Brooks, T; Zantinge, R and Elghaish, F (2023) Investigating the future of model-based construction in the UK. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 12(5), pp. 1174-1197. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: Although data rich building information models have been widely adopted in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in the United Kingdom (UK), use of 2D drawings on site for construction is still the norm. The ability of 2-dimensional (2D) drawings to convey complex 3-dimensional information is limited and requires interpretation from operatives, and 2D drawings can be quickly superseded by model updates. Although constructing directly from a model has been adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries, its use in construction is in its infancy. This research therefore aims to investigate the potential for, and barriers to, model-based construction in the UK. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a qualitative approach, thematically analysing 13 semi-structured interviews with UK-based construction professionals who have experience of paperless or model-based construction. Findings: Although model -based construction has been implemented to a limited extent on some civil engineering projects; research and investment in software, network capacity, legal and contractual issues, and cultural and human factors will need to be considered before model-based construction can be implemented more widely. Originality/value: The research contributes to an understudied, emergent area of construction practice and outlines hurdles that need to be understood and overcome before more widespread adoption of model-based construction can take place.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; digital construction; drawingless construction; information and communication technology applications; model-based construction; technology |
| Index terms: | interview, information and communication technology, United Kingdom, drawing, methodology, human factor, building information modelling, digital construction, qualitative approach, automotive industry, construction professional, operative |
| Subjects: | Geography, professional development, research methods, industry analysis, information systems, occupational health and safety management, computing systems, practitioner, data collection methods, technical documentation |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Digital Applications, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Information Management, Health and Safety |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here