Case study: Achieving resource efficiency though BIM

BIM (Building Information Modelling)

utilisation to achieve resource efficiency in
construction: Leeds Arena
The efficient design, planning and delivery of the design and early construction
phases of the project through the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
provided tangible financial and logistical benefits by optimising resource
efficiency
Background
Resource efficiency impact

The key applications through which the use of

BIM addressed resource efficiency were:

Effective design development saw an

the improvement of site logistics maximising

8% reduction in material wastage.

Cost savings of 350,000 through

plant utilisation, particularly crane orientation;

facilitating and informing design development; and

improved co-ordination and management of the

clash detection.
Efficiency throughout the development
process saved 15,000 hours across the
whole design, contractor and supply

individual construction processes.

Project details
The new Leeds Arena is a 60m project initiated in

chain team.

May 2011 and due for completion in February 2013.

It will provide a 13,500 capacity fan-shaped super

We collaborate with our clients and supply

chain to select products and methods to
reduce the use of raw materials. We also
promote measures to recycle and minimise
waste.

theatre; 4,000m2 of public space and a 100-seat

Introduction

envelope and double layered acoustically sealed

Graham Cash, BAM

With a tight schedule, budget and limited

site access, BAM (the principal contractor)
recognised the benefits of using BIM to
deliver the design and construction of
Leeds Arena in a resource efficient manner.
Driven by project logistics, BIM was
implemented by BAM and the design team.

restaurant. The design consists of a unique steelframed structure built around 62 tiers of
amphitheatre stadia seating. A multi-skinned
roof were required to minimise noise interference.

This helped prevent and reduce waste by

increasing the efficiency of both the design and
construction phases.

Conceptual image of Leeds Arena

Logistic resource efficiency at the design

stage
In line with strict client requirements, the
completion of the Leeds Arena on-time and
within budget is crucial. As such BIM was used
throughout the design stage to present resource
efficient opportunities to assist in the pursuit of
the above objectives. These include:
improved efficiency of design procedure BIM streamlined the design process,
improving not only collaboration but the early
management and integration of expertise on
the project. The application of BIM at the
early design stage greatly reduced
wastage rates and design stage costs of
the project whilst at the same time
accelerating progress.
the ability to create a detailed 3D model
reduced the demand for paper drawings and
their revisions. The use of BIM saw the
estimated reduction of 9,000 paper
drawings in the design phase.
improved holistic communication - BIM has
driven efficiencies across the whole design,
contractor and supply-chain teams. BIM has
saved 15,000 hours collective man
hours throughout the design
development progress.

Material resource efficiency at the design

stage
The use of BIM has improved the ability to
review designs and rationalise ideas. BIM
facilitated significant cost savings through both
reduced material specifications and design coordination. Benefits include:
improved clash detection The provision of a
comprehensive BIM model prior to the
initiation of the work enabled a detailed 3D
awareness of the project. This allowed BAM
to build twice and solve issues once. By
avoiding rectification works BAM was able to
maximise the efficiency of on-site plant and
equipment. Figure 1 below sets out some of
the cost savings that were obtained.

Figure 1: Cost savings from clash detection

Time frame

First 4 weeks of
construction
Predicted project
completion

Number of
clash
detections
62

Estimated
savings

100

300,000 350,000

97,800

reduced material usage The use of BIM

during the design stage enabled BAM and
their supply chain to drive efficiency into the
structure design. BIM reduced the
material requirements of the project by
8% consequently reducing the project
cost and realising associated benefits
such as decreased embodied carbon.

BIM image of internal structure

Resource efficiency during the construction

stage
A resource efficient approach during the
construction stage of the Leeds Arena project has
been facilitated through the use of 4D BIM. This
considered the development of the building over
time so greatly informed the schedule of the
project. In light of the limited access and storage
space on site, BIM was used to co-ordinate onsite plant activities and minimise those that were
unnecessary, including:
on-site crane operation Optimum utilisation
of the seven onsite cranes was required to
ensure on-time completion. 4D BIM was used
to identify lifting positions, enabling crane
zones to be established and deliveries to be
co-ordinated respectively. Unnecessary
movements around the site were avoided
through careful logistics planning.
Improved working environment BIM was
also instrumental in implementing BAMs
Zero Harm strategy. The aim of the strategy
is to provide an incident free and harmless
environment.

 Constructing the building - virtually before

work began on site meant that certain
aspects of building could be re-engineered to
minimise any risks to safety. This included
initiatives such as minimising the need to
work at height.
reduced travel miles Journey planning and
electronic meetings were facilitated through
the use of shared BIM data. This reduced
the distance travelled by 60,000 miles
hence lowering the associated carbon
emissions by approximately 20 tonnes1.
The use of BIM through the construction process
has improved the operational efficiency on-site
whilst minimising costs and energy use in the
pursuit of lean and accurate construction.

Effective BIM implementation

The following lessons were learnt from the
project:

1.

Importance of two stage procurement

route

The efficiency benefits and design stage

modifications are a direct result of teamwork and
communication. As such the flexibility offered
through a two stage tendering process is
essential to reap the maximum resource
efficiency benefits of BIM.

2.

Early contractor and supply chain

involvement

Earlier input from the contractor and supply

chain into the model enables the design
information to develop into a truly collaborative

BIM environment. Collaboration helps ensure the

biggest benefits are realised for all parties.

3.

Importance of BIM champions

The transition to, and uptake of, a fully BIM

project was greatly facilitated by BIM champions
within BAMs design management and planning
teams, reducing the training required for the
project. These individuals were responsible for
coordinating the BIM input and disseminating key
information requirements.

Cost of BIM
BAM invested in improved IT hardware, software
and training for key staff in line with their BIM
development roadmap. As such the capital
investment was in the region of 15,000. This
investment has greatly offset by the savings from
clash detection alone (350k).

Further information
For more information, visit the construction
pages on WRAPs web site at
www.wrap.org.uk/construction. The following
information can be accessed:
a range of other exemplar and cost benefit
case studies;
procurement guidance and model wording;
the Net Waste Tool and Designing out Waste
tools (free online tools for quantifying waste
arisings on construction projects); and
WRAPs Site Waste Management Plan
Template; and guidance on designing out
waste.

Based on a medium-sized petrol engine data from

Defra / DECC 2011 guidelines to Green House Gas
emission factors

While steps have been taken to ensure its accuracy, WRAP cannot accept responsibility or be held liable to any person for any loss or damage
arising out of or in connection with this information being inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. For more detail, please refer to our Terms &
Conditions on our website: www.wrap.org.uk.

www.wrap.org.uk/construction