................................................. 11
2.3.2 Autodesk Navisworks................................................................................... 12
2.3.3 PlanSwift ...................................................................................................... 13
2.4 Productivity impacts of BIM Practices & Programs.................................................... 14
2.4.1 Productivity Rates........................................................................................ 14
2.4.2 Project Turnover Rates ................................................................................ 20
2.5 Implementation of BIM within a Construction Company........................................... 21
2.5.1 Software Requirements............................................................................... 22
2.5.2 Hardware Requirements.............................................................................. 23
2.5.3 Staff Training Requirements ........................................................................ 23
2.5.4 Challenges with implementing BIM............................................................. 24
3.0 Methodology.............................................................................................................. 27
3.1 Research Strategy ....................................................................................................... 27
3.2 Structure of Selected Research Methods ................................................................... 28
3.3 Selection Rationale of Participants............................................................................. 28
3.4 Restrictive Banners ..................................................................................................... 29
3.5 Exceptions................................................................................................................... 29
4.0 Data ........................................................................................................................... 30
4.1 Interviews ................................................................................................................... 30
4.1.1 Interview No. 1 ............................................................................................ 31
4.1.2 Interview No. 2 ............................................................................................ 32
ii
5. Table of Figures
Figure 1 – BIM Principals & Basic Concepts.................................................................................... 4
Figure 2 – Dimensions in Construction........................................................................................... 5
Figure 3 – Revit Architecture 2011 .............................................................................................. 11
Figure 4 – Autodesk Navisworks................................................................................................... 12
Figure 5 – Planswift....................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6 – IPD vs Traditional Methods of Construction................................................................ 15
Figure 7 – BIM vs CAD Productivity Workflow.............................................................................. 17
Figure 8 – Long & Short Term BIM Benefits ................................................................................. 18
Figure 9 – Tangible Benefits for Contractors................................................................................ 19
Figure 10 – Effect of BIM use on project profitability .................................................................. 20
Figure 11 – Typical IPD System ..................................................................................................... 24
iv
6. Table of Tables
Table 1 – Best Mobile Apps for BIM – AEC Magazine..................................................................... 8
Table 2 – Minimum: Entry Level Configuration............................................................................ 22
v
7. Abstract
This report shall seek serve as a purpose to educate the reader about what Building Information
Modeling (BIM) is and what are its practices and methodology is within the construction industry.
Not only will this report seek to provide the reader with the basic understandings of BIM and its
impacts on productivity, but this essay shall also serve as a guide to those companies or individuals
that want to implement BIM into their own construction company; both in the term of what skills
and mindset that would be required from the persons using BIM and also in terms of computer
hardware and software requirements.
BIM is the process of digitally generating physical characteristics of building components within a
file that is meant to display and communicate information over to shared participants of the project
and encompasses functions to efficiently and accurately design & communicate project elements.
BIM also communicates quantities in order to complete projects at a fast rate, thus increasing
project turnover rates and reducing design and construction redundancies, of which both impact
the gross profit that construction companies are trying to acuminate.
The method of which I would conduct to obtain information about this Capstone Report would be
using both Primary and Secondary research. For my Secondary Research I would be using the
textbooks, internet web searches, and encyclopedias to gather information from second hand
sources. As for my Primary Research I shall be conducting interviews with industry professionals
that have worked with BIM programs & practices and ask them critical questions about BIM
practices & programs and its productivity impacts on construction projects that they have worked
on and how it can, or has been, implemented in the office or at a construction site. Main findings
show that the use, and practice, of BIM technologies within a construction industry increases the
productivity workflow and does contribute to a high project turnover rate within construction
industries and a rising trend show that more sub-trades are requesting to release the BIM model to
help them with estimating quantity take-offs and for scheduling purposes.
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8.
9. 1
1.0 Introduction
Of all the expanding sectors, the construction industry is one of the fastest growing, in both
demand and expansive scale This accounts for 6% of Canada’s GDP (Statistics Canada, 2016),
and is growing bigger every year. That may be good news for from an economic standpoint;
however with such a turbulent industry that is growing at a substantial rate, there must also be
workforce that supports that growth. The construction industry is a high “Project Orientated”
industry – which rely on completion method contract, which in essence prevent profits from
being ascertained until project completion. And when there is a high demand to complete
many projects, the need to complete these projects in a timely, orderly fashion and with a high
degree of efficiency arises.
Building Information Modeling (or BIM for short) is a process of digitally representing physical &
functional building characteristics, of a virtual 3D model, in order to help visualize the building
and its construction components (US National Building Information Modeling Standard Project
Committee, 2016). BIM is a tool that allows the construction industry to better communicate
what they require from a project with the help of 3D visual representation. As well as making
construction documents in a more efficient manner to ensure a greater project turnover rate, in
order to satisfy the high demand of the growing construction market.
BIM programs are not only used to help with communication and visual understandings of a
project, but also have a great impact on accelerating productivity and achieving a higher project
turnover rate, for an industry that is ‘Project Orientated'.
1.1 Intentions of this Report
This report is to give the reader a basic understanding of what BIM is and how it can affect
productivity in the construction Industry and how this can affect a company’s project turnover
rate. During this report both primary & secondary research technique shall be utilized in order
to convey to the reader that BIM can further increase productivity of the creation and
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implementation of architectural and construction drawings. The reason that this report shall
utilize primary research is to find validity within the secondary research that shall be conducted
throughout the course of this report. With the addition of portraying to the reader what BIM is
and how it can impact productivity, this report shall aim to also develop a roadmap of how a
start-up (or a pre-existing) construction company can implement BIM within their company and
what would be required of them to carry out this implementation and how to maintain it in
both the terms of hardware & software technologies and professionals who are capable of
performing these task.
1.2 Assumptions & Approach
While undertaking this report, the presumed hypothesis is that Building Information Modeling
shall increase and raise productivity output within a construction company and lead to higher
project turnover rates.
Although AutoCAD remains the most widely used, and most popular choice, of program. For its
use in being able to create 2D drawings of floor plans, objects and other detailing work. 3D
Building Information Modeling programs such as Revit, Chief Architect, Bentley, etc allows for a
faster approach when designing and creating drafting drawings; and completing them for the
tendering or construction phase of the project. These BIM related programs help with the
tendering/quantity take-off/pricing and scheduling process of construction. Therefore, it is
established that Building Information Program are currently available and are in use within the
construction industry. However, BIM programs are not as readily used or prominent within the
construction industry as 2D drafting programs like AutoCAD and Google Sketch Up. Which is
why it is the assumption that the reader has a very basic knowledge of what Building
Information Modeling is, or at the very least has heard of it.
Another assumption that should be kept in the mind of the reader is that while reading this
report, there was only time to conduct three in-person interviews for the primary research of
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the report. The low number responses of primary resources of information was due to the fact
of was due to scheduling conflicts and the amount of other course work that was present at the
time. This is why there are only three primary sources of information within the primary
research section of this report. Lastly, another assumption that was made during the creation
of this report is that the reader has experience or some sort of knowledge of what AutoCAD or
similar 2D drafting programs are (and if the reader does not know what they are a brief
explanation shall be provided within this report).
For this report, I shall be utilizing both primary sources (interviews) and secondary sources
(scholarly websites, books, news articles / newsletters) as recourses to convey information
about Building Information Modeling and its impact to productivity in the construction industry.
Charts, graphs & tables shall be used as to provide the reader with a visual representation of
the information presented within this report and shall serve the purpose to further enhance the
readers understanding of Building Information Modeling and its impact on productivity.
2.0 BIM – Building Information Modeling
The US National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee has established a benchmark
definition that defines what exactly Building Information Modeling is and what it aims to accomplish:
“Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical & functional
characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge of resources for information about a
facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest
conceptions to demolition.” (US National Building Information Modeling Standard Project
Committee, 2016).
What this means is that from the traditional building design they were largely reliant on two-
dimensional technical drawings. (I.e. plans, elevations, sections, details, etc.) With BIM, this two-
dimensional drafting techniques, are elevated to three-dimensional which augment the three primary
spatial dimension – which uses width, height & depth instead of looking at two-dimensional drafting
drawings BIM adds a three-dimensional looks as to the objects being modeled (in which this case is the
construction components such as concrete footings, concrete foundations, wall components and
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materials, roofing components, etc.). BIM not only augments two-dimensional drafting drawings into
three-dimensional geometry drawing components but BIM also covers other spatial relationships such
as light analysis, geographical information, material quantities and specific building components (e.g.
manufacturers’ details). Below is an example of the main concept & principle of BIM (Figure 1) (US
National Building Information Modeling Standard Project Committee, 2016).
FIGURE 1 - BIM PRINCIPLES & BASIC CONCEPT. AS YOU CAN SEE FORM THE PICTURE ABOVE, THE MAIN
BASIC CONCEPT OF BIM IS TO TAKE THE TWO-DIMENSION DRAFTING DRAWINGS (AS SEEN WITH THE
FLOOR PLANS, ELEVATIONS AND SECTIONS THAT FORM TOGETHER TO MAKE THE THREE-DIMENSION MODEL
BUILDING). (US NATIONAL BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING STANDARD PROJECT COMMITTEE, 2016).
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Even though BIM does bring the two-dimensional drafting drawings into the third dimension to
mainly enhance visual representation of building components and the understanding of the
construction process of the project, BIM also goes further into Four-Dimension (Scheduling) and
Fifth-Dimension (Estimating). Depending on the project itself, purpose of use, its design,
complexity, and the end use of the project, more dimensions can be applied to the project such
as the Sixth-Dimension (Sustainability) and Seventh-Dimension (Facility Management
Applications). Below is an info-graphic of the main dimensions used in BIM (Figure 2). (BIMTalk,
2013).
FIGURE 2 - DIMENSIONS IN CONSTRUCTION. DEPENDING ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT THERE ARE MORE
DIMENSIONS TO A PROJECT THE LONGER & MORE COMPLEX THE PROJECT IS. BIM HELPS WITH IDENTIFYING
AND COMMUNICATING BUILDING COMPONENTS AND ELEMENTS ACROSS THE PROJECT TEAM AND TO THOSE
INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, REGARDLESS OF WHICH DIMENSION THE PROJECT IS STAGED TO BE IN. (BIMTALK,
2013).
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2.1 History
As stated above BIM is basically a digital representation of physical & functional characteristics
of a facility or a building. BIM also operates on the principal of shared information of not only
building components and elements but shared knowledge of construction practices throughout
many construction trades and disciplines (i.e. concrete, timber, electrical, mechanical, cladding,
etc). Charles M. Eastman is a professor in the Colleges of Architecture & Computer Science at
Georgia Institute of Technology and specializes in areas such as Building Information Modeling,
Solid & Parametric Modeling, Engineering Databases and Product Models & Interoperability
and is also the director of the Georgia Tech Digital Building Lab. Eastman is a pioneer in AEC
CAD and developed early research, in the mid-1970s, focusing on the development for
practitioners with the ‘Building Description System’ and ‘Building Product Modeling’ (which was
later renamed into ‘Building Information Modeling’ – BIM). One of Eastman’s earliest projects
was of a parametric modeling start-up , called FORMTEK) in the 1980s which was one of the
first projects that used Building Information Modeling practices to convey building design &
information. Eastman recently completed working with the National Institute of Standards &
Technology on improving IFC semantic foundations (CODEBIM, 2016).
Eastman first pioneered the idea of Building Description System (now known as Building
Information Modeling) in his paper called ‘The use of computers instead of drawings in building
design’ in 1975 which stated that a “single integrated database for visual and quantitative
analysis” should be used to design buildings and have that concept be used by all disciplines
over the construction period. His paper included ideas of parametric design which derived from
2D drawings form a model. Development on Eastman s paper and theory happened during
1970s-1980s as the BDS approach was more commonly known as “Building Product Models” in
the USA and “Product Information Models” in Europe. Robert Aish, who is the creator of
Generative Components but is now a member of Autodesk Research. First documented use of
the term “Building Modeling” in his paper. But it wasn’t until 1992 when a paper written by Van
Nederveen and Tolman, from TU Delft in the Netherlands, that the term “Building Information
Model” was first documented and began to be used in common practice. Now Building
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Information Modeling is focusing on the collaboration of the construction industry utilizing the
best available technologies to improve information flow, reduce errors and therefore increase
efficiency – which is essentially what BIM is all about (CODEBIM, 2016).
2.2 Applications of BIM
BIM can be used in several different settings such as the office (off-site) or even on the
construction site (on-site). Like stated above, BIM has been used to quickly draft Architectural,
Construction or even Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing drawings that can be used on the
construction site to construct the building and complete the project.
2.2.1 Off-Site Applications of BIM
BIM is mainly used off-site, away from the construction site and is used primarily to develop
architectural & construction drawings to complete the project. (BIM Execution Planning, 2013).
There are 5 main purposes of BIM and they are listed below:
Gather – To collect or organize facility information and to represent (or preserve) the
current status of the facility & facility elements
Generate – This stage allows the designers (or “authors” as they are more formally known)
to create and design the information about the facility
Analyze – Once the Generation stage if complete (or mostly, depending on the stage and
circumstances of the project) the authors & designers analyze the facility to gain a better
understanding of it and the project as a whole
Communicate – To present information about the facility in a method in which it can be
shared or exchanged amongst the parties involved. This is one of BIM main feature and
function is a program and more of a practice within major projects.
Realize – This stage is to make or control a physical element using facility information in
order to physically manipulate the operations of the facility & executing equipment.
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2.2.2 On-Site Applications of BIM
Although BIM is used primarily off-site, rather than at a construction site, the technology and
devices have been implemented to view BIM drawings. This is done in order to coordinate what
is on the Architectural and Construction drawings that are to be implemented on the actual
construction site and to insure compliance with the client’s needs. An easy way to check if
compliance is met on the construction site is to have a walkthrough of the facility with the
virtual BIM model in hand (usually done on a device such as an iPad or Tablet) and to compare
if the virtual model does comply with what the actual construction that has been done. A few
examples have been listed below, in TABLE 1, alongside a picture and a description of the
program being used (AEC Magazine, 2014).
Best Mobile Apps for BIM - AEC Magazine
Name Description Image
Graphisoft BIMx BIMx is a project presenter app for
Graphisoft ArchiCAD. Using a BIMx
Hyper-model it integrates 2D and
3D building project navigation for
designs created in ArchiCAD. It
allows ArchiCAD models to be
securely sent and interacted with
anywhere.
Tekla BIMSight
Mobile
Tekla BIMsight is designed for
taking IFC and BIM models created
in any application to construction
sites on tablets and phones. This
incredibly popular free desktop
application goes mobile on the iOS
platform.
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LCi
Sightspace3D
Sightspace3D is an Augmented
Reality tool that overlays 3D
models onto the real world with
virtual walk through on mobile
devices. It supports SketchUp (in
native SKP format), 3D CAD (.KMZ),
Trimble 3D Warehouse and Google
Earth.
Navigator Pano
Review
Bentley Navigator Pano Review is
for navigation, view, and mark up
of 2D and 3D models. It uses
Bentley’s i-models, is optimised for
iPad, and can combine
MicroStation DGN, Autodesk Revit
and DXF, AutoCAD DWG, McNeel
Rhino, and Max 3DS files.
Structural
Synchronizer
Bentley Structural Synchronizer
View is for change management,
data synchronisation, revision
history and model viewing. It
integrates structural modelling,
analysis and design,
documentation and drafting,
detailing and fabrication and
neutral file formats.
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Autodesk 360
mobile
Autodesk 360 Mobile is a generic
file viewer for annotation of
drawings held in an Autodesk 360
account or 2D/3D DWG and DWF
files. It has zoom, pan, and rotate
capabilities as well as providing
access to embedded metadata.
Revizto Viewer Revizto Viewer allows users to open,
explore and collaborate architectural
projects that were recreated as
navigable 3D environments from CAD
files and 3D models in Revizto’s
Editor.
BIManywhere BIManywhere is an iOS app for the
Apple iPad which provides access to
building information model info
onsite. BIManywhere claims its
patented 3D engine and model
splitter make it the fastest model
viewer on the market.
TABLE 1 – BEST MOBILE APPS FOR BIM. (AEC MAGAZINE, 2014).
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2.3 Various BIM Programs
There are various BIM programs that can be used to create architectural, construction, and
many other disciplinary types of drawings that can be used to quickly portray the tasks on the
construction site and how to complete the project. Some of the main Building Information
Modeling programs that are commonly used in the architectural and construction industry
today (but are not limited to) are Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks, and PlanSwift. A brief
description and image of the program is listed below.
2.3.1 Autodesk Revit
Revit first came out on April 5th
, 2000 and is a Building Information Modeling software used by
Architects, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) Engineers, Designers and
Contractors. It allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D,
annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the
building model's database. Although primarily used as a 3rd
Dimension in Construction (Refer to
Figure 2, page 5) Revit is actually a 4th
Dimension in Construction since Rivet not only has 3D
design capabilities, but also encompasses 4D construction characteristics such as cost
identification of components and systems. Refer to Figure 4 for an image of how the Revit
program works. (Autodesk Revit, 2016).
FIGURE 3 - REVIT
ARCHITECTURE 2011
FEATURES. (AUTODESK
REVIT, 2016).
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2.3.2 Autodesk Navisworks
Navisworks is a 3D Computer Graphics, 4D Scheduling software that was actually known as
“JetStream” is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows. But before it was purchased
by Autodesk on June, 01, 2007, for roughly $25 million. Navisworks takes the 3d Model (usually
form Revit or, at times, for SketchUp!) and creates a timeline of schedules as to when and how
the project shall be completed on the construction site. Navisworks is utilizes animation
software to help create a visual representation of how the construction of a facility or building
shall undergo on a construction site, as well as how building materials and equipment shall be
brought and carried away from the site in real-time. Some of the main features of this program
are listed below as well as Figure 4, which shows the interface and use of Navisworks on a
project (Autodesk Navisworks, 2016).
Roamer - The core part allows users to open models from a range of 3D design and laser
scan formats and combine them into a single 3D model. Users can then navigate around
the model in real-time and add review the model with a range of mark-up tools.
Clash Detective - A plug-in to enable interference detection. This means users can select
parts of the model and look for places where the geometry conflicts. This is for finding
faults in the design.
TimeLiner - Adds 4D simulation so the user can link geometry to times and dates and to
simulate the construction or demolition of the model over time. Also links with project
scheduling software (Such as Microsoft Project or Primavera products) to import task data.
FIGURE 4 - 4D PROJECT
SCHEDULING SOFTWARE,
AUTODESK NAVISWORKS.
(Autodesk Navisworks,
2016).
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2.3.3 PlanSwift
PlanSwift is a 5D Estimating software program that helps with the completion of quantity take-
offs and the cost of materials and overall project costs of construction project. PlanSwift works
by primarily scaling the 2D drawings of a facility or building and then using various tools to
conduct quantity takeoffs right from the screen. You can take the length, area, volume and
even count straight from the 2D drawings (once scaled properly) and quickly incorporate them
within quantity take-off sheets. Even though Revit does have a system put in place to take
measurements of quantities and costs, PlanSwift is a dedicated program to doing just that
which offers many of features and functions to complete full take-offs with a high degree of
accuracy in a short amount of time. Below is Figure 5 of how PlanSwift can be used and how it
can easily organize information. (Planswift, 2016).
FIGURE 5 - 5D ESTIMATING SOFTWARE PLANSWIFT. AS STATED IN THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION,
PLANSWFIT CAN TAKE ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS AND ACCURATE QUANTITY TAKE-OFFS FROM 2D
DRAWINGS. (Planswift, 2016).
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2.4 Productivity impacts of BIM Practices & Programs
BIM has a great deal of impact on productivity because that is the sole purpose of the program,
and that is what BIM programs are meant to be used for. Programs like the aforementioned
(please see Section 2.3) describe the typical BIM programs that are currently being used in the
construction industry to help with the acceleration of completing projects at a faster rate with
more accuracy and completeness. In a study done in 2006, it was estimated that BIM resulted
in the potential savings in construction costs ranging from 15% - 40% (Giel, Issa, & Olbina,
2010). This is has only proved that the use and implementation of BIM has reduced
construction costs and been a benefit to the construction industry, as well as saving valuable
resources, such as time, money and work hours. This trend has continued to increase as shown
in one study done in 2012 by the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts
“Change orders dropped from 8.6% to 4.1% on projects using BIM with just 1.1% in errors and
omissions. Average days of delay dropped from 79.6 days to 24.5 days when using BIM”
(Umstot, 2012).
2.4.1 Productivity Rates
In terms of productivity BIM has shown to increase productivity workflow as well as reduce the
amount of disruptiveness that occurs in the work progress of construction project, such as
having fewer “Request for Information” forms (RFI’s), fewer “stop-work orders” and fewer
overall discrepancies between the drawings and the construction site. The Figure (Figure 6)
below is about IPD’s (Integrated Project Deliveries; which shall be explained more in section
2.5.4.) which is the contract that BIM programs are closely used in. The figure depicts that IPD’s
may require more cost & effort at the beginning stages of the project (i.e. Schematic & Design
Development Stages), as compared to traditional methods of project delivery which don’t
require much time and effort in the beginning stages of the project. However during the
construction documents and actual construction stages of the project, it costs a lot less time,
money & effort to complete these stages while using the IPD approach. (Hijazi, 2015).
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In another study done in 2012 by Building Research Levy (Funded by Branz) numerous facts and
figures have backed the use of BIM programs and practices in the construction industry, all
from Design, Construction and Project Management:
75% of BIM users reported better multi-party communication.
As a lifecycle model, BIM begins in the early stages of a project. Designers are likely to
benefit from fundamental changes to the design process and the greater certainty
between design intent and the final construction and operation of the building. Indeed,
69% of European organizations using BIM report that it improves the collective
understanding of design intent, while 75% report that it improves multi-party
communication and understanding, primarily from greater ability to visualize and share
information in 3-D. (Branz, 2012).
FIGURE 6 – IPD VS TRADITIONAL METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION IN TERMS OF COST/TIME/EFFORTS.
24. 16
57% of Designers state BIM reduces errors during the design phase.
As well as design and layout information, each project stakeholder has access to
scheduling, financial, performance and materials data from the beginning of the project.
This ability to share and collaborate promotes design decisions that optimize the
building when it is cheap and easy to make changes, unlike latter phases, when
alterations can have significant construction and lifecycle costs. In the United States,
57% of designers who use BIM say they find the technology directly reduces the number
of errors and omissions during the design phase of the project. (Branz, 2012).
Average project duration reduced by 37%.
BIM also has a strong influence on project duration. One overseas report, which
documented construction practices over several years, found that in 2009 the average
duration of BIM projects was 27% shorter than traditional projects. By 2012, BIM had
widened the gap to 37%. This suggests that the advantages of BIM become more
pronounced as users gain experience and become more proficient with the technology.
One survey even estimates that BIM’s data sharing ability alone is enough to reduce the
duration of a single project by up to 7%. This is one of the main reasons that
development of collaborative BIM processes and communications infrastructure to
improve model sharing is predicted to be the most important area of BIM investment in
2014. (Branz, 2012).
65% of contractors report BIM reduces rework and cost overruns.
In 2010, an Australian analysis found that BIM’s ability to detect and avoid conflicts prior
to construction reduces unbudgeted construction changes by 40% and can save up to
10% of the entire value of a construction project when compared to a non-BIM project.
Many construction businesses in the United States have seen similar results, with 65%
of contractors reporting that BIM technology effectively reduces rework, cost overruns
and missed schedules during construction. (Branz, 2012).
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62% of BIM users reported greater Return on Investment (ROI).
In the United States, almost two-thirds (62%) of organizations using BIM to procure and
manage assets report a greater return on their investment, a figure that rises to three-
quarters (74%) of organizations in Europe. The economic return correlates strongly with
the level of BIM engagement, rewarding asset managers with higher skill, greater
experience and more extensive implementation of the technology. (Branz, 2012).
Furthermore, BIM does have an impact on productivity on the construction site as productivity
rates increase, BIM practices are implemented because rework and idle time are reduced for
laborers. Case studies of projects utilizing BIM indicate field productivity gains from 5 to 40%,
depending on how the process is managed (Chelson, 2010). Additionally, BIM enabled projects
have 10% of the RFI’s, which are typical in a construction project, and contractors realize an
average savings of 9% in management time. This reduction of rework and idle time due to site
conflicts savings for trade contractors are on the order of 9% of project costs (Chelson, 2010).
There are also other sources that state that BIM does help productivity as depicted by this
graph (see Figure 7, below). Production times for projects are severely decreased when done in
a BIM Workflow as compared to 2D CAD Workflow in regards to design, documentation &
coordination. (Graphisoft, 2015).
FIGURE 7 – THIS GRAPH DEPICTS THE
TOTAL TIME IT TAKES TO COMPLETE A
PROJECT, BY USING BIM & CAD
SEPARATELY.
26. 18
Another study, as stated by this survey (see Figure 8, below), done by McGraw-Hill Construction
in both 2009 & in 2012, both the long term and short term benefits of BIM increases
productivity and decreases document errors & omissions.
FIGURE 8 – LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM RATES WHEN A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IS WORKING WITH
BIM AND APPLYING BIM TO A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. (MCGRAWHILL CONSTRUCTION, 2012).
27. 19
In a study done by Turner in 2015, (see Figure 9 below), tangible benefits of Mechanical,
Electrical, and Fire Protection contractors had been studied and documented against BIM and
Non-BIM Productivity. The findings indicated that productivity rates increased by 143% for
Mechanical sub-trades (when they worked with BIM), 67% productivity increase with Electrical
sub-trades, and a 36% productivity increase with fire Protection sub-trades.
FIGURE 9 – TANGIBLE BENEFITS FOR CONTRACTORS & SUB-TRADES WORKING WITH BIM (TURNER,
2015).
28. 20
2.4.2 Project Turnover Rates
With the increase productivity that BIM offers to its users, there has also been proof of an
increase of project turnover rates. As noted by the graph below (refer to Figure X below), there
has been a study done by Becerik-Gerber in 2010, stated that the reduction of both project
duration & associated costs contributes in some part to project profitability. A majority of the
respondents (55%) said BIM helped cut project costs, with 50% indicating project costs were
reduced by up to 50%. 58% of the surveyed industry professionals (from the graph below)
found that overall project duration was reduced by up to 50%. This is quite substantial when
you put it in terms of how long projects can take and their costs. If a project takes four years
(as an example) from conceptual design to occupancy and you reduce that time frame by a
quarter, you save an entire 12 months; if it is reduced by 50%, you save two years. While these
are numbers at the higher end of the surveyed spectrum, even the mid-range is remarkable—at
a 12.5% reduction, there is a saving of 6 months. (Becerik-Gerber, 2010)
FIGURE 10 – THE IMPACT OF BIM ON PROJECT TURNOVER RATES (BECKER-GERBER, 2010).
29. 21
2.5 Implementation of BIM within a Construction Company
There are many ways to implement BIM into a construction company and there are a few
requirements that come with wanting to use BIM related programs; and it will take some of a
learning curve when it comes to setting up BIM within a construction company. Whether it is in
an office based environment or in a site trailer on the construction site. Firstly, you would need
the hardware & software requirements in order to operate the required programs and then you
would have to be trained to use the program and to others who may use the BIM programs on
the construction site or to those who would be navigating through the BIM model in order to
create quantity take offs for estimation purposes.
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2.5.1 Software Requirements
As for software requirements, please the see TABLE 2 below.
Minimum: Entry-Level Configuration
Operating
System
Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1 64-bit:
Windows 7 Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or Home Premium
Microsoft® Windows® 8 64-bit:
Windows 8 Enterprise, Pro, or Windows 8
Microsoft® Windows® 8.1 64-bit:
Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Pro, or Windows 8.1
CPU Type
Single- or Multi-Core Intel® Pentium®, Xeon®, or i-Series processor or AMD® equivalent with SSE2
technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating recommended.
Autodesk® Revit® software products will use multiple cores for many tasks, using up to 16 cores for
near-photorealistic rendering operations.
Memory
4 GB RAM
Usually sufficient for a typical editing session for a single model up to approximately 100 MB on disk.
This estimate is based on internal testing and customer reports. Individual models will vary in their
use of computer resources and performance characteristics.
Models created in previous versions of Revit software products may require more available memory
for the one-time upgrade process.
Video
Display
1,280 x 1,024 with true color
DPI Display Setting: 150% or less
Video
Adapter
Basic Graphics:
Display adapter capable of 24-bit color
Advanced Graphics:
DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 as recommended by Autodesk.
Disk Space 5 GB free disk space
Media Download or installation from DVD9 or USB key
Pointing
Device
MS-Mouse or 3Dconnexion® compliant device
TABLE 2 – MINIMUM SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS TO RUN BIM & CAD PROGRAMS THAT ARE NEEDED IN A TYPICAL
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (AUTODESK KNOWLEDGE NETWORK, 2015).
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2.5.2 Hardware Requirements
As for the computer hardware specifications, (for a computer or laptop) please refer to the list
below:
i5 / i7 processor (or equivalent)
8GB of system RAM with a Hard Drive storage of 750 GB (that can operate at 7200 RPM)
512 MB VRAM Graphics Card (which should be sufficient enough to run BIM software
such as AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, etc.)
Many computers are readily available that have such requirements, and depending on the
severity and scope of the projects that might be working on, the price ranges of the equipment
needed (i.e. laptops, tablets, monitors, mouse, engines, hardrives, etc.) may vary. Usually price
ranges can be from an $800 laptop (to do minor work with BIM and CAD Software) to a custom
built $6000 computer workstation that is specifically dedicated to running BIM and CAD
software, as well as other office essential software, such as, Microsoft Office (which
encompasses, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook & OneNote.), any accounting
software (E.g. QuickBooks), or any human resource program (e.g. HRIS) and management
programs (e,g, OrgPlus) that can be used to run the daily office tasks. The latter is usually
accompanied for a BIM Manager and is not required for minimum BIM and/or CAD use. Review
what the company does and its daily scope of work and proceed accordingly (Creach, 2013).
2.5.3 Staff Training Requirements
In terms have having the human capital (i.e. the workforce that has the understanding of BIM
software and the knowledge of working and implementing BIM onto a project) there are a few
ways that a construction company can implement BIM within their offices. Usually Construction
companies have an in-house department that has the expertise and knowledge to use BIM on
the project and to create the drawings needed for constructing the project. This group reports
to a “BIM Manager” who is in charge of keeping the project model up to date and to ensure
32. 24
that all the criteria is met in regards to the project scope and outcomes. As for the training,
education and qualifications needed, a diploma in Architectural Technology (or equivalent
diploma) is usually required. The people involved must be team orientated and willing to
collaboratively work on projects in order to complete them (Kurth, 2013.)
2.5.4 Challenges with Implementing BIM
As stated above, implementing BIM does have its requirements whether it is hardware
components, software components or hiring and training the staff to utilize BIM programs and
practices. However, there are some challenges that come with implementing BIM and should
be addressed when deciding to utilize BIM (Hijazi, 2015). Some of the Challenges include:
IPD concept education & “Know how”
IPD’s are an acronym standing for Integrated Project Delivery. IPD is a collaborative
alliance of people, structures, business structures and practices into a process that
harnesses the talent and insights of all participants in order to optimize project results,
increase project value to the owner, reduce material and resource waste and most
importantly increase efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication & construction.
Basically, IPD’s are to bring all participants of the project under one umbrella and create a
collaborative and efficient workplace that the project can be worked on and completed in a
timely manner. Below, Figure 11, is visual of what an IPD system typically looks like (Hijazi,
2015).
FIGURE 11 – A TYPICAL IPD SYSTEM.
33. 25
Understanding each other’s role & responsibility
This key concept may seem unimportant; however too effectively implement BIM into
construction projects, the understanding of each other roles is essential to completing
projects in a timely manner. By understanding the roles of those involved in the
constructing process, i.e. the designer, contractor, sub-trades, and to understand the
process and scheduling method of construction, makes for a much faster project delivery
and a more competent BIM model that can be passed down towards the construction
managers, clients and sub-trades in order to complete the project (Hijazi, 2015).
Set up communication protocols
Just like in companies, BIM (and thusly IPD’s) need a concrete, formal set of
communications protocol and a system in place to deliver and share information
throughout those who are involved with the project. In addition, there need to be a
electronic means of communication set in place, even if it means that there be with a 3rd
party program that allows you to communicate with those involved in a project.
Additionally, there need to be a process that checks, mandates and updates the BIM model
and project and there must be a specific date & time to upload the BIM models (Hijazi,
2015).
Understanding that increase in cost at early stages can substantially reduce construction
process costs, change orders and requests for information.
This concept is vital for owners and project shareholders to understand and most be
explained with importance right at the beginning of the project, or any project for that
matter. With the use of BIM, or the IPD’s, there are more costs associated at the beginning
of the project because there are more costs to get the project off the ground and to cover
the costs of administrative fees, architectural drawings, certificates or approval,
Environmental reports Zoning amendments, Structural Engineers certificate of approval,
Bid Documents & Insurance Bond acquisitions, etc. (Hijazi, 2015).
34. 26
Contractors & sub-contractors need to revise their construction management & process.
Traditionally, the construction managers and sub-trades, that were involved, would usually
just refer to the architectural drawings that were provided by the architect and construct
the building as per the drawings. However the drawings were not always 100% complete
and there would usually some interruption in the process of construction to get the detail
need to complete the projects (e.g. Request for Information (RFI’s) and discrepancies
within the drawings and the construction site conditions). With the use of BIM Contractors
and sub-trades can access, share, and receive the information needed to complete the
project and clear up any discrepancies that may arise in the project, thus reducing the time
in filling out RFI’s and awaiting for a response (Hijazi, 2015).
35. 27
3.0 Methodology
While conducting research to complete the Capstone Report it was of utmost important that
selection of qualified professionals were to be taken into account to conduct the primary
interviews with. Planning and scheduling were given priority when constructing this Capstone
Report to in order to satisfy the hypothesis of this report and to make the reader and/or
audience fully understands the ideas and facts that this report shall convey.
3.1 Research Strategy
For my primary research, I contacted people within the construction industry who have been
working with Building Information Modeling programs and ask for their insight on using
Building Information Modeling programs within the construction industry over the years. The
form of which I will be gathering this information is though a non-biased questionnaire that I
shall be gathering via in person interviews or over an email conversation. The questionnaires
shave be written in a non-biased format and shall answer questions as to whether or not
Building Information Programs are a useful tool within the construction industry. The primary
research that I shall be doing will be used to be compared to my secondary research and both
the primary research and secondary research shall be analyzed to establish how productivity
rates are within the construction industry when using Building Information Modeling programs.
The Primary research shall also serve a purpose as to provide a “point of reference” and shall
add validity to the secondary research that I shall be conducting.
As for my secondary research, I shall be looking at internet searches related to BIM and its
impact on productivity, from reputable sources, and I shall also be using information from past
lectures that have been given on BIM or are related to BIM that were conducting inside and
outside of the college, from reputable industry personal. And finally I shall also be looking into
textbooks to gain more information about my research topic and to also ensure validity while
conducting my secondary research.
36. 28
3.2 Structure of Selected Research Methods
The structure of my Secondary research was linked to BIM and its productivity in construction
companies. After I had begun conducting a search I then had to filter through the information
that was given and apply them to my Capstone Report. Most websites or secondary sources
that I used were also check, and cross-referenced between each other secondary resource to
ensure validity and prove to be important information pertaining to my research topic.
As for the interview questions, they had to be similar questions that I could ask to the industry
professionals that were to be interviewed and used as my primary research within this
Capstone Report. The reason that the interview questions had to be the same (or similar) was
so that, once they were completed, I would be able to cross reference them between the other
interviews that I had conducted and compare their answers to check for validity and to
compare the research notes. If most (or all) the industry personal that I had interviewed gave a
similar response to the same particular question, then it would be confirmed that the answered
that was given would have validity and be the correct response for that particular questions. If
the answer I had received from my interviews, from one particular question, were displaying a
different response than that would be a cause to seek out more information as to why different
industry personal were giving a different answer to one particular question.
3.3 Selection Rationale of Participants
Industry Professionals that have worked with BIM, preferably for long periods of time or those
who have recently worked with BIM related software or have recently implemented it in their
offices.
The reason why conducting interviews shall help me further my research into my Capstone
Report is because by interviewing industry professional that have already integrated and
implemented BIM practices into their company it will provide 2 beneficial components to my
Capstone Report:
37. 29
1) By interviewing industry professionals I can gather primary research and relay that within
my Capstone Report. The information gathered by interviewing these people shall provide
readers with the assurance and/or reasoning as to why integrating BIM practices/programs
into a construction company is important.
2) By conducting interviews I can compare the findings that I have received from the primary
research that was conducted, and compare that to the secondary research that I have done
so far. Once I compare the primary & secondary research material I can see where there
are comparisons, or discrepancies, if any.
3.4 Restrictive Banners
As expected, I encountered some trouble with finding material that is related to Building
Information Modeling, and productivity rates as there might not be a lot of information on that
topic. In order to this potential problem, I shall look for article (or any other research material)
on Building Information Modeling and productivity rates within the George Brown College
Library Database and as well look at any scholarly journals.
3.5 Exceptions
At first I expected, not that many people would respond to my request to conduct interviews
regarding my Capstone Report, and as expected, I was right. In the end I was only able to
accumulate three interviews from the five – seven industry personal I had originally wished to
interview and use in my Capstone Report. As for the results of the interview questions that I
had asked, most of the answers I had received were similar, respectively to the question that
was asked. This result was to be expected because of my own personal experience with using
BIM programs and practices and how BIM relates to productivity within the construction
industry (and similarity with respects due to the Architectural Industry).
38. 30
4.0 Data
Obtaining results for this Capstone Report were both easy and difficult at the same time.
Secondary research had been easy to come by, analyze, and document this is due partly to the
many resources that define what Building Information Modeling is and what productivity
impacts it had on construction projects. However, finding primary sources of information did
prove more difficult than originally anticipated as scheduling problems kept arising from both
myself and interview participants. Moreover I was still able to obtain three participants for
interviews, all of which were industry professionals and had many years of experience in the
architectural & construction fields. This Capstone Report does not use surveys as this Capstone
Report deals whit specific questions about BIM and its practices and goes in depth about BIM
ability to increase productivity – which general surveys would not give a constructive answer.
By being able to conduct one-on-one interviews, with industry professionals that have
implemented BIM within their respective construction companies and who may have worked
on construction projects using BIM, I was able to obtain the information that I would need to
conduct my analysis of whether or not how BIM practices & programs impact productivity in
the construction industry.
4.1 Interviews
During the course of researching for this Capstone Report is was able to obtain 3 participants to
conduct a one-on-one interview, in person, that were able to answer my questions about BIM
and its impacts on productivity on the construction industry. Most of the interview participants
had similar answers to the interview questions that I had posed them, and full interview
transcripts are listed in Appendix A – Interview Question & Answers (Page X).
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4.1.1 Interview No. 1
This interview was conducted in person with Mr. Jacek Gorka Dipl. Ing., ARCH., M.Arch., OAA,
MRAIC and is a practicing Designer & Project Manager at Gorka Architects since 1987 and has
been familiar with both hand drafting as well as BIM related software, when it first came out.
Mr. Gorka had experience with hand drafting as well as using BIM related software, which
made him an ideal candidate to interview and provide further insight as to how BIM related
programs impacts the quality and productivity of Architectural drawings and have to rely that
information to the Construction Site.
This interview had been conducted on December 2nd
, 2015 in Mr.Gorka’s office and provided an
insightful overview of how a Building Information Modeling program, such as Revit, has
impacted the productivity and co-ordination of architectural & construction drawings for
projects.
As mentioned above, one of the biggest concerns with any construction projects are the
amounts of change orders or change directives that may arise in a project; even when the
project itself has been thoroughly developed in the pre-construction phase. Even when
Modular building components that are being constructed (which are buildings and/or building
components that are pre-fabricated and constructed off-site, under a controlled environment,
and then shipped to the construction site to be placed) with the large amount of pre-
construction planning the is in place there is still a chance that a change order or a change
directive cold still occur. Which is why with Building Information Modeling programs such as
Revit, you can easily implement the change order on to the construction drawings and
communicate the changes quickly and efficiently implement on the job site? (J. Gorka, personal
communication, December 2, 2015)
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4.1.2 Interview No. 2
This interview was conducted over the phone with Katie Kuzan B. AS, M.Arch. and is a practicing
Architectural Technologist and a Project Co-coordinator at Kohn Partnership Architects. Ms.
Kuzan has had many years of working with BIM related programs and had just recently
implementation of BIM on a current job-site that she also spearheaded the implementation of
BIM programs and practices within Kohn Partnership Architects.
What was interesting in this interview was that once Ms. Kuzan had fully implemented BIM in
to Kohn Partnership Architects she noticed that a lot of the construction sub trades that worked
with Kohn Partnership Architects were requested that Kohn Partnership Architects release the
BIM Model to them.
”What we have noticed here at Kohn Architects is that a number of trades have
been requested the Architect/Client to release the BIM Model to them as they
can Easily and Quickly perform Quantity takeoffs for the Project. This new trend
is most popular within the Steel Trade.” – Katie Kuzan
From what Ms. Kuzan has said, there is a rising trend in having construction sub-trades
requested to have the BIM Models released in order to take quick quantity take-offs and able to
quickly communicate building elements to other trades. Ms. Kuzan has also said that this trend
is partially due to the rising in the steel trades. This is probably because within the steel trade
there are many components that go into a building, especially if it’s a steel-framed construction
such as Open Web Steel Joists (OWSJ), Beams, Hollow Structural Steel (HSS) Columns, C-
Channels, etc. Building Information Modeling programs and practices such as Autodesk Revit or
Autodesk Navisworks is able to communicate all information about the component(s) and can
convey all that information towards the sub-trades – which is what Building Information
Modeling is programmed to do. (K. Kuzan, personal communication, December 3, 2015).
41. 33
4.1.3 Interview No. 3
The third interview I had was with Ney Calderon who is a Research & Technologies at George
Brown College, Mr. Calderon had agreed to an interview with me about the questionnaire for
my Capstone Report at his place of work. Mr. Calderon has been as a Lab Technician with the
Research & Innovation Department of George Brown College for the past 2 years and has
worked extensively with many BIM specific programs. Mr. Calderon has worked with many
clients while using BIM Specific Software which makes him an ideal candidate to interview
within my Capstone Report.
Unfortunately, Mr. Calderon was very busy and was not available to answer every question, but
Mr. Calderon did provide insight as to how Building Information Modeling should be
implemented within a construction company. For example Mr. Calderon was able to briefly
discuss with me a project that he worked on with George Brown College. Due to some
confidentiality surrounding the project, Mr. Calderon was not at liberty to give too much detail
about the project. But was able to say that by using BIM programs and practices and fully
implementing BIM into the construction project is a great way to complete a construction
project. Once BIM was fully implemented into the construction project with all members of the
people that were involved, the project transitioned over smoothly – between all members that
were involved with the project. However, that in itself is what Mr. Calderon said what is
Building Information Modeling’s downside is. With BIM to be utilized to its fullest potential,
everybody involved in the project should be aware as to how to navigate through BIM and how
to use it. If everybody is not on board or “on the same page” with the use of BIM, then this is
where the gaps of miscommunication happen. And BIM works of a policy and platform that
conveys information on building components throughout all sub-trades. (N. Calderon, personal
communication, December 4, 2015)
42. 34
5.0 Analysis
My results for Questionnaire responses were to be expected – low. I was only able to receive
three replies from my interview questions and even when I did conduct the interview with the
persons that were able to conduct the interview, I was unable to get a full response (some
interview questions were left unanswered as the interviewees did not deal with that aspect of
the question or did not know the answer to that question). However despite the unanswered
interview questions that I had gotten, I was still able to learn at least one new fact about BIM
and its relation to productivity rates.
5.1 Interviews
As to my original suppositions, I had found that my primary research conducted had been very
contrary to what I had originally thought. I came from a background of knowing most Autodesk
programs like AutoCad, Revit, Navisworks, SketchUp!, 3Ds Max. My earlier suppositions had
been that yes, although BIM practices and program do help with the increase of productivity of
working on projects, and that BIM does help with coordination, comparison and the
mineralization of discrepancies between the main project model and the as-built site
construction. Not only does BIM help with producing construction drawings at a faster rate,
with the use of new advancing technologies, BIM helps with detecting any clashes or overlaps
that may occur on site. Whether that is form an architectural or structural stand point, or from
a scheduling or coordination stand point (i.e. the common problem of overlapping and/or
limited space when it comes to having multiple disciples and sub trades working on a
designated section of a building). What this means is that the primary research that was
conducted does quantify the secondary research that I have conducted and provides further
proof as to what I had originally expected to find when writing out this Capstone Report.
43. 35
During my meeting with Mr. Gorka, he had the most to say about how BIM related programs
can help with the coordination and communication of the design and construction drawings
onto the construction site and how easy and efficient it is to communicate and implement
change orders, especially when the client has sudden changes with regards to the design of the
building which happens more often that one might think. Mr. Gorka has also mentioned that
while he specifically uses the Autodesk Revit program to produce design and constructions
documents, he had also commented on how proficient the estimating capabilities are within
the Revit program. Quantity Take-offs done in Revit does reflect the quantities that are needed
to be shipped on site and are fairly easy to control and implement. (J. Gorka, personal
communication, December 2, 2015)
My interview with Ms.Kuzan had proven to be very useful information within my research of
this Capstone Report. As stated before, more and more sub trades that work on the
construction site have requested that the BIM Model of the construction project be released to
them as for the purposes to conduct quantity-take-offs and to understand and acquire key
information about the buildings components at a much faster rate. With the use of the BIM
model at their disposal, the sub trades can quickly access and know more information about a
specific component of the building. This process eliminates the need for sub trades to submit a
formal RFI (Request for Information) or just even call in and ask questions between the General
Contractor and the consultant (which is mainly the designer or Architect). By releasing the BIM
model to the sub-trades and, to a person that can successfully navigate through the model and
find the information that they are looking for, the productivity and the efficiency of workflow
increases. (Kuzan, personal communication, December 3, 2015).
My interview with Mr.Calderon had unfortunately provided me with the least amount of
information as compared to the other 2 previously conducted interviews that I had done. This
was due to Mr.Calderon having a very busy schedule and because of his work he was not able
to go into detail being unable to answer some of the questions that I had posed to him during
44. 36
the interview. However, despite the lack of answers that I hoped to receive from Mr. Calderon,
he did have an insightful information which added to the my previously stated hypothesis on if
BIM really does increase productivity within a construction project – and all the information
that I have does lead to the agreement of that hypothesis that implementing BIM practices and
programs within a construction industry does help increase productivity of not only design and
construction drawings, but also help increase the efficiency of coordinating and construction
the building onsite. One example that Mr. Calderon was able to share with me was that one of
his projects involved him with working with Bird Construction and during his time working on
that project, he noted that everyone that was involved on the project was working with BIM, in
some sort of way, whether it was to do with the design or construction of the building or it was
the sub trades asking for information about the project – everyone was involved with the
process and BIM was being used at all levels, which made the project run that much more
smoothly and help finish the project in a very timely manner with very little delays.
45. 37
6.0 Conclusion
Building Information Modeling is defined by the US National Building Information Modeling
Standard Project Committee as a ‘digital representation of physical & functional characteristics
of a facility and acts as a shared knowledge of resources for information about a facility forming
a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle.’ BIM is not only a program but is a process and
can be used within certain project delivery systems such as Integrated Project Delivery Systems
(IPD’s). BIM mainly focuses on the Dimension of Construction (Figure 2, page 5) and tries to
implement those thoughts and practices into the construction process. As stated by numerous
studies in Section 2.4 (Page 14) BIM related programs and practices have helped increase
productivity of construction projects as well as lower the amount of discrepancies, idle time,
and rework that typically happens on a construction site as a result of poor management and
scheduling outcomes. With construction projects that have been conducted in BIM, as opposed
to traditional project methods, contractors, and most construction companies, have reported
that there has been an increase in productivity with construction projects and that projects
done with this approach found that there had been both long term benefits and short term
benefits (Figure 8).
46. 38
7.0 Recommendations
Seeing as what the construction industry has become, into the fast-paced project orientated
industry with an emphasis on completing projects in a timely and efficient manner, it has
become imperative that the technology be in place to keep up with such a high demand.
BIM can be used, in both terms of programs and practices, to delivery faster productivity rates
and reduce discrepancies and rework time. However, in order for BIM to be used to its fullest
potential, everyone that is involved on the project must know how to utilize BIM and know how
to navigate around the project. This is imperative because BIM is more than just a program as it
also acts as a shared database that depicts knowledge about the project across to those who
are involved in it, from the sub-trades and supplies to project managers and owners. Knowing
this, it would be in the best interest to establish more importance of learning BIM and its
programs and practices, and should be taught in both colleges and universities that offer
construction related programs and as well to employees that work in the construction industry
as professional development.
Technological upgrades & workforce training should be implemented and conducted,
respectively, to ensure BIM implementation is thoroughly integrated within the office and can
be used by all personals. As stated with an interview with Ms.Kuzan, there has been a rising
trend in sub-trades asking for the BIM model of a construction project. (Kuzan, personal
communication, December 3, 2015). This further supports that to get to full benefit of working
with BIM on a construction process, that everyone needs to be on board and know how to
navigate through a BIM program, not only in an office based environment but as well as on a
construction site thought the use of BIM applications displayed on a tablet or mobile laptop or
workstation.
Further development and integration on BIM should be put into thought for construction
companies that are seriously considering increasing their productivity in construction projects
and having a higher project turnover rate, while decrease costs and work discrepancies.
47. 39
References:
AEC Magazine. (2016). 30 of the best mobile apps for BIM. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
http://aecmag.com/technology-mainmenu-35/678-mobile-apps-for-bim-professionals
Autodesk. (2016). A framework for implementing a BIM business transformation. Retrieved
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http://static-dc.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/solutions/building-
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http://www.autodesk.com/solutions/building-information-modeling/overview
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Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
http://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview
Autodesk Revit. (2016). Overview: Building design and construction software. Retrieved
February 20, 2016 from:
http://www.autodesk.com/products/revit-family/overview
Becerik-Gerber B., & Rice, S. (2010). The perceived value of building information modeling in
the U.S. Building Industry, Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon),
Vol. 15, pg. 185-201,
http://itcon.org/data/works/att/2010_15.content.02423.pdf
BIM Executing Planning. (2011). The uses of BIM: Classifying and selecting BIM uses. Retrieved
February 20, 2016 from:
http://bim.psu.edu/uses/the_uses_of_bim.pdf
BIMTalk. (2016). Dimensions in Construction. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://bimtalk.co.uk/
48. 40
Branz. (2012). Productivity Benefits of BIM. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
http://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/projects-and-consents/building-
information-modelling/nz-bim-productivity-benefits.pdf
CanBIM. 2015. BIM Applications. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://www.canbim.com/about-0/bim-applications-1
Chelson, D. (2010). The effects of Building Information Modeling on Construction Site
Productivity. Retrieved March 5, 2016 from:
http://drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/10787
Creach, Z. (2013). Four things you should know when buying BIM hardware. Retrieved March
19, 2016 from:
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/bim-learning-center/leica/blog/leica-blog-
12.aspx
CODEBIM. (2016). History of Building Information Modeling. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
http://codebim.com/resources/history-of-building-information-modelling/
GIEL, B. and ISSA, R.R.A (2010). “Quantitative Benefits of Building Information Modeling
Measured in Construction.” In Proceedings from the 6th International Conference on
Innovation in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, 9 June- 11 June 2010, Penn
State University Department of Architectural Engineering.
Graphisoft. (2016). Open BIM: About BIM. Retrieved January 21, 2016 from:
http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/about_bim/
Hijazi, W. (2015). Integrated Project Delivery. Toronto; EllisDon.
J. Gorka, personal communication, December 2, 2015
Kurth, N. (2013). BIM Training for Today’s world. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
http://www.pcl.com/Services-that-Deliver/Industry-Leadership/PCL-Blogs/Pages/BIM-
Training-for-Todays-World.aspx
K. Kuzan, personal communication, December 3, 2015
49. 41
Lloyd’s Register Energy. (2016). Building Information Modeling (BIM). Retrieved January 21,
2016 from
http://www.lr.org/en/energy/utilities-and-building-assurance-schemes/building-
information-modelling/
McGraw Hill Construction. (2012). Recent SmartMarket BIM Research by McGraw Hill.
Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
https://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nibs.org/resource/resmgr/BSA/20140108_moa_jones.
pdf
N. Calderon, personal communication, December 4, 2015
Planswift. (2016). Planswift. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
https://www.planswift.com/
Statistics Canada. (2016). Construction. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-402-x/2011000/chap/construction/construction-
eng.htm
Tuner. (2015). How BIM is Transforming the Design and Construction Industry. Retrieved March
19, 2016 from:
http://www.slideshare.net/GregDolphin/jones-steve
Umstot, D. (2012). “An Owner’s Perspective on Lean Construction, IPD, BIM, and
DesignBuild.” Wentworth Inst. of Tech., College of Prof. & Continuing Education,
Modern Construction Delivery Methods course & LCI New England CoP meeting,
Boston, MA, Dec 4.
http://www.leanconstruction.org/media/docs/chapterpdf/new-england/2012-12-04-
WIT-MCDM-Handout-37-Umstot.pdf
US National Building Information Modeling Standard Project Committee. (2016). National
Building Information Modeling Standard. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
https://www.wbdg.org/pdfs/NBIMSv1_p1.pdf
Whole Building Design Guide. (2014). Integration of BIM and Business Strategy. Retrieved
January 30, 2015 from
https://www.wbdg.org/pdfs/integratebim_harris.pdf
50. 42
Bibliography:
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http://aecmag.com/technology-mainmenu-35/678-mobile-apps-for-bim-professionals
Autodesk. (2016). A framework for implementing a BIM business transformation. Retrieved
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Autodesk: Building Information Modeling. (2014). Realizing the Benefits of BIM. Retrieved
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Autodesk. (2015). Transform business value with BIM. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
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Autodesk-Revit-2016-products.html
Autodesk Navisworks. (2016). Overview: Project review software for AEC professionals.
Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
http://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview
Autodesk Revit. (2016). Overview: Building design and construction software. Retrieved
February 20, 2016 from:
http://www.autodesk.com/products/revit-family/overview
Becerik-Gerber B., & Rice, S. (2010). The perceived value of building information modeling in
the U.S. Building Industry, Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon),
Vol. 15, pg. 185-201,
http://itcon.org/data/works/att/2010_15.content.02423.pdf
51. 43
BIM Executing Planning. (2011). The uses of BIM: Classifying and selecting BIM uses. Retrieved
February 20, 2016 from:
http://bim.psu.edu/uses/the_uses_of_bim.pdf
BIMTalk. (2016). Dimensions in Construction. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://bimtalk.co.uk/
Branz. (2012). Productivity Benefits of BIM. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
http://www.building.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/projects-and-consents/building-
information-modelling/nz-bim-productivity-benefits.pdf
Building.Co.UK. (2016). The Route to BIM in 10 Steps. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
http://www.building.co.uk/the-route-to-bim-in-10-steps/5049305.article
CanBIM. 2015. BIM Applications. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://www.canbim.com/about-0/bim-applications-1
Chelson, D. (2010). The effects of Building Information Modeling on Construction Site
Productivity. Retrieved March 5, 2016 from:
http://drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/10787
College of Design Information Technology. (2015). Architecture Computer Requirements.
Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
https://design.ncsu.edu/it/kb/architecture-computer-requirements/
Creach, Z. (2013). Four things you should know when buying BIM hardware. Retrieved March
19, 2016 from:
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/bim-learning-center/leica/blog/leica-blog-
12.aspx
CODEBIM. (2016). History of Building Information Modeling. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
http://codebim.com/resources/history-of-building-information-modelling/
Eastman, C., Kathleen, L., Rafeal. S,. Teicholz, P., (2011). A guide to Building Information
Modeling for Owners, Mangers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors. Willey.
52. 44
Engebretson, W. (2010). Building the System: BIM hardware and software requirements.
Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
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hardware-and-software-requirements/
GIEL, B. and ISSA, R.R A (2010). Benefits and Challenges of Converting 2D As-Built
Documentation to a 3D BIM Post Construction. Autodesk White Papers.
GIEL, B. and ISSA, R.R.A (2010). “Quantitative Benefits of Building Information Modeling
Measured in Construction.” In Proceedings from the 6th International Conference on
Innovation in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, 9 June- 11 June 2010, Penn
State University Department of Architectural Engineering.
GIEL, B. and ISSA, R.R.A (2011). “Return on Investment Analysis of Building Information
Modeling in Construction,” ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering special issue.
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000164.
Graphisoft. (2016). Open BIM: About BIM. Retrieved January 21, 2016 from:
http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/about_bim/
Hijazi, W. (2015). Integrated Project Delivery. Toronto; EllisDon.
InfoComm International. (2016). Building Information Modeling. Retrieved March 19, 2016
from:
http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xbcr/infocomm/Brochure_BIM.pdf
Jackson, B., (2004). Construction Management: Jump Start 2nd
Edition. SYBEX. San Francisco
J. Gorka, personal communication, December 2, 2015
Kenaiden. 2015. Core Departments. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://www.kenaidan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=
128
Kurth, N. (2013). BIM Training for Today’s world. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
http://www.pcl.com/Services-that-Deliver/Industry-Leadership/PCL-Blogs/Pages/BIM-
Training-for-Todays-World.aspx
K. Kuzan, personal communication, December 3, 2015
53. 45
Lloyd’s Register Energy. (2016). Building Information Modeling (BIM). Retrieved January 21,
2016 from
http://www.lr.org/en/energy/utilities-and-building-assurance-schemes/building-
information-modelling/
MAYO, G., GIEL, B. and ISSA, R.R.A (2012). “BIM Use and Requirements Among Building
Owners,” Proceedings from the ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil
Engineering, June 17-21, 2012, Clearwater Beach, FL, 349-356.
McGraw Hill Construction. (2012). Recent SmartMarket BIM Research by McGraw Hill.
Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
https://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nibs.org/resource/resmgr/BSA/20140108_moa_jones.
pdf
N. Calderon, personal communication, December 4, 2015
Planswift. (2016). Planswift. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
https://www.planswift.com/
Quatman, W., (2003). The Architect’s Guide to Design-Build Services. New Jersey, John Wiley &
Sons.
Rundell, R. (2007). The five fallacies of BIM, Part 2 (1-2-3 Revit Tutorial). Retrieved March 19,
2016 from:
http://www.cadalyst.com/aec/the-five-fallacies-bim-part-2-1-2-3-revit-tutorial-3693
Sicile, D. (2015). Myths and Facts about BIM. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
http://www.weareharris.com/blog/archive/myths-and-facts-about-bim
Statistics Canada. (2016). Construction. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-402-x/2011000/chap/construction/construction-
eng.htm
The Construction Users Roundtable. (2010). BIM Implementation: An Owner’s Guide to Getting
Started. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from:
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54. 46
Tuner. (2015). How BIM is Transforming the Design and Construction Industry. Retrieved March
19, 2016 from:
http://www.slideshare.net/GregDolphin/jones-steve
Turner Fleischer. 2015. Careers. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://www.turnerfleischer.com/careers.aspx
Umstot, D. (2012). “An Owner’s Perspective on Lean Construction, IPD, BIM, and
DesignBuild.” Wentworth Inst. of Tech., College of Prof. & Continuing Education,
Modern Construction Delivery Methods course & LCI New England CoP meeting,
Boston, MA, Dec 4.
http://www.leanconstruction.org/media/docs/chapterpdf/new-england/2012-12-04-
WIT-MCDM-Handout-37-Umstot.pdf
US National Building Information Modeling Standard Project Committee. (2016). National
Building Information Modeling Standard. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
https://www.wbdg.org/pdfs/NBIMSv1_p1.pdf
Whole Building Design Guide. (2014). Integration of BIM and Business Strategy. Retrieved
January 30, 2015 from
https://www.wbdg.org/pdfs/integratebim_harris.pdf
WU, W. and ISSA, R.R.A. and GIEL, B. (2010). Integrated BIM and Sustainability Curriculum,
Proceedings from Ecobuild America, Washington, DC, December 6-10, 2010, 8 pp
55. 47
Appendix A – Interview Questions & Answers:
Below is a transcript of the Interviews conducted throughout the course of the Capstone Report
in chronological order.
Please continue to the next page to observe these interview transcripts.
Note:
BLACK font indicates the Question.
RED font indicates the Answer
57. 49
1) Which BIM Programs do you use on a daily basis? Was there any “Learning curve” when
it came to use the BIM Programs?
2) How was BIM Implemented within the office environment? How is it maintained?
3) Have you ever had to you use BIM Specific Software to resolves any Construction
issues/disputes while on the job Site? How Easy or Difficult did you find this?
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
“My best answer would be to buy the Subscription of the Autodesk Programs. The subscription allows
you to receive updates from Autodesk and receive any Patches and/or updates that might be
available.
These programs are maintained by myself, along with an IT Specialist.”
“We use Autodesk AutoCad, Autodesk Revit & Coral Dram Programs, within our company.
At first there was a Learning Curve, and with any program “new program” there is a Learning curve,
but once I received the training from Autodesk I was able to use the program.”
58. 50
4) Who else uses BIM Specific software within your office? How often?
5) What is the duration of when a “Change Order” is issued, to when the “Change Order”
has been implemented and shown on the final Construction Drawings?
6) With using the BIM Software, how long does it usually take to do a quantity takeoff? Do
you obtain all the information you need just by using the BIM Software, or do you use
any other programs? (Such as “Planswift” for example). And how accurate would you
say are the takeoffs?
“Mostly everyone in the office uses the BIM software and we all use the BIM software on a daily &
regular basis.”
“Once a Change Order comes in, depending on the size of the size & scope of the Change Order, the
implementation of the Change Order can be done within 2-6 hours. Typically this is done with the use
of BIM programs such as Revit.”
“In many cases the Quantity takeoffs can be done in real time, as the project model is being carried
out. One of the many things you can do with the BIM Program is that you can set-up you schedule of
quantities right form the get go, and Revit will automatically update its Schedule of Quantities to
reflect what is happening in the Project Model.
And with Revit the Quantity Takeoffs are 95%-100% accurate.”
59. 51
7) Was there any Limitation that you have encountered while using BIM Software? How
did you overcome those limitations?
8) While using BIM practices, how “efficient” do you think it is to complete one project,
and to move onto the next?
9) How would you implement BIM practices into a Construction Company? How would it
be maintained & updated?
“If a construction company wanted to practice using BIM policies & software, the best thing they can
do would be to subscribe to Autodesk. That way, they would be updated if there were any news
features and patched that may arise.
The best way to update and maintain it would be to have a dedicated IT Specialist monitor and
maintain the program updates.”
“With the use of implementing the BIM Process and using BIM related software, with Clients &
General Contractors, it is very efficient to complete one project and to move onto the next. The reason
being is that one of the “methodologies” behind BIM, and its practices is that, BIM allows you to
coordinate with many other principles & divisions within the construction industry and this allows for
a much faster way of information sharing and information gathering within the construction project.”
“In terms of the program specifically, the only major limitations that I have personally encountered
were the ‘landscaping’ and ‘Soft Landscaping’ (e.g. planting graphics). In my opinion, Autodesk should
work on improving their landscape graphics.
As for Rendering, I would suggest a Programs like 3Ds Max.”
60. 52
10) How has project management proceeded with changes with the implementation
of BIM Practices
11) How does the use of BIM Practices and/or software help Construction Site
Management?
12) Has the use of BIM changed the Probabilities/ Liabilities of various stakeholders?
”With the Implementation of BIM practices at Gorka Architects, and with myself being a designer and
Project Manager, I have noticed that ‘Element Redundancies’ have dropped, which has improved
project productivities. I have also noticed that over the years, with using BIM practices and the Revit
Program, is that coordination errors have dropped 90% - which has greatly improved productivity at
Gorka Architects”
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
61. 53
Interviewer: Omer Syed
Interviewee: Katie Kuzan
Where: Kohn Partnership Architects Inc.
When: Thursday, December, 3, 2015
How: One – on – One In Person Interview
62. 54
1) Which BIM Programs do you use on a daily basis? Was there any “Learning curve” when
it came to use the BIM Programs?
2) How was BIM Implemented within the office environment? How is it maintained?
3) Have you ever had to you use BIM Specific Software to resolves any Construction
issues/disputes while on the job Site? How Easy or Difficult did you find this?
”What we have noticed here at Kohn Architects is that a number of trades have
been requested the Architect/Client to release the BIM Model to them as they
can Easily and Quickly perform Quantity takeoffs for the Project.
This new trend is most popular within the Steel Trade.”
”I coordinated with my other associates when Revit was fully implemted into
the offices here at Kohn, and also implemented the BIM practices within the
office.
There are weekly Audits that are done to ensure that the system is maintained
and up-to-date.”
”Within Kohn Partnership Architects inc. the company uses the Autodesk Revit
Program 90% of the time.
I spearheaded the implementation of BIM practises and with the
implementation of using the Autodesk Revit program within the offices at Kohn
Partnership Architects Inc and at first there were are few “Hiccups” with getting
everyone on board with using the Revit program, but once that went underway,
it became the norm at this company.”
63. 55
4) Who else uses BIM Specific software within your office? How often?
5) What is the duration of when a “Change Order” is issued, to when the “Change Order”
has been implemented and shown on the final Construction Drawings?
6) With using the BIM Software, how long does it usually take to do a quantity takeoff? Do
you obtain all the information you need just by using the BIM Software, or do you use
any other programs? (Such as “Planswift” for example). And how accurate would you
say are the takeoffs?
”Mostly everyone in in the office, as Autodesk Revit is used 90% of the time.
Although, to make Revit work to its fullest potential, Coordination is the key.”
”Usually it depends on the Change Order, but since Kohn Partnership Architects
has implemented Revit into 90% of their Office and Implemented BIM Practices
within their office, the implementation of a change order can take between 2-4
hours.”
”At Kohn Partnership Architects Inc. the Quantity take-offs are taken from the
Revit Program itself, as Revit already has pre-determined schedules that you
can modify and customize to achieve you desired project outcome.
As stated before, the Steel Trade has been known to use BIM Models to perform
Quantity takeoffs in a more productive & efficient manner and that has been a
popular & growing trend in the past years.
64. 56
7) Was there any Limitation that you have encountered while using BIM Software? How
did you overcome those limitations?
8) While using BIM practices, how “efficient” do you think it is to complete one project,
and to move onto the next?
9) How would you implement BIM practices into a Construction Company? How would it
be maintained & updated?
”My best advice would be, to get EVERYONE involved with the project onboard
and coordinate the process to integrate the BIM Practices/Programs and this
includes everyone from the head of design to the foreman’s of each divisional
trade.
Once everyone is onboard, then weekly audits are conducted to ensure that the
quality of the BIM Model is running smoothly and in adherence to the project
scope.”
”Like I said before Kohn Architects has implemented BIM into 90% of the
company and our ‘Project Turnover Rate’ is usually at a quick pac, form moving
from one project to the next.
With Revit, it’s easy to coordinate and start new projects with minimal time
required”
”With working with the program Autodesk Revit, specifically, curved surfaces –
and having to model and/or create curved surfaces within the Revit program –
still possess to be a difficult task.
Also wth detailing, Autodesk Revit still has some computing issues to with the
amount of detailing that could be done within the Project Model.”
65. 57
10) How has project management proceeded with changes with the implementation
of BIM Practices
11) How does the use of BIM Practices and/or software help Construction Site
Management?
12) Has the use of BIM changed the Probabilities/ Liabilities of various stakeholders?
”As a Project Manager myself, I can say form first-hand experience that with the
use of BIM Practices & Programs that Projects have become more streamlined
and more easy to manage/coordinate with the may disciples and trades”
”At Kohn Architects, BIM has certainly made it easier to oversee and /or
facilitate progress on the construction site. BIM helps us with the coordination
of trades and to ensure that scheduling and budgeting requirements are met
within the project’s scope. Additionally, BIM helps to see if there are any
discrepancies with what is happening on the Site, to the Projects Scope &
Specifications
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
67. 59
1) Which BIM Programs do you use on a daily basis? Was there any “Learning curve” when
it came to use the BIM Programs?
2) How was BIM Implemented within the office environment? How is it maintained?
3) Have you ever had to you use BIM Specific Software to resolves any Construction
issues/disputes while on the job Site? How Easy or Difficult did you find this?
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
”I generally use the programs that are provided from Autodesk and I strongly implement
coordination within my project team.
Yes at first there was a learning curve to using the programs, but with most programs that I
used from Autodesk, the user interface was pretty much the same and easy to follow.”
68. 60
4) Who else uses BIM Specific software within your office? How often?
5) What is the duration of when a “Change Order” is issued, to when the “Change Order”
has been implemented and shown on the final Construction Drawings?
6) With using the BIM Software, how long does it usually take to do a quantity takeoff? Do
you obtain all the information you need just by using the BIM Software, or do you use
any other programs? (Such as “Planswift” for example). And how accurate would you
say are the takeoffs?
”I specially use Autodesk AutoCad, Navisworks, Revit, and Infrastructure360. I also use
SketchUp! from time to time.”
”It all depends on the size of the Change Order.
In terms to ‘implement’ the change order in the project model, I review the entire project
from scratch, and review any and all divisions that might be affected by the new change
order.
Most likely the change order comes from the Architectural and/or M.E.P. disciplines are the
most common, but Structural Change Orders are very-rare – but still could happen.”
”Yes, by using Autodesk Revit, you can get good quality estimate and quantity takeoffs, but
inroder to do so with a high degree of accuracy, you must have to have everything set-up
properly and this goes from Every Element – and above else BE ORGANIZED. Organization
and Coordination are the main key factors with implementing BIM in to a project, and the
results can only be gained from what you put into the project model. (i.e. Inputs = Outputs –
what you put in to the model, is what you get out).
69. 61
7) Was there any Limitation that you have encountered while using BIM Software? How
did you overcome those limitations?
8) While using BIM practices, how “efficient” do you think it is to complete one project,
and to move onto the next?
9) How would you implement BIM practices into a Construction Company? How would it
be maintained & updated?
”Start from Scratch.
Get everyone on board and if need be, provide the training, so that everyone is onboard with
not only using the BIM programs, but to implement the BIM practices.”
”Very Efficient.”
”in terms of software, the main limitations are the trades themselves. In order for Revit to be
fully utilized, every trade needs to be able to navigate and extract information from the
model inorder to produce a faster work pace – because time is money, and if you are
spending more time on navigating through the software, then extracting the information
needed, then you are wasting money.”
70. 62
10) How has project management proceeded with changes with the implementation
of BIM Practices
11) How does the use of BIM Practices and/or software help Construction Site
Management?
12) Has the use of BIM changed the Probabilities/ Liabilities of various stakeholders?
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
N/a to Interviewee at the Time.
71. 63
Appendix B – Blank Interview Sheets:
(Please turn to the next page).
72. 64
1) Which BIM Programs do you use on a daily basis? Was there any “Learning curve” when
it came to use the BIM Programs?
2) How was BIM Implemented within the office environment? How is it maintained?
3) Have you ever had to you use BIM Specific Software to resolves any Construction
issues/disputes while on the job Site? How Easy or Difficult did you find this?
