Potential Application of BIM in RFI in Building Projects

Abstract

Requests for information (RFIs) are frequently used by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry to resolve doubts and inaccuracies and to request complimentary information. However, they can be inefficient due to the lag between issuance and response, generating delays and cost overruns. The building information modeling (BIM) methodology allows for the integration of information by using virtual models and facilitating the control and management of RFIs; however, the full potential of BIM is not being exploited. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the RFIs of 17 high-rise building projects in conjunction with the application of BIM for their mitigation. To achieve this, categories of RFI categories were identified, the issuance and response process was analyzed, the building projects’ RFIs were classified, the most frequent problems were identified, the BIM uses that would allow for a reactive or preventive action were identified, and, finally, the potential benefits of BIM use for the reduction of RFIs were analyzed. The research showed that the correct use of BIM applications focusing on RFIs allows for an effective information review, generating preventive or reactive management of problems. Thus, it is possible to identify the recurrent causes of RFIs and those specialties issuing the most RFIs, with the objective of mitigating RFI submission in construction projects.

Quantifying BIM investment value: a systematic review

“…A typical construction project will involve numerous requests for information (RFIs) that can be time-consuming and expensive (Morales et al, 2022). However, with the use of BIM, the number of RFIs can be greatly reduced (Toan et al, 2022;Zakeri et al, 2023).…”

“…Abdelbary et al (2020) analysed several case studies and found that the use of BIM had reduced the number of RFIs by 90%. With all project data available in one place, the project team can respond to RFIs quickly and accurately, reducing time and costs (Morales et al, 2022). Furthermore, BIM can make it easier to track RFIs and ensure timely resolution, which can help prevent delays and keep projects on schedule.…”

Selecting Building Façade Materials by Integrating Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment into Value Engineering

“…BIM tools also grant a proper platform for implementing additional features for performance assessment into a building model [69]. Table A4 (as shown in Appendix A) shows the recent work performed in BIM, especially in buildings [70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78].…”