nD modelling: industry uptake considerations

Abstract

Case studyPurpose nD modelling technology ushers in novel possibilities to transform the design, production and use of buildings by providing a '… multi-dimensional model … [which] … enables true what-if analyses to be performed to demonstrate the real cost in terms of the design issues … [and] … the trade-offs between the parameters … clearly envisaged' (Lee, et al., 2003: 5). The espoused benefits of a new technology such as nD modelling, however, are not sufficient in itself to ensure its widespread adoption and use within the construction industry. Technology transfer is widely considered to be a potentially powerful mechanism to provide the construction industry with new technologies that can, where appropriate, transform and complement current technologies to create and sustain better levels of performance (DTI, 2002; Mitropoulos and Tatum, 1999; DETR, 1998). This paper aims to identify the key enablers and obstacles to the effective adoption and use of nD modelling technology. Methodology/ approachThis paper explores the feasibility of industry absorbing and diffusing nD modelling technology by considering key technology transfer issues; namely organisational direction, interorganisational networks, and knowledge characteristics of technology. Findings from semi-2 structured interviews around a diagnostic technology transfer framework are used to offer implications for theory and practice. FindingsThe results from 15 survey interviews indicate that construction professionals appreciate the potential significant benefits of nD modelling technology, but at present, nD modelling technology is seen as too embryonic; too far removed from construction firms' 'comfort zones'; requiring too much investment; and, containing too many risks. Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that the challenge for nD modelling technology, along with any new technology, is to shift from its 'technology push' emphasis to a more balanced 'market orientated' stance which allows the technology to be shaped by both strategic design concerns, and the rough and tumble of day-to-day operational needs. If this trajectory is pursued, nD modelling technology has a positive future. Keywords: nD modelling, technology transfer, building information model, innovation, IT (information technology) IntroductionA construction project team is characterised by many professionals from various disciplines.The central ambition for this team is to satisfy all stakeholder requirements in order to generate a mutually beneficial solution. This idealised aim requires appropriate integration of project information; however, this is difficult to achieve due to the constraints and conflicts upon the An nD model is an extension of the building information model, which incorporates multiaspects of design information required at each stage of the lifecycle of a building facility (Lee et al, 2003). nD is unlike traditional 2D and 3D CAD (computer aided design) systems where the building design is represented in multiple files made up of lines, arcs and cir...

Critical Success Factors for Building Information Modelling Implementation

“…Thereby requiring education and training of the industry practitioners to understand how the technology works. This is in line with Lee & Sexton (2007) findings that education and training is still the most successful means of knowledge and technology gain for adoption of new technology. Similarly, BIM objectives must be communicated to users before it can be deployed routinely in the industry.…”

“…In order to encourage incremental use of BIM by industry practitioners, gap caused by non-availability of trained professionals to handle BIM tools and software availability and affordability must be addressed to ensure smooth implementation. The 5 constructs encapsulate the people and technology aspect of information technology adoption, it also highlighted change management at organisation level which is an integral part of innovation adoption in the construction industry (Lee & Sexton, 2007). This includes understanding of how to use appropriate software to meet the requirements of end-users in BIM model.…”

Views on building information modelling, procurement and contract management

“…They include stage 1, from inception to design; stage 2, from design to beginning of construction (procurement decisions and contract management inclusive); stage 3, from beginning to end of construction; stage 4, from construction completion to facilities' use and management; and stage 5, the facility disposal stage. These stages have been synthesised variously by Chang and Shih (2013) and Lee and Sexton (2007) into 'the levels of development' in BIM.…”

Designing for construction workers’ occupational health and safety: a case study of socio-material complexity

“…The knowledge-based tools described by Davison and Cooke et al did not progress beyond the prototype stages of development, while the implementation of a building model capable of being used throughout the design, construction and operation stages of a building's life cycle has mainly been applied on trial projects, often driven by large public sector clients (Howard and Björk, 2008). Lee and Sexton (2007) identify attitudinal barriers to the adoption of BIM, including perceptions that the technology is too 'embryonic,' requires too much investment and is too far removed from existing organizational and business processes (Lee and Sexton, 2007). The limited application of information communication technology (ICT) tools raises questions about their level of practical usefulness to support CHPtD in the context of construction design work.…”