Optimization of Cost and Time in Construction utilizing 5D BIM Technology

Abstract

Procurement means purchasing or acquiring of goods or services. For construction of a building, materials procurement is an act by which all the required materials are estimated, ordered and delivered on the construction site. The selection and performance of material suppliers or vendors is most important for an adequate procurement because in typical construction projects, the cost of materials can constitute 50-60% of the total cost of project. Construction firms utilize different tools and techniques for materials management for example MIS (Management Information System), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and Bar Code Applications. These days, another innovative and emerging technology that is gaining immense attraction in construction industry is BIM (Building Information Modelling). Previous efforts in BIM-based materials management are limited to the procurement of fabricated MEP items only. So, there is an acute need to investigate an efficient BIM-based framework for materials procurement of both fabricated and non-fabricated items on construction sites especially for RCC buildings.The purpose of research is to investigate the efficient procurement of materials using BIM technology which will lead to the optimization of project’s key factors i.e. cost and time. The objectives of research are to explore procurement management through BIM to ensure timely delivery of materials, leading to cost and time saving. Furthermore, development of a computer application (plug-in) for material procurement on site using BIM database. Plugin is also verified from the industry experts to ensure the validation, practical implementation and functionality of computer application. Materials procurement management has been probed by generating an elaborated and information enriched BIM model of the selected building project. That model later used for detailed 4D and 5D analysis which led the generation of dynamic BIM base materials management plan for the development of the computer application for materials procuremt using Microsoft Visual Studio Programme. Before initiating the research, along with the extensive literature review, field experts’ opinion was also taken to confirm its need in market as well as validation and practical implementation of the developed prototype.Interviews of industry experts including clients, consultants, contractors and academic researchers resulted in a positive response to explore procurement management using BIM. Opinion of all field experts was worthwhile about the validation, practical implementation and functionality of computer application. They were of the view that the application is satisfactory platform for evaluation of procurement for any project. They also confirmed the assistance of developed prototype in timely intimation and decisions for ordering of required materials on construction sites. The professionals also gave suggestions and recommendations during the interviews for improvement in the proposed prototype. This research is limited to procurement management of materials but the generated application can be further extended for inventory management and site logistics management. The BIM based application is to ensure the efficient, precise and JIT delivery of all materials to be used in construction projects. Hence the research investigates the procurement through 5D BIM technology while sparing the expense and time during the execution stage. As an emerging technology, Building Information Modelling is acting like a fuel behind the accelerated development of the worldwide construction projects. This research too assist the construction industry of Pakistan to step ahead towards cost and time efficient delivery of construction projects through BIM.