The more participants involved in large construction projects, the greater the risk of errors, accidents, and unexpected costs. Although the Building Information Modeling (BIM) method facilitates collaboration among stakeholders, there remains some hesitation within the industry. Lina Gharaibeh, a recent Ph.D. graduate from University West, has developed a tool demonstrating when it is profitable to utilize BIM.
BIM is a collaborative methodology through which stakeholders in a construction project share and manage information throughout the building’s lifecycle—from architectural drawings, through the entire construction process, to property management and final dismantling once the building is obsolete.
Using BIM simplifies collaboration, leading to more efficient workflows, fewer errors, reduced accidents, and more efficient building operations and maintenance.
“I have identified several barriers preventing BIM from being consistently implemented in large construction projects. These include concerns about costs and perceptions of BIM as technically complex. Additionally, some professional groups or key individuals may question the benefits BIM provides relative to the investment required.”
The tool shows when BIM is profitable
Lina has developed a tool to quantify the value of using BIM in construction projects. Project owners can easily compare and evaluate the costs and benefits of BIM, providing improved decision-making support for all involved parties.
“BIM can be applied at different levels, from 0 to 3. Many projects settle at level 2, typically because this level involves the use of 3D models developed to a certain extent. Projects rarely progress to more developed levels like 4D (time-related information) or 5D (cost-related information), primarily due to reasons such as stakeholders not perceiving a strong enough need or due to the lack of client demand.
Two construction projects in the study
In her research, Lina studied two different construction projects: a health care facility and an education facility. Both projects used BIM at maturity level 2, but their objectives varied. The health care facility focused on creating a sustainable building, while the education facility construction prioritized adhering to a tight schedule.
“With the help of my tool, I was able to demonstrate significant benefits from using BIM throughout both projects, including profitability, more efficient maintenance, and reduced energy consumption. Project owners found the results interesting as they had not previously considered the benefits of BIM beyond the construction phase.”
“This type of evaluation provides valuable insights for project owners and investors, benefiting future construction projects.”
Developing the tool
Lina’s tool demonstrates that increased BIM usage in large construction projects results in greater overall benefits. She now aims to further develop her tool, making it more user-friendly and accessible.
“I am convinced the construction industry stands to gain substantially from adopting BIM, especially given society’s increasing demands for sustainable buildings and processes. It is also becoming increasingly common for BIM expertise to be required in procurement processes.”
Lina has extensive experience in the construction industry herself, having worked for twelve years as a in Jordan, where she encountered BIM in various large-scale this subject in close collaboration with construction industry stakeholders. In Sweden, businesses are more open and interested in participating in research projects compared to other countries where I previously worked.”
“Although BIM has been used in Sweden since the early 2000s, I notice greater resistance here than in other countries. This might be due to the industry’s familiarity and comfort with traditional construction methods.”
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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