CitA BIM Gathering 2021, September 21st – 23rd 2021
The application of BIM processes and standards in the context of the façade manufacturing industry. Brendan Joziasse1 and Emma Hayes2 School of Multidisciplinary Technologies Technological University Dublin, Bolton Street, Dublin 1, Ireland E-mail: 1brendan.joziasse@gmail.com
2
emma.hayes@tudublin.ie
Abstract ̶ In recent years, the adoption rate of BIM throughout the construction industry has risen significantly amongst architectural practices, engineering consultants (Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) and main contractors. However, there is evidence to indicate the façade industry currently shows little interest in actively participating in a BIM process on construction projects. Frequently façade BIM models are produced after the fact, if at all. Typically, the façade contractor has no role in the BIM process, this research paper sets out to identify the obstacles experienced in the façade industry and propose a viable solution which enables façade contractors to be compliant with current BIM processes. A comprehensive literature review of currently available published literature was critically appraised to identify common barriers experienced with BIM adoption throughout the construction industry. Through semi-structured interviews with experts from the façade industry, main contractors and specialist subcontractors, qualitative data was obtained and analysed for common themes and patterns to identify barriers for adoption of BIM within the façade design and manufacturing process. The data obtained was used to examine current practice and workflows of façade subcontractors. Results indicate a consensus from façade contractors that current BIM processes are not well suited to the development and manufacture of façade elements. The aim of the research is to examine the gathered data and develop a workflow applicable to the facade industry’s processes capable of meeting current BIM processes and standards while also exploring if BIM authoring tools, such as Revit and Dynamo, can generate suitable documentation for the approval stages of a design during the construction stage. In addition, it is acknowledged that current BIM processes need to be reviewed for its suitability and application to the façade manufacturing process, through discussion with industry stakeholders. Keywords ̶ Building Information Modelling (BIM) Process, Façade Design & Manufacture, Construction Process, BIM Technologies, Barriers to Implementation
I
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry the implementation and use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has steadily increased. Figures published by the National Building Specification (NBS) indicate a rise in awareness and use of BIM from 13% in 2011 to 73% in 2020 [1].Despite an awareness and increase in BIM adoption throughout the AEC industry, evidence indicates these trends are less apparent in the façade manufacturing industry. Following a comprehensive review of existing literature, an abundance of research was found to be primarily focused on overcoming resistance to BIM and implementation of BIM processes in the AEC sector. The literature review identifies common barriers to BIM adoption experienced throughout the
AEC industry, which has largely retained the same linear structure [2]. A lack of research was identified relevant to the façade manufacturing industry. This research aims to investigate the current state of BIM adoption in the façade industry and to evaluate a possible workflow to satisfy all stakeholders of a construction project. To gain insight into the current state of readiness of digital workflows a qualitative interview method was employed as a means of data collection. Using thematic analysis two main themes and four subthemes were identified and reported on in section V. Using action research, a proposal for recommended changes for the implementation of BIM processes and technologies are proposed as a concept solution for discussion with interview candidates of the façade industry.
Page 64
