Building Information Modeling (BIM)- An Impact to Construction Projects’ Delay Analysis

D31MI – Construction Practice and IT

Building Information Modeling (BIM) An Impact to Construction Projects’ Delay

AnalysisMahmoud A. AminReg. No. H00191828

Abstract: Construction industry is considered one of the largestindustries that impact the gross domestic product (GDP) ofmany leading countries, and being unique in nature andexisting in a dynamic environment will result in lot ofchanges, conflicts and complexity of communications, which arethe main driving causes for projects’ delay and failure. Forthe past century project management professionals put theirefforts together, in order to reach to a mechanism thatintegrate all the involved parties into a successfulenvironment, to reduce all the reasons for destructiveconflicts and enhance the level of communications.

With the huge evolution and development of the advancedInformation Technology industry, construction experts tried toefficiently cope up with those swift upgrades in order tomaximize its positive opportunities and minimize all thethreats to projects success.

Building information modeling (BIM), it is an approachrelated to an advanced technology has been developed over thepast 30 years and recently "BIM" terminology became verywidely used within the biggest projects all over the world.Three dimensional modeling (3D) has been a very useful toolfor the purpose of visualizing the projects’ end product, andfurther benefits were introduced while implementing BIMtechnologies such as; Four dimensional (4D) time simulation,Five dimensional (5D) cost planning, Six dimensional (6D)project life-cycle management, and any desired number ofparameters (nD).

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This paper aims to review how BIM can influence of projects'delays and how can assist in making traditional delay analysismethods easy to preform and deliver its message, in order toearly resolve disputes between all involved parties.

Keywords: BIM, 4D, Forensic delay analysis, Claims

IntroductionConstruction industry is interrelated with the surroundingother industries, and interact with them in two-way direction.Information technology industry has seen a huge developmentfor the past thirty years, impacting all the surroundingbusiness and industries including construction. Time factor isone of the triple constraints, along Cost and Scope, whichexists on every project in the construction industry, andgreat attention is being paid to closely monitor and controlproject performance against those constraints. The mainpurpose of this paper is to review the Impact of recentadvanced technology known as Building Information Modeling(BIM) to the Construction industry and particularly totraditional delay analysis techniques.

Delays in ConstructionConstruction industry is considered one of the largestindustries that impact the gross domestic product (GDP) ofmany leading countries like United States of America (USA)(Zhang and Gao 2013) and United Kingdom of England (UK) around

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D31MI – Construction Practice and IT£110bn per annum for UK only (Kassem et al. 2012). The majorconstruction projects became bigger in scale and even morecomplex than ever before, which makes it more challenging inregards to successfully completing the projects on plannedtime and agreed budget. Therefore; professionals all over theworld worked hard to develop a framework that enables them tocontrol the construction project's triple constraints (Cost,Time & Scope), in order to reduce projects' cost and deliverytime without compromising the quality (Khoshnava et al. 2012).

However; 70% of UK construction projects suffered a delays incompletion and in case of no settlement has been reachedbetween the engaged parties in the project, they went intoexpensive and lengthy process of disputes resolution, wherethe claiming party takes the burden of proving each of theirclaim stages; causation, liability and quantum.(Gibbs et al.2013).In order to illustrate the cause and effect of theevents that caused the delay of the project completion, theclaimant should carry out a proper delay analysis technique toquantify the amount of days delayed in a result of thoseevents.

Common Delay analysis Methods

There are more than thirty methods were used in the analysisof delay events' cause and effect in construction projects,but only nine were defined by the Association for theAdvancement of Cost Engineering AACE in their InternationalRecommended Practice No. 29R-03, Forensic Schedule Analysis.Those defined methods are: (1) As Plan Vs. As Built, (2)Periodic As Plan Vs. As Built, (3) As-is Windows, (4)Halfstep, (5) Modified Windows, (6) Single Time ImpactAnalysis, (7) Multiple Time Impact Analysis, (8) Collapsed AsBuilt and (9) Period Collapsed As Built(Ottesen and Martin2011), Those delay analysis are categorized as shown in Figure:1.

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D31MI – Construction Practice and ITFor the purpose of this paper, only three methods which aresimple and commonly used will be briefly discussed; (1) AsPlan Vs. As Built, (6) Impacted As Planned and (7) MultipleTime Impact Analysis.

Figure 1: Taxonomy of Forensic Schedule Analysis (AACE RP 29R-03)

(1) As Planned Vs. As Built;

One of the less costly andeasiest methods used toquantify the impact of thedelays happened in the project,by simply comparing the plannedcompletion date, which usuallymentioned in the “As plannedProgram”, to the actual completion date that is shown in the“As Built Program” also called “As Constructed Program”(Loweand Nagata 2008)

(6) Impacted AsPlanned;

One of the common methods andwidely used to quantify theimpact of the delays happenedin the project, by insertingthem as activities into the“As Planned Program”, to reflect the impacted completion date,developing an

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Figure 2: As Planned Vs. As Built - Simple representation byAuthor

Figure 3: Impacted As Planned - Simple representation byAuthor

D31MI – Construction Practice and IT“Impacted Program” also called “What if” program (Lowe andNagata 2008).

(7) Multiple Time Impact Analysis;

Time Impact Analysis is themost recommended delayanalysis method, by industryprofessionals, and it issimilar to the Impacted AsPlanned in inserting delays asactivities, but into therecent updated Program, toreflect the impactedcompletion date ona specific time of the Project (Lowe and Nagata 2008). It iswidely accepted and even sometimes specified in theconstruction contracts.BIM evolution, current capabilities and 4D implementation inAECBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) terminology is rapidlyspreading within the Construction industry or what is known asAEC Architectural, Engineering and Construction industry. Itis simply about using the computer generated three dimensionalmodels, not only for the 3D visualization purpose but as wellas the n-dimensional (n-D) simulating the projects life cycle,starting from conceptual stage ending with operation andmaintenance stages(Azhar 2011).

The revolution of BIM can be considered started, as an ideaunder research, late in the 1970s and early 1980s but actuallystarted in the AEC industry in mid-2000s and in the last ten1

years BIM became the core of advanced technologies related toconstruction projects (Azhar et al. 2012). The key efficientelement that BIM evolution offers is the high level of1 The Author mentioned ten years although in the referenced article it was mentioned seven years only, because it was written in 2012.

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Figure 4:Time Impact Analysis- Simple representation by Author

D31MI – Construction Practice and ITcommunication and collaboration environment by incorporatingTime (4D), Cost (5D) and any number of parameters (nD) intoone model covering every aspect of the project (McCuen 2008).

Figure 5: Visual Represntation of BIM Concept(Azhar et al. 2012)

The current application areas that AEC can benefit from BIMare; Photorealistic rendering, Virtual Design review,Analyzing Design alternatives (3D), Cost Estimating (5D),Analyzing Execution Methodologies (4D) and Project Documentproduction. A categorized framework for 3D/4D models areas ofapplication, has been established into three major phases;shaping, design and construction phases(Hartmann et al. 2008).

For the purpose of this paper the implementation of 4Dsimulation into AEC industry will be discussed in details, inorder to establish basic understanding of how BIM evolutionimpacted construction projects' planning and schedulingmanagement and accordingly construction claims' delaysanalysis methods.

The four dimensional model (4D) is the outcome of linkingproject's time schedule with the project's three dimensionalmodel (3D), and it is important to differentiate between 3DCAD (Computer-aided design) model which will be a collectionof point, lines and faces; and the required 3D model for BIM

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D31MI – Construction Practice and ITimplementation which should be made up of elements or objectsrepresenting the project component. Figure 6 illustrates howto explain the assembly of a 4D model to nontechnicalindividuals may be interested in the project's schedules ordelay claims using BIM approach.(Basu 2007)

Figure 6: How to assemble a 4D model(Basu 2007)

The 4D model's powerful capabilities can be utilized indifferent tasks at different stages of the constructionprojects, like but not limited to, visual presentation forindividuals from outside of the filed with no technicalexperience or knowledge of the project, as a tool to improvecommunication between involved parties in the project, properplanning and logistics arrangements during preconstructionphase, involve all stakeholders in collaboration environmentin order to gain their Buy-in, to examine project'sconstructability and to assist in time claims and disputeresolution(Basu 2007).

It is recommended to involve BIM 4D models in the project'sprogress monitoring process, coordination workshops, creationof project correspondences like Request for information (RFI)or change order/delay events and to keep 4D models updatedwith the recent status of the project progress as well as toincorporate the approved change orders(Azhar et al. 2012).

An overview of the 4D modeling will show two types of modelscan be created by linking project schedule with the 3D model;(1) standalone model and (2) Comparative model(Kevin Coyne2008)

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D31MI – Construction Practice and IT(1) Standalone 4D model; contains 3D model reflecting the shape and

characteristic of the product/project which is linked toone schedule/plan representing the methodology of executingthe same product/project, as show in Figure: 7 (Kevin Coyne2008), which can be defined as the project Baseline or AsPlanned Program.

(2) Comparative 4D model; same like the standalone model but linkedto two schedules representing two different scenarios ofexecuting the same product/project and simultaneously showmultiple views/windows related to the same model, allowingthe required comparison during any kind of delay analysisto be performed, as show in Figure: 8 (Kevin Coyne 2008), thismodel can be defined as the project As Built Program orImpacted Program.

Figure 7:Standalone 4D model(Kevin Coyne 2008)

Figure 8: Comparative 4D model(Kevin Coyne 2008)

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D31MI – Construction Practice and ITUtilizing 4D simulations in performing Delay analysis

Based on the review of the above, common delay analysismethods and the current/anticipated spread of BIM and 4Dimplementation in AEC industry, an effective utilization ofBIM-supported As Built models should be highlighted toindustry professionals and Forensic delay analysts shouldbecome more aware of its capabilities.

Referring to the above mention delay analysis methods; the (1)As Plan Vs. As Built, (6) Impacted As Planned and (7) MultipleTime Impact Analysis, the author will be reviewing howresearches and industry professionals promoted the integrationof 4D models into the process of visualizing and analyzingconstruction projects delay analysis.

Considering the As Plan Vs. As Built method, Table:1 willillustrate the findings of researches and case studies on theassessment of involving 4D models into the delays analysissteps and (Kevin Coyne 2008). Using the comparative 4D modelsas mention above; Figure: 9 visualize the comparison betweenAs Plan Vs. As Built program.

step

Typical Analysis Steps Integration of 4D ModelingTools

1 Define and agree on thelatest approved AsPlanned Program and makesure it is reasonable.

Involving the 4D simulationassessed in validating therealistic of the As Plannedprograms

2 Develop the As Builtprogram using project'sdocuments, in case ofabsence of the

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periodical updatedprograms

3 Perform the comparisonbetween As Planned Vs. As Builtprograms

The comparison can be doneusing the color codingfeature, adding the advantageof easily visualizing theserial of delayed activitiesand the impact on the projectcompletion.

4 Identifying delays byall parties

5 allocate delays to theclaimant party based offacts and evidence

6 prepare final report andpresent the case toconcern parties

4D models are considered theeasiest tools to communicatethe most complex issues,which can be rendered photosor videos

Table 1: As Planned Vs. As Built

Figure 9: As Planned Vs. As Built - compartice 4d model

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D31MI – Construction Practice and IT1.1. Conclusions

Building Information Modeling (BIM) became one of the fastestgrowing and developing construction related technology,especially after being included in the building regulations ofsome countries like UK that is why a great attention should bepaid to study the excepted impacts to the current projectmanagement approaches and techniques. All construction projects have being subject to delays andlate delivery of completion, this review paper aimed to gothrough the illustration of delays in the constructionindustry, how they are being traditionally analysis and howthe evolving BIM 4D simulation influenced those traditionallytechniques. The outcome of this paper should be further developed andsupported by surveys and recent case studies, in order toreach to an action plan to implement the same in the practicalproject environment and raise the awareness between all theproject stakeholders especially the Forensic delay analysts,Clients and Contractors.

1.2. References

Azhar, S. (2011) 'Building Information Modeling (BIM): Trends,Benefits, Risks, and Challenges for the AEC Industry',American Society of Civil Engineers, 11, 241-252.

Azhar, S., Khalfan, M. and Maqsood, T. (2012) 'BuildingInformation Modeling (BIM): Now and beyond', AustralasianJournal of Construction Economics and Building, The, 12(4), [15]-28.

Basu, A. (2007) '4D Scheduling - A Case Study', AACE InternationalTransactions, 12.1-12.6.

Gibbs, D.-J., Emmitt, S., Ruikar, K. and Lord, W. (2013) 'ACase Study Investigation into the use of ComputerGenerated Visualizations to Assist with ConstructionDelay Claims ', in CIB World Building Congres Construction andSociety, Brisbane 5-9 May 2013,

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D31MI – Construction Practice and ITHartmann, T., JuGao and Fischer, M. (2008) 'Areas of

Application for 3D and 4D Models on ConstructionProjects', JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ANDMANAGEMENT, 134(10), 776-785.

Kassem, M., Brogden, T. and Dawood, N. (2012) 'BIM and 4Dplanning: a holistic study of the barriers and drivers towidespread adoption', Journal of Construction Engineering and ProjectManagement, 2(4), 1-10.

Kevin Coyne, P. P. (2008) Leveraging the Power of 4D Models for Analyzingand Presenting CPM Schedule Delay Analyses, AACE INTERNATIONAL:AACE INTERNATIONAL.

Khoshnava, S. M., Ahankoob, A., Preece, C. and Rostami, R.(2012) Potential Application of BIM in Construction Dispute and Conflict,translated by Razak School of Engineering & AdvancedTechnology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in KualaLumpur.

Lowe, J. S. and Nagata, M. F. (2008) 'A Synthesis of ForensicSchedule Analysis Techniques', AACE International Transactions,1-6.

McCuen, T. L. (2008) 'Scheduling, Estimating, and BIM: aProfitable Combination', AACE International Transactions, 1-8.

Ottesen, J. L. and Martin, G. A. (2011) 'CPM’s Contribution toForensic Schedule Analysis ', Cost Engineering journal, 22-28.

Zhang, D. and Gao, Z. (2013) Project Time and Cost Control Using BuildingInformation Modeling, translated by Yaowu Wang, P. D.,Lennerts, K., Geoffrey Q. P. Shen, P. D., Yong Bai, P.D., P.E., F.ASCE, Xiaolong Xue, P. D., Chengshuang Sun,P. D., Zhili (Jerry) Gao, P. D., Wu, Y. and Xue, W.,Karlsruhe, Germany: 545-554.

List of Figures:Figure 1: Taxonomy of Forensic Schedule Analysis (AACE RP 29R-03)..........................................................3

Figure 2: As Planned Vs. As Built - Simple representation by Author.......................................................3

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D31MI – Construction Practice and ITFigure 3: Impacted As Planned - Simple representation by Author.......................................................3

Figure 4:Time Impact Analysis- Simple representation by Author.............................................................3

Figure 5: Visual Represntation of BIM Concept(Azhar et al. 2012)........................................................4

Figure 6: How to assemble a 4D model(Basu 2007)..............5

Figure 7:Standalone 4D model(Kevin Coyne 2008)...............6

Figure 8: Comparative 4D model(Kevin Coyne 2008).............6

Figure 9: As Planned Vs. As Built - compartice 4d model......7

List of Tables:Table 1: As Planned Vs. As Built.............................7

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Building Information Modeling (BIM)- An Impact to Construction Projects’ Delay Analysis

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