CriticalSuccessFactorsfor

ApplicationofBIMfor

SingaporeArchitecturalFirms

ThantZinOo

H00118354

Adissertationsubmittedinpartialfulfilmentoftherequirementsforthedegree

of

MScinConstructionProjectManagement

Dissertationsupervisor:LimJeeYat,NicolaNaismith

HeriotWattUniversity

SchooloftheBuiltEnvironment

4April2014

Declaration:

Iherebyconfirmthatthisdissertationismyownwork.

ThantZinOo 4April2014

___________________________ ________________

Signature Date

i

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Page

ALP STUDENT DECLARATION................................................................................................i

ALP LOCAL ADVISOR DECLARATION..................................................................................i

TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................ii

LIST OF TABLES........................................................................................................................v

LIST OF ILLUSTRUATIONS....................................................................................................vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................................vii

ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................viii

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS..........................................................................................ix

Chapter 1 Introduction to the research.......................................................................................10

1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................10

1.2 Rationale of the research..................................................................................................10

1.3 Aim...................................................................................................................................11

1.4 Objectives.........................................................................................................................11

1.5 Hypothesis........................................................................................................................12

1.6 Research methodology.....................................................................................................12

1.7 Outlined of research method............................................................................................12

1.8 Scope of the research........................................................................................................13

1.9 Structure of dissertation....................................................................................................13

Chapter 2 Literature Review......................................................................................................16

2.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................16

2.2 BIM in design...................................................................................................................16

2.3 State of the industry..........................................................................................................17

2.2.1 Removing impediment to ease transition from 2D to BIM.......................................19

2.2.2 Providing incentives for early adopters.....................................................................20

2.2.3 Creating the demand public sector taking the lead.................................................20

2.2.4 Building capability and capacity...............................................................................20

2.2.5 Promoting Success Stories........................................................................................21

2.4 Design Services................................................................................................................22

2.5 Design Coordination Process...........................................................................................23

2.6 Integrated Deliveries: Design-Construction Integration...................................................24

2.7 BIM benefits and Challenge.............................................................................................24

2.8 BIM design productivity benefits.....................................................................................26

2.9 New and changed staffing within design firms................................................................26

2.10 BIM contractual terms....................................................................................................27

2.11 Conclusion......................................................................................................................28

Chapter 3 Research methodology...............................................................................................29

iii

3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................29

3.2 Selection of research methods..........................................................................................29

3.3 Research process..............................................................................................................30

3.4 Research techniques.........................................................................................................30

3.5 Literature Review.............................................................................................................31

3.6 Semi-structured interview................................................................................................32

3.7 Interviews Candidates: Selection of Interviewees...........................................................33

3.8 Interview process and procedure......................................................................................33

3.9 Content Analysis..............................................................................................................34

3.10 Conclusion......................................................................................................................34

Chapter 4 BIM Executive Planning............................................................................................35

4.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................35

4.2 Background Information..................................................................................................35

4.2.1 Participants................................................................................................................35

4.2.2 Architectural Firms....................................................................................................36

4.2.3 Previous BIM experience..........................................................................................37

4.3 Experience on BIM Execution Planning..........................................................................37

4.4 Conclusion........................................................................................................................39

Chapter 5 BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms..............................................................40

5.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................40

5.2 BIM uses in Singapore Architectural Firms.....................................................................40

5.2.1 Design Authoring......................................................................................................40

5.2.2 Programming.............................................................................................................41

5.2.3 Existing Condition Modelling...................................................................................41

5.2.4 Design Reviews.........................................................................................................42

5.2.5 System Analyses.......................................................................................................44

5.2.6 Phase Planning and 4D modelling.............................................................................45

5.2.7 Estimating.................................................................................................................46

5.2.8 3D printing................................................................................................................46

5.3 Model content and level of details....................................................................................46

5.4 Taxonomy of BIM use in Design.....................................................................................47

5.5 Conclusion........................................................................................................................48

Chapter 6 BIM Impact Analysis.................................................................................................49

6.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................49

6.2 Impact Analysis on BIM..................................................................................................49

6.3 Impact Analysis on Time, Cost, Quality, Sustainability and Safety.................................50

6.3.1 Time..........................................................................................................................50

6.3.2 Cost...........................................................................................................................51

6.3.3 Quality.......................................................................................................................52

iv

6.3.4 Sustainability.............................................................................................................52

6.3.5 Safety.........................................................................................................................53

6.4 Design Staff Composition................................................................................................53

6.6 Issues and concern............................................................................................................54

6.7 Modelling Process and software Application...................................................................55

6.8 Team Competencies.........................................................................................................55

6.9 Legal, Insurance, and Contractual Considerations...........................................................56

6.10 Risks...............................................................................................................................56

6.11 Future Industry Trends...................................................................................................57

6.12 Critical success factors...................................................................................................58

6.13 Conclusion......................................................................................................................59

Chapter 7 Conclusion.................................................................................................................61

7.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................61

7.2 Recommendation for best practice of BIM Execution planning......................................61

7.2.1 Participants of BIM Execution Planning...................................................................62

7.2.2 Decision making process for BIM Execution Planning.............................................63

7.2.3 BIM Execution Plan Development process...............................................................64

7.5 Limitation of the Research...............................................................................................65

7.6 Recommendation for further study...................................................................................65

Bibliography...............................................................................................................................66

Appendix A Interview Questions...............................................................................................70

Appendix B Interview Questions Mind Map.............................................................................73

v

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4-1 General overview of the position of interviewees......................................................36

vi

LIST OF ILLUSTRUATIONS

Figure 1-1 Research Process Diagram.......................................................................................15

Figure 2-1 Roadmap for BIM (Source: BCA, 2013)..................................................................19

Figure 5-1 Taxonomy of BIM uses in design stage by Singapore Architectural firms..............48

Figure 7-1Potential Participants in the Creation of BIM Execution Plan...................................63

vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The master course was an exciting journey for me. In 2010 I joint as an Architectural

Coordinator in Downtown Line Stage 1 Bugis Station Construction. I notice that almost all of the staffs at manager level in the office are master degree holders. That makes me to realise that

if I want to get higher position I need to have a master degree. Late 2010, my colleague gave

me a link of a school that he has been perusing MSc. It took me another 6 months to think. After

that I enrolled and accepted by Heriot-Watt University.

Im so satisfied with the learning journey. In 2012, I met with Mr. Lim Jee Yat and I got my

first A in the subject taught me. I learned a lot of knowledge from him. Not only the knowledge to sit an exam but also for the life lessons. He always helped me and encouraged me for the

course. Thanks for your guidance and supervision. I have a deep sense of gratitude to him.

I like to say thanks of my colleague, Goh Sin Rong. We had studied together in the office for

years. Without his help, I may not start this journey. I am very much indebted to Goh, who

showed me the incredible opportunity to give my life and career a different path, and at the

same time guided, supported, and inspired me to achieve my best. Thanks for helping me.

I would like to say thank to my bosses, Koh Lye Hock and Andrew Reeves for letting me study

in the office and always giving me leave when the exam is near. Our C903 project team has been so nice to me. Without your supports, I wouldnt be able achieve this. I got determination

and motivation to enrol this MSc program by joining this SBKB JV C903 team. The team

support me through out the learning journey. The learning culture was some how grown in our

team. Probably, the seniors in the firm are holding highly professional status and younger ones need to fill in their shoes. Obviously, two people in the office have received advance academic

qualifications during this project period. Thanks everyone from our team.

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all the Architectural firms and their staffs who

volunteered to participate in this research in the March 2014. Your contributions were really

valuable and made enormous contribution to this research. I have greatly benefitted from you. Without your kind help this dissertation would not have been possible.

I would like to say thanks to my mother any my aunt, Khin May Aung. Youre my inspiration.

Thanks to my girlfriend, Mo Mo Tun because you have been so nice to me all these year.

viii

ABSTRACT

The Client, Facility Manager, and project participants (Project Managers, Architects,

Engineers, Contractors, Subcontractors, and Fabricators) are exploring the best usage of

emerging technology, Building Information Modelling (BIM) on their projects. In

general there are four individual stages of the project; planning, design, construction,

and operation. The project team required to make decision on BIM execution at those

stages. This study is focused on the implementation of BIM in the design stage of

Singapore Architectural firms. The goals is to discover and define BIM uses in design

process by developing taxonomy with the purposed of as the basis for BIM execution

plan.

The research methods involved in this study are a focused literature review, expert

interviews, and qualitative analysis of the collected data. In-depth interview with

industrial experts from Singapore Architectural Firms were conducted, and their

opinions on BIM were recorded. By using content analysis procedure, quantitative data

were analysed. The results were presented in details including taxonomy of BIM uses

in design stage of Singapore Architectural firms and recommended for future studies.

From the expert interviews, collected data were analysed.

The centric focus of the result was presented as a taxonomy including 15 BIM

applications in design with present regular usage in three distinctive categories. These

are Design Communication, System Analysis, and Scheduling.

ix

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS

2D Two Dimensional

3D Three Dimensional

AEC Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

BCA Building and Construction Authority

BDS Building Description System

BIM Building Information Modelling

CAD Computer Aided Drafting

CCIT Centre for Construction Information Technology

CORENET Construction and Real Estate Network

CPCF Construction Productivity and Capability Fund

CSFs Critical Success Factors

CURT Construction Users Round Table

CORENET Construction Productivity Network

CPCF Construction Productivity Fund

C&S Civil and Structural

GFA Gross Floor Area

GIS Global Information System

HDB Housing Development Board

IHL Institutes of Higher Learning

LOD Level of Details

LTA Land Transport Authority

M&E Mechanical and Electrical

MOE Ministry of Education

OMM Operation and Maintenance Manual

PSSCOC Public Sector Standard Condition of Contract for Construction Works

RFI Request for Information

10

Chapter 1 Introduction to the research

1.1 Introduction

The successful implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) at project

level needs thorough planning by client and all the project participants (Project

Managers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Subcontractors, and Fabricators) to

achieve smooth transition from traditional approach to integrate this emerging

technology, BIM into the project workflow (Arayici et al, 2011a). Implementation of

BIM takes time, resources and creates unavoidable learning curve. The implementation

of BIM can be counter-productive if it is not supported by new workflow (Arayici et al.,

2011a, Arayici et al., 2011b). A potential answer to smooth and successful transition

would be to establish the BIM execution plan in the various stages of the project:

planning, design, construction, and operation. Prior to producing the BIM execution

plan, the project team should concentrate on the desire outcomes and agree on

appropriate BIM uses on the project. This dissertation particularly focuses on the

implementation of BIM at the design stage of Singapore Architectural firms.

1.2 Rationale of the research

Building information modelling (BIM) has been made mandatory for public-sector

projects in developed countries in recent years (BCA, 2013a). During the past 10 years,

there were many discussions on BIM that changed the Architectural, Engineering and

Construction (AEC) industry work practice. In particular, Architects and Engineers are

affected by the change (CURT, 2005). Further, BIM has been acclaimed as a proven

tool for increasing productivity and efficiency in the AEC industry (Arayici et al,

2011a).

Thus, the governments in the UK, Canada, Finland, and New Zealand are implementing

BIM in their AEC industry to improve their productivity. According to the NBS

survey 39%, 64%, 65% and 57% of the respective respondents from the UK, Canada,

Finland and New Zealand answered that they are aware of BIM and currently using

(NBS, 2014). In year 2010, the Building, and Construction Authority (BCA) of

11

Singapore implemented the BIM Roadmap. The authority targeted for 80% of the

construction industry to use BIM by 2015 (BCA, 2011c).

The most recent insightful research for BIM implementation rate in Singapore was done

in 2012 (Ang, 2012). His research was conducted on the Client, Facility Manager, and

project participants (Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors,

Subcontractors, and Fabricators). However, only 20% of the local firms use BIM in

some of their projects (Ang, 2012; Keung, 2011b) and as low as 12% of the firms use

BIM in all of their projects. These figures may not fully reflect todays Singapores

state of the industry. However, these figures, arguably, reflect todays Singapores state

of the industry. There is no exploratory study on the uses of BIM for Singapore

Architect firms in design stage. There are limited capacity of data to observe the uses

of BIM in Singapore Architectural firms and deciding the critical success factors.

Therefore, this dissertation is exploratory study to explore the uses of BIM in Singapore

in Singapore Architectural firms in design stage by interviewing BIM experts from

these firms. The collected will be analysed and presented by taxonomy. The critical

success factors will be identify through literature and interviews.

1.3 Aim

The aim of the research is to investigate the use of BIM in Singapore Architectural firm

and develop taxonomy to see an overview of a BIM Execution Plan in the early stage of

a construction project. This dissertation focuses exclusively on the design stage of BIM

Execution Plan. This aim is realised by analysing the results from interviewing

industrial experts practicing in Singapore and reviewing literature on BIM and it uses.

The following research objectives were identified.

1.4 Objectives

To investigate the trends of BIM implementation process and develop taxonomy

in design practice of in Singapore Architectural firms;

To identify the critical success factors for implementation of BIM

To recommend the best practice for BIM Executive Planning for Singapore

Architectural Firms

12

1.5 Hypothesis

BIM improves Singapore Architectural design firms to be more productive.

1.6 Research methodology

Chapter 3 explains the detail of research methodology by justifying the chosen research

methods and techniques. This chapter clarifies why this research is exploratory in

nature. Different types of research techniques were employed in this study and why

these techniques were chosen were rationalised. The research techniques, literature,

interviews, and content analysis, are briefly explained during the research process.

1.7 Outlined of research method

To achieve the objectives of the study, following research steps were executed.

Step 1, Literature review: This step explains the definition of BIM while

discovering many issues on BIM, its current status, barriers and success factors.

From the industrial aspect, literature review on BIM implementation in design

was conducted. The review papers are academic journals, BIM guides,

unpublished thesis, conference proceeding and expert articles.

Step 2, Semi-structured interview: In this step, BIM methods in design, together

with challenges and opportunities were discovered. Interview questions were

established after literature review. Interviews were conducted with four BIM

experts practicing in three of the leading Singapore Architectural firms.

Step 3, Content analysis: In this step, the collected data were analysed. The

summary and conclusion were made based on the result of analysis. Data

analysis was performed by analysing the content and mapping to organise the

information. Quantifiable data were averaged as well as those were organised

base on their frequencies.

13

Step 4, BIM uses in Design: Taxonomy was created in this step. The uses of

BIM in design stage are established in detail manner. The taxonomy of BIM

application in design stage as a research product was provided as part of

establishing critical success factors for application of BIM for Singapore

Architectural firms for design stage.

1.8 Scope of the research

The focus of the study is the implementation of BIM in the design phase for Singapore

Architectural firms. The research participants of the study are various architectural

firms in Singapore, currently using BIM. The interviews were conducted on March

2014 to fulfil aims, objectives and hypothesis of the research.

1.9 Structure of dissertation

The dissertation is structured as follow. The research process together with their

corresponding chapters is illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Chapter 1 provides the introduction to the topic along with the rationale of the

study, aims, and objectives of the research, outline methodology, scope of the

research and the structure of dissertation.

Chapter 2 acts as commencement, and gives the literature review on BIM

implementation in design was conducted. This chapter outlines current uses,

motives, critical factors, and different outlook, and explains approached that

Architectural firms take upon.

Chapter 3 explains the procedures and techniques that were employed:

literature, expert interviews, and content analysis; gives justification for why

these methods are selected for the dissertation; and also details the procedure of

data collection, data analysis and research results.

14

Chapter 4 explains the background of interviewees and their BIM Execution

Planning.

Chapter 5 details BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms. It discusses the

numerous items related to BIM uses in design stage of Singapore Architectural

firms. All the important results regarding the uses of BIM implementation on

Singapore Architectural from expert interview are mapped and presented.

Taxonomy of BIM uses in design stage of Singapore Architectural firms is

presented.

Chapter 6 provides the results of the research, summarising of the expert

interviews. All the important results regarding the impact on of BIM

implementation on Singapore Architectural from expert interview are mapped

and presented. Eventually critical success factors are identified

Chapter 7 concludes the research by summarising the results and provides the

final conclusions of the research, recommendation for BIM Executive Planning

for Singapore Architectural firms in design stage and recommendation for future

studies. The aim, objectives and hypothesis of the research were review.

15

Figure 1-1 Research Process Diagram

Chapter1Interoduc>onoftheresearch

Chapter2literaturereviewonresearchtopic

Chapter3

Researchmethodologyandra>onaleforchoosingpar>cularresearchmethod

Chapter4

Backgroundofinterviewees

Evalua>onofcollecteddata

Chapter5

BIMUsesinSingaporeArchitecturalFirm

Evalua>onofcollecteddata

TaxonomyofBIMusesindesignstage

Chapter6

Theresultsoftheresearch

Evalua>onofcollecteddata

Cri>calSuccessFactors

Chapter7

Conclusionandrecommenda>onthebestprac>ceofBIMExecu>vePlanning

Recommenda>onforfuturestudy

16

Chapter 2 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

BIM can be considered as a paradigm shift in the Architectural, Engineering, and

Construction (AEC) industry (Arayici et al., 2011). BIM technology has been used in

other industries such as automobile factories, shipbuilding and aircrafts building (Birx,

2006). BIM has been proven a successful technique in these industries. Also, BIM is a

breakthrough technology that improves the construction productivity by integrating

various disciplines in the construction value chain (BCA, 2013d). Nowadays, AEC

industry starts adopting BIM. The impact of BIM can be seen in the architectural

design firms. During conception design stages, the BIM technology brings better

visualisation that architects can get design feedback from Client. Furthermore, in

Construction level design stage, with BIM, detailing, specifications, and cost estimation

can do easier than traditional 2D drawings (Eastman et al, 2011). However, changing

from traditional 2D to BIM is not straightforward (Loh, 2011, Eastman et al, 2011).

Practically, effective implementation of BIM required significant changes in AEC

industry (Arayici et al., 2011)

2.2 BIM in design

Over the past decades, there have been many discussions focused on the potential of

BIM changing AEC industrys design practice (Construction Users Round Table

(CURT), 2005, AIA 2006). After meticulous literature review, BIM is viewed as a

great potential to help effective coordination and collaboration of different disciplines

(Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Sub-contractors, Facility Managers, and Owners)

working complex projects (Birx, 2006, Eastman et al, 2011).

The concept of BIM was stated as it is seen today in Eastmans Building Description

System (BDS) in 1970s (Eastman et al., 1974, Eastman et al., 1976). However the term

was first used in van Nederveens 1992 paper. (Van Nederveen and Tolman 1992).

Nevertheless, commercial BIM software became plentiful and architecture engineering

and construction (AEC) industry gradually started adopting BIM in its process

17

(Autodesk., 2003, Bentley and Workman., 2003, Cylon Research Corporation, 2003,

Laiserin, 2003).

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore defined BIM as,

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a new three-dimensional modelling

technology and an integrated process that allows the building professionals of

various disciplines to explore the building project digitally, before it is built

(BCA, 2011a).

BIM can be applied into mumerous numbers of dimensions such as three dimensional

modelling (3D), construction scheduling and sequencing (4D), costing (5D),

sustainability (6D) and as-built modelling for facilities operations and maintenance (7D)

(Redmond et al., 2012). The benefits for implementing BIM include, faster drafting

without compromising the quality consistency across all drawings and reports, clash

analysis with building services even before the actual construction and producing

accurate quantity surveys and cost estimating, simulation and enhance visualisation

(Eastman et al, 2011, Azhar, 2011). Although many benefits have been acclaimed, there

are practical concerns for Singapore Architectural firms on the selection of hardware

and software support BIM, training, initiating BIM project, shifting, or changing of

liability among project participants (Loh, 2011).

2.3 State of the industry

In 2010 the Singapore government announced that a $250-million funding to the

construction sector through Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF)

(Keung, 2010). This fund is intended to assist construction firms in three main areas.

These are

- Manpower development and skills upgrading;

- Technology adoption and

- Capability building.

18

In Singapore CPCF support many technology adoption. BIM is one of the technologies

supported by it (Keung, 2010). All Singapore registered business enterprises are

eligible to apply for the scheme (Keung, 2010).

In 2001, BCA launched the CORENET (Construction and Real Estate Network) e-

submission system to facilitate electronic submission and approval process of all types

of application made to government agencies. This system transformed Singapore AEC

industrys time-consuming submission process to easy and efficient paperless

submission process (Keung, 2011a).

In January 2010, BCA has launched the worlds first BIM e-submission of architectural

model for regulatory approval. Nowadays in Singapore, the whole industry already

adopted 100% CORENT e-submission system. The BIM technology adoption also

shares the same experience as that of the CORENET. In 2011, only 20% of the local

firms use BIM in some of their projects. BCA set up a target of getting industry to use

BIM widely by 2015 in a view of higher productivity and better integration (Keung,

2011b),

Out of $250 million CPCF, $5.7 million was reserved as BIM fund for adopting BIM

(Keung, 2011b). This BIM fund covers cost for BIM supporting software and hardware

as well training and consultancy. BCA launched Construction Productivity Centre and

Centre for Construction IT (CCIT) which have been guiding and funding on training,

technology adoption and improving the way things work in the construction sector

(BCA, 2011b).

BCA set up a road map to extensive adoption of BIM in AEC industry. (BCA, 2011a):

- Removing impediment to ease transition from 2D to BIM;

- Providing incentives for early adopters;

- Creating the demand public sector taking the lead;

- Building BIM capability and capacity;

- Promoting success stories;

19

Figure 2-1 Roadmap for BIM (Source: BCA, 2013d)

2.2.1 Removing impediment to ease transition from 2D to BIM

BIM submission templates have been developed by BCA with the intention of smooth

transition from 2D CAD drawings to BIM. Architectural BIM submission template was

introduced in January 2010 and Structural BIM submission template was introduced in

April 2011 (BCA, 2013d).

BCA and buildingSMART Singapore create a library for building and design objects.

This is to facilitate information sharing. More than 200 projects used BIM models e-via

CORENET submission system to respective regulatory agencies for review and

approval (BCA, 2013d).

20

2.2.2 Providing incentives for early adopters

In June 2010, the BCA introduced a Singapore $5.7-million BIM Fund under the

Construction Productivity and Capability Fund for early adoption of BIM in Singapore

AEC industry. The BIM Fund covers costs for BIM supporting software, hardware,

training staffs. In year 2011, 70% of the BIM Fund has been committed (BCA, 2011c).

Firms can either apply for the firm specific scheme or project collaboration scheme

(BCA, 2013d). The latter allows them learn how to operate in a multi-party

environment.

2.2.3 Creating the demand public sector taking the lead

BIM has been mandatory for public-sector projects in United States, and Scandinavian

countries such as Finland and Norway. In Singapore, the public sector is taking the

leads by making BIM as requirement for new building projects. Notably, key public

sector agencies are the Ministry of Education (MOE), Land Transport Authority (LTA)

and Housing Development Board (HDB) (BCA, 2013a).

Additionally, mandatory regulatory BIM submission was enforced by BCA. Starting

from July 2013, building projects which are larger than 20000 gross floor areas (GFA)

are required to submit electronically Architectural BIM model for regulatory approval

via CORENET. Similarly, starting from July 2014, there will be mandatory BIM model

submission for engineering design if building projects are larger than 20000 gross floor

areas. Eventually, projects larger than gross floor area of 5,000 square meters are

required to submit architectural and engineering BIM model in 2015 (BCA, 2013a).

2.2.4 Building capability and capacity

BCA engaged Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore to incorporate BIM in

their curriculum with the intention of equipping the new entrants with BIM skills.

These IHL include Singapore Polytechnic and National University of Singapore.

Starting from 2011, students from the department of architecture in these institutions

21

have to learn BIM as part of their curriculum. Furthermore, BCA arranges intensive

BIM training programmes for the students graduated in 2011 (BCA, 2011c).

In May 2011, BCA Academy of Build Environment initiated a Specialist Diploma in

BIM. In September 2011, the academy started BIM Modelling and Management course

(BCA, 2011c).

Since 2011, the BCA Academy has been offering various BIM courses to equip industry

professionals with the necessary know-how in BIM (BCA, 2011c). The courses

include:

- BIM Planning for Client and Facility Managers

- BIM Management

- BIM Modelling (covering Architectural, M&E and C&S disciplines)

- Specialist Diploma in BIM (a five month in-depth course to train BIM

managers and coordinators)

Currently, more than 1,000 professionals in the industry and graduates are trained in

BIM at BCA academy. Today BIM is taught at Vocational Institutes, ITE, Diploma,

Bachelor, and Master degree levels. Approximately 2,000 students are trained BIM

each year. (BCA, 2013d)

BIM vendors also play important roles in providing BIM training. Besides conducting

training courses, they are also provides consultancy clinic and in-depth workshops.

Today, more than 3,400 industry professionals have been trained by them (BCA,

2011c).

2.2.5 Promoting Success Stories

In September 2010, BCA established the Centre for Construction Information

Technology (CCIT). The objective of CCIT is to provide guidance for BIM adoption

for companies and professionals in the AEC industry. The Centre is promoting BIM

success case studies and best practices for adoption of BIM via webpage. Additionally,

22

the CCIT collaborates with buildingSMART Singapore and work with the industry to

organise regular BIM workshops and seminars (BCA, 2011c).

Having supports form the government, some Singapore Architectural firms adopt BIM

with great enthusiasm and they used BIM in some of their projects. As government is

promoting the success stories, BIM is viewed as a great potential to streamline costs and

process, to help effective coordination and collaboration of different disciplines and to

minimise the confusion on job sites. However, these successful stories have though

learning path before success. Thus, there are many of pros and cons, and unknowns that

have to be considered when implementing BIM. Immediate benefits cannot be

harvested by applying the BIM software to old process because implementing BIM

effectively not only requires learning new software application but also training staffs,

assigning responsibilities, and changing way of modelling the construction (Bearnstein

and Pittman, 2004, Eastman et al., 2011).

2.4 Design Services

Traditionally, exchanging of two dimension (2D) drawings and documents has been

practised as inter-disciplinary collaboration in the AEC industry (Singh et al., 2011). In

these two dimensional drawings, each building professionals such as architects,

engineers and contractors, prepare their own plans for clash analysis. Therefore design

clashes, for example, pipe running in to the air-con ducts, cannot be foreseen, and solve

before it actually happen during the construction stage. With assistant of BIM, 3D

model of project can be share among the professionals, allowing them to simulate the

situation and resolve potential design clashes before the construction begins. The

simulation capability of BIM helps reduce unnecessary reworks at site. However, better

teamwork is necessary (Eastman et al, 2011).

Current design practice is only limited to providing drawings while schedules and

specifications are provided in separate packages. For example, full specification of

material cannot be found in the drawings as it is usually mentioned in material and

workmanship specification, which is a separate document. This inadequacy of

information is a drawback to maintain consistency of interrelated packages. According

23

to BCAs public sector standard condition of contract for construction works (PSSCOC)

(BCA, 2008), and Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)s Condition of Contract (SIA,

2010), the drawings, specification, schedule of rate (if any), schedule of quantity (if

any) etc., to supply to the Contractor. Current practice in Singapore, those documents

packages are supplied to the Contractor in separate packages. Current practice does not

provide BIM model. Therefore, the way it works in AEC should change and the

building contracts should be amended.

Also, with BIM technology, unlike traditional practice, Architects can do digital

analysis for performance of the building such as to run thermal, energy usage, lighting

design, and clash analysis. The analyses of building performance are considered value

added services. BCAs BIM essential Guide for Architectural Consultants (BCA,

2013b) suggested additional fees should be negotiated and value added services.

Such value added BIM services may have potential cost implication to the employer.

Therefore additional fees for these services should be negotiated between all the parties

involved. BIM objectives and BIM deliverables must be identified. Finally, BIM

Responsibility Matrix should be signed off at the earlier stage of the project (Eastman et

al., 2011, BCA, 2013c).

2.5 Design Coordination Process

BIM places the effective use and exchange of information at its heart. Effective

implementation of BIM needs substantial changes in AEC industry. However, BIM is

not the technical solution to CAD integration (Arayici et al., 2011). Going from

tradition 2D drawings to BIM is not an easy way. This transformation is required good

preparation and organised approach. (BCA, 2012) recommended following process.

Notably, BCA did not include the dispute resolution process.

(1) BIM Objectives and Responsibility Matrix to be signed off by the parties

involved;

(2) Identify the BIM deliverables to be produced of project members to meet

project objectives with every project stage;

24

(3) To collaboration procedure for how the step taken to be enable a BIM

deliverables to be created and shared through the project;

And Sub-French and Khanzode (2007) recommended

(4) To establish dispute resolution procedure;

2.6 Integrated Deliveries: Design-Construction Integration

BIM is a proven tool for the integration of design-Construction. Some of the benefits

that Architects teaming with Contractors are early identification of long lead-time items,

value engineering as BIM based designing process provides automate material take-off

and costing and sharing BIM and better visualisation assist better analysis for

fabrication and detailing (Eastman et al., 2011).

One of the main advantages of BIM for Architects is Construction level BIM models as

the Architects design intent can be represent to the Client easily. This is widely

accepted among Architects today to minimise or eliminate the liability of Construction

issue (Eastman et al., 2011).

2.7 BIM benefits and Challenge

Benefits and challenges of BIM were studied for the adoption of BIM form Architects

point of view.

After through literature review the benefits of BIM are.

- BIM creates accurate and standardised construction documents (Azhar, 2011);

- BIM can do 3D visualization, renderings and fly-through (Azhar, 2011);

- BIM can do faster drafting without compromising the quality (Azhar, 2011);

- BIM creates repetitive elements in drafting automatically (Azhar, 2011);

- BIM can detect and do the clash analysis with building services even before the

actual construction happen (Eastman et al, 2011);

- BIM can produce accurate quantity surveys and cost estimating (Azhar, 2011);

- BIM can do better time planning and project management by as visualise

construction simulation can be done (Azhar, 2011);

25

- With BIM design change can be tracked and record easier better and transparent

change management (Langroodi and Staub-French, 2012);

- With the assistance of BIM, off site production become easier therefore BIM can

minimizing material wastages (Eastman et al, 2011, Lu and Korman. 2010)

- BIM helps facility management and assets management easier (Eastman et al,

2011, Kelly et al, 2013);

- BIM can fulfilling government or regulatory requirements (BCA newsroom,

CORENET, Azhar, 2011);

- Construction simulation process can simulate different options and choose the

best alternative at design phase (Azhar, 2011) and this simulation include all

factors including safety by building design (Zhang and Hu, 2011, Lee et al,

2012, Zhou et al, 2013);

- BIM can do energy analysis (Bynum et al, 2013, Azhar, 2011) and carbon

emission analysis (Li et al., 2012);

After through literature review the challenges of BIM are.

- Investment Cost (Bernstein et al., 2012, Gilligan and Kunz, 2007, Eastman et al,

2011, Loh, 2011);

- Unavoidable Learning Curve (Bernstein et al., 2012, Gilligan and Kunz, 2007,

Eastman et al, 2011, DAgostinoet al., 2007, Young et al., 2009);

- Lack of Management buy-in (Koo, 2012);

- Shift of Liability among project Participants (DAgostino et al, 2007, Building

and Construction Authority, 2012 and 2013);

- Poor collaboration between project participants (Eastman et al, 2011, Won and

Lee. 2008, DAgostino et al, 2007);

- Poor interoperability among BIM software (Gilligan and Kunz, 2007, Won and

Lee 2008, Young et al., 2009);

- Management problem with BIM master model (Eastman et al., 2011)

- Security risk (Eastman et al., 2011);

- Lack of subcontractor who can use BIM technology (Alva, 2012);

The benefits of BIM is obvious but the additional cost such as BIM supporting software,

hardware, training staffs, productivity downtime before staffs are not familiar with new

26

system. These additional cost should be offset by providing value added services such

as performance based analysis and simulation (Eastman et al., 2011).

2.8 BIM design productivity benefits

To rationalise the extra cost for implementing BIM, the benefit of productivity for

Singapore Architectural firms should be accessed. This can be accessed by number of

Request of Information (RFI), Variation Orders (VO) and productivity lost/gain of

salaried staffs (Ang, 2012). There are not many empirical study focuses on these

aspects of Singapore Architectural firms. BIM is expected to be improved code

checking process, visualisation, fabrication, clash analysis, shop drawings, cost

estimating, and change management (Ang, 2012).

Presently in Singapore, Architectural firms are not keeping track of cost involvement of

implementing BIM and cost gain by the improvement of productivity. Therefore, these

metrics needs to be studied systematically to quantify the cost benefit ratio (Ang, 2012).

The identified key success factors are (NBIM, 2007)

1. Strong leadership to move the BIM implementation;

2. Management buy-in and building up BIM skill in the team;

3. Transparency and accessibility of BIM model;

4. Ability to use BIM among project participants such as, Architects,

Contractors;

5. Collaborative sprit and mutual trust;

6. Proper quality assurance procedure for BIM process;

7. Reorganisation of new liability among project participants, i.e. BIM manager;

2.9 New and changed staffing within design firms

Singapore architectural firms struggled with the steep learning curve. Learning new

software and new workflows and trying to break from traditional CAD dogma can be

daunting (Koo, 2012).

27

BCA introduced two new professionals to facilitate BIM process. Those are BIM

Manager and BIM Coordinator (BCA, 2012; BCA 2013c).

Additionally, the PAS 1192-2:2012 requires the BIM Manager to:

Provide a focal point for all information modelling issues in the project;

ensure that the constituent parts of the Project Information Model are compliant

with the MIDP [Master Information Delivery Plan]; [and] ensuring that the

constituent parts of the Project Information Model have been approved and

authorized as suitable for purpose before sharing and before issuing for

approval.

BCA (BCA, 2012, BCA 2013c) suggested the responsibly BIM coordinator as

maintaining a register to record the latest information incorporated in the model and

BIM manager is responsible for the coordination for the application BIM in a project

and appropriate implementation by implementing BIM Execution Plan among project

members. BIM Manager can be a person, firm, or corporation appointed by the Client.

BCA (BCA, 2012, BCA 2013c) suggested new roles can be carried out by existing

member in the project team for example, project manager, and architect. There may be

more than one BIM manager in a project. However, project participants are reluctant to

take up new liabilities and risks (Bernstein et al, 2012, Gilligan and Kunz, 2007,

Eastman et al., 2011, DAgostino et al., 2007).

2.10 BIM contractual terms

Unlike traditional 2 dimensional drawings, and 3D CAD, BIM model consist of

geometric attributes such as size, volume, shape and orientation and non-geometric

attribute such as system data, performance data, regulatory compliance, specification

and cost (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2012, Singh et al., 2011).

Because of new deliverables, building contracts, liabilities, risk management, and

insurability need to be tackled.

28

In 2012, Singapores Building and Construction Authority have published Particular

Condition for Building information modelling in Singapore BIM Guide Version.1 on

how to incorporate in Contract document in the Principal Agreement (BCA, 2012,

BCA, 2013c).

2.11 Conclusion

There are still limited numbers of reports and papers on implementation of BIM for

Singapore Architectural firms (Ang, 2012). Although, Singapores Building and

Construction Authority published in the guidelines in 2012 and 2013 for

implementation of BIM, there is no study for the actual application of BIM for

Singapore Architectural firms. The aim of the research is to provide taxonomy of BIM

uses in Singapore Architectural firms for early stage of construction projects. This

dissertation focuses exclusively on the design stage of BIM Execution Plan. Next

chapter will discuss research methodology in details.

29

Chapter 3 Research methodology

3.1 Introduction

This chapter explains the research methodology employed in this exploratory study.

The methods are explained in details to justify for their selection. Different types of

research techniques were employed in this study and why these techniques were chosen

were rationalised. The research techniques, literature, interviews, and content analysis,

are briefly explained during the research process.

The first objective of the research is realised by developing taxonomy of BIM uses in

Singapore Architectural firms. This taxonomy was constructed based on the quantified

data, content analysis, conclusions were made, utilising categorisation and frequency of

the answers given on certain subjects.

The second objective of the research is realised by identifying the critical success

factors through the literature review and expert interviews.

The third objective of the research is realised by recommending the best practice of

BIM Execution Planning.

3.2 Selection of research methods

Generally, there are two strategies of research. They are quantitative research and

qualitative research (Naoum, 2007). To determine what type of research to be

selected depends on the purpose of research, the type and availability of the information

required (Naoum, 2007).

This study focuses on the BIM design experience for the BIM experts in the Singapores

AEC industry. In this research, social science research techniques have been chosen

because the nature of this research is exploratory. Exploratory research is selected

because it is the appropriate approach when the amount of the knowledge about the

topic is limited. Exploratory research is used to investigate less understood phenomena

30

and identify variables and generate hypotheses for further research (Fellows and Liu,

2008). The research techniques consist of literature review, expert interviews, and

content analysis. The collected data are qualitative in nature. However, some collected

data can be quantitatively analysed.

3.3 Research process

Secondary data were collected by reviewing literature to establish a clear perspective on

subject matter prior to primary data collection. The literature covered academic

journals, trade journal, conference proceeding, text books, periodicals, websites, etc.

Subsequent to a focused literature review on numerous BIM topics, interview with

Architects and BIM managers were conducted and their opinions on BIM were recorded

and analysed. Success stories, important lessons learned, and recommendations were

recorded from these expert interviews. The summary and conclusion were made based

on the data received with the intention of integrating in the taxonomy for BIM use in

Singapore architectural firms.

In this exploratory study, following research steps were performed;

1. Literature Review;

2. Semi-structured Interviews;

3. Content Analysis;

4. BIM Uses in Design Taxonomy;

3.4 Research techniques

The literature review and interviews were used as research techniques for an exploratory

study. These techniques are appropriate for diagnosing a situation, screening

alternatives and to discover new ideas for current hot issues (Naoum, 2007).

Personal interview is considered as qualitative method of data collection whereas an

interviewer asks respondents. The questions of the interview are designed to obtain

answers relevant to the research hypothesis. Many forms of interview are evaluated for

31

this research. Those are structure and semi-structured interviews along with open-ended

questions.

Structured interview: All the interviewees receive same order and wording of

questionnaire (Naoum, 2007). Structured interviews are, by nature, close to

questionnaire survey as questions are carefully structured and arranged and let

the interviewees a limited number of choices to answer. As a result, the

interviewer full control on the interview process.

Semi-structured interview: This type of interview is more formal than the

former. This method is chosen because it allows to interviewees to give their

opinions on specific issues that interviewer needs to explore to build up reports

(Naoum, 2007). Open-ended questions were proposed because this is

appropriate to find peoples opinion where the answers towards hypothesis are

unclear. Therefore analysis of open-ended question can be complicated compare

to structured interviews. Pre-coding of question into ideas and themes assists

the large number of individual responses to a few general categories of answers

that can be assigned a numerical code (Naoum, 2007).

Content analysis was employed of the research to systematically analyse the

facets of a set of data through qualitative research. This qualitative research

emphasised on the judging of the meaning of collected data. Data are given

coded allocations to categories Data collected from the interviewees are filled

into these categories. Therefore, matrix of categorised data can be acquired.

(Fellows and Liu, 2008).

3.5 Literature Review

The research started with literature review on BIM implementation in practice through

available references. The intention of the literature review is to explain the definition of

Building Information Modelling, its current status, barriers, and success factors. From

the industrial aspect, literature review on BIM implementation in design was conducted.

32

The review papers are academic journals, BIM guides, unpublished thesis, conference

proceeding and expert articles.

3.6 Semi-structured interview

The purposed of semi-structure interview was to find out as much as possible on the

issues architectural firms faced during BIM implementation in design phase in their

projects. They outlined previous experiences, current best practices, major challenges,

lessons learned, and the success factors for implementing BIM. The interview results

were presented together with initial taxonomy for the uses of BIM in design process.

Integration with other project stages and future studies were discussed.

A draft list of interview questions was established after literature review. Draft

interview question were emailed to dissertation supervisors for comments and feedback.

The final interview questions were created based on the feedback and comments of

dissertation supervisors. The interview questions and mind map of interview question

are enclosed in the Appendix A and B.

Then in-depth interview with Architects and BIM managers currently using were

conducted, and their opinions on BIM were recorded. Semi-structured interview

technique was selected to avoid similar responses like in structured interview. However

at the same time data collected from the interviews holds certain structure. The

interviewees were given the chance to talk about the subject without restriction but the

discussion was controlled. Therefore, data collected could be analyzed, summarised

and then reported. The rationale for selection semi-structured interviewed was to allow

interviewer to share in-depth knowledge on the subject (Naoum, 2007) and the nature of

the research was exploratory research. In this way, semi-structured interview permits

the interviewees to lead the talk and give their own input which is not reconceptualised

by the interviewer.

33

3.7 Interviews Candidates: Selection of Interviewees

Numerous benchmarking were used for the selection of participants for the study. The

participants were limited to architects and BIM managers having more than one year of

experiences on implementing BIM in Singapore architectural firms who interested to

share their experience and knowledge. First, a list of possible Singapore Architectural

design firms developed based on the literature review. Those professionals had

contributed their knowledge on Singapore Building and Construction Authority

(BCA)s publication, Build Smart Magazine, BIM Essential Guide for Architectural

Consultants and Singapore BIM Guides. Invitations for participation in the research

was emailed to potential interviewees and followed up with phone calls within 3 days

after the invitations were disseminated. Positive responds were received from this

approach. As many as four practicing professionals from three Singapore Architectural

firms accepted the invitations for interview. The interview was conducted in March

2014.

3.8 Interview process and procedure

Semi-structured in-depth interviews with Architects and BIM managers were conducted

within 2 weeks. Informed Consent Proforma was distributed to protect the rights and

welfare of interviewees. Permission to audio record was requested from the

interviewees prior to the interviews. The interviewees were briefed on the aims,

objectives, and scope of the research. The interviews generally took 45 minutes to an

hour. The interview question were categorised into six sections Background

Information, BIM Execution Plan, BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms, BIM

Impact, Case Study and Conclusion Questions.

Background information focused on previous experience of interviewee on BIM

implementation of Singapore Architectural firm, their position, and responsibilities.

BIM Execution Plan question focused on major decisions and steps for implementation

of BIM. BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms questions focused on majors uses

of BIM. These questions identified contract consideration, insurance, legal issues, team

competencies, application, process, content and model detail. BIM Impact question

34

focused on possible metrics and results including its impact on time, cost, quality, and

changes in staffs. Case Study questions focused the potential of BIM uses in projects

and its prospect. Conclusion Questions wrapped up interviews with prospect of BIM

for the future, possible trends and additional opinion on Singapore Architectural firms.

Interviews were performed in person. Open-ended questions were used. These types of

question reduced interviewers bias by allowing the interviewees to express their

opinions on the subject within the framework. During the interview periods the

interviewer did not make any judgement or leading answers. The interviews were audio

recorded for accurate interpretation and future referencing. All the interviews were

written out and mind mapped to summarise and apply for content analysis.

3.9 Content Analysis

The interviews were systematically interpreted and categorised by their meanings,

intentions, etc. Content analyses were performed for every interview. This technique

systematically analysed the facets of a set of data through qualitative research. Content

analysis yield quantitative data for each content category. Detailed content analysis can

be found in Chapters 4, 5 and 6 with some quantitative data collected and evaluated.

Taxonomy is created in Chapter 5 and critical success factors are identified in Chapter

6. A summary of the topics covered and conclusions drawn can be found in Chapter 7.

3.10 Conclusion

As stated procedures and techniques used in this research was explained. Justification

has made for the selection of the methods and techniques. Next chapter will discuss on

the BIM Executive Planning of Singapore Architectural firms in details.

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Chapter 4 BIM Executive Planning

4.1 Introduction

Together with the data collection process, the expert interviews were performed. In the

Chapter 4, 5, and 6, the collected data were analysed and discussed in specific category:

Background Information, BIM Execution Plan, and BIM Uses in Singapore

Architectural Firms, BIM Impact, Case Study, and Conclusion Questions. The

collected information is described with the designation of [I-#] to identify the number

of interviewee that made the statement. Each analysis result is followed by short

discussion. Chapter 7 gives a conclusion with general findings and recommendation for

further study.

4.2 Background Information

The background information of the respondents were asked. Those questions included

the background information of interview participants, of firms. The year of BIM

implementation personnel experience and company wise experience were recorded..

4.2.1 Participants

Interviews stared with simple questions such as the interview participants name, the

name of the company for record and sharing. Addition to this, their role, and

responsibilities in the Architectural firm were asked. Table 4-1 provide a general

overview of the positions of the interviewees. Notably, these interviewees are all

belongs to 3 main groups; Executives, Architects and Technical Supports. All of the

interviewees have more than 10 years experience with BIM in Singapore and abroad.

They implemented BIM in their respective Singapore Architectural firms more than 5

years ago.

36

Interviewees

Number

Position Group Firm

number

I-1 Principal (Technical) Executive/Implementation

Group

Firm A

I-2 Senior Technical Manager Implementation

Group/Technical Staff

Firm A

I-3 Director Building Information

Modelling (BIM)

Executive/Implementation

Group

Firm B

I-4 Director & Principal

Architect

Executive/Implementation

Group

Firm C

Table 4-1 General overview of the position of interviewees

4.2.2 Architectural Firms

Firm A is an international architectural firm with more than 2000 staffs within Asia, the

Middle East, Europe, and America. There are more than 300 staffs in Singapore. The

firm offers services in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape, urban

design, and building consultancy. This firm was formed in early 2000s by merger of a

UK based firm and Hong Kong based firms. Firm A has been working with BIM for

Singapore office since Singapore 10 years ago.

Firm B was founded in Singapore four decades ago. The firm has more than 600 staffs

globally 400 staffs working in Singapore. The firm offers a complete design

consultancy and project management solution, such as architectural design services,

civil and structural engineering design services, electrical, mechanical and plumbing

(MEP) design services, construction project management, urban and environmental

planning, landscape, interiors and environmental. It has operation in China, India,

Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates and United States, and

Singapore. Firm B has implemented BIM more than 5 years ago.

Firm C was founded approximately 3 decades ago in Singapore. The firm has more

than 100 staffs in Singapore. The firm offer architectural design service, interior design

service and project management services. It involved many building project in

Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, China, Vietnam, and Singapore.

37

For all three firms, their executives and technical staffs are actively supporting and

industry wide implementation of BIM leaded by BCA. They participated in annual

BIM competition arranged by BCA.

4.2.3 Previous BIM experience

All the interviewees stated that they have previous experience with BIM and they

implemented BIM into their respected Architectural design firm and they have been

working win BIM in their day-to-day basis. Thus the interview could continue,

otherwise the interview would be stopped as the interviewees could not be consist red as

a competent person in this area.

All the interviewees have more than 10 years experience in implantation BIM and

managing projects which use BIM. Interestingly, all of the interviewees also have BIM

experience in other counties, such as, the UK and Australia. They have been

implemented BIM and managed BIM projects in others countries before they moved to

Singapore. They have more than 5 years experience for managing and implantation of

BIM for Singapore projects.

4.3 Experience on BIM Execution Planning

Interviewees were asked about their experience on BIM Execution Plan (BEP). All of

them have experience for developed BEP for Singapore Architectural firms. All of the

interviewees considered that the development of BEP is a valuable activity. The

respondents answers will be summarized and reviewed. The conclusions will be drawn

in Chapter 7.

Participants: The participants of BEP are usually singed off between the Client,

Architects, Engineers, other Consultants, Contractors, Sub-Contractors, and Suppliers.

Therefore, they can be divided into two groups: internal parties who are the people

within the Architectural design firm. External Parties can be Structural Engineers,

Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Plumbing Engineers, Landscape Designers,

Interior Designers, the Client, Contractors, Sub-Contractors, Fabricators,

38

Manufacturers, and Facility Manager. Internal participants are Executives, Architects,

designers, and technical support team members. The commitment from all parties,

internal and external, is so crucial for successful implementation and to get the best

value out of BIM. Senior buy-in is equally important as having the lower level staffs to

use BIM.

Interviewee No. 3 [I-3] All the parties needs to be involved. The senior

management provides required facilities and support the teams to carry out the

job success fully. The feedback from technical staffs, architects, and designers

to senior management is important as well because in practice the technical

team needs supports from the senior management. Again, these technical staffs

need to communicate and share the BIM knowledge between each other.

Therefore, for successful implementation of BIM all the level of staff within the

company needs to proactive in BIM and the external parties need to use BIM as

well.

Interviewee No. 1 [I-1] we try to ensure that our teams are harmonious and

collaborative and we encourage people to share knowledge.

Interviewee No. 4 [I-4] BIM will not provide the best value if it is not being

adopted by the other consultants.

Decision: These participated architectural firms made the commitment to the

development of the project using BIM because of the urgency within the industry to

embrace this approach. These Singapore Architectural firms are utilising BIM not only

for Singapore but also for other over sea projects.

Interviewee No. 1 [I-1] There are other projects were doing regionally, we

dont use BIM because, and there is no man day either from the client or

statutory board point of view. It is the case of this stage, within the industry and

the maturity, senior management make careful selection based on availability of

the staff, client direction, and way up to the benefits that we generate.

39

Interviewee No. 3 [I-3] In Singapore BIM is statutory requirement but we

encouraged our clients and project members from other countries to use BIM

although those countries like Indonesia, and Malaysia BIM is not the statutory

requirement.

Process: The firms which participated in the interview are constantly reviewing their

core competencies and the demand of the market to leverage them and to expend their

market to get more Clients. The mind sets of these firms are to provide design solutions

that exceed Clients expatiation. The practice is more on selling the value products

rather than selling the consultation time. The participated firms are providing the best

architectural design solution without pricing the extra than traditional two dimensional

designs and documentation system. This is because the competitiveness in the market

and the firms commitment to provided the best design solution by using the best

available technology of the time. These firms confirmed that BEP needs to be separated

into two parts which are internal BEP and external BEP as the objectives are slightly

different.

Interviewee No. 2 [I-2] I like to add the actual fact. We have split the execution

plan in two. One is project execution plan, somewhat internal. So there are

slightly different objectives for the project and internal execution plan. There are

times when you roll; youll need to split the execution plan.

4.4 Conclusion

Background information of the interviewee, architectural firm and their experience were

summarised in this chapter. All of the interviewed firms have local and international

design offices. The smallest design office participate in the interview has more than

100 staffs and biggest design office has more than 300 staffs. All the interviewees

stated that they have more than 10 years overall BIM experience and approximately 5

years experience working with BIM in Singapore Architectural firms. Small

Architectural firms did not participate in the research. Next chapter will discuss about

various items related to BIM uses in design by Singapore Architectural Firms.

40

Chapter 5 BIM Uses in Singapore Architectural Firms

5.1 Introduction

This chapter details the numerous items related to BIM uses in design. It begins from

the discovery of BIM uses which were evaluated from this study. Then it investigates

the topics of model contents and level of details, modelling process and software

application, team competencies, and legal, insurance, and contractual, consideration.

The uses of BIM are summarised with interview comments about the uses. The

collected information is described with the designation of [I-#] to indentify the

number of interviewee that made the statement.

The BIM uses are outlined along with interview comments regarding the uses. The

information obtained from the interviewees is reported and indicated with the

designation of [I-#] to indicate the number of the interviewee that made the statement.

Not all statements have been validated through research so the reader should only

evaluate these statements as one opinion from an experienced person.

5.2 BIM uses in Singapore Architectural Firms

The taxonomy of BIM used was produced based on the literature review and expert

interview. There are 21 number of BIM uses were identified. After the taxonomy was

created, each BIM use was systemically looked into the details for BEP guide.

5.2.1 Design Authoring

Design authoring is 3D tools to develop the BIM model in regard to the criteria which is

important to building design translation. The common users of these tools are:

architects and designers, 2D to 3D conversion teams, and subcontractors.

Basically, there are two main type of BIM use for design phase.

- Design Authoring tools and

- Audit and Analysis tools.

41

Authoring tools create models with geometrical attributes whereas audit and analysis

tool can analyse non-geometrical attributes. Those non-geometrical attributes are very

useful for engineering analysis such as sustainability analysis, sun path analysis etc.

Design authoring tools are the fundamental of BIM by combining 3D model with useful

building database system which allows extraction of building data and simulation for

engineering analyses.

5.2.2 Programming

The definition of Programming is an assessment process on design performance to

spatial requirements. All the interviewees answered that they had done special analysis

by using BIM. They have used this feature form the schematic stage; from early

conceptualisation and massing to the construction design are done by BIM based

software in their offices. All of them confirmed that this feature of BIM improved their

quality of design solution.

5.2.3 Existing Condition Modelling

Existing Condition Modelling is a process of developing a 3D model of existing

condition of a site, building, facility, or specific area. Protecting Singapores culture

and heritage is clearly an important part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Draft Master Plan. Currently, there are more than 7000 buildings are protected. In

other words, Singapore really familiar with brown field construction/addition and

alteration works. All the respondents have experience in existing condition modelling

because doing architectural practise in Singapore brown field construction/addition and

alteration works is unavoidable. The outputs are usually BIM model of the whole

existing building or a portion of the existing building and 3D site topography model

combine with Global Information Systems (GIS).

42

5.2.4 Design Reviews

Design review process for Singapore Architectural Firms is to review the quality of the

design product to meet client expectation [I-1]. This process can be internal process,

which is within the Architect firms and external, which includes stakeholders using

BIM models.

Interviewee No. 1 [I-1] The design review of our firm is about the quality of our

product. What our products look like and ensuring that is meeting expectation

of our Client.

Design review can be categorised in to:

- Clash analysis

- 3D Design Coordination and

- Virtual Mock-ups

All of the interviewees answered that they used design review for all three categories.

All of them answered that with BIM model the design review meetings are must faster

go get the design resolutions because people can see things better when they are

presented in isometric 3 dimensional with BIM.

Interviewee No. 4 [I-4]: BIM models allow us to coordinate a much greater

detail, a much greater understanding.

Interviewee No. 3 [I-3]: BIM models provide ability to communicate the

stakeholders better using a 3 dimensional model.

Clash analysis is an important and it is the integral part of the BIM modelling process.

Clash analysis feature of BIM allow various stakeholders to investigate the building

project digitally in the design studio before it is built. Clash detection in BIM could be

not only one model but also several, those are, eventually, integrated into a master BIM

model. This can be consider as one of the greatest benefits of BIM as visualising the

ideas and iterating of information are more precise and faster than before by eliminating

the manual tedious and error prone process.

43

This study is focused on design stage. Therefore design coordination at design stage

can be defined as an iterative process which includes a process of evolution, iteration,

revising to the point where the Client has been able to incrementally understand the

building as a end product and as a cost to him and architectural firm produce a design

that is efficient, and exemplary as a design product.

Three Dimensional Design coordination at design stage can be defined as an iterative

process which includes a process of evolution, iteration, revising to the point where the

Client has been able to incrementally understand the building as a end product and as a

cost to him and architectural firm produce a design that is efficient, and exemplary as a

design product.

All the interviewees answered that they used BIM as three dimensional design

coordination tool. All of the interviewees agreed that BIM helps Architects and other

consultants to resolve coordination during design stage and BIM enables to develop

more accurate and better-coordinated design product which ensure the clients

satisfaction.

Interviewee No. 1 [I-1]: For a client, they dont want to understand that detail of

coordination. They just wanted to be correct. BIM enables us to provide more

accurate information and better-coordinated design product.

It is mostly done either in complicated projects for construction details like wall

sections or ceilings, or for certain chosen spaces in the project that would benefit greatly

from building the virtual mock-up.

Virtual Mock-ups assist all the project participants to understand complicated projects

for construction.

BIM enables to construct virtual mock-ups. This helps all the project participants to

understand complicated projects for construction. It would be an ideal situation to use

BIM, when each supplier or contractor have relevant BIM model, such as a chiller plant,

to insert in to the building model and everyone understand the possible implication to

other components. All the interviewees answer that they are using this feature. They

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have been using virtual mock-ups allows to resolve not only coordination issue but also

use as an analysis tool for lighting, security, ergonomics, acoustics, textures and

colours, etc.

5.2.5 System Analyses

System Analysis can be divided into Site Analysis, Engineering Analyses, and Code

Checking.

Site Analysis is a process to analyse specific location to decide the optimal use of site

location for proposed project by using BIM/GIS tools. All the interviewees answered

that they had done site analysis using BIM technology as they view that this analysis

has great potential to do necessary calculation, to determine the building orientation, to

develop topographical model and to create existing building model, etc.

Engineering Analyses are a series of BIM uses in design. Engineering Analysis in

design stage can be defined as a process of judging the most optimal and effective

methods depend on design specification. During the interview, interviewee answered

that their firm have done the following engineering analyses -

- Building and energy consumption analysis

- Sustainability analyses

- Egress analysis

- Traffic and human analysis

- Peak load analysis

- Fire protection analysis

Engineering analyses are a series of BIM uses in design. Engineering Analysis in

design stage can be defined as a process of judging the most optimal and effective

methods depend on design specification. BIM model enables many types of

engineering analyses. These engineering analyses and building performance simulation

improve the energy consumption, and design of the building for entire lifecycle. These

abilities make BIM superior to 2D designs. All the interviewees answers that they did

egress analysis, traffic and human analysis, peak load analysis, and fire protect analysis.

Additionally, they merge with engineering BIM model and architectural BIM model as

part of the sustainability analyses.

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Interviewee No. 1 [I-1]:The technology make the designing process more

interesting because its not just about an architect standing there in a

presentation saying to a client, weve open this frontage of the building up to

allow for the breeze way and this will be very nice. Its ability to say weve open

this up because when we did the analytic we can see 60% of the year the

prevailing wind from the North-East generate some fantastic air movement

through the area and well be able to through very complex modelling. Exactly

why they should buy our design and why they should embrace these ideas.

Code checking is a process of checking of the compliance of the building code of

building design by using BIM. In 2001, BCA launched the CORENET (Construction

and Real Estate Network) e-submission system to facilitate electronic submission and

approval process of all types of application made to government agencies. This system

transformed Singapore AEC industrys time-consuming submission process to easy and

efficient paperless submission process (Keung, 2011a). BIM submission templates

have been developed by BCA with the intention of smooth transition from 2D CAD

drawings to BIM. Architectural BIM submission template was introduced in January

2010 (BCA, 2013a). Firm A, B, and C have volunteered to developed CORENET

statutory BIM model submission system for authorities approval process. These firms

believe that eventually the system will be very robust.

5.2.6 Phase Planning and 4D modelling

Phase planning is usually defined a 4D model because adding dimension of time to 3D

model for the purpose of effective time scheduling. All the interviewees indicated that

they used 4D modelling which is a BIM model corporate with adding time schedule.

They do not put huge emphasis on this for green field, new development. However,

they used this feature for additional and alteration, renovation, retrofitting, and

preservation