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1 – 10 of 193Jing Wang and Weisheng Lu
Over the past two decades, building information modeling (BIM) has been promoted as one of the most disruptive innovations across the global architecture, engineering and…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past two decades, building information modeling (BIM) has been promoted as one of the most disruptive innovations across the global architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) community. Nevertheless, despite its widely propagated benefits, BIM adoption in various localities is not progressing excitingly. BIM as an innovation developed from a presumed, general context may not fit well with the specific regulatory, social and cultural settings of a locality. This study aims to tackle the lukewarm local BIM adoption by developing a deployment framework for BIM localization.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon the diffusion of innovation (DoI) theory, a longitudinal case study is designed and conducted by engaging closely with a top cost consultancy company in Hong Kong for forty-one months.
Findings
The findings refuted the “one-size-fits-for-all” view to use a standardized BIM for international users. Rather, an organization needs to undergo a series of localization works to integrate global BIM in its specific local context. The deployment framework outlines the BIM dimensions (i.e. technology, process and protocol) and the mechanisms (i.e. configuration, coupling and reinterpretation) of BIM localization that go through the three “A”s (i.e. analysis, adaption and assimilation) process under a firm's network and contextual factors.
Originality/value
This study improves our understanding of sluggish BIM adoption by attributing it to the gap between general BIM development and the local, unique BIM use context. Proposing the deployment framework, the study also offers a handy tool for prospective executives to localize BIM and harness its power in their respective organizations and localities.
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Mahdi Bastan, Masoumeh Zarei, Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam and Hamed Shakouri G.
The Iranian construction industry has been grappling with numerous problems in recent years, including rework, high costs and design errors. Engineers in this field have always…
Abstract
Purpose
The Iranian construction industry has been grappling with numerous problems in recent years, including rework, high costs and design errors. Engineers in this field have always highlighted the use of modern technological methods of construction to improve quality and productivity and reduce time and cost. One of these technologies is the so-called building information modeling (BIM), which has been very difficult to adopt and implement in Iran. The purpose of this study is to propose a systemic and holistic model to analyze the dynamics of adoption and implementation of BIM in this country. The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of BIM acceptance to identify the most effective policy to maximize it in the Iranian manufacturing industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage methodology has been developed to achieve the purpose of the research. In the first stage, a technology acceptance model for BIM acceptance was developed using the grounded theory (GT) method. This conceptual model provides a holistic basis for building a simulation model. Thus, in the second stage, we used the dynamics system methodology to extract a dynamic model from the conceptual one. This dynamic model can simulate different policies and may be used to evaluate their respective effectiveness.
Findings
In this study, using the GT method, we obtained 510 primary codes, 118 secondary codes, 50 concepts and 17 categories. After determining the relationships between categories through axial coding, we reached a conceptual model based on selective coding. Mention some of the variables of the conceptual model. Awareness, security, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are some of the most important variables of this model. In the next part, this conceptual model was run using system dynamics and, thus, turned into a causal model in which all the effective variables on BIM technology and their relationships with each other are specified. The stock and flow diagram of the problem and its related equations were presented. To improve the model and solve the problem, we examined the four policies as four future scenarios on the model: continuing the status quo, development of specialist workforce training, bolstering governmental support and increasing awareness via advertisement within. The simulation results showed that government support is the most effective policy for maximizing BIM acceptance in Iran.
Practical implications
In addition to enumerating all the factors affecting BIM technology, this paper proposes a systemic model that provides an accurate and comprehensive view of the acceptance of this technology. In this regard, by introducing feedback loops, as well as reinforcing and balancing factors versus factors causing stasis, the model offers a much deeper insight into mechanisms associated with BIM development and its barriers. Therefore, this study provides a very useful perspective and basis for policy-makers and all stakeholders to accept and implement BIM technology. The findings of this study can lead to more accurate policy-making, removal of acceptance barriers, promotion of incentives, and consequently more effective acceptance of BIM technology.
Originality/value
In this study, a new mixed research method was used. The innovation of our study lies in its simultaneous use of GT method to construct an accurate and holistic model and applying the system dynamics methodology to build a holistic and systemic model of the BIM acceptance problem. This research also provides a suitable standard and tool for studying BIM technology in developing countries.
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Ruwini Edirisinghe, Kerry Anne London, Pushpitha Kalutara and Guillermo Aranda-Mena
Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly being adopted during construction projects. Design and construction practices are adjusting to the new system. BIM is intended…
Abstract
Purpose
Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly being adopted during construction projects. Design and construction practices are adjusting to the new system. BIM is intended to support the entire project life-cycle: the design and construction phases, and also facility management (FM). However, BIM-enabled FM remains in its infancy and has not yet reached its full potential. The purpose of this paper is to identify major aspects of BIM in order to derive a fully BIM-enabled FM process.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 207 papers were classified into main and subordinate research areas for quantitative analysis. These findings were then used to conceptualise a BIM-enabled FM framework grounded by innovation diffusion theory for adoption, and for determining the path of future research.
Findings
Through an extensive literature review, the paper summarises many benefits and challenges. Major aspects of BIM are identified in order to describe a BIM-enabled FM implementation process grounded by innovation diffusion theory. The major research areas of the proposed framework include: planning and guidelines; value realisation; internal leadership and knowledge; procurement; FM; specific application areas; data capture techniques; data integration; knowledge management; and legal and policy impact. Each element is detailed and is supported by literature. Finally, gaps are highlighted for investigation in future research.
Originality/value
This paper systematically classifies and evaluates the existing research, thus contributing to the achievement of the ultimate vision of BIM-enabled FM. The proposed framework informs facility managers, and the BIM-enabled FM implementation process. Further, the holistic survey identifies gaps in the body of knowledge, revealing avenues for future research.
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Xichen Chen, Alice Yan Chang-Richards, Antony Pelosi, Yaodong Jia, Xuesong Shen, Mohsin K. Siddiqui and Nan Yang
With interest in modern construction methods and new technologies on the rise, construction companies globally are increasingly looking at how to embrace new ideas and engage with…
Abstract
Purpose
With interest in modern construction methods and new technologies on the rise, construction companies globally are increasingly looking at how to embrace new ideas and engage with new approaches to do things better. A significant amount of work has been carried out investigating the use of individual technologies in the construction sector. However, there is no holistic understanding of the new and emerging technologies that have had proven benefits for construction projects. To fill this gap, this paper aims to provide a landscape of technologies that have been implemented in the construction industry and the benefits associated with their implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review approach and PRISMA guidelines were used. A total of 175 articles published between 2001 and 2020 were identified and thoroughly reviewed.
Findings
The results show that a total of 26 technologies were identified from the literature, and these can be categorised into five groups in terms of their functionality in construction process, namely: (1) data acquisition, (2) analytics, (3) visualisation, (4) communication and (5) design and construction automation. Digital technologies, especially for data acquisition and visualisation, generally appear to underpin and enable innovation in many aspects of construction. Improvements in work efficiency, health and safety, productivity, quality and sustainability have been cited as being the primary benefits of using these technologies. Of these, building information modelling (BIM) appears to be the single most commonly used technology thus far. With the development of computer technology, BIM has constantly been used in combination with other technologies/tools such as unmanned aerial vehicles/systems (unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/UAS), geographic information systems (GIS), light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multidimensional modelling to realise a specifically defined benefit.
Practical implications
The findings from this review would help construction practitioners identify the types of technologies that can be implemented in different stages of construction projects to achieve desired outcomes, and thus, make appropriate decisions on technology investment and adoption. This review also suggests that to reap the full potential that these technologies offer, aside from construction companies changing their culture and business models, corresponding changes in the construction sector’s operating systems related to building regulation, education and training, as well as contracting and procurement are required.
Originality/value
This paper undertakes a comprehensive systematic review of studies on technology implementation in the construction sector published between 2001 and 2020. It is the first attempt internationally to provide a holistic picture of technologies that have been studied and implemented in construction projects.
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Narges Eskandari and Esmatullah Noorzai
Commercial building facility systems are costly, and due to the complexity of operation and maintenance (O&M), some failures can cause irreversible expensive damage. Currently…
Abstract
Purpose
Commercial building facility systems are costly, and due to the complexity of operation and maintenance (O&M), some failures can cause irreversible expensive damage. Currently, few capabilities of building information modeling (BIM) have been used in the facility maintenance operation. The purpose of this paper is to use a tool for making it easier to predict preventable defects in commercial building facility systems by examining a complete BIM.
Design/methodology/approach
To this end, a list of frequent defects in the facility system was achieved by a review of commercial building literature. Then, by examining a complete BIM model, the available methods and tools for O&M facilities during the operation period are identified and analyzed.
Findings
The results of the paper show that the solution presented based on total productive maintenance (TPM) subsets can effectively prevent facility system defects during the operation and maintenance period. An expert team assesses the validation of results.
Originality/value
The findings can help facility managers to adopt measures using TPM methods to prevent defects through an integrated BIM platform. The examination is based on case studies, surveys, expert experience and a thorough literature review.
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Jiahao Liu, Xi Xu and Jing Liu
Although building information modeling (BIM) has brought competitive advantages and many new jobs, the BIM-related job market is still confusing in China, which will undermine the…
Abstract
Purpose
Although building information modeling (BIM) has brought competitive advantages and many new jobs, the BIM-related job market is still confusing in China, which will undermine the adoption of BIM. This paper aims to show what kinds of BIM-related jobs are there in China, what employers require and whether all BIM engineers are the same kind.
Design/methodology/approach
A text mining approach, structural topic model, was used to process the job descriptions of 1,221 BIM-related online job advertisements in China, followed by a cluster analysis based on it.
Findings
First, 10 topics of requirements with the impact of experience and educational background to them were found, namely, rendering software, international project, design, management, personal quality, experience, modeling, relation and certificate. Then, six types were clustered, namely, BIM modeler, BIM application engineer, BIM consultant, BIM manager, BIM developer and BIM designer. Finally, different kinds of BIM engineers proved this title was an expediency leading to confusion.
Originality/value
This paper can provide a clear and insightful look into the confusing and unheeded BIM-related job market in China and might help to cope with the abuse of job titles. It could also benefit both employers and candidates in their recruitment for better matching.
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Improper evaluation and information mismanagement concerning thermal comfort appears to negatively affect occupants' satisfaction and building energy consumption in precast…
Abstract
Purpose
Improper evaluation and information mismanagement concerning thermal comfort appears to negatively affect occupants' satisfaction and building energy consumption in precast concrete (PC) building contexts. Predictive models are particularly problematic in PC building construction projects where natural ventilation levels do not coincide with occupants' thermal comfort and thermal sensation specifications.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review is undertaken to explore the viability and benefits of a new ICT-based approach for meeting social and environmental objectives.
Findings
Sophisticated thermal comfort system solutions are essential for optimising thermal comfort and saving energy in PC building construction projects.
Originality/value
It is imperative that designers and manufacturers are kept up-to-date with the possibilities and potentials associated with new and nascent technologies so that building projects can meet key sustainability criteria.
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Timothy O. Olawumi and Daniel W.M. Chan
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key facilitating factors for smart sustainable practices (SSP) and develop a project evaluation model (PEM) for SSP implementation in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key facilitating factors for smart sustainable practices (SSP) and develop a project evaluation model (PEM) for SSP implementation in Nigeria and Hong Kong. SSP is coined from the integration of digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to facilitate sustainability practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a quantitative research design approach using empirical questionnaire surveys to solicit the opinions of 69 and 97 construction practitioners in Nigeria and Hong Kong. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the potential survey respondents. The fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique was used to develop the PEMs.
Findings
The findings revealed that adequate technical expertise of the SSP processes is critical in enhancing its implementation in Hong Kong and Nigeria; as well as the provision of training programs for specialists in smart and sustainable initiatives. Meanwhile, the study's findings advocated that for an SSP-enabled construction project, its project performance is mainly influenced by the client's satisfaction level and the early involvement of the project teams.
Research limitations/implications
The study's results are limited to the Nigeria and Hong Kong construction industries.
Practical implications
Construction stakeholders such as the clients, developers, contractors can utilize the PEMs to determine and track SSP initiatives implementation in building projects in a reliable and practical way.
Originality/value
No tool has been developed for evaluating SSP initiatives at the project level in the construction industry. Using case studies of Hong Kong and Nigeria, PEM indices were developed to measure and track SSP implementation in construction projects.
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Mohammad Alhusban, Faris Elghaish, M. Reza Hosseini and Mohammad Mayouf
Previous studies have established to a great extent that regulatory frameworks and, in particular, procurement approaches – that are common in a particular context – have a major…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies have established to a great extent that regulatory frameworks and, in particular, procurement approaches – that are common in a particular context – have a major impact on the success of building information modelling (BIM) implementation in construction projects. Despite the close links between these two concepts, research on the effect of procurement approaches on BIM implementation is scarce. To address this gap, this paper aims to investigate the barriers that affect BIM implementation through the lens of procurement approaches.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach was adopted using a questionnaire survey (n = 116) and interviews with key stakeholders (n = 12) in Jordan. The outcomes of the quantitative parts were augmented with findings from interviews.
Findings
It was revealed that the deployment of unfavourable construction procurement approaches represents a major hurdle towards BIM implementation. Though essential for enhancing BIM implementation, it is revealed that a fundamental change from the common design-bid-build (DBB) to more collaborative procurement approaches remains infeasible in view of the realities that govern the construction industry.
Research limitations/implications
It was revealed the deployment of unfavourable construction procurement approaches represents a major hurdle towards BIM implementation. Though essential for enhancing BIM implementation, it is revealed that a fundamental change from the common DBB to more collaborative procurement approaches remains infeasible given the realities that govern the construction industry.
Originality/value
As the first of its kind, a set of recommendations for establishing supportive, workable procurement that does not deviate significantly from common procedures and practices is presented. Rather than advocating a shift to procurement approaches that are aligned with BIM, the findings offer novel insight into the necessity of developing a framework within the boundaries of the current and widely adopted procurement approaches to address the identified construction procurement issues and facilitate BIM implementation.
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Kareem Mostafa, Tarek Hegazy, Robert D. Hunsperger and Stepanka Elias
This paper aims to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to provide an objective approach to classify deteriorated building assets according to the type and extent of damage…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to provide an objective approach to classify deteriorated building assets according to the type and extent of damage. This research supports automated inspection of buildings and focuses on roofing elements as one of the most critical and externally distressed elements in buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, 5,000+ images of deteriorated roofs from several buildings were collected to design a CNN system that automatically identifies and sizes roofing defects. Experimenting with different CNN formulations, the best accuracy is achieved using two-stage CNNs. The first-stage CNN classifies images into defect/no defect, while the second stage classifies the defected images according to the damage type. Based on the image classification, optimization is used to prioritize roof repairs by maximizing the return from limited rehabilitation funds.
Findings
The developed CNNs reached 95% and 97% accuracy for the first and second phases, respectively, which is higher than achieved in previous literature efforts. Using the proposed model to automate inspection and condition assessment activities proved to be faster than conventional methods. Repair/replace strategy for a case study of 21 campus buildings based on their condition and budgetary constraints was suggested.
Research limitations/implications
Future research includes testing different data acquisition technologies (e.g. infrared imaging), performing severity-based classification and integrating with BIM for defect localization.
Originality/value
This study provides an objective approach to automate asset condition assessment and improve funding decisions using a combination of image analysis and optimization techniques. The proposed approach is applicable toward other asset types and components.
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