INTEGRATION OF CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT THROUGH BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

Abstract

Construction materials generally contribute a significant amount of the entire cost of a construction project. Delays in materials supply during construction activities critically impact the performance of a project. This study aims to integrate the project schedule with the inventory database. Literature about issues in the management of materials was reviewed. A questionnaire was developed for this purpose and a pilot study was conducted. The gathered data was analyzed using the Relative Importance Index revealing that there are many inefficiencies in the management of materials and inventory in construction projects. To observe BIM-driven materials management transformation, this study formulates a theoretical framework, at first, and then develops a BIM-based platform to digitize the material management and improve the overall project management practice. Then, a dedicated BIM plugin (IM-BIM) for the management of the materials is developed and then evaluated by the industry experts. It is concluded that the project stakeholders can benefit greatly from a BIM-based material and inventory management system, this also ensures an effective penetration of BIM in the construction industry.