A BPMN-based process map for the design and construction of facades

Process mapping can lead to significant efficiency and quality improvements in construction engineering and is an ideal basis for developing IT support tools. The increasing complexity and multidisciplinary nature of facade design and construction suggest that a process map would be beneficial in this sector of the construction industry, but it has received limited attention to date. This paper presents a verified process map of the facade design and construction process.  The map is the first of its kind to represent, in detail, the whole process relevant to all facade types, from commencement of the facade consultant’s and contactor’s participation, to the end of their involvement. The paper describes the process by which the mapping notation was selected, followed by the development and verification of the process map, including testing in two independent research projects. The BuildingSMART’s BPMN notation is found to have superior system features and comprehensibility for this application and the resulting process map is easy to interpret and verify by industry experts. The trialling of the map in the two research projects indicate that the map is a useful tool for assessing process improvements in the facades sector.

[1]  Chimay J. Anumba,et al.  Modelling the building cladding attainment processes , 2004, Bus. Process. Manag. J..

[2]  Martin Sexton,et al.  Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis , 2005 .

[3]  Qian Jin,et al.  A prototype whole-life value optimization tool for façade design , 2014 .

[4]  T. T. Narendran,et al.  On using abstract models for analysis of flexible manufacturing systems , 1994 .

[5]  D. Vaz,et al.  THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DESIGN OF MODERN CURTAIN WALL CLADDING SYSTEMS , 2008 .

[6]  Eleanor Voss.  A Tool that Combines Building Information Modeling and Knowledge Based Engineering to Assess Façade Manufacturability , 2012 .

[7]  B Hobbs,et al.  Development of automated communication of system for managing site information using internet technology , 2002 .

[8]  Ghassan Aouad,et al.  Rethinking construction: the Generic Design and Construction Process Protocol , 2000 .

[9]  Charles M. Eastman,et al.  Exchange Model and Exchange Object Concepts for Implementation of National BIM Standards , 2010, J. Comput. Civ. Eng..

[10]  Andrew N. Baldwin,et al.  Analytical design planning technique: a model of the detailed building design process , 1999 .

[11]  Jarmo Laitinen.  Model based construction process management , 1998 .

[12]  L Koskela,et al.  On foundations of construction process modeling , 1995 .

[13]  Mauro Overend,et al.  A whole-life value based assessment and optimisation model for high-performance glazed facades' , 2011 .

[14]  Vesa Karhu,et al.  Product Model Based Design of Precast Facades , 1997, J. Inf. Technol. Constr..

[15]  Yu-Cheng Lin,et al.  Developing an activity-based knowledge management system for contractors , 2004 .

[16]  Ghang Lee,et al.  Development and implementation of advanced IT in the North American precast concrete industry , 2003, J. Inf. Technol. Constr..

[17]  A. Gibb,et al.  MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL INTERFACES IN THE CLADDING SUPPLY CHAIN : INITIAL RESULTS FROM EXPERT INTERVIEWS , 2005 .

[18]  Ghang Lee,et al.  A new formal and analytical approach to modeling engineering project information processes , 2002 .

[19]  G. AOUAD,et al.  THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PROCESS MAP FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR , 1999 .

[20]  Vesa Karhu.  A generic construction process modelling method , 2001 .

[21]  Salam Al-Bizri,et al.  Modelling Trade Contractor Information Production , 2007 .

[22]  Henry H. Bi,et al.  The Impact of Process Mapping on Transparency , 2008 .

[23]  Alistair G.F. Gibb,et al.  Interface Management within Construction: In Particular, Building Facade , 2003 .