Building information modelling processes: benefits for construction industry

Many industry reports have enunciated on the nature of complications in some forms of construction problems. These include design errors, deficiencies in estimates, conflicts in design and implementations, and fragmented platforms that restrict information flow all through project life. The nucleuses of these phenomena have been expressed as major concerns on project performance and sustenance of innovation in the industry. A peculiar dimension to this challenge is the ability of conventional design, procurement and construction management protocols to generate, share and convey, without dissipation at any point, all necessary project data across all stages and discipline boundaries in construction development processes and project life. As some observations have been drawn in literatures on the implications of fragmented systems and spatio-temporal limitations of hand-drawn and entity-based 2D CAD design systems, there has been significant attention on the limitations of these conventional design tools. These include weak frameworks to facility design flexibility, automation, integration, visualization and robust capacity to drive data creation, storage, engineering and sharing between parties. Whilst these challenges are being addressed in Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms, some potential opportunities have been identified in BIM as reliable alternatives in facilitating marked improvements in design, procurement, construction planning and facilities management processes. This study reviews literatures on evidenced benefits of BIM, especially on how it reduces confrontation and system inadequacies of entity-based 2D CAD through thorough integration, collaboration, communication and interoperation. Conclusions are drawn on the challenges of changes from conventional paradigms which are triggered by BIM in relation to construction project goals.