Executive SummaryBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) is a modelli.docx

Executive Summary
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a modelling software
defined by its unique approach towards building and
construction. It is designed to operate through modelling
technology which is comprised of multiple processes for
production, communication, and analysis of building
information and data models. The use of BIM is aimed at
improving the efficiency of designing, construction and
operation of buildings and other structures through information
retrieval, 3D visualization, and integrated automated drawing
production. BIM also helps in automatic detection of conflicts
in data and information continuity, intelligent documentation,
and the automation of material take. Despite the fact that there
are several benefits associated with the use and application of
BIM in the construction industry, there is a wide perception
among stakeholders that it is not fully implemented as it should
be due to factors such as the initial cost of implementation
which is quite high and lack of client demand in the design and
construction of buildings. These barriers act as a major
hindrance towards the implementation of BIM on a wider scale.
For the process to be more effective, clients need to have
adequate knowledge and understanding on the application and
benefits of BIM and the processes involved in the
implementation. This research includes a detailed literature
review on building designs and various application models
including 2D models which have been used in the construction
industry. A detailed analysis of the limitations of visualization,
cost estimation, as well as consistency in information and data
retrieval is also outlined in the paper. In addition, the
challenges faced in building design and have been addressed
using 3D models have also been addressed.

Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
Introduction 4
Literature Review 6
The Original Design Model 6
Initial 2D CAD Method 6
Current Design Tools 7
Building Information Modelling (BIM) 7
The Concept used in BIM 8
The Maturity and Capability BIM Models 9
Aim(s) and Scope of the Project 9
Significance of the Project 10
Methodology 10
Research Gaps 11
Resources Requirements for BIM 11
Application of Building Information Modelling In the
Construction Industry 11
Structural Information 13
Structural Design Process13
Structural Workflows 13
Construction Analysis 14
Benefits of Building Information Modelling 14
a. Proper Coordination 15
Collaboration 16
Visualisation 17
Cost Estimation 18
Conclusion 19
Reference 22

Introduction
BIM modelling is a digital representation of both the physical
and functional features of a building structure. With the
increasing adoption of Information Technology (IT) within the
construction industry, BIM is slowly become a very popular
concept. It is capable of sharing data and information on
particular facilities thus providing a reliable platform for
informed decision making (Ibrahim, & Komali, 2018, p. 13).
These details are critical especially during the monitoring of the
lifecycle of a construction facility. According to the National
BIM standards of 2014, BIM is defined as the earliest
conception of the demolition phase. It is therefore important to
realize that BIM for the management of information flow is not
just a design tool for the design team but also the entire project
team.
The construction industry is considered as one of the most
critical elements of economic growth. The industry has however
been experiencing numerous challenges including gradual
decline in the levels of productivity of its workforce in the last
few years. Reductions in labour productivity have called for
more labour per contract hours thus increasing the cost of
construction (Dave, 2013, p. 12). As a result, it has been
determined that the industry lacks any new ideas and strategies
to save or minimize the cost of construction. One of the main
reasons for the gradual decline in labour productivity is the
continued application and use of traditional designs such as 2D
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) technology. Traditional
construction approaches use involved a bid and build criteria

(Dave, 2013, p. 14). The roles of the stakeholders are
determined during the construction phase of the structure. When
this is done, it acts as a barrier to the consistency of
information flow and collaboration between clients and
contractors.
It is also important to note that 2D CAD drawings do not
integrate the architect’s and engineer’s designs with the owners
and the contractors. The result of this could be conflict of
information which eventually affects the productivity of the
workforce (Dave, 2013, p. 14). 2D drawing models also fail to
integrate the drawings with the schedules, as well as the cost of
the construction. Hijazi, Alkass, and Zayed (2013, p. 4) noted
that 2D drawings are not flexible towards changing trends in the
industry. As a result, firms which utilize this method end up
being limited to only a particular set of projects.
Figure 1. An example of a building Model Developed Using
BIM Tools.
Technical evolutions in the field of architecture, engineering, as
well as the construction industry have seen major improvements
of designs from 2D to 3D (currently known as BIM). The
technological advancement can be attributed to the increased
need to solve various problems experienced in project
management, especially in large construction projects (Hijazi,
Alkass, and Zayed, 2013, p. 14). This research aims at exploring
the application of BIM in building designs, its benefits in the
construction industry, and how much it assists engineers,
contractors, and architects in the management of their projects.
The research also reviewed past and existing design tools as
used in the design and construction industry.
Figure 2. Professionals that Use BIM in the Construction Field
(Hijazi, Alkass, and Zayed, 2013, p. 25)
Literature Review
This research seeks to evaluate the findings made by various

researchers on different with regard to building design and
construction. It is important to note that building design and
construction has undergone a lot of developments within the
past few years. This can be attributed to improvements which
have taken place in technology and innovations. According to
Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li (2013, p. 195) from different researches, a
common factor that comes out explicitly are the different stages
of design tools which include the original design model, the
initial design model, the current design model and the Building
Information Model (BIM). Each one of these stages is explored
in detail.
The Original Design Model
The original design is a model used in the mid-19th century as a
design tool for building design and construction. Khodeir,
&Nessim (2017, p. 23) indicates that during this period, the
design involved the use and application of simple designs
techniques and materials in the production of drawings. The
tools used in the production of the original design included pen,
paper, ruler and erasers. However, these design tools had
numerous limitations and challenges in terms of visualization,
drawing, and the cost of production. Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li
(2013, p. 197) in their analysis showed that the model also
lacked proper storage of data and had a great disconnect
towards information flow. The drawings only made sense to
architects thus compromising the participation of clients and
other stakeholders. Estimates on the construction costs were not
clearly outlined thus making the scheduling process more
difficult (Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li (2013, p. 1958). The upside of
this design approach was the advanced mathematics and
building materials made the building design improve very fast.
Initial 2D CAD Method
The Initial 2D CAD design method is as a result of the
invention of computers. The 2D Computer Aided Drafting
(CAD) design tool was first adopted after the end of World War

II (Salas, 2016, p. 45). This was when the American military
allowed the use of the technology in civil applications. At the
beginning, the tool was highly unpopular but as personal
computers increased in number, different renowned
organizations took up the method which eventually led to the
development of AutoCAD (Salas, 2016, p. 48). This design tool
was more advanced compared to all the previous tools. It also
enabled digital representation of designs. During this period,
architects had started using the software in design works.
According to Manderson, Jefferies, & Brewer (2015, p. 72), the
fact that the tool still had several limitations regarding the flow
of information and the incorporation of various parameters, it
still remained the most advanced design technology tool.
Current Design Tools
The advancement in technology from the 2D CAD to 3D
simulation has significantly improved the design process. The
development of 2D CAD to 3D has therefore improved the
relationship between structural engineers and architects. It has
also tremendously improved the design process in building
designs. This has not only improved the visualization of the
design but also the design thinking from pure visualization to
stimulation. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) isbeyond 3D modelling.
It involves the collection of 3D volumes, 2D shapes as well as
points and lines. These symbols in the BIM contain both
qualitative and quantitative data. According to Azhar (2011 p.
242), BIM can be described as a sociotechnical system
comprised of manmade technology and tends to have
institutional effects on its implementation. It is comprised of
integrated intelligent building components which hold various
data attributes and parametric rules for each one of the objects.
Giel, and Issa (2013, p. 514) describes BIM as a process and
practice of visualization of design and constructions. These
practices take place across the entire lifecycle of the project.
Jones (2017, p. 28) states that BIM is an interface for sharing

information and knowledge between the project team and
various other participants. The tool showcases the quality of 3D
technology in buildings. In social BIM, this type of modelling is
seen to be more collaborative as it enables exchange of
information between engineers, contractors, and architects
(Linehan, &Andress, 2013 p. 21). Social BIM gives contractors
an opportunity to use their expertise and skills to bring together
a team with the required amount of knowledge. In addition,
construction managers can use the model to process various
reports such as construction reports, scheduling reports, cost
reports, as well as coordination plan reports (Linehan,
&Andress, 2013 p. 21). The information collected using BIM is
then used to model the prefabricated product.
Another approach suggested by Shino (2013) is the intimate
BIM. It can only be achieved through sharing of rewards and
risks between the construction managers, the clients, and the
design team. This can only be achieved through the use of the
BIM integrated delivery system. According to Shino (2013 p.
34), past experience shows that there are several questions on
the implementation of BIM that remain unanswered. These
include issues surrounding the purpose of using BIM, the type
of information that is important for BIM, the people responsible
for the maintenance of the BIM, and the available BIM models.
The Concept used in BIM
BIMutilizes different features such as usage, structures,
functions in finding elements in parts such as doors, stairs,
windows, and walls, as well as parametric features and
functions of various components. It also reflects various
changes that could occur in material components of buildings
with regard to its configuration. This is implemented by
separating various features of the building. Various properties
of material components used in the design and construction of
the building can also be found using different simulation models
(Alshdiefat, 2018 p. 12). This eases the possibility of decision
making in case the construction projects come to an

unprecedented stall. BIM also generates the information
required to complete the prefabrication in relation to the
expenses, materials, and schedules. The information generated
from the analysis is however dependent on the structure and
ambience of the building project. According to Egwunatum,
Esther, and Akaigwe (2017, p. 29), a BIM can be viewed as a
construction project which has been simulated and is comprised
of 3D models linking all the required information concerning a
given project. BIM is bets used in the simulation of the design
of a building within a virtual environment. The simulation has
the advantage of being carried around in a computer system
when using a software package. According to Alshdiefat (2018,
p. 16), the virtual points of the building can be used in the
experimentation of the construction project before actualization.
The virtual mistakes made may not have any serious
consequence if they are identified at an early stage before any
activity can be implemented on site.
The Maturity and Capability BIM Models
There are two different types of models used in BIM: The
maturity and capability models. According to Maskil-Leitan,
and Reychav (2018, p. 1017), the maturity model of the BIM is
comprised of a number of maturity levels in respect to
technologies, policies, and processes. The maturity is different
at each level of the project. The defined maturity levels include
the initial level, the managed level, the integrated level and the
optimization level (Maskil-Leitan, and Reychav, 2018 p. 1017).
Capability maturity on the other hand is developed with the goal
of evaluating the capacity of the project team to perform with
the software. The capability of the BIM scale ranges from 0 to 3
and is mainly dependent on the performance of individuals or
the organization. Comparison of the maturity model to the
capability model of the BIM shows that the former is the
measure of the degree of excellence (Maskil-Leitan, and
Reychav, 2018 p. 1017). The capability model on the other hand
has different stages which must be achieved by individuals

when implementing various tasks. Aim(s) and Scope of the
Project
The aim of this research is to explore the application and
benefits of BIM in the construction industry. To achieve this,
the following objectives must be met.
1. Identification and discussion of the application of BIM by
outlining the building information modelling tools being used
by the project teams in their design works.
2. Evaluation of the impact of the use of BIM in the
construction industry
3. Determination of the benefits of using BIM in the
construction industry.
The research will discuss the benefits of BIM in construction,
the use of the building information modelling benefits all
participants in the construction industry ranging from the client,
construction manager, architect, engineers, contractor, and
subcontractor. These are the people who frequently use BIM
tools to achieve the desired results. The study also investigates
how the BIM increases labour productivity and at the same
timereducing the cost of building, design, and construction.The
significance of the Project
This research will greatly influence the adoption of BIM in
building design and construction. The research will be able to
demonstrate the benefits of using BIM in the design and
construction of buildings over the traditional methods of design.
Additionally, the research will also show the applications and
benefits of BIM. Through the research, participants will be able
to clearly understand how technology has transformed the
construction industry. BIM for infrastructure has barely been
utilized in the construction industry. The research will
demonstrate the benefits of using BIM in infrastructure
development. Methodology
This research mainly uses qualitative data to determine the
applications and benefits of BIM in the construction industry. A
detailed literature review comparing the views of different
researchers on the topic will be provided. The literature review

will also discuss the specific BIM tools used in building design
and construction. This will provide a clear background for
understanding the concept of BIM modelling. Various case
studies outlining the key and general benefits of BIM to the
construction industry will also be provided. The research
findings will be comprised of documented information as
compiled by other authors. Materials to support the research
will be obtained from online libraries such as Google Scholar
andEBSCOhost, among others. Sources will be selected on the
criteria of being up to date, relevance to the subject, and being
from a credible source. This information will be compiled and
used to develop the research. Research Gaps
The research is limited to the findings reported by other
researchers on the applications, uses, and benefits of BIM
technology. The research will, therefore, remain as a general
one based on the set objectives rather than providing a case-
oriented study on the benefits of adopting BIM in specific
projects. BIM, on the other hand, has specific applications
which are only useful to technical teams and barely to
customers and government agencies. The study will, therefore,
give the general uses of BIM in the design and construction of
buildings. Very little information is available on the extent to
which BIM has been applied in the construction industry. The
research will help explore this area and address the issues that
have not been tackled. Resources Requirements for BIM
There are a number of BIM tools available in the construction
industry. Their primary functions are quite diverse. The tools
include architectural modelling tools, the 3D modelling
software, site development tools, electrical modelling tools, and
fire modelling tools. For 3D modelling, Cadpipe HVAC can be
used for modelling of the HVAC system; Revit architecture can
be used for 3D architectural modelling; AutoCAD MEP can be
used for MEP modelling, while AutoCAD Civil 3D can be
applied in site development. For structural modelling, Fastrak
can be used. For fire sprinkler design, AutoSPRINK VR will be
used in the modelling, while FireCad will be used for fire

piping design and modelling. Application of Building
Information Modelling In the Construction Industry
The application ofBIMis utilized across all the different stages
of design and construction. In the design phase, the application
of BIM can optimize the impact of the technology on a
particular project because of its high capability to alter the cost
(Titlow, 2009, p. 17). The project team can also come up with
different ideas concerning the project and hence provide
solutions for various challenges that may arise as the project
progresses. Cost control in a project can also be achieved
through the cooperation and coordination of the entire project
team (Titlow, 2009, p. 18). This will enhance the collaborative
efforts of each member of the team.
At the pre-construction stage, BIM can be applied in different
instances. It can be applied to the enhancement of the current
standards and conditions of the model. This would help in the
design to improve the accuracy of the documentation of the
conditions (Jian et al., 2014, p. 8). BIM can also be applied in
the design, planning, scheduling, site analysis, and estimation
of various costs in a construction project. All these applications
will improve the design to build approach, which eventually
reduces errors and work duplications to be performed at this
stage (Jian et al., 2014, p. 10). Phase descriptions in the
construction of various infrastructural projects using BIM
include planning, Cost estimation, phase planning, site analysis,
and programming.
Designing is mainly comprised of design review, code
validation, LEED evaluation, mechanical analysis, structural
analysis, energy analysis, design authoring, and operations
which include disaster planning, space management and
tracking, asset management, building system analysis, and
maintenance schedule. It brings on board all the stakeholders to
reason together and makes ease of execution of all other
activities to be carried out in the construction stage and post
construction stage (Aw Nien, and MdAzreeOthuman, 2017, p.
429). The following applications for building information are

the main in the construction industry.
Figure 3. The Application of BIM in the Construction
Industries (Larson & Golden 2007, pp.75).
Structural Information
Different forms of information are required during construction
activities. The information may include details on material
types and material properties. This information is useful during
structural analysis which is very important in building design
and construction. According to Khodeir, and Nessim (2017, p.
18), BIM gives a window for input into the design. The
developed design can be updated with all the necessary
information. Therefore, the structural information can be
generated by any of the parties involved or a member of the
project team (Kehily, 2016, p. 3). Eventually, any analysis with
regard to the design of the building can be generated. Structural
Design Process
BIM can be applied in the building design process in the
interpretation of architectural plans. It helps structural
engineers to interpret the design and therefore set out the
foundation. This helps them in generating an analytical model
for the building (Ibrahim, and Komali, 2018, p. 13). During the
prefabrication and simulation of the design, the model gives the
physical representation of the structure.
Structural Workflows
BIM is used in construction workflows. The timelines of
activities performed in the construction of any infrastructural
facility dictate that both the design and documentation of the
building are performed alongside each other. According to
Manderson, Jefferies, and Brewer (2015, p. 72), this enables the
project engineers and other stakeholders to perform a detailed
analysis of the structure. BIM is used to develop an integrated
model of the design which is comprised of the simulated design,
which drives both the documentation and the coordination used
in the analysis. Construction Analysis

BIM is a vital tool in structural analysis. This includes analysis
of both the simulated design and the physical design. The
analysis should be carried out simultaneously. BIM provides a
common modelling interface for both the physical and simulated
designs (Azhar, 2011, p. 243). BIM is very critical to every
team member during the construction phase of the project. This
includes planning, design, construction, and the operation
phases. Benefits of Building Information Modelling
There are several benefits associated with the use of BIM in the
building and design of various structures in the construction
industry. According to Hijazi, Alkass, and Zayed (2009, p. 4),
most of these benefits are realized during the construction phase
and then after construction phase. In fact, throughout the project
lifecycle, BIM is very critical. During construction, BIM helps
to drastically reduce the cost of the project. It is also widely
used in other areas such as sequencing, fabrication, estimation
of costs, and the use of BIM at the site.
Some of the main benefits of BIM at the construction phase
include system analysis of the building, scheduling of the
maintenance of the building, tracking of the design and
construction of a building, asset management, planning for
disasters, and modelling of the available records (Melzner,
Zhang, Teizer, and Bargstädt, 2013, p. 664). BIM is very
critical in the maintenance of schedules throughout the life of
the structure. The automation systems in BIM are mainly used
in controlling and monitoring the application of the mechanical
and electrical equipment. This helps to model the records with
the aim to developing a more successful maintenance program.
In addition, the installed systems in a building which need to be
monitored include energy facilities, lighting systems, and
mechanical systems, among others. The systems are mainly used
to measure the performance of a building. The outcome of the
analysis can be used to determine if specific segments require
upgrading or any other changes(Melzner, Zhang, Teizer, and
Bargstädt, 2013, p. 667). A detailed analysis of the benefits of
BIM is given below.

a. Proper Coordination
3D coordination of the construction team with the engineer,
architect, and the client is best when it started in the early
stages of the design phase. At this stage, BIM should be
implemented immediately. For example, if the architect is
giving the two-dimensional designs or drawings, the
construction manager or the project manager should then
convert the two-dimensional drawing to three-dimensional
intelligence using BIM (Giel, and Issa, 2013, p. 515). When the
specialist or consultants contractors and steel fabricators are
engaged at the implementation stage, they will need to spatially
coordinate their tasks.
Collaboration between these individuals can be started off
immediately after the construction of the model. This will help
to ensure that any clearance clash or conflicts that are likely to
emerge are eliminated or resolved in time. Collaboration efforts
between the construction manager and other contractors should
be done in advance before the commencement of the actual
construction (Giel, and Issa, 2013, p. 515). This will help to
reduce design mistakes and errors at the early stages of the
construction phase. It will also improve understanding of the
timelines that need to be maintained while the construction
work is being done. For instance, in the construction of the
Colorado Denver Health Science Centre, the construction phase
was separated with the BIM, in accordance with one of the
towers (Larson, and Golden, 2007, p. 75). This helped to
resolve some issues if the system and mechanical challenges
experienced in the past.
BIM allows construction planning which entails scheduling and
sequencing of the design. Coordination of virtual constructions
in a given space and time allows the integration of various tasks
involved in the construction project. Coordination in the
utilization of the scheduling introduces four-dimensional views
of the model (Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li, 2013, p. 201). There are
two different methods of creating four-dimensional views of

BIMs. The first method is the critical path while the second one
is the line of balance. The critical path method included
coordinated activities assigned at different durations of time.
The interdependence of different activities in the project is
added either as successors or predecessors to create another
activity (Nepal, Staub-French, Pottinger, and Zhang, 2013, p.
556). Additionally, the duration of the activities is entered
taking into consideration the duration and dependency of the
activities.
The longest path is referred to as the critical path. If one
activity is not completed within the anticipated timeline, the
total duration of the whole project will be pushed out or further
down (Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li, 2013, p. 202). The collaboration of
events or activities in using BIM will reduce delays by
anticipating any challenges or problems at the design stage. It
also allows the coordination of all stakeholders involved in the
project ranging from the architect, engineer, contractor and the
client to brainstorm and come up with a workable solution in
good time (Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li, 2013, p. 204). This helps to
ensure that the lifecycle of the project takes place smoothly,
thus building information modelling tool gives collaborative
nature on the project thus making the project be within the
schedule.
The line of balance technique in BIM utilizes location as the
basis for scheduling. According to Lu, Peng, Shen, & Li (2013,
p. 201), the technique gives the durations of activities based on
the size of the sequence and location. It focuses on the locations
for a trade to be completed before another trade sets in. This
coordination approach reduces the mobilizations and resources.
The overall effect of this line of balance will help in monitoring
repetitive tasks during the construction phase.
Collaboration
The heart of the BIM process is collaboration. This involves
operating all activities of the construction site in a collaborative
team with the aim of achieving a common goal. Team

collaboration will give more merit to the construction industry
including better understanding, improved communication which
contributes to improved productivity, quality service delivery,
and cost certainty (Maletz, 2016, p. 56). Ultimately, continuous
collaboration among teams produces a better outcome. BIM
modelling creates an environment for collaborative workflow
which requires the incorporation of culture and behaviour,
digital tools, and the right forms of contracts. BIM enables
communication, information sharing, frequent updates, and the
use of information between different members of the project
team (Maletz, 2016, p. 56). This is enabled by interoperable
data in the BIM tool. The interoperability of the BIM in data
sharing enables modelling across different phases of BIM
projects (Rajendran, & Clarke, 2011, p. 44). This has been made
possible by the use of the internet which has encouraged
innovation and development.
BIM modelling is a process-oriented way of bringing teams
together to create a collaborative tool. It helps to ensure that
there is a smooth workflow from one team to the other. The
construction industry, therefore, has an opportunity to choose
the most appropriate technique which is right for them. For this
reason, the BIM model is therefore known to be an information
model with adequate data that is both graphical and non-
graphical (Maletz, 2016, p. 58). It links different documents to
the project participants.
BIM modelling collaboration tools improve productivity in
construction projects. The model has made it possible for
different project teams and stakeholders operating in different
geographical locations to be able to have a common interface
which they can interact and work together at different stages of
the project (Rajendran, & Clarke, 2011, p. 46). BIM is also able
to generate construction documents which can be accessed by
all teams whenever required. Team collaboration
whileimplementing the design to build phase is very key in
ensuring that quick and sustainable decisions are made.As
Rajendran, and Clarke (2011, p. 44) states, it is at this stage

where all the teams get a clear understanding of the building
design and construction. The collaboration of the stakeholders
in the construction industry is the main factor which determines
adherence to the set timelines of thecompletion of the project.
Visualisation
BIM is a very powerful visualization tool. When adopted in
building design and construction, it gives the three-dimensional
virtual view of the design. At the bidding phase, the
construction manager is able to give the renderings, sequencing,
and walkthroughs of the design determined to be the model
(Maskil-Leitan, and Reychav, 2018, p. 1017).This improves
communication of the BIM concept in a three-dimensional view.
Visualisation gives the best understanding of the final
appearance of the model or the design. BIM brings together all
the traditional tools including two-dimensional views in order
to develop three-dimensional views with detailed information
(Maskil-Leitan, and Reychav, 2018, p. 1017). The virtual, for
example, the building envelope and the laboratories can be
developed and given to the designer and the client or the owner.
This helps in advancing understanding and visualization. It is
also highly significant in decision making on the aesthetics and
the functional bit of the space. Virtual mockup gives benefits in
reviewing the three-dimensional shop drawing designs of
building envelope or laboratories (Marius, Leonas, Diana,
Vladislavas, & Lukasz, 2018, p. 600). The mockups are very
important and helpful in communication and collaboration
among the project teams or participants ranging from the
architects, engineers, contractor, subcontractor and the client or
the owner of the facility.
Visualization is also important in the promotion and sequencing
of curtain wall construction. Virtual mockups are cost efficient
relative to physical mockup since the physical mock-up will
still need a member of the project team, for example, a
caseworker drawer or the during assembling of the building
which will need various physical tests to be carried out.
Therefore, a virtual mocker becomes the best standard to start a

mockup process after approval (Maskil-Leitan, and Reychav,
2018, p. 1022).BIM technology generates a three-dimensional
view which gives the virtual outcome of the building facility to
the customer. The visualization benefit of the BIM will enable
the customer to make a quick decision on whether the design as
per the expectations. In addition, the three-dimensional view
models give government agencies a clear understanding of the
design for certification and regulation purposes. According to
Maskil-Leitan, and Reychav (2018, p. 1021), since the
construction industry is growing very rapidly,urbanization and
construction have become morecomplex. Complexity in the
management of visualization tool of BIM eliminates any future
demolitions of the constructionsthus improving efficiency in the
management of the construction industry.Cost Estimation
One of the most important parts of construction projects is
budget management. It is critical from the design process to the
bidding phase. The BIM tool is very important in cost
estimations in terms of materials and other requirements in
completingvarious project activities. BIM modelling generates
the bill of quantities which can be achieved by directly linking
the design tool and the estimating software (Shoubi, Shoubi,
Bagchi, & Barough, 2015, p. 43). There are two elements of
cost estimation in the building information modelling: Quantity
take off, and pricing. In BIM, quantities can be extracted to the
excel file or sometimes the cost database, although pricing
cannot be performed automatically or generated from the
building information modelling tool. Expertise is required in
cost estimation so as to analyze the quantities of the materials
and cost and be able to determine the how they can be install.
The database may not contain the pricing of certain activities
which may require cost estimator to carry out a further
breakdown of the element to achieve more accurate pricing
(Shoubi, Shoubi, Bagchi, & Barough, 2015, p. 44). For example,
if an act of concrete pour is be carried out, the building
information modelling may account for the level f the detail for
the pour stop, wire mesh, rebar, formwork, concrete but this

does not include it as part of the quantity extraction take off
(Gerbov, Singh, & Herva, 2018 p. 12). The building information
modelling requires the cost estimator to give these details so
that model will figure out the unit price which comprises of the
of the unit material cost, unit labour cost, overhead, and profit.
The unit labour cost is controlled by the installation durations
and mobilization, and the labour cost wage. The unit material
cost is the total material cost being used for the activity per
unit. When the unit price has been achieved the cost of the
activity is derived by multiplying the total quantity extracted
from the building information modelling and the unit price
(Gerbov, Singh, & Herva, 2018 p. 14). The data output is good
as the data input in building information model. This calls for
the constructor and the designer to agree on definitions of the
component. For example, if the concrete slab is being used by
the architect to show the roof for the purpose of modelling the
roof quantity information may not be accounted accurately for
the quantity extraction purposes in the model. Generally, the
BIM tool is very important in the optimization of the
productivity of the cost estimator through the extraction of the
quantity from the model (Gerbov, Singh, & Herva, 2018 p. 16).
This is achieved through the collaboration of the project teams
during the design phase.Conclusion
The research proposal has discussed four main benefits of using
building information modelling including proper coordination,
visualization, cost estimation, and collaboration. Visualization
is the simplest benefit of using BIM. When BIM models are
produced, the takeoffs of the quantity can be generated to
produce cost estimates of the construction project. 3D
coordination was used to detect and remove trade clashes and
conflicts. This was more seen from detailed prefabrication
drawing which is produced to review and coordinate activities
between trade teams. When the drawing has been done to build,
the prefabrication of the components of the materials for the
construction of the facility can be built to design. BIM based on
four-dimensional scheduling gives a proper understanding of the

construction of material components and the schedule of the
progress of the activity which gives better results in
construction planning.
BIM can be combined with other planning techniques and three-
dimensional models tools to provide better construction
monitoring services. When based on construction monitoring
and construction planning this can be used in strategizingin the
construction industry.Design to build activities which include
cost estimation, collaboration, visualization and proper
coordination can use immediately information or data generated
from building information modelling tools. Proper planning and
monitoring achieved in collaboration of teams are being utilized
to ensure the construction is built to design. Build to design
requires collaboration between the design and implementation
teams.
In this research proposal, the applications and benefits of
building information modelling tools have been discussed in
detail. A review of the tools of BIM has also been discussed. It
can be noted that the BIM concept and its tool has recently been
gaining a lot of popularity in the construction industry recently.
It has become a common practice mainly due to the challenges
experienced with traditional tools and two-dimensional
models.These issues are currently being addressedthrough the
application of BIM, thus making building design and
construction more cost effective, efficient and time-saving, an
aspect which will eventually improve labour productivity. BIM
is a parametric model which the construction industry uses in
the design, coordination, and prefabrication of material
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