BIM and Construction Management

Haseeb Uz Zaman, M.Sc (Civil), B.Sc (Civil), engr_haseeb_zaman@yahoo.com

Abstract

The report is about BIM and Construction Management. It includes

the benefits of BIM in the field of Construction management and its
sub-plots. Infact construction industry is one of the most inefficient
industries due to many reasons like wastage, design clashes, disputes
corruption etc. BIM is showing great promise to eradicate these issues. Its key features enables the construction process to be efficient and it can be utilized to reduce corruption in this field vey comprehensively. Many countries like Singapore, has identified benefits of BIM
and are trying to prevail it . Countries who are facing the challenges
from corruption in construction industry can benefit from BIM more
than others. BIM improves construction management practices in all
three aspects: Quality Time and Money. Features like quantity take off
Clash detection, simulation, scheduling, supply chain management,risk
management, and real time co-ordination gives it a real edge over old
construction practices. Moreover it can put a full stop to the corruption
in the construction industry that is the manifestation of traditional practices. Altough challenges are there but future belongs to BIM.

Keywords: BIM, Construction Management, Corruption, efficiency.

Background
Industrial Context

Construction Industry is one of the leading industries worldwide especially in developing

countries where infrastructure development is most accountable for it. In developed countries
although doesnt enjoy the same status yet it is one of the biggest ones. Alone in Germany the
annual volume of construction industry in year 2011 was 307 billion Euros 1. Despite being the
leading industry over the globe, Construction industry is poor in performance and has lack of
efficiency2. Most of the wastage occurs during the construction phase relative to previous
planning and design ones. Hence new methodologies and practices in construction are required
to revolutionize it. BIM is the dimension where construction industry can progress and can
become as efficient as others.

Problem
Inefficiencies in Construction industry are the manifestations of a lot of reasons, inadequate
and fragile planning plus clashes in design cause a lot of wastage both in terms of time and
money. Moreover, during construction phase, unseen undetected clashes make huge fuss not
just by themselves but also trigger other hostile issues and rebuff whole schedule in some
cases. Inadequate labor and supply chain management also play their role in loss of turnovers
and accounts for inefficiencies. Inspite, of improvement in efficiency of other industries,
construction industry still remains inefficient one. Above these technical challenges, there is

http://www.bmvbs.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/89516/publicationFile/62036/construction-industry-in-germany2011-abstract.pdf page no 2, 29/04/2013 (4:39)

2

Industry Structure: Misunderstood by Industry and Researchers (Dean Kashiwagi, Jacob Kashiwagi and John
Savicky) pg no 1

another one Corruption. Transparency International published the Bribe payers index
according to which the industry most prone to corruption is Public Works Contracts and
Construction. In my personal experience as an engineer, corruption is the biggest of all issues
in construction industry of Pakistan (my Homeland).

Learning Objectives:

To understand BIM and its role in construction management

How BIM can revolutionize construction management practices

How BIM can help us fight against corruption

How BIM involved in other project phases(design and planning) can benefit
construction phase.

Approach

To achieve the learning goals websites, articles, research papers, journals, case studies, Moodle
material(Helsinki metropolia) and major BIM players website (TEKLA, AUTODESK, VICO, Bentley
etc.) are consulted. Moreover personal experience of construction industry also helped me. I
have divided construction management into different subplots like schedule, supply chain
management, human resource management etc. and then introduced the participation of BIM
in those subplots separately.

Analysis

Definition of BIM:
As defined by National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional

characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a
facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest
conception to demolition.3

BIM in Construction Management:

Construction management triangle consists of Time, Quality and money. The project
management success is the measure of quality achieved within defined time and budget 4. Now
we will study all three vertices of the triangle individually.

MONEY
o Estimation and Clash Detection
Both Estimation and clash detection belongs to the pre-construction phase of the project but
they are critically important for construction management. Estimation is the base of bidding
and contract procurement and it is the birth place of corruption. Low bid contracts is the prime
example of this scenario. Usually contractors bid sometimes as low as -32% just to win the
contract and are clearly on the helm of severe loss because usually a construction contract hold
10 to 25 % profit therefore have no provision to absorb anything like -32% even on no profit no
loss condition. Contractors do so just in order to win contracts and then they start bribing the
owners officials to tackle this issue. For example by claiming work that they havent executed,
using lesser quality material, claiming some extension to the project scope and obtaining that
extended work on very high rates5. Long and short estimation phase is the mother of corruption
in Construction industry. Now in with the help of BIM we can estimate very accurately and
almost immediately. Not just that but it also enables its users to adjust any change in the
3

http://www.buildingsmartalliance.org/index.php/nbims/faq/ accessed on 2 May 2013 (18:46)

Michael W. Newell, Marina N. Garshina (2004), The Project Management Question and Answer Book p.8

http://www.giaccentre.org/how_corruption_occurs.php accessed on 2 May 2013 (22:13)

project in estimation by notifying that what effect it will have on the project 6. Hence making
estimation transparent and nipping corruption in the bud. Which ultimately benefits the whole
project in all aspects of Quality and money.
Clash detection is one of the major benefits of BIM. Clashes in construction are very expensive
penalties where huge money and time is wasted and sometimes unprecedented compromises
are also in the line of decision. Detecting clashes in the early stages before actual construction
begins bears highly valuable results7. The average cost of a clash as described by Dan Gonzales,
the Corporate Manager of Virtual Design and Construction at Swinerton Builders in an interview
is 17000 US $8. Hence Clash detection can help in saving both time and money during
construction phase and benefits construction management.

o Financial Management
BIM provides very comprehensive facilities to aid financial management and to stop
embezzlement. Financial management includes the costs generated by the quantities taken
off9 by BIM. As all the information is contained into the model and very accurate bill of
quantities can be generated and this information can be linked with the cost of items10. hence
absolute and error free cost of the project is obtained according to various aspects . BIM also
gives comparison between estimated costs and actual cost which will enables the project team
to improve its performance. One form of corruption is that contractor claims money for

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/5d-bim-software-estimating/tabid/229126/Default.aspx accessed on 3
May 2013 (02:23)
7

Case study by VICO software(Sep 2007) on Oy Alfred A. Palmberg Ab; Varma Salmisaari Project pg. 2

http://www.vicosoftware.com/vico-blogs/guest-blogger/tabid/88454/bid/12659/How-Swinerton-BuildersDeliver-Virtual-Design-and-Construction.aspx accessed 4 May 2013 (14:25)

9

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/3d-bim-software-quantity-takeoff/tabid/229123/Default.aspx accessed
5 May 2013 (18: 44)
10

Building Information Modeling: A Framework for Collaboration by Howard W. Ashcraft

materials excessively by bribing the owners representative or team member11. The running bill
form of contract is the one where contractor is paid according to the work he will execute in
the field. So contractor with the help of bribery may claim that he had used 50000 sq. meter of
concrete whereas actually only 30000 sq. meter of concrete was used. For that he only have to
temper 1 or two numerals in Bill of quantities. Hence with BIM construction managers can
measure count and price building object accurately which give them in-depth understanding of
project cost during delivery12. It also gives an escape route from Manual formation of B.O.Q
hence adds considerable transparency to Construction industry.

TIME

o Schedule

BIM is not like CPM scheduling. It is much more elaborated and detailed. Here Schedule is
generated with the help of model or schedule can be imported from 3 rd party schedule planner
and then linked with the model. It boasts the probability of schedule optimization and helps
Construction managers to take better decisions.13 Schedule is linked with the model and on the
time line we can observe visually that what will be the state of our project on a specific date.
Hence managers can scroll through the project durations and can make better decision in
finding the optimum route of project completion14. With the introduction of GIS in BIM, which
is an exciting idea, can gives an extra dimension to BIM where managers will be better
equipped to make right decisions in What if conditions. Schedules will be much more relying

11

12

http://www.giaccentre.org/how_corruption_occurs.php accessed on 2 May 2013 (22:13)

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=17583749 accessed on 6 May 2013 (23:54)

13

Autodesk video tutorial (from 2:50 to 3:40) http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-navisworksfamily/overview accessed 7 May 2013 (04:02)
14

Autodesk video tutorial (from 2:50 to 3:40) http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-navisworksfamily/overview accessed 7 May 2013 (04:02)

and delay free with the collaboration of BIM and GIS. Sequencing logic, include crew sizes,
productivity rates, and geography-specific pricing are part of scheduling in Building information
modeling15. Sometimes schedules are cost and resource loaded as well as VICO software
provides this opportunity16. Thus BIM scheduling is very different from old techniques of Gantt
charts. It is much more of a complete integrated and real time visual scheduling package.

o Production and logistics Management:

BIM offers the unique outlet to manage production of off-site building elements. BIM also gives
its user the opportunity to define logistic routes and storing places which can halt the progress
or slow it down17. It is also necessary to manage logistics and routes to gain construction permit
and public acceptance.18 On site process like excavation and lifting is also matter of critical
importance and BIM manages them to increase the workability.

QUALITY
Construction Simulation:
BIM empowers the construction manager to virtually build the building before he actually hits
the ground19. Construction simulation improves the co-ordination between the project players
15

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/vico-office-schedule-planner/tabid/225519/Default.aspx accessed 8
May 2013 (15:09)
16

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/vico-office-schedule-planner/tabid/225519/Default.aspx accessed 8
May 2013 (15:09)
17

Autodesk video tutorial (from 3:40 to 4:31) http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-navisworksfamily/overview accessed 7 May 2013 (04:02)
18

Autodesk video tutorial (from 3:40 to 4:31) http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-navisworksfamily/overview accessed 7 May 2013 (04:02)
19

Building Information Modeling: A Framework for Collaboration by Howard W. Ashcraft

to maximum, in such a way that co-ordination clashes are spotted before they become a real
pain20. Well co-ordinated project is highly efficient in nature where wastage is very less. Labor
productivity can be maximized by the help of BIM. According to the project manager of a major
EPC company Workface planning boasts 21% crew productivity resulting in millions of dollars
saving21 . Crew productivity has always been a big question mark for construction industry,
BIM enables the construction managers to plan in advance and not just that but it also easily
absorbs the changes to the design and automatically updates the crew requirement. Hence
considerable finances are secured by avoiding wastage.
BIM doesnt only belongs to the work desk in an office but works along with the team in the
actual field. That is what gives it a status of an excellent tool to control productivity 22.
Scheduling is one thing but to deliver the project according to it is another. BIM as described
earlier has a wonderful capacity to absorb changes therefore in case of unforeseen event or
changes it allows the manager to take real time decisions to decide the best strategy and
deliver it to other team players efficiently. Hence avoids the chain reaction of problems that
pile up upon happening of such events23.
BIM as we all know is a virtual model that holds all the information and with the help of it
Designer can actually copy paste the ideas in his mind to the mind of execution team. The
construction manager knows what he is expected to deliver in the finish form. This eradicate
any ambiguity that may exist plus the virtual model holds details about all building objects and
elements thus quality achieved by BIM is surely better than traditional practices.

20

Case study by VICO software(Sep 2007) on Oy Alfred A. Palmberg Ab; Varma Salmisaari Project pg. 2

21

Video Tutorial ConstructSim v8i, Betley (2:01) ; accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:44) from
http://link.videoplatform.limelight.com/media/?mediaId=a4711992985643c2b1123402c7ce6005&width=480&he
ight=411&playerForm=6a6b96d1f08d456f81ec5ab10c9f3a24
22

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/4d-bim-software-scheduling/tabid/229125/Default.aspx?source=pr
accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:56)
23

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/4d-bim-software-scheduling/tabid/229125/Default.aspx?source=pr
accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:56)

o Documentation and Data management

For construction process to go smoothly data transfer between different project players in time
is of vital importance. With this new modern era toll construction team can share and access
data, transfer data and archive data with much more reliability, collaboration and security 24.
The introduction of cloud based technology data can be accessed from anywhere and from
different gadgets25. BIM also provides support to its users in different languages26. This is a
great add to work in an international environment. Construction managers need not to worry
about documentations as all information is secure synchronized and well in place.

Results and Business Impacts

Key Findings
BIM modernize the construction industry with its highly innovative approach. It shows its color
in all processes of construction industry and construction management is no different. From
planning to the execution it introduces new innovative approach to complete construction
projects on time with required quality and within budget. It can helps fighting against
corruption effectively as machines cant be bribed out. Altough these advantages are very
enormous yet BIM is facing challenges on some fronts like initial investment on the BIM is
considerable plus its implementation will take some time27. Current business and contract
models do not support BIM, therefore it bears legal risks too28

24

http://usa.autodesk.com/buzzsaw/ accessed 10 May 2013 (13:37)

25

http://usa.autodesk.com/buzzsaw/ accessed 10 May 2013 (13:37)

26

http://usa.autodesk.com/buzzsaw/features/ accessed 10 May 2013 (13:48)

27

http://wwweng.uwyo.edu/news/100920/ accessed 11 May 2013 (18:32)

28

Building Information Modeling: A Framework for Collaboration by Howard W. Ashcraft

Business Impact
This study shows that construction industry can cut short their inefficiencies and can increase
the ROI considerably. Some of the features like Clash detection and quantity take off will not
only improve the profitability of the construction business but also make construction practices
more secure and risk free. For example, Construction VP of a construction management firm
explained, Workface planning saved the client $1.5 M on a potential change order 29
Corruption that has plagued the construction industry most can be thoroughly controlled with
the administration of BIM. I think it time for construction industry to move on from previous
less efficient and tiring practices.

Conclusion
BIM has answered the call of construction industry that was crying for radical changes. Still
now, in 21st century, old light table technique is used to detects design clashes between HVAC,
MEP, Architectural and Structural elements. BIM gives a new dimension to clash detection
where clashes can be visualized and analyzed by it automatically. Thus saving a lot of time and
money which is oftenly wasted. This also saved the parties from arguments between each
others which can lead to litigations. Scheduling is synchronized with the visual 3 D model and
work scope gives the best possible understanding to its users till today. Accurate and
instantaneous quantity take-off and estimation features make it very useful features. While
working on Varma Salmisaari Project On-site Engineer of Palmberg group, Erno Aalto described
the estimation capability of BIM as In the project of this size, we used to have a full time
estimator and 10 other people extracting quantities from drawing but now with the help of BIM
one man works with the model and feeds the whole organization faster and more accurate 30.
Labor productivity can be increased significantly as projects will be well controlled and planning

29

Video Tutorial ConstructSim v8i, Betley (2:13) ; accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:44) from
http://link.videoplatform.limelight.com/media/?mediaId=a4711992985643c2b1123402c7ce6005&width=480&he
ight=411&playerForm=6a6b96d1f08d456f81ec5ab10c9f3a24
30

Case study by VICO software(Sep 2007) on Oy Alfred A. Palmberg Ab; Varma Salmisaari Project pg. 2

will be more comprehensive with the help of BIM. Corruption that is the mainstay in the
construction industry be deported for good with the implication of the BIM.

Practical tips and key lessons:

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the digital visual representation of

building characteristics.

BIM remolded and redefined the construction management practices. It

changes and revolutionized Scheduling, Quantity take-off (B.O.Q), Project
Control and co-ordination, Documentation, Logistics and Supply chain
management, Financial management processes.

As BIM produce accurate estimation automatically directly from the 3D model

therefore it can blocks the route of corruption that goes through the corridor of
estimation.

Not just construction management has been benefitted by BIM but design and
project development has reaped many benefits. Infact BIM covers all and thats
the real advantage to this new technology. It gives BIM a real cutting edge.

Still BIM has to go a long way before it can be an ultimate tool as legal
complications and compatibility between different softwares is still an issue

References:

http://www.bmvbs.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/89516/publicationFile/62036/construct
ion-industry-in-germany-2011-abstract.pdf page no 2, 29/04/2013 (4:39)
Industry Structure: Misunderstood by Industry and Researchers (Dean Kashiwagi, Jacob
Kashiwagi and John Savicky) pg no 1
http://www.buildingsmartalliance.org/index.php/nbims/faq/ accessed on 2 May 2013
(18:46)
Michael W. Newell, Marina N. Garshina (2004), The Project Management Question and
Answer Book p.8

http://www.giaccentre.org/how_corruption_occurs.php accessed on 2 May 2013

(22:13)
http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/5d-bim-softwareestimating/tabid/229126/Default.aspx accessed on 3 May 2013 (02:23)
Case study by VICO software(Sep 2007) on Oy Alfred A. Palmberg Ab; Varma Salmisaari
Project pg. 2
http://www.vicosoftware.com/vico-blogs/guest-blogger/tabid/88454/bid/12659/HowSwinerton-Builders-Deliver-Virtual-Design-and-Construction.aspx accessed 4 May 2013
(14:25)
http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/3d-bim-software-quantitytakeoff/tabid/229123/Default.aspx accessed 5 May 2013 (18: 44)
Building Information Modeling: A Framework for Collaboration by Howard W. Ashcraft
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http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-navisworks-family/overview accessed 7
May 2013 (04:02)
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http://link.videoplatform.limelight.com/media/?mediaId=a4711992985643c2b112340
2c7ce6005&width=480&height=411&playerForm=6a6b96d1f08d456f81ec5ab10c9f3a24

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/4d-bim-softwarescheduling/tabid/229125/Default.aspx?source=pr accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:56)

http://www.vicosoftware.com/products/4d-bim-softwarescheduling/tabid/229125/Default.aspx?source=pr accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:56)
http://usa.autodesk.com/buzzsaw/ accessed 10 May 2013 (13:37)
http://usa.autodesk.com/buzzsaw/features/ accessed 10 May 2013 (13:48)

http://wwweng.uwyo.edu/news/100920/ accessed 11 May 2013 (18:32)Video Tutorial

ConstructSim v8i, Betley (2:13) ; accessed on 9 May 2013 (23:44) from
http://link.videoplatform.limelight.com/media/?mediaId=a4711992985643c2b112340
2c7ce6005&width=480&height=411&playerForm=6a6b96d1f08d456f81ec5ab10c9f3a24