Evaluation of practicality of virtual design and construction (VDC) with 5D building information modelling (BIM) through a case study

Abstract

Virtual design and construction (VDC) is defined as the use of multi-disciplinary performance models for the purposes of design-construction projects. The use of VDC in construction projects enables the stakeholders to communicate and visualize the buildability and construction sequence which will impact on a project’s success in terms of delivery time and cost. This case study investigated the process of integrating different dimensions of information such as time scheduling (4D) and cost estimation (5D) with a 3D model to simulate a 5D Building Information Modelling (BIM) process. The study explored the application of VDC with 5D BIM for a commercial building, namely Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long City Campus. Through this case study, it enables comparisons of a virtual model and an actual construction in order to evaluate the advantages, practicality, and limitations of the VDC applications. The 5D model provided comprehensive information to manage the complex design-construction process by considering its timeline and cost. Six modelling stages were undertaken, namely inputting and modelling, clash detection test, time scheduling, quantification and cost estimation, virtualization, and walkthrough of the model. The results revealed that the practicability of the 5D BIM was influenced by the modelling effort, inter-operability, information output and limitations. The study also showed that VDC with 5D BIM significantly reduced the technical barrier for clients to participate in construction project, thus increasing the clients’ satisfaction of the works by bridging the gap of perception and actual outcomes from the construction.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management

“…Figure 4 shows the benefits. In the construction phase, BIM ensures cost savings by significantly increasing the accuracy of the modellingusing 4D (time), 5D (cost) and 6D (as-built) simulations not only to calculate costs and times but also to compare them with the actual construction progress (Smith, 2014;Lee, et al, 2021). To finish the triad, the operational costs phase gains notoriety if integrated with the technical requirements in the design process.…”

Potential Integration of Bridge Information Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment/Life Cycle Costing Tools for Infrastructure Projects within Construction 4.0: A Review

“…For instance, BIM can be the main element in changing the entire construction industry of designing and constructing buildings, much like BrIM would be for bridges. Construction projects can be controlled directly in a digital environment using integrated platforms, like 4D planning, 5D cost estimation, and clash detection [9]. A newer construction industry needs more intelligent resources, but intelligent construction is still in its first stages [10].…”