Disney, O; Roupé, M; Johansson, M and Domenico Leto, A (2024) Embracing BIM in its totality: A total BIM case study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(3), pp. 512-531. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: Building information modeling (BIM) is mostly limited to the design phase where two parallel processes exist, i.e. creating 2D-drawings and BIM. Towards the end of the design process, BIM becomes obsolete as focus shifts to producing static 2D-drawings, which leads to a lack of trust in BIM. In Scandinavia, a concept known as Total BIM has emerged, which is a novel “all-in” approach where BIM is the single source of information throughout the project. This paper's purpose is to investigate the overall concept and holistic approach of a Total BIM project to support implementation and strategy work connected to BIM. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data were collected through eight semi-structured interviews with digitalization leaders from the case study project. Findings were analyzed using a holistic framework to BIM implementation. Findings: The Total BIM concept was contingent on the strong interdependences between commonly found isolated BIM uses. Four main success factors were identified, production-oriented BIM as the main contractual and legally binding construction document, cloud-based model management, user-friendly on-site mobile BIM software and strong leadership. Originality/value: A unique case is studied where BIM is used throughout all project phases as a single source of information and communication platform. No 2D paper drawings were used on-site and the Total BIM case study highlights the importance of a new digitalized construction process.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM; BIM on-site; building information modeling; digitalization; total BIM |
| Index terms: | design phase, holistic approach, implementation, interdependence, building information modelling, case study, platform, construction process, methodology, interview, design process, digitalization, drawing, strategy, success factor |
| Subjects: | digital design, management, research methods, information systems, organizational analysis, building construction, design methods, data collection methods, business, contractual arrangements, professional practice, health monitoring assessment and metrics, digital technology, technical documentation |
| Topics: | Site Management, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Procurement, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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