Using a digital model as a single dynamic source of information on the building site instead of traditional drawings, can deliver significant cost savings, shorten project time and provide an integrated communication flow. But to succeed, you need to go 'Total BIM’ – completely abandon the 2D drawing, and change your mindset.
Mattias Roupé, Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, has together with his colleagues over the past ten years both followed, and spearheaded, the development and use of BIM (Building Information Modelling), three dimensional digital building models,. They have also developed VR interfaces that production professionals can use to navigate and get information inside the BIM model.
– We have followed some projects that have successfully worked according to the Total BIM methodology, and there are several common denominators in their success. Among other things, it is about strong leadership; getting everyone, from architects to production, to work unconditionally in the digital model and to adopt the mindset of thinking in the next step – who will consume the data I put into the model and what information do they need to have to perform their work more efficient?, Says Mattias Roupé.
Other success factors are cloud-based model management, user-friendly on-site mobile BIM software and the BIM model as the main contractual and legally binding construction document. Total BIM refers to the fact that the information in the digital model is complete and that the BIM model is the only source of information. Drawings become redundant as all information is contained in the model. This challenges architects, for example, who have to decide on details and functions at an early stage - but who in return have a greater opportunity to influence the final design.
Added value with shared information
A research study investigated the impact of Total BIM on work practices on the construction site through four case studies. PhD student Oliver Disney followed three Swedish construction projects Celsius, Lumi and SB47 and the Norwegian hospital project Glasblokkene through interviews, workshops and site visits.
– What we have seen in the projects we have followed is that the platform provided by actively using the digital model in the construction phase creates great benefits through the possibility of integrated communication. Information previously shared by email and phone is made transparent and accessible, and instead of just consuming information from a traditional drawing, the construction workers themselves create information that is integrated, structured and digitised, says Oliver Disney, PhD student at Construction Management, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Investigating precisely how Total BIM can create value even after the project has been completed by utilising the information created, is something Oliver will continue to investigate in a follow up research project.
Great benefits – but hesitation from the industry
In addition to identifying factors for successful BIM integration, the researchers have also identified factors that have previously limited the possibility of success. These include the use of software that was inadequate and/or not intended for the purpose, the lack of adequate training in the digital model or access to tablets, smartphones or other hardware on the construction site, and above all - not setting the digital model as the legally binding document, but instead working in parallel with traditional drawings.
With the Celsius project, the final bill for the project came in at around SEK 9 million under budget and was completed on time, despite unexpected the initial design cost increase to produce detailed BIM data. BIM has also been on the market for over twenty years, so are there still barriers to industry fully embracing the methodology?
– Certainly, the use of Total BIM can generate both cost savings and benefits in terms of improved communication and fewer changes. Given that the 3D model is accepted as a legally binding construction document, there are really no obstacles to Total BIM being applied in all types of construction projects - it's a new mindset that needs to be adopted," says Oliver Disney.
Mattias Roupé is on the same track:
– A lot has to do with the power of habit and prejudice. People want to do like they always have done and think that it will be more expensive and more difficult to work digitally. But you have to dare to work fully in the model and change your mindset to work proactively and with consideration for production, summarises Mattias Roupé.
On 30 May, researchers and professionals; leaders in BIM in construction projects, will gather at Chalmers to present and share the state of research and their experiences during the Total BIM Day: https://cmbchalmers.confetti.events/total-bim-dagen/
Publications:
Embracing BIM in its totality: a Total BIM case study
https://research.chalmers.se/publication/532232
Total BIM on the construction site: A dynamic single source of information
https://research.chalmers.se/publication/538422
The research projects were financed by Vinnova through Digital Twin Cities Centre, SBUF and CMB.
Contact:
Mattias Roupé
mattias.roupe@chalmers.se
031-772 11 33
Oliver Disney
oliver.disney@chalmers.se
Contact:
- Head of Division, Construction Management, Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Doctoral Student, Construction Management, Architecture and Civil Engineering