BIM RnD

Project Name: Project 2.34: Driving Whole-of-life Efficiencies through BIM and Procurement

Completion: 30 September 2015

Main Participating Organisations: Aurecon, Curtin University, Government of Western Australia, Griffith University, John Holland, New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services, Queensland Transport and Main Roads

Background: In 2013, the Australian Department of Industry identified lifting productivity and economic growth as one of the most important challenges that Australia is facing. In 2014, the Australian Productivity Commissions highlighted that a more widespread adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) could enhance productivity across the industry and in turn have a positive impact on the cost structure of infrastructure projects.

Findings from SBEnrc Project 2.24 Integrated Project Environments (2013-14) pointed to the need for:

(i) more effective procurement models that allow the use of BIM as a tool for whole-of-life asset management (from concept to end-of-life); and

(ii) the integration of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used from the early procurement phases and carried through the entire life-cycle of public assets

Description: This project aims to identify and assess the added value of the creation of industry benchmarks for implementing BIM in whole-of-life asset management, with a focus on procurement methods and efficiency gains for building and infrastructure. Outputs from this project will provide a base for public sector clients to improve their approach to implementing BIM and monitoring their progress towards fully integrated whole-of-life asset management systems. This project will leverage on three exemplar projects through case studies to develop and test the assessment framework: New Generation Rollingstock (QLD), Perth Children’s Hospital (WA) and Sydney Opera House (NSW).

Proposed Deliverables: This project will:
(i)    Identify and evaluate leading comparators to assess the value of BIM across the life-cycle of buildings and infrastructure.

(ii)    Provide a framework to assess the actual benefits of implementing BIM in Australian asset delivery and management.

(iii)    Advance knowledge base of benefits from transitioning from 2D asset management systems to 3D integrated systems.

(iv)    Project contact: Adriana Sanchez, Research Associate, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (0)7 3735 9242

Planned Activity: This research will leverage on previous successful SBEnrc research (P2.24 Integrated Project Environments and P1.8 Sustainable Infrastructure Procurement) as well as CRC for Construction Innovation projects such as Adopting BIM for Facilities Management and FM as a Business Enabler. The research team will undertake new research through:

(1) literature review and desktop research;

(2) 3 case studies across infrastructure and building construction:

     (i) New Generation Rollingstock;

     (ii) Perth Children’s Hospital; and

     (iii) Sydney Opera House; and

(3) review national and international procurement guidelines for using BIM for whole-of-life asset management.

Project Contact: Adriana Sanchez, Research Associate, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (07) 3735 9242

Links: http://www.sbenrc.com.au/category/research-programs/?filter=processes

Project name: Project 3.27: Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Smarter and Safer Scaffolding Construction

Completion/expected completion date: 30 September 2014

Main participating organisations: Curtin University, Seoul National University, Qld Dept of Transport and Main Roads, and John Holland

Project goals and objectives: This research will facilitate the design and construction of smarter and safer scaffolding through the use of rule-based modelling systems that link with existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and technology.

Context: It will develop digital modelling tools and processes that integrate construction and safety constraints directly into the design, analysis, assembly, inspection and disassembly of these temporary structures. Building on a QUT funded pilot study, this project will identify opportunities for improved safety practices and more efficient design and construction processes, both in Australia and Korea, and seek to extend the results to other parts of Australasia.

Proposed deliverables:

  1. A comprehensive understanding of practices related to the design and construction of temporary scaffolding structures.
  2. Digital modelling tools and processes that aid scaffolding design and construction to improve the safety, productivity and profitability of construction projects.
  3. Education and training requirements to facilitate the uptake of these digital modelling technologies and thus reduce workplace accidents while maximising social and business benefits for construction workers and organisations.

Planned 2014 activity:

  1. Refinement of the research methodology in conjunction with industry partners to ensure practical outcomes.
  2. Data collection in Australia and Korea to gather relevant information about safety and construction practices for scaffolding structures.
  3. Analysis of data gained from both countries and translation of results into rules that guide scaffolding design and construction.
  4. Identification of success factors and barriers to the development of BIM-based scaffolding design and construction technologies.
  5. Consolidation of findings for dissemination to project partners and the broader industry.

Expected audience: All construction personnel, agencies and related organisations in Australia

Approach, methodology: The development and use of the proposed BIM-based tools for the design, analysis, assembly, inspection and disassembly of scaffolding structures will:

  1. Enable rule-based design in accordance with construction and safety requirements.
  2. Incorporate rule checks against related construction design and safety codes.
  3. Provide 6D information for design and construction activities, i.e. scheduling, cost and lifecycle-management information in addition to the 3D model.
  4. Provide visualisation of the installation procedure, design and installation options, and give working condition analyses, such as clearance limits within the surrounding environment.
  5. Link to structural analysis to evaluate non-standard site conditions.
  6. Provide BIM checklists for routine on-site inspections that would benefit practical safety assessment on construction sites.

Once a prototype BIM tool is ready for use, the research team will identify two construction sites for preliminary validation - one building construction project and one infrastructure project. These case studies will be important to assess the usability and practicality of the developed tool. The designers and contractors who work on these case-study projects will review the new scaffolding software tools under the guidance of the researchers and propose opportunities for further refinement and optimisation of the links between the various BIM-based modules, to improve application to real-life construction processes.

Project contact:
Name: Xiangyu Wang
Position: Professor, Curtin-Woodside Chair Professor for Oil, Gas & LNG Construction and Project Management
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: +61 8 9266 9059

Links: http://www.sbenrc.com.au/research-programs/3-27-using-building-information-modelling-bim-for-smarter-and-safer-scaffolding-construction/

Project name: ICIS Project 03: Classification and BIM.

Responsible organisation: ICIS

Project objectives: To develop a guide for the industry for implementing ISO 12006-2 and a supplement for a typical national BIM-guide. Other objectives include:

  • Identifying important information tasks and areas for support of classification of interest to the industry.
  • Identify and specify usability and functionality of classification systems.

Project name: Project 2.24 Integrated Project Environments

Completion/expected completion date: July 2014

Main participating organisations: SBEnrc, QTMR, NSW RMS, WA Dept of Finance, John Holland, Curtin University, Griffith University, Swinburne University; EA, buildingSmart and CCF

Project goals and objectives: (i) Develop a national public procurement strategy; (ii) Develop guidelines for new contractual frameworks; (iii) Close or reduce skill gaps especially for SMEs, within the context of IPD and BIM in Australia’s transport infrastructure construction industry

Context: This research will contribute to realising productivity benefits of digital modelling and integrated project delivery for the Australian construction industry through a focus on the use of building information modelling (BIM) and virtual design and construction (VDC) in the delivery of transport infrastructure projects.

Proposed deliverables: Research and Industry reports, academic publications that bring an understanding of (i) the institutional environment required for the uptake of BIM/ VDC especially in relation to procurement in an integrated project environment, to maximise productivity benefits of digital modelling; and (ii) the role of knowledge intermediaries in facilitating skilling and training for the uptake of these technologies.

Planned 2014 activity: literature review, document review, peak body mapping, cross-country interview analysis, case studies

Expected audience: Clients, architects, engineers, contractors, QSs, all project stakeholders.

Approach, methodology: Desktop research, interviews, case studies

Project contact:
Name: Adriana Sanchez
Position: Research Associate
Tel: 07 3735 9242

Links: http://www.sbenrc.com.au/research-programs/2-24-integrated-project-environments-leveraging-innovation-for-productivity-gain-through-industry-transformation/

Project name: I.C.I.S. Project 02: Specifications and BIM

Responsible organisation: I.C.I.S.

Project objectives: To produce a report which discussed different methods for the connection/integration of specification information and BIM, including the potential advantages and disadvantages of each method. It was agreed that the subject was not sufficiently advanced to make recommendations in the report.

I.C.I.S. Specifications and BIM Report [239 KB PDF] Download

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