Search

Since the 1990s, mass timber constructions have become more and more popular. This type of construction has characteristics that are ideal for incorporating building information modeling (BIM). A mass timber structure implies offsite prefabrication at the factory, which generates modeling specificities. Although digitalization and BIM are becoming more and more common, and some studies have focused on BIM for mass timber construction, none of them focus on model checking for mass timber construction. In construction projects, there is still no general method that synthesizes the possibilities offered by BIM-based model checking in general, and research on the conformity of mass timber models in particular is almost non-existent. Our research objective is to provide a general step-by-step method summarizing the process of model compliance study with dedicated tools. To conduct this work, we first solidified our understanding of the problem by interviewing professionals from the mass timber construction industry. Next, we developed our method iteratively, supported by tools, and then validated it with three model-checking case studies. This method consists of five steps: checking the specifications, digital environment implementation, requirement deciphering, calculation, and compliance results’ analysis. We then applied our method in three case studies. The results of the case studies are mixed: some audits were successful, while others were not, because barriers to auditing were encountered (missing information, impossible interpretation of data for the model properties, etc.). The obstacles encountered show that, to be efficient, BIM must be conducted on high-quality models, which is not often the case in real-life situations.

The implementation of a common data environment (CDE) in the construction industry appears to be crucial for organizing and managing the flow of important information within construction projects effectively. However, it is observed that the investments and the costs associated with setting up such environments are often dissuasive, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By launching the Plan BIM 2022 in 2017, the French government aimed to combat the emerging digital divide between large and small construction companies. At the heart of this state-funded plan was the development of a CDE-like collaborative platform called KROQI. The work presented in this article proposes a three-level matrix to characterize common data environments based on computer-supported collaboration work theories. The paper demonstrates how KROQI can be characterized as a level-2 CDE solution. Based on a preliminary study, it explores the perception and satisfaction of practitioners with respect to the features proposed by KROQI. The results show that, among the large variety of features proposed, some are hardly ever used. Therefore, while KROQI appears to be an excellent industry-wide solution aimed at federating initiatives towards digital collaboration centered around BIM models, there is definitely room for improvement.

The last decades have seen considerable effort invested in a digital transition in the construction industry. While the building information modeling (BIM) approach plays an important role in such a transition, more and more technological approaches are emerging and grouped together under the concept of Construction 4.0. However, the contours of Construction 4.0 as a scientific domain are far from being clearly defined. A few literature reviews have been published in an attempt to clarify its meaning and define its enabling technologies, but do not provide a complete view of the research efforts. To fully understand the research effort, it is necessary to study the different communities and clusters, their weights and their interrelationships. This paper proposes a mapping of the Construction 4.0 research themes and clusters over 10 years of scientific publications, using a systematic literature review approach. 2444 papers published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2019 were identified and the associated keywords were analyzed in order to highlight their co-occurrences. The research shows how BIM plays a central role in the digital transformation, hiding a forest of emerging technologies represented by the main clusters identified. Of the 10 main enabling technologies in 2018, only three were already mentioned in 2010. Some of these technologies (Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, 3D printing and Big Data) seem to be in the position to occupy an increasingly important place in the coming years. It seems more difficult for other technologies (e.g., cyber physical systems) to find an important place, due to a lack of awareness in the industry. Others seem less and less addressed, for contrary reasons.

The construction industry is facing a gradual but important transformation toward more productivity and collaboration. In this framework, two major approaches are often cited in the literature as having the potential to improve the practices in the industry: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction. Several scientific studies have demonstrated the synergy of these two approaches and very recent research has reported positive results from the use of software applications as support for their implementation on construction sites. However, the stakes of such integration have been very little studied. This article presents the results of a research project conducted within a general contractor firm that decided to implement BIM and Last Planner System (LPS) on its construction sites. The research uses a four-stage action research approach, including the characterization of the research issue, the establishment of an action plan, its implementation and its evaluation. Compared to recent related studies, the research is less enthusiastic. While it highlights the need for new tools to improve production planning and control, it also points to a strong resistance to change by practitioners at the site. They emphasize the necessity for adequate pre-service training and the need for new resources that can work full-time on the ongoing training of site teams. In addition, some limitations of the tool lead workers to believe that it can quickly become a factor that slows down their daily work rather than improving it. Based on the advice of professionals, the paper formulates some recommendations to the industry, the researchers and the software developers.

Despite the increasing dissemination of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach, many firms are still far from BIM and are only starting to adopt information technologies. We conducted an ethnographic action research with an industrial partner that implements information technologies on its construction sites, with a strong preference for home-made applications. Results show that the development of such applications faces difficulties and that multiple iterations and versions are necessary before achieving the expected goals because the required competencies are lacking among internal development teams. Moreover, initial needs evolve considerably throughout the application’s development and evaluation process. However, notwithstanding the difficulties encountered during the different application development phases, the industrial partner believes the decision to be worthwhile because of the desire to have internal control over the project data and the need to consider certain specificities related to business processes.

Cost management represents an important part of management in construction projects. Developments in the fifth dimension (5D) of building information modelling (BIM) has fostered new and potential improvements in terms of efficiency, quality and precision during cost management processes. The research aims to develop an innovative framework of 5D BIM solutions for construction cost management. A systematic review approach was adopted for the evaluation of the 5D BIM solutions. Interviews were conducted with three industry experts to validate and comment on the research findings. Eighteen software or web solutions were found and analysed against five main areas of the cost management practices. The research contributes to creating new awareness and knowledge from the available 5D BIM solutions towards the current cost management requirements as well as the future need in the digitalised working environment.

Immersive Virtual Reality-based collaborative BIM 4D simulation can offer a unique, supportive environment for conducting constructability analysis meetings in the construction industry. While many research works have addressed various aspects of VR-based 4D simulation, there is still no comprehensive and neutral framework to help both practitioners and experts to identify the main challenges to address. This paper proposes four main complementary steps with which to define the VR environment, to develop the 4D model, to prepare and transfer the model in the VR system and to conduct constructability analysis meeting. In the current state of the framework, the 4D-based constructability analysis is more about the collaborative use of 4D rather than the collaborative generation and interaction with the 4D model. Each step of the framework is supported by appropriate methods and tools. A collaborative personas-based case study helps to evaluate the framework and to show how it can be used. Compared to recent related works, the proposed framework is more structured and comprehensive, providing a structured approach using concepts from multiple scientific areas.

This article reports on a Building information modeling (BIM) distance learning experience in a pandemic context. Based on a description of the experience and a survey completed by the learners at the end of the course, the article presents and discusses various aspects of the training, including the overall satisfaction of the learners, their evaluation of the technical aspects and the practical work, as well as the proposals made to improve the course. The analysis shows that some elements of the teaching functioned well, while others were rated as being less satisfactory by the students. More specifically, the learners highlighted the need to find ways and means to improve the level of interaction, which is reduced by online education. The use of video clips as a support for practical work was recognized as being effective, but it seems useful also to resort to the use of collaborative platforms dedicated to the construction industry. A critical aspect is the remote access to computer labs with computers where the taught software is installed, as not all of the learners will always have the option of having it on their personal computers. Although the results of the experiment are difficult to generalize due to its particular context, they identify interesting avenues for improvement while paving the way to unique opportunities for the use of active pedagogy principles in BIM education.

Fire safety regulations impose very strict requirements on building design, especially for buildings built with combustible materials. It is believed that it is possible to improve the management of these regulations with a better integration of fire protection aspects in the building information modeling (BIM) approach. A new BIM-based domain is emerging, the automated code checking, with its growing number of dedicated approaches. However, only very few of these works have been dedicated to managing the compliance to fire safety regulations in timber buildings. In this paper, the applicability to fire safety in the Canadian context is studied by constituting and executing a complete method from the regulations text through code-checking construction to result analysis. A design science approach is used to propose a code-checking method with a detailed analysis of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) in order to obtain the required information. The method starts by retrieving information from the regulation text, leading to a compliance check of an architectural building model. Then, the method is tested on a set of fire safety regulations and validated on a building model from a real project. The selected fire safety rules set a solid basis for further development of checking rules for the field of fire safety. This study shows that the main challenges for rule checking are the modeling standards and the elements’ required levels of detail. The implementation of the method was successful for geometrical as well as non-geometrical requirements, although further work is needed for more advanced geometrical studies, such as sprinkler or fire dampers positioning.

Comparison is at the center of many research studies that leads to the interaction between different objects and mostly resulted in significant improvements. Especially, comparing business/technological approaches, such as building information modeling (BIM) and product lifecycle management (PLM), is an activity that is often difficult and complex, and requires particular methodological approaches. One of the biggest challenges through such a comparison is to identify the most effective methodological approach. Previous research studies have introduced cross-pollination as an interesting comparative analysis approach. However, it is important to mention that it remains a relatively untapped approach in the literature. This article provides a review of the cross-pollination variants and related terms and steps. Research findings of comparative analysis methods and approaches are evaluated to demonstrate the similarities and differences. This evaluation leads this research to represents the lessons learned of the existing methods and approaches.

Construction projects are known for frequent cost overruns, due to different issues including the limitations of conventional cost management approaches. Building Information Modeling (BIM)supported cost management (5D BIM) consists in associating the cost variable with a BIM model in order to optimize the management of construction costs. Although several studies have been conducted in different countries to identify the benefits of, and barriers to, the implementation of 5D BIM, data on its implementation and associated practices in Quebec are missing. The objective of this study is therefore to present the general picture of the implementation of 5D BIM in the Quebec’s construction industry. In order to achieve this objective, an in-depth literature review was conducted, and a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a sample of cost management specialists in the AEC industry in Quebec. The results suggest that that while 5D BIM is recognized to foster the production of better estimates, the automation of estimation is still far from being a reality. Excel is still the main tool for allocating costs to quantities extracted from BIM models and for estimates preparation. Thus, 5D BIM is mainly used for cost estimating, budgeting and cost control but much less for claims management.

Le Building Information Modeling (BIM) est une innovation qui regroupe un ensemble de méthodes, processus et outils de travail permettant d’alimenter et d’exploiter des informations d’un ouvrage bâti tout au long de son cycle de vie. Les CDE (Common Data Environment) sont des espaces numériques ou plateformes qui supportent les processus BIM. Ils offrent des ensembles de services numériques qui permettent de stocker, gérer et échanger des données de natures variées. Plusieurs initiatives récentes les positionnent au coeur du développement de l’interopérabilité dans les pratiques BIM en initiant la standardisation de leurs fonctionnalités. Dans cet article, nous revenons sur la notion de CDE et son origine ainsi que sur les initiatives récentes qui mettent en évidence les enjeux des CDE. Malgré leur standardisation en cours, notre recherche met en évidence leur grande diversité. Nous proposons une classification qui permet d’appréhender cette hétérogénéité plus facilement.

Universities are facing many challenges to their efforts to introduce building information modeling (BIM) in engineering education. Many research efforts have been dedicated to the subject and addressed some specific aspects of the issue. Thus, there is no comprehensive framework to provide decision-makers with practical and neutral guidelines. The framework proposed in this paper identifies the main challenges to address. A case study from a Canadian engineering school is used to evaluate and to validate the proposed framework, and to illustrate the challenges. The strategy of integrating BIM in engineering education should be based on the specific skills the students are expected to acquire. It is then possible to define the appropriate teaching approaches. An effective implementation strategy should be gradual to progressively raise community awareness, learn from mistakes, and identify best practices. A particular emphasis should be placed on the needs of the local industry.

Advancements in technology have contributed significantly to building information modeling (BIM)-based construction project management. However, the BIM approach was developed mainly around building construction projects and few efforts have been devoted to projects related to infrastructures such as bridges. For such projects, there are often significant geometric and semantic variations between structures, making it difficult to use existing BIM data schemas. Recent works indicate that parametric modeling could represent a solution providing greater design efficiency and interoperability, but the literature on the subject remains extremely sparse. The objective of the present study is to develop a parametric file that is able to generate all types of bridges from a single parametric file. The file developed uses a parametric algorithm for modeling bridge elements in a design software application and for generation and analysis of the model in a structural analysis software application.

An important particularity of the construction industry lies in its fragmentation and the fact that the various actors involved in construction projects come from different organizations and have to work together temporarily in order to achieve a common objective. Thus, a good collaboration is critical for the projects’ success but remain challenging in the industry despite much research effort. The rise of Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach is full of promises but to fully benefit from such disruptive technology, it is necessary to understand how it impacts all the aspects of the construction industry. Unfortunately, the traditional analytical modeling approaches only present a static and mono-perspective image of a highly dynamic industry where many perspectives of the same situations cohabit, and mutual adjustment remains important. This article proposes a discussion on the need for a new systemic approach to complement the current analytic approaches in order to better understand the complexity of collaboration in the construction industry. It uses a systemic triangulation according to different levels of study (industry, project, firm and activity levels) in order to derivate the main relevant components to consider in the study of the construction industry as a complex system.

This paper presents the results of a preliminary survey in Benin, a West African country. The aim of the study is to estimate the use and the impact of IT in the Benin construction industry. To ensure that the results can be compared to other related surveys, this study used the “IT Barometer” questionnaire. The results show that while office and design software are widely used, Internet-based solutions for the construction industry seem less well known. In addition, very few firms have an IT strategy and the proportion of management activities with IT support remains low. The respondents seem very optimistic regarding the role of IT in their organizations but most of them think that the constant need to update and the cost of investment in IT are the main barriers to their implementation.

The increasing dissemination of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach must not overshadow the fact that many firms are still far from BIM, and are in fact just starting out on the road to adopting information technologies. This paper presents an ethnographic action research study conducted with an industrial partner that decided to implement information technologies on its construction sites, with a strong preference for home-made applications. The results suggest that firms lack the internal expertise to effectively conduct such development work. Thus, the passage of needs expressed by the firm towards the development of the application is particularly difficult and the pivotal role of the researcher was crucial in the success of the project. Multiple iterations and versions were necessary before achieving the expected goals.

The construction industry is facing a gradual but important transformation towards more productivity and collaboration. In this framework, two major approaches are often cited in the literature as having the potential to improve the practices in the industry: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction. Several scientific studies have demonstrated the synergy of these two approaches and very recent research has reported positive results from the use of software applications as support for their implementation on construction sites. However, the stakes of such integration have been very little studied. This article presents the results of a research project conducted within a general contractor firm that decided to implement BIM and Last Planner System (LPS) on its construction sites. The research uses a four-stage action research approach, including the characterization of the research issue, the establishment of an action plan, its implementation and its evaluation. Compared to recent related studies, the research is less enthusiastic. While it highlights the need for new tools to improve production planning and control, it also points to a strong resistance to change by practitioners at the site. They emphasize the necessity for adequate pre-service training and the need for new resources that can work full-time on the ongoing training of site teams. In addition, some limitations of the tool lead workers to believe that it can quickly become a factor that slows down their daily work rather than improving it.

This paper explores how to effectively integrate building specifications into a BIM process. This research found that all the software that claims to include specifications in a BIM process are actually specification drafting software and are not very useful for contractors and subcontractor who needs to use specifications in mobile contexts such as production or construction sites. A new approach to integrating specifications into a BIM-based collaboration process has been proposed. A collaborative process has been formalized, with three levels of integration. One of these levels is prototyped and shows how it is possible to give access to construction specification from mobile devices on a construction site. Both the process and the prototype are evaluated with practitioners.

The results of an exploratory case study dedicated to a BIM project are presented and the perception that professionals have of their practices and the BIM collaboration processes is discussed in this study. It suggests that the roles of BIM specialists are not the same from one discipline to another and that they are not just technical roles. In addition, the information subprocess seems to crystallize around BIM managers, which tends to create two sources of leadership in a project: BIM managers and project managers. Finally, the study shows a gap between the planned processes and those actually used in the project. The use of a big room, to bring together the owner and the other disciplines, seems to be particularly useful. It serves as an integrator, and information is better shared.

The construction industry has been considered as refractory to information technologies. However, new technological approaches, such as the Building Information Modeling (BIM), are becoming increasingly adopted and are promising better collaboration, better flow optimization and greater integration of the supply chain. These changes are preparing the industry for the advent of "Construction 4.0", a more federating concept than BIM. This article explores the concept and shows how tall wood buildings could show the right path and lead the way for the rest of the industry. The research shows that while tall wood construction actually presents the potential to fit the construction 4.0 requirements, current practices are far from being uniform from one project to another. It also illustrates the need for a close collaboration between practitioners and researchers in order to overcome the current challenges.

Le succès grandissant de l’approche de modélisation des données du bâtiment (BIM) change le paradigme de fonctionnement de l’industrie de la construction et les universités sont confrontées à des défis importants dans leurs efforts pour introduire l’approche BIM dans l’enseignement. Plusieurs travaux ont étudié la question, mais chaque étude en a abordé des aspects spécifiques. Ainsi, il n’existe pas de cadre global fournissant des lignes directrices pratiques et neutres. Le cadre proposé dans cet article établit sept grands défis : les compétences à acquérir, l’approche pédagogique, les méthodes d’évaluation, l’environnement technologique, les partenariats industriels, l’approche de mise en oeuvre et le calendrier. L’étude du cas d’une université d’ingénierie canadienne est également proposée., Universities are facing many challenges in their efforts to introduce building information modelling (BIM) in education. While many research efforts have been dedicated to the subject, each of them has addressed some specific aspects of the issue. Thus, there is yet no comprehensive framework to provide decision makers with practical and neutral guidelines. The framework proposed in this paper identifies seven main groups of challenges: the skills to be acquired, the teaching approach, the evaluation methods, the technological environment, the industrial partnerships, the implementation approach and the timing. These challenges are also discussed in the light of a Canadian engineering school case study.

4D simulations are useful to support many aspects of construction project planning. With the success of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and because construction planning is largely collaborative, there is an increasing interest for the collaborative use of 4D simulation. Visualization is very important in any simulation activity and it is important to use the most appropriate representation techniques to match with users’ real needs. In collaborative 4D tools, it is very challenging to choose and to propose adapted visualization techniques, according to the practices in the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry and the characteristics of the sector. This paper proposes a method to design adapted visualizations in collaborative 4D applications. Such a proposition is based on an understanding of planning and simulation practices in AEC industry, and theories from Information Visualization, Computer-Supported Collaborative Work and collaborative simulation scientific fields.