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How BIM Can Be Utilized To Ensure A Client's Requirements For A Constructions Project Are Met
How BIM Can Be Utilized To Ensure A Client's Requirements For A Constructions Project Are Met
Are Met
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
Through the application of BIM mode innovation, fully integrating and utilizing the information
involved in the whole life cycle of construction projects, it can not only shorten the time required
for construction projects, save resource costs, but also help all project participants improve
decision-making efficiency and design quality (Abd, Hameed & Nsaif, 2020). In the chapter, it
would review how BIM should be utilised in each phase of a construction project, how it should
be utilised to analyse construction projects to ensure the needs of client/customer, as well as how
BIM could be utilised in construction schedule. All of the contents would be as the theoretical
The application of BIM in the whole construction life cycle of a construction project mainly
involves the planning stage, design stage, construction stage and operation stage (Merschbrock &
Munkvold, 2015). The planning stage is mainly used for status QUO modeling, cost budget,
stage planning, site analysis, spatial planning, etc. The design stage is mainly used to
demonstrate the design scheme in the planning stage, including scheme design, engineering
analysis, sustainability assessment, specification verification, etc. Abd et al. (2020) pointed out
that the construction stage mainly plays the role of three-dimensional coordination with the
design stage, including site use planning, employee system design, digital processing, material
site tracking, three-dimensional control and planning, etc. In the operation phase, it is mainly
used for recording and modeling in the construction phase, including making maintenance plan,
building system analysis, asset management, space management / tracking, disaster planning, etc.
Whether it can help the owner to grasp the relationship between the product and the market is a
crucial point in the project planning stage, and BIM can just do the work of maximizing the
market revenue for all parties in the project planning stage. At the same time, Sears et al. (2015)
claimed that in the planning stage, BIM Technology provides help for the technical and
economic feasibility demonstration of construction projects, and improves the accuracy and
reliability of the demonstration results. In the project planning stage, the owner needs to
determine whether the construction project scheme has both technical and economic feasibility
and can meet the requirements of type, quality and function (Levy, 2012). However, only by
spending a lot of time, money and energy, can we get high reliability results. BIM Technology
can provide summary model for the majority of owners, analyze and simulate the construction
project scheme, so as to reduce the cost, shorten the construction period and improve the quality
According to Merschbrock and Munkvold (2015), BIM can improve the information
management in the planning stage of a construction project. After obtaining the relevant data
(including geometric features, attributes and other information) according to the completion data
of known buildings or field measurement, these data can be quickly digitized by means of b1m
technology, and stored in the corresponding database according to a certain data format. From
another perspective, *** claimed that in the BIM platform, the digital structures can be used as
control conditions for the corridor layout of various pipelines, and the collision inspection
function of BIM Technology can be used. Check the spatial location information of the
foundation and underground pipelines of the existing buildings to judge whether the distance
between the planning scheme and the existing structures meets the specification requirements.
Meanwhile, *** pointed out that on the basis of the known control conditions unchanged, by
adjusting the scheme parameters in BIM platform, it is not only convenient to determine the
reasonable spatial location, calculate the corresponding quantities and project cost, but also easy
to realize the evaluation of the scope of influence of the project, which provides a reference for
the determination of the optimal planning scheme. *** emphasized that after the completion of
planning, BIM Technology can automatically generate planning results, such as traditional plan,
profile and cross-section. At the same time, BIM technology can also directly transfer these
planning results data to the design department, which not only realizes the seamless connection
of data transmission, but also can timely communicate with the design department about changes
in case of later planning conditions adjustment, so as to realize multi professional and multi-
In the design stage of the project, it is BIM Technology that makes the architectural design from
method. According to Zheng et al. (2018), through the use of BIM Technology, architects are not
confused with the problem of how to use the traditional two-dimensional drawings to express the
complex three-dimensional shape, and deeply expand the feasibility of the complex three-
dimensional shape. Visualization, one of the important features of BIM, enables designers to
achieve "what they see is what they get" for their design ideas, and enables owners to break
through the "window paper" of technical barriers, and know what kind of results they can reap
from their investment at any time. Meanwhile, **** pointed out that based on the BIM model
provided by the planning department, the design department carries out the scheme deepening
design. By using BIM model, the design department can feed back the control conditions that
affect the planning to the planning department, which not only realizes the interactive use of
planning and design in the data model, but also can be used as the information data carrier for
subsequent construction, operation and maintenance, and realize the management of the whole
life cycle.
According to Williams (2019), BIM technology can also realize multi professional collaborative
design. Multi discipline design on the same BIM model. For example, when the design layout
and other aspects need to be adjusted due to planning adjustment, unable to demolish and other
reasons, it can also realize the synchronous update of the main professional conditions, ensure
the uniqueness of the design results, avoid the design drop items of the subsidiary professional,
and reduce the design errors. Furthermore, by BIM model, the design department can accurately
transmit the key points, difficulties and design intention of the project to the construction
department, so as to reduce the design changes in the construction, shorten the construction
It is precisely because the BIM model could reflect the complete project design, so the
component model in the BIM model can be one-to-one corresponding to the real components in
the construction site. McGeorge et al. (2013) claimed that through BIM model, the construction
party can find the design errors of mistakes, omissions, collisions and shortages in the
construction site, so as to improve the design quality, reduce the changes in the construction site,
and finally shorten the construction period and reduce the project cost.
The formation of the building is the result of a number of constructions. For example, the
construction includes frame construction, wall construction, layout of water, heating and
electricity pipes, construction outside the wall and cement plastering inside the building (Levy,
2012). The construction of the building needs the effective cooperation of various departments.
Due to various reasons, the construction period has been extended. Through BIM Technology,
simulate the construction process, promote the effective cooperation of various departments, so
that the construction technology can get the best play, and the construction period can be
BIM also plays a very important role in the operation stage of construction projects. The
information of all systems in the construction project plays an important role for the owners to
grasp the use of the building in real time, timely and effective maintenance and management of
the building (Eadie, Browne, Odeyinka, Mckeown, McNiff & Elsevier, 2013). So is there a
platform that can provide the information of all systems in the construction project to the owner?
The parameter model of BIM gives a clear answer. In the BIM parameter model, all the
modifications made in the construction phase of the project would be updated in real time to
form the final BIM completion model, which would be used as the database of various
equipment management to provide the basis for the maintenance of the system (Harris, McCaffer
Pittard et al. (2016) pointed out that the structural facilities (such as walls, floors, roofs, etc.) and
during the service life of buildings. BIM model can give full play to the advantages of data
recording and spatial positioning (McGeorge et al., 2013). By combining with the operation and
maintenance management system, it can make a reasonable maintenance plan, and assign special
2.2.5 Summary
BIM is the direct application of information technology in the construction industry, serving the
whole life cycle of construction project design, construction, operation and maintenance. BIM
provides a platform for all participants to communicate smoothly and work cooperatively. It
makes great contributions to avoid mistakes, improve project quality, save costs and shorten
construction period. Its huge advantages make the industry pay more attention to BIM. The
application of BIM Technology in the collision inspection of various professional design can not
only completely eliminate the hard and soft collision, improve the engineering design, and
greatly reduce the possibility of error loss and rework in the construction stage, but also optimize
With the help of BIM Technology, it can not only realize the collaborative design in the design
stage of the project, the integration of the whole construction process in the construction stage
and the intelligent maintenance and facility management of the building in the operation stage,
but also fundamentally break the barriers and boundaries between the owner, the construction
unit and the operator, so as to truly realize the application value of BIM in the whole
BIM Technology can adjust the different system space in the construction project, so as to ensure
the quality of architectural design. According to Eadie et al. (2013), in fact, at present, the
communication between the architectural design staff and the construction staff is not close
enough, and the construction experience of the designers is far from rich, so the difficulties in the
actual construction are often ignored in the architectural design work. This is a way to improve
the communication between designers and constructors, and to ensure the effective
communication between designers and constructors. In the investigation stage, the site analysis
can be carried out by BIM Technology, and then the designer can roughly conceive the spatial
structure and modeling, and use 3D model to analyze and compare several alternative schemes
(Barnes, 2019). In the aspect of cost control, using BIM Technology, the quantities and prices of
the project are accurate and transparent, which can help the main body of the project life cycle to
According to the volume of the project, the material is filtered and summarized. Pittard et al.
(2016) mentioned that after the modeling is completed, the material list can be exported to
optimize the allocation of resources, make good planning and arrangement in the time and
schedule of mobilization, and grasp the relationship between direct cost and indirect cost, so that
the optimization of schedule can lead to the optimization of cost in the case of high probability.
The 3D digital model drawn by BIM modeling software ensures the dynamic adjustment of
project data, which is convenient for managers to update plans, count and trace the use of funds.
McGeorge et al. (2013) pointed out that BIM Technology is a highly information technology,
which can replace many traditional human intensive works. In this aspect, it can reduce the
redundancy of enterprise personnel and reduce the cost of human resources. In terms of quality
and safety control, virtual construction technology, namely 4D simulation of BIM, can simulate
in advance and find out the possible problems in the construction stage, and then formulate
solutions to modify, so as to optimize the schedule and construction scheme. In the aspect of
information control, Choi et al. (2014) argued that BIM Technology can track the information of
material quality and component quality. It can realize space management and building analysis,
and is convenient for production management and supervision in operation and maintenance
stage. For example, in the process of modeling, the "room" command is used to divide the room
blocks in the building, label information and calculate the area, and the "export" command is
used to export the room / area report, so as to accurately record the area, volume and number of
There are many risks in the construction process of engineering projects, and the existence of
risk factors greatly restricts the realization of construction project objectives. Hardin and McCool
(2015) argued that risk can be roughly divided into two categories: avoidable risk and non
avoidable risk, and avoidable risk plays a decisive role in the construction project. It generally
includes technical risk, organizational risk and management risk. Under the traditional project
management mode, the avoidance of these factors is a problem that all the project participants
need to treat carefully and actively promote (Levy, 2012). However, in the actual project
management process, it is often necessary to coordinate not only the risk of a single party, but
the combined risk of all the participants. How to make all parties establish a unified consensus is
based on effective communication, which is also the main problem and crux of the traditional
The application of BIM in project analysis can greatly enhance the strength of risk management.
According to Ham (2020), the introduction of Bim in the early planning stage of the project can
simulate the environmental indicators of the project and quantify the ecological indicators
through the parameter information contained in BIM itself. And when the scheme changes, BIM
itself has the linkage and statistical analysis function, which can solve the repeated calculation
process and strengthen the feasibility analysis in the early stage of the project (Assaad, El-
adaway & Parker, 2020). BIM is applied to the design stage. In the conceptual design stage, it
can fully reflect the design creativity and provide decision-making basis for the construction
party. In the scheme design stage, it can play the role of design optimization for complex
modeling projects. When it is applied to the construction drawing design, BIM can effectively
and thoroughly solve the pipeline layout of large-scale projects and public projects, and
strengthen the risk management in the design stage. In the construction stage, BIM Technology
can be used to simulate the construction progress, so as to provide a scientific basis for the site
layout scheme and coordinate the cooperation between various disciplines. Eynon (2016) pointed
out that through the establishment of BIM model, the hazard sources in construction can be
judged in advance and compared with the construction results, so as to strengthen the safety
management and on-site quality management, which is conducive to the risk control in
construction (Barnes, 2019). The application of BIM Technology in the whole stage of project
management can effectively reduce the uncertainty of construction projects, reasonably avoid
mainly includes four aspects, which are the construction link, construction process, construction
time and the overall schedule of the project. From these four aspects, it can make the progress
plan, and ensure that the progress plan matches with the actual construction, to ensure that it can
use the effective construction methods and construction technology to achieve the construction
goal (Barnes, 2019). In the past, the construction schedule management mainly depends on CAD
engineering design drawing and on-site construction drawing information, and then carries on
the overall planning according to each construction link (Lu, Fung, Peng, Liang & Rowlinson,
2015). However, the content and process of each construction project are complex, and the
construction personnel and materials of the project have great uncertainty. Therefore, any factor
and problem will affect the control of the whole project schedule. After the introduction of BIM
Technology, construction management personnel can use the technology for scientific modeling
and reasonable planning. The first mock exam is to build a 3D model of engineering project by
using BIM technology (Sun, Man & Wang, 2015). Then, the time dimension is added to the
model to form a four-dimensional model. In the early stage of planning, this system can also be
used for dynamic simulation of construction projects, so as to achieve more rational allocation of
various resources for project construction, and optimize and improve project schedule
The traditional management work has four aspects, including general construction plan
management, secondary project plan management, one week construction plan management and
one day planning management. Barnes (2019) claimed that each schedule management requires
relevant personnel to combine relevant materials and experience data, and then make a detailed
construction plan through the discussion between project management personnel and
construction technicians. In the process of using BIM to manage the progress of construction
project, we can use the information module to plan the construction objectives, processes and
schemes (Pittard & Sell, 2016). Through the construction process preview simulation function of
BIM Technology, combined with various on-site construction conditions, construction schemes,
construction data analysis and optimization, the project task display processing is more intuitive,
and combined with the actual problems, timely correction and solution.
2.4.2 Information Control of Construction Schedule
BIM schedule management platform focuses on the quantity information, schedule information
and three-dimensional model. According to Eynon (2016), by inputting all the parameters of
municipal engineering into the corresponding computer software, the three-dimensional model
can be obtained, and the time parameters are given to the components in the model, thus forming
the BIM progress control model. BIM information platform can process these basic data and
information. Therefore, the platform can integrate construction progress information. Sun et al.
(2015) pointed out that engineering model is the center of information sharing, information
transfer and information query. BIM model can store all the information in the whole life cycle
of municipal engineering, and then use the platform for information contribution and
BIM information platform has all kinds of data in the construction process, and the collected data
and information as well as the information of operators have been comprehensively analyzed and
processed, which can ensure the correct statistics, sharing and screening of information, so as to
more accurately display the cost, progress and predict the project quality (Barnes, 2019). BIM
data model can be realized not only by manual input, but also by opening the interface. With the
help of other systems, new data information can be obtained. Hardin and McCool (2015) argued
that the components of BIM information platform include interactive exchange layer, application
and storage structure. The exchange layer is used by project personnel. The core layer of BIM is
an application layer, which contains basic information, provides data analysis, collation and
sharing tasks.
3.0 Methodology
In order to complete research aims and objectives, it is necessary to design appropriate research
methodology, which should be based on the angle of researchers to consider on the problems and
the complexity of the research object and so on. In the research, the research methodology would
be designed based on Saunders’ research onion from research philosophy, research approach,
research strategy, as well as data collection and analysis. Besides, the ethical issues of the
Interpretivism research philosophy has been determined to be used in the research. Interpretivism
is to explain how to construct knowledge through subjective and objective. This is the main
difference between positivism and interpretivism that positivism pursues to discover and prove
the knowledge of objective existence, while interpretivism pursues to explain the construction of
knowledge by both subjectivity and objectivity. Social science researchers understand people's
thoughts, and then explain their behaviors and their views on society (Bryman, 2004).
Hermeneutics do research and hold the following views. First of all, the observer is not
independent of the observed object, but a part of the observed object. Human interests are the
main driving force of science. Secondly, the purpose of interpretation is to increase the overall
understanding of the situation. The process of research is to collect abundant data from the
deductive ideas. Finally, the concept should be to combine the different views of various
stakeholders. The sample size of research data is small, but it is required to be full and accurate.
Therefore, in the research, based on exploring the behaviour and the actual condition for the
application of BIM in a construction projection, it could understand how it could satisfy the
Qualitative research collects data, focusing on the rich text and language, but not on the number
of data. Under the hermeneutic paradigm, research focuses on the quality and depth of data, and
the quality and depth of data. As Mason (2002) said, the research objects of social science are
situational, contextualized and interactional. Therefore, the data collected in qualitative research
are mainly full and accurate words and language. Qualitative research does not focus on the
breadth of research as quantitative research, but on the depth that quantitative research does not
have. It does not pursue inductive generality, but has certain inductive generality. In addition, the
heavy and rich description of qualitative research can enhance its generalization (riege, 2003).
Through reading, readers can find some patterns in qualitative research findings to explain their
own experience and make relevant decisions for them in future actions. Readers can also apply
the findings of qualitative research to similar scenes. Therefore, qualitative research is called
inductive generalization with small scope (stack, 1995). Whether a research adopts a qualitative
qualitative research method is adopted. Under the philosophical paradigm of objectivism and
understand the social phenomenon, qualitative research can be considered as one of the most
appropriate method to complete the research aims and objectives under interpretivism.
Based on qualitative research method, interview would be used in the research. Qualitative
interview method deeply reveals the meaning of people's life, daily work, behavior and feelings.
It not only studies people's thoughts, feelings and behaviors, but also explores why people have
these thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and what deeper meanings they contain. Qualitative
interview is a powerful way to help participants sort out their implicit cognition, feelings and
understanding (arksey & Knight, 1999). When the research needs participants to have many
ideas and reactions, qualitative interview is the appropriate method and approach (Easterby
Smith et al., 2002). The meaning and knowledge pursued by the research are generated in the
interactive dialogue, which is the result of the cooperation between the interviewers and the
interviewees. Qualitative interview is the construction of knowledge by the interviewers and the
they have plentiful experiences to use BIM and understand the effects of BIM in construction
project. Qualitative research is to obtain rich and detailed experience from small-scale
population, but the sample size is determined by a certain principle, that is, the saturation
principle (Marshall, 1996). For example, when there is no new topic or new explanation in the
In order to get the interviewee's real ideas, the interviewee should choose a convenient and
comfortable place (Bailey, 2007). Researchers need to master interview skills. How to break the
ice and make the interviewees relax (Dwyer, 1996), how to advance the questions from easy to
difficult level by level, how to guide the interviewees to talk freely about their real ideas along
the theme of the interview, etc. all these need skills and strict procedures. In order to preserve a
complete interview record for analysis and adoption, researchers usually record the interview
content with the consent of the interviewee, and then transcribe it word by word.
Qualitative analysis focuses on the continuity and consistency of data. It not only analyzes what
participants talk about, but also why they talk about it, and what kind of information and position
they are trying to convey behind these conversations. In a word, qualitative research has rigorous
research procedures and orderly analysis process, such as coding, classification and so on. In
order to establish verifiability, data collection and validation of raw data, research findings, and
interpretation processes need to be validated (Guba and Lincoln, 1994). The review includes two
stages: firstly, to confirm whether the original data such as recording, note taking and transcribed
text are consistent; secondly, to confirm whether the inference based on data is logical in the data
analysis stage, and to check the quality of research findings and interpretation (Riege, 2003).
The ethical issues in the research are main the autonomy of respondents and privacy protection.
In order to ensure the autonomy of respondents, all of respondents would be told the research
aims and objectives before they determine to participate the research. Meanwhile, they could
determine whether they give up participating in the research at any time during the investigation
process. For privacy protection, all the collected data would be stored in the documents with
password. Besides, all the investigation process would use anonymous way that participators
This chapter covers the analysis of the qualitative data collected in Client details
Company Name: Shaanxi Seventh Construction Group Co., Ltd. The data was collected via
telephone and skype interview due to the prevalence of the covid-19 pandemic. The collected
data interpreted in table for easier interpretation of the data. Qualitative data provides an insight
on attitude, beliefs, motivations, and behaviors of the contractors who use BIM or planning to
use BIM to ensure that they meet the requirements of the clients.
or were planning to use BIM. In total there were ten phone calls and 5 skype meetings that were
held to get the data required for the analysis to display effective results. thirteen of the of the
interviews were effective. Two of the telephone were cut short because one of the clients was in
disrupted by an emergency meeting and another a contractor had to leave in the middle of the
phone interview again due to an emergency in a construction site. Quantitative data was helpful
4.1.1 How to use BIM in each phase of a construction project to meet customer needs?
To gather the data from the interviewees it was important to know their positions in the
construction business they held. The position of the interviewees was crucial in comprehending
their understanding of the BMI. Tables were used in tabulation of the data for easier reading.
Table 4.1
Skype 5 5 100%
Telephone 10 8 80%
Table 4.1 shows the number of participants who were expected to be interviewed. The interviews
like stated earlier were via telephone and skype. The table indicates that skype meeting were
successfully conducted for they yielded a hundred percent result. Telephone interviews were
The first question was aimed to know the position the interviewees held in the construction
industry and if it was a client to determine if he was the owner or was representing the owner of
the building.
Question 1. (Contractor)
Question 1(Client) are the owner of the construction or a representative of the client?
Site manager 2 15
architect 7 53
Senior engineer 1 8
Table 4.2 shows the construction personnel who participated in the construction. The table does
not include the clients. The table was tabulated separately for construction employees have more
construction know how than the clients who are mostly interested in results and cost efficiency.
Owner 1 8
Representative 2 16
According to table 4.2 and 4.3 shows that the majority of the interviewees are architects who are
key players in panning of the constructions. Table 4.3 also indicates that there were owners of
the buildings or their representatives. The data indicates that the key players of the construction
Question 2
Table 4.4
1-4 8 62
5-8 2 16
9-12 1 8
12 and above 0 0
others 0 0
Above table 4.4 indicates the years of experience the interviewees have working in construction.
The data tabulated indicates that majority have between 1 and 4 years in construction followed
by 5 to eight years in construction. Young people are aggressive in embracing new technology
and hence the ones who had 1-4 years in construction industry were likely to adapt new
technology in construction more than the those who have 12 and above years in the industry.
Older experienced construction workers rarely change their traditional way of doing things.
Experienced workers trust their old methods for they have yielded results and are not thrilled to
Table 4.5
Always 11 85
Sometimes 2 15
Never 0 0
Table 4.5 indicates that 85 percent of the interviewees use BIM in construction. Fifteen percent
use BMI sometimes. The data showed that all the interviewees have used BMI in construction.
BIM has proved to be successful especially in big constructions. The majority of the group were
involved in vast and intricate construction and hence they always used BIM in construction. Two
percent of the interviewees were also involved in construction of smaller building which they did
not find the efficiency of using Building Management Information. The data showed that all the
participants were conversant with BMI and hence the results show that zero percent of the
Interviewees were asked how they apply BMI in the planning stage. At this stage the
interviewees especially, the clients agreed that the they spend time and money so that they can
determine the feasibility of the construction. the stage is crucial for the client is able to know the
cost of materials that will be required for the building. Using |BIM technology it is easy to
transfer the designs in other databases for future retrieval. Storing of the information is handy
when there are changes that will be made on the building in future. The interviewees agreed that
in the initial stages of construction it is easy to check using BMI technology the special location
Lean thinking just like in manufacturing has the same goals and objectives. The interviewees
agreed through workshops and seminars they attended on construction led them to understand
more about lean thinking and BIM. The concept saves energy, time and resources during
construction. Using batching planning the construction is divided into different batches where
the materials for a particular batch are delivered at a specific time when is required on site. Right
quantity of material is controlled by the number of batches. Since adoption of lean thinking in
The interviewees were asked why they thought it was prudent to use BMI in the application in
design stage. This is the stage her the plan is converted from a wo dimensional into a three-
dimensional plan. The client is able to see all the aspects of the model using the BIM 3D
technology. The architects who were interviewed agreed that this stage makes the work much
easier for they are not bombarded with the task of converting a two-dimensional design into a
three-dimensional design as they used to do earlier. Due to the design being elaborate design the
feasibility of the construction is realized soon and reduces time and resources wastages. The
design team on the hand can feed the design back to the planning stage for changes, this can
method can be stored and used in the future in maintenance of the construction.
Table 4.6
Yes 11 85
No 2 15
Table 4.6 indicates that the majority which was eighty-five percent of the respondents believe
that BIM leads to cost saving in the overall construction f the building. Fifteen percent did not
agree that BIM leads to cost and resources savings. The majority of the interviews who were
architects indicated BIM tools such as BIM 360 helps in estimation of costs. For example, they
could use more cost-effective materials, find the most ideal time to buy the materials in the
market at a lower cost, decide whether it would be easier to prefabricate or construct in situ.
With all the options that BIM was proving it was possible to save money. Fifteen percent
indicated that sometime giving the client the option of delaying to buy materials on a later date
BMI technology is able to simulate the complete construction. due to this fact the interviewees
agreed that it was easy to note the errors, collision and omissions that would take place during
construction and remedy them before they happened. The construction team is able to work
within the confounds of the stimulated design. Prior correction of mistakes and before the
mistakes are done saves time during construction. The interviewees again agreed that during
construction materials required for the next stage are prepared in the appropriate time hence
reducing time wastages waiting for the materials to be delivered. BIM enhances cooperation
between the construction departments hence a project is completed at the expected time.
4.2.1 How to apply BIM to the site analysis of construction projects to ensure customer
needs?
Have you ever used 5D BIM software technology such as Revit or BIM 360?
Table 4.8
Yes 7 54
No 6 46
Table 4.8 indicates that a 54 percent of the of the interviewees had used the 5D software in
planning the buildings. The 54 percent of the interviewees who had used the software were all
architects. Forty-six percent were clients, senior engineer and site manager. The former was
aware of the BIM software but they had not used the software.
The interviewees agreed that BMI plays a key role in creating awareness to the client on the how
to operate the building. The building requires maintenance and all the aspects of changes made to
the building are incorporated in the BMI design. The piping, walling. Heating, and wiring of the
building are updated from real time to the BMI model of the building. During the service period
of the building the design can be used to access the areas to be maintained easily and hence save
time. the owner of the building again is able to use the building in for the intended purpose for
they are able to see from the design the size, walling, piping, heating, and fittings that in the
building and hence use the building for the right purpose without damaging its integrity.
The interviewees agreed that BMI is crucial in the whole cycle of the construction project. It is
integral for the clients who want to save time and resources during the construction. in planning
phase, design phase, construction phase, and operation phase of the construction, BMI aids in
making the work run smoothly. Departments involved in the construction are able to collaborate
and operate within the design of the BMI and also within the stipulated time. Furthermore, the
client is able to get desired output right from the start to the finishing of the project.
4.3.1 How to rely on BIM to optimize the construction process during the construction
process?
Table 4.7
Yes 13 100
No 0 0
Table 4.7 indicates that all the interviewees were aware of 5D BIM. the clients were aware of the
technology for they had used the technology earlier in their previous construction. The Architects
and senior engineers were aware. The architects were familiar and had a lot of input regarding
the using 5D technology. The architects were excited about using the technology and had a lot of
input regarding using BIM technology. The senior engineer and the site manager were aware of
the technology and supervised buildings that had used the technology.
What is the linked cost to the 3D model, for better understanding of the project?
Totally disagree 0 0
Disagree 0 0
Moderate 0 0
Agree 1 7.9
Totally agree 12 92
Most of the interviewees totally agreed the linked cost to the 3D model was required for proper
The interviewees agreed that in the past agreement between the designers of the project who are
architects and the contractors working in real time is minimal. The architects design the
construction in a room and sometimes fail t put into consideration of the hindrances that are in
the field. The architects sometimes are not able to perceive the difficulties that the contractors
encounter in realizing their designs and blame the contractors for wastage of time and materials.
During the investigation stage BIM technology is used is to work out several schemes on the
field which can be adapted on the field. BIM technology helps the construction team in an
BIM design is dynamic and can be changed and adjusted during construction stage. The
materials required during construction are prepared in advance reducing time wastage waiting for
the materials to be delivered. BIM technology is able to assess the construction requirements and
hence reduce risk of laborers working in dangerous position. Some materials required in
construction can be designed using robotics in ware houses and later brought to site to be used in
the construction. 4-dimension simulation is again used to assess the problems that are likely to
crop up in future and find the solution before the challenge in encountered in real time.
furthermore, the simulation is able to come up with more suitable methods of working round the
challenge.
The client agreed that BIM led to greater efficiency in construction. The faster the construction is
completed the more it saves in construction cost. If the construction is completed earlier the cost
labor id greatly reduced. The clients additionally are able to put the construction into use return
on investments. Sometimes architect said that they pre-fabricated some materials using robotics
which makes the work fast and efficient. The architects also indicated that BIM was effective for
they were able to complete a construction in good time and move to another project easily.
The clients and the architects agreed that seeing having an earlier design of the project was
beneficial. The client is able to have visual picture which the building will have in the
surrounding. The color and how it blends with the neighborhood. The interviewees agreed since
the model of the construction is done in the stages ff the building the clients can make early
changes on the design. Making earlier changes in the design reduced construction costs of going
back to change an aspect of the building the client was not satisfied with when the design is in
the construction phase. Clients are able to get what the type of building they want.
4.4.1 How to use the demand data in BIM, especially in the construction phase?
development. The evolution of structure is in the development. There is need to understand the
structure and how to make the BIM database better. Again, most of the interviewers agreed that
there is need to make the functions of the database better. There interviewees agreed there is
more that is required in the functioning of the BIM to expand the coverage f the functions of
BIM. there is need to cover both building process both in depth and breadth.
The interviewees agreed that the structural evolution of BIM it is possible to understand all the
interpret and construct building without BIM. the interviews agreed it is hard to compress all
scattered in several databases. A simple routine building Information, can be obtained in a single
database.
The interviewees agreed that there were hindrances in the past on controlling the construction
schedule. There were environmental factors that would affect scheduled tasks. Factors physical
environment, subject environment and objective of the client could hinder the flow of events
during construction. BIM technology combined with 5D software is able to overcome these
challenges during the conception stage and also during the construction phase. During the
conceptual stage it is possible to plan the construction to fit the needs of the client. Sometimes
there are challenges that are encountered that lead the planning of the construction to change the
overall desire of the client. BIM technology is able to handle the challenges at an initial stage and
and analyzing of the data to understand the management of time and cost influence of a
construction. the interviewees agreed that construction companies need to embrace the BIM in
construction citing countries like Malaysia which has made construction project to follow
modern trend to ensure safety and efficiency during construction. Control of information can be
achieved through communication and efficient decision making. The major challenge facing
BIM at this stage to ensure the clients requirements are met is the lack of proper communication.
Though BIM can make all the factors evident there is a difference in real life construction and
simulation. If structural engineers are not wholly involved in the design stage of the construction,
5. Discussion
5.1 introduction
The data gathered from the interview and the research methodology were compared to produce
the output in order to answer the research question. The discussion is useful in understanding
how BIM can be used to ensure clients requirements are met for a construction project. The
clients’ needs are mandatory when designing a building, and the changes that can be introduced
earlier in the stages of construction can be made hence reducing time and resources wastages.
To understand more about the usefulness of Building Information Modelling, there is need to
compare the respondents’ answers and the literature review. Designing buildings in conventional
methods involved sketching the building in CAD deigns (BIM services, 2019). This approach
never gave the clients the actual design in terms of aesthetics and actual design. At the same
time, Sears et al. (2015) claimed that in the planning stage, BIM Technology provides help for
the technical and economic feasibility demonstration of construction projects, and improves the
accuracy and reliability of the demonstration results. In the project planning stage, the owner
needs to determine whether the construction project scheme has both technical and economic
feasibility and can meet the requirements of type, quality and function (Levy, 2012). The
respondents agreed that the during the conceptual stage (planning stage) the client I able to see
the simulated design of the building they are spending money to have. At this stage the
respondents agreed that the challenge of the initial cost is high and the clients are overwhelmed
Clients are able to see the simulated design in three-dimensional design and hence can ask for
changes that will fulfill their desire. Initially using CAD sketches this was not possible. The
client would have to wait until the building was in construction stage to start visualizing, they
dream. According to the respondents it would the real-life construction would be different from
what the client had in mind and this would bring a conflict between the client and the architect.
The architect would in turn blame the contractors. Using BIM technology, the client is able to
see what they are investing right from the conceptual stage.
During this stage a structural engineer and a MEP team to design the last phases of the building
(BIM services, 2019). The teams design the structure according to the codes of standards of the
area and send the design to the BIM team. Collaboration between different departments is crucial
on this stage to prevent collision and clashes. According to Zheng et al. (2018), through the use
of BIM Technology, architects are not confused with the problem of how to use the traditional
two-dimensional drawings to express the complex three-dimensional shape, and deeply expand
the feasibility of the complex three-dimensional shape. The respondents agreed that that during
this stage collaboration between all parties is key to bring the client dream in reality. Again, at
this stage the client is able to see their desire in three dimension and can add input or ask for
change. Since collision and clashes are checked at this stage, wastage of resources and time is
reduced during the construction phase. The challenge the architects that clients encountered at
this stage is cooperation between all the departments in the construction project. Bringing all the
departments to communicate and give a final design is hectic. All the parties are supposed to
For engineers using BIM technology this is the stage where they watch as the design takes shape
in real life.in the past this was not possible for there were frequent question from the site the site
to the engineers later to the architects (Tekla, 2020). Time used in the design stage to actualize a
simulation of the construction helps in saving time and giving the client their desired
construction. the respondents agreed that there is minimal collision during construction stage
because during simulation stage all players of the construction are involved in the process. The
client is saved the cost of remodeling and redesigning because BIM technology was able to
After the construction is completed, the client is handed the designs. The BMI designs are crucial
during the service period of the construction. the respondents agreed that the building requires
maintenance and the simulation design is key for easier location of parts of the building.
Operation and maintenance cost of a building is seventy percent of the total amount spent from
the start to the end of the period the building exists in operation (Building in Cloud, 2021). This
amount surpasses the cost that was incurred at first during construction. The respondents agree
that BIM designs are crucial at this stage for the design contain all the information regarding the
building. All the changes made in real life are passed to he designs to keep it up to date for
proper maintenance. BIM is standard and hence it will be adapted during the maintenance period.
For purposeful efficient project management, BIM is one of convergence technologies that draw
public attention to achieve the target of process innovation and efficient project management.
The term BIM has been used as a concept to integrate information (3D object information and
related data) that is created during the life cycle of the whole construction project ranging from
the planning of construction projects to maintenance and their process and their compatibility.
By using BIM Modeling Services, it is possible to minimize various interception and errors that
is caused by inaccuracy of information at the early stage of construction projects and makes it
possible for smooth communication of participants of those projects. Recent construction has
tendency to utilize the technological aspect of 3D- based BIM for improvement of
constructability works. When delivering information, there is a problem that the intention of an
virtually, this will help them validate the scheduled time for the construction period. Using 4D
simulation and merging it with BIM there is significant hope that constructions will be spending
the scheduled time according to the simulation (Stroggins, 2018). According to Choi et al.
aspects, which are the construction link, construction process, construction time and the overall
schedule of the project. From these four aspects, it can make the progress plan, and ensure that
the progress plan matches with the actual construction, to ensure that it can use the effective
construction methods and construction technology to achieve the construction goal (Barnes,
2019)
In the traditional mode of construction, events such the natural environment, subjective
environment, and objective environment could interfere with the scheduled date of completion of
a construction (Li et al., 2016). Today with BIM combined with BIM 5D software it is possible
to work according the scheduled plan right from the conceptual stage to the application stage.
BIM schedule management platform focuses on the quantity information, schedule information
and three-dimensional model. According to Eynon (2016), by inputting all the parameters of
municipal engineering into the corresponding computer software, the three-dimensional model
can be obtained, and the time parameters are given to the components in the model, thus forming
for they are able to put the construction into use. Clients should engage people, process, and
technology in construction (Singh, 2019). BIM technology forms the link between these three
groups. The human labor is key because they will be the interpret the design simulation and put it
in real life construction. BIM data can be obtained through sharing of interfaces to the parties
concerned in the construction. BIM is the central part of the project and all information is relayed
through the BIM before it is implemented. If there is a challenge on the ground which cannot be
implemented, the challenge should be tackled in the design to check different options of tackling
it. Later the it should be implemented on the ground. Changes that are made should be put in the
6.0 Output
6.1 introduction
This chapter discusses the developed framework according to the data collected both quantitively
and qualitatively in regards to the role of BIM in ensuring a client’s requirements are met for a
construction project. The frame shows how the construction departments currently work on a
project and also checks my recommendation on ensuring the clients requirements are met.
6.2 The current framework
Departments in the construction departments approach construction using BMI in different ways.
The approaches that the construction company take to when BIM yield different results that
sometimes the client is not fully satisfied with.
stage 0
Business Justifaication
Strategic Brief
Stage 1
Preparation and brief
Appraissals Briefs and
information
requirements
stage 3
Concept design
Stage 4
Development design
Stage 4
Technical Design
Stage 5
Construction
Construction
During the study it was found that the construction department follow the steps above during
construction. During step 0 the departments started with business justification. Business
justification involves vital questions such as whether it is feasible to continue with the proposed
business and if to proceed the way to go about the project. The departments said it was
mandatory for the steps taken to be information driven. At this step the departments are involved
in tasks such as the client identifies the need of the construction in the department. Again, in step
0 there is strategic definition. The step is involved when the client identifies that there more
information that is required before proceeding to the next step.
During stage 1 which is preparation and brief the three were three steps that were involved. The
steps are appraisals, briefs and information, and supplier appointments. In appraisals it involves,
assessing whether the project is feasible and if there is another more preferred way of proceeding
with the project. It is prudent for the employer to work with appointed advisors who will advise
them on the feasibility of the project. \the construction department advised the customer to
employ third party advisors to guide them on the way forward.
On the second step of the project the construction departments developed the conceptual design
of the project. At this stage the construction departments involve he design responses to the
project design. The departments at this stage could opt to freeze the whole project. If the project
was deemed good at this stage to continue the departments continually involved the client’s
input. If the client had decided to involve advisors their input was thoroughly investigated and
put into consideration during this stage. If there were additional input from the client they were
updated in the BIM. the suppliers for the project were from the Shaanxi Seventh Construction
Group Company.
During the third stage of the project the design was developed into a more detailed design. The
design is developed into a dimensional design where the client was able to view the construction
in a three- dimensional design. The client again, on this stage was advised to consult external
advisors who were conversant with BIM to put their input in the work. At this stage it should be
noted that the construction departments ensured that the elemental cost plan was updated from
the design I accompaniment of the schedule of the cash flow injections. The construction
departments an end stage report of the project.
The fourth is the construction departments are involved in the construction departments were
involved in the development of the design. At this stage which is commonly referred as the final
stage includes developing the design into a sufficient detail that can be carried out practically in
the construction stage. The information on the BIM at this stage was sufficient to be passed on
the contractor. Again, on this stage the client provided the BMI designers on the proposed
occupants of the construction. The proposals made by the client were put in the BMI design to be
affected during the construction stage. The supplier subcontracted specialist in preparation of the
technical design which would be the effected in the construction stage.
The fifth stage was the construction stage which is the construction stage which the respondents
referred as the build stage. At this stage there is on site construction and off-site manufacturing.
Off site manufacturing includes the use of robotics to manufacture some of the parts of the
construction that would use to make the construction to be completed at the right time to prevent
delays. The contractor makes a draft for the client in a manual format for the client to understand
the working of the construction. he contractor again prepares a manual in plain language for the
employer to so that they can understand the development of the construction during the building
stage.
The sixth stage of the construction is the handover stage. At this stage the owner is handed over
the building. The contactors remain responsible to maintain the building to rectify defects in the
building for a period of about six months. The contractor requested for a day of handing over the
overall project to the client. The client and the contractor agree on a method of reporting defects
that emerge on the construction so that they are corrected.
6.2 The proposed framework
To ensure the client requirements are met the following steps would be taken. It is important to
note the proposed framework at may seem similar to the current framework but the key
differences lies in the details where the client takes a major role during the steps the four key
steps of construction.
Step 1
stage 0
strategic Preparay Stage 2
Cocept Design
Step 3
Techni cal Design
defination tion abd Brief
Step 4
Technical
Step 5
Design Constructio
n Step 6 step 7 Construction
Handover in use
and
construction
The difference between the proposed steps and the current steps lies in the details of the steps
where the in the proposed strategy the client in fully involved in all the steps of the construction.
to meet the clients’ requirements in construction it is critical to involve them during all the steps
of the constructions. The research conducted showed that the construction companies that were
involved did not go further to with the client to the in use step during construction. the
interviewed construction industries handed over the BBI to the client after handing over the
building to the client and checking the major defects that may have occurred during construction
The following steps are the proposed steps that would take place during construction. it is
important to note that the client is involved during all the steps of construction.
The first stage would be stage 0. During this stage, the project would be examined to find out
whether to proceed with the proposed project. The client would be encouraged and guided by
experts from the company to suggest the need of the construction. the employer will be given
enough information to decide whether with the information proposed whether if to continue or to
abandon the project. The information provided for the client should be in a plain language which
the client can understand and manage to ask and provide recommendations about the project.
On the second stage the client stage the client input will continue to provide the steps that should
be taken to proceed In the next steps of the project. The client should be included in this step to
ensure that his recommendations are included. It should be noted that the researched companies
advised the client to look for an external advisor on BIM. instead of this I would recommend
explaining to the client each step of the BIM to the client. Including external examiners of the
project would result.
Every step of the recommended step would include the client’s input. There is a final step that
the respondents did not include which is the in-use stage. The client would still be accompanied
while using the construction. it is important to use the BIM as the contractor to ensure that the
client is accompanied after the handing over the building. The contractor is advised to
accompany the contractor during and after construction.
7.Evaluation
7.1 Introduction
This chapter evaluates the objectives of the project in regards to the objectives of the providing
Objectives Evaluation
Propose a paper on the use of BIM in Secondary data gathered was detailed and
construction business
chapter.
Evidence is
Conduct literature review based on auxiliary The primary data was gathered through the
data related to the use of BIM in construction use of interviews. The interviews were
projects. Related journal articles and conducted through skype and telephone calls.
academic papers will be used for this. The interviews were conducted through
the research.
Evidence of primary data is in the research
methodology chapter
Use questionnaire surveys and/or interviews It was evident that the secondary data and the
with relevant personnel to collect the main primary data related. Secondary data showed
data on the use of BIM in construction that the clients are able to follow in all the
projects, and then analyze the collected data. phases of the construction
Discuss major and minor dates, and how According to the analyzed data it is evident
BIM can assist in creating related output. that contactors and clients use BIM
to the client.
Create appropriate output related to the A diagram was used to illustrate the output of
customer. This may take the form of a BIM technology indicating the main phases of
graphical representation, and it may be a construction and its efficiency in saving time
Social issues related to the interview question It was evident that there were impact
Questions to the interview may put additional negative impact associated with Potential
might mask the true answers to the questions. The likelihood of the occurrence is low
the interviewee.
be kept private.
document
Ethical issues associated with the interview. Potential Impact: Medium Likelihood of
information or project participants personal Perform one on one interview and keep the
information using BIM, as well as some procedure private in order to protect the
Contingency:
appropriate action.
document
Code of ethics for collaboration with students The dissertation will be presented in a
the University.
Evidence is on Appendix 1 SEPLI appraisal
document
Legal Issues associated with interviews There were legal that were issues with
BIM will increase the risk of data leakage in interviewing respondents on. It was became
the implementation process. evident that BIM will increase the risk of
any time.
Contingency:
document
Analyze how to use BIM to reasonably collect The client’s analysis requirements for the task
the correct client request information at the were key in the project. The client was
beginning of the design of the building and involved from the conceptual of the project to
formulate the corresponding construction ensure that their requirements were included.
the design.
be implemented into the actual operation, and the engineers d not have much to do except
finally realize the customer requirements. check and ensure the work is progressing
7.2 Summary
To produce overall evaluation of the project, evidence was gathered using primary data and
secondary data. During al the stages of development it became evident that time management in
key in finishing a project within the given time span. Furthermore, the student gained knowledge
when dealing with individuals who working directly in the field. Dealing with individuals in the
field helped the student to understand more of what they will encounter in future during their
During working of this project, I have learnt that sometimes the clients’ recommendations are
overlooked. The client is given recommendations in a language that they cannot understand and
therefore rendering their inputs not important. The client requirements are key to winning future
projects. When BIM is utilized with the clients’ interests included the client is satisfied and
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