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Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of engineering, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of engineering, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of engineering, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
Assoc.Professor Str. Eng. & Constr. Management Department, Faculty of engineering, Future University, Cairo, Egypt
ABSTRACT
One of the major challenges facing project stakeholders, especially in marine projects, is the information islands
phenomenon. This phenomenon arises from using different software by each stakeholder, transformation of large amount of
data and reuse of these data to match stakeholders management approach. This creates gaps, losses and duplication of data at
almost all project stages. Implementing of Building Information Modeling (BIM) may provide stakeholders with many
advantages and benefits that can achieve their projects objectives. Literature review of latest BIM in construction showed that
the development of interoperability as it is the only way to close information gaps. This development included additional areas
such as; schedule (4th D), cost estimation (5th D) and sustainability (6th D) as well as using higher level of detail (LOD),
Decomposition of elements and interoperability. etc. In this research interoperability is developed as the main approach to
close information gaps. This development is carried on via handling of interoperability with two approaches. One approach is
the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) which is an open-data format developed by building SMART. In which, the IFC is
facilitating of information transfer among BIM programs. The main obstacle of transferring data from modeling to schedule
or cost estimation software is the disability of breaking down element. The second approach of interoperability development is
by integrating the information systems which can provide a unique environment to facilitate successful information exchange.
A comparison among three approaches of management approaches in marine projects to illustrate how each approach may be
able to overcome information gaps. This include (1) the current traditional two-dimensional (2D) way of transferring data; (2)
Available BIM software with help of IFC; and (3) the integrated information system developed to adopt almost all BIM feature.
Keywords: Building Information Modeling, Marine projects, Schedule, Cost estimation and Integration
1-INTRODUTION
It has long been criticized that the construction sector in Egypt associated with a great amount of inefficiency,
unsatisfactory performance, inappropriate design, poor construction planning, and lack of communication between
stakeholders. BIM created effective ways to develop and prefer between construction sequences to ensure continuous
flow of resources by reducing space clashes between activities.
Previous work on this research reveals how marine industry is surrounded by many obstacles which hinder industry
progress. BIM was introduced as a promising solution to narrow and close information gaps between stakeholders.
Many hot areas were recommended for future development of BIM. In this research interoperability is developed as
main approach to close information gaps.
1.1 Background of Research
BIM is the newest technology in construction industry which is intended to overcome all associated barriers which
hinder industry development.
Qinghua [1] conducted analysis shows the distribution and structure of BIM research themes during the period of
20062015 in China which prove growing attention for BIM as shown in the following figure.
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Figure 1 Number of BIM-related papers published yearly from 2006 to 2014 in china. Qinghua [1].
Previous research showed that current BIM related researches concentrates on clash detection, data management and
visualization, scheduling, and quantity takeoff compared with expert functionalities attached to BIM, such as jobsite
safety, risk scenario planning, or recycling management.
Dr. Lieyun Ding [2] summarized the development of BIM from 3-D to nD. The first step was by combining the fourth
dimension (4-D) of time to demonstrate schedule and the fifth dimension (5-D) of cost to demonstrate cost estimation
and cash flows. nD modeling contains various technical features such as; quality, safety, environmental protection, etc.,
Yaling Deng [3] used information visualization software CiteSpace to collect and analyze 290 BIM-related papers in
the core database of Web of Science from 1990 to 2014. Four hot research fields of BIM were got: related concepts of
BIM; interactivity; GIS; application function of BIM. Finally by detecting burst words it got the future research trend of
BIM, they respectively are cost estimation, GIS, the IFC standard; topology information; computer aided.
1.2 Problem Statement
During the development of BIM system, many recommendations were observed for future research. One of BIM
challenges is what is called information islands. This expression arises from using different software by each
stakeholder, transformation of large amount of data and reentering of these data to fit different software used by
stakeholder. This creates gaps, loss and duplication of data at almost all project stages. BIM experts suggested
interoperability as solution to close information gaps. Interoperability was discussed from two perspectives. The first,
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) which is an open-data format developed by buildingSMART. The goal of IFC is to
facilitate transferring information between different programs developed by various BIM vendors. Disability of
breaking down element was the main obstacle when transferring data from modeling to schedule or cost estimation
software. The second way for interoperability is by developing integrated information system which provides a unique
environment to facilitate successful information exchange. But adding various BIM feature like modeling, structural
design, schedule, cost estimation.etc. to be handled in one manner was a complicated area for development.
Xinan Jiang [4] holds comparison between parametric models in CAD and object-based parametric models in BIM.
Presenting objects by both physical and functional parameters is one of BIM features. Three hot area were
recommended for future development: i) develop BIM technology with higher levels of detail (LOD), ii) obtaining a
scheduled financial analysis by associating time and cost parameters simultaneously with BIM components, iii)
allocation and simulation of resources on 4-D BIM model to manage resource utilization according to the most updated
design.
Masha Ghaznavi [5] developed an integrated project system framework for tunneling construction projects. It was
claimed that there are numerous IFC-compatible applications for building construction projects which facilitate
management roles of the project life cycle. On the other side, no tunnel design application based on a universal data
model is available in the market. These findings reveal marine projects needs to gain BIM benefits as there is no
application specified in this field.
Eastman [6] suggested decomposition and aggregation for future development. Because objects shown as a single entity
may need to be broken into parts to show construction procedure or how they will be constructed. Another challenge
faces planners is how to break up specific components, such as walls or roofs, that a designer or engineer would model
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as a single component but the planner would divide or break - up into zones. This capability is not offered by most
specialized tools, and the planner must perform these break - ups within the 3-D/BIM tool.
Bhargav DAVE [7] discussed integration of information sources to production management systems in real-time to
enable accurate decision making. Information such as material procurement and delivery, equipment hire and
availability, labor availability, space availability, etc. Again, none of the commercial systems can deal with dynamic
integration of such information sources
It could be noted from this discussion that while the current systems offer a significant improvement compared to the
traditional 2D CAD and 3-D CAD systems, there is still potential for improvement and a gap in the current system.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 BIM Definition
BIM is viewed according to the following definition from the National Building Information Modeling Standards[8]:
A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge
resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing
from earliest conception to demolition. A basic premise of BIM is collaboration by different stakeholders at different
phases of the life cycle of a facility to insert, extract, update or modify information in the BIM to support and reflect
the roles of that stakeholder (NBIMS, 2007, p. 21).
Eastman [6] defines BIM as a verb or adjective phrase to describe tools, processes, and technologies that are facilitated
by digital machine-readable documentation about a building, its performance, its planning, its construction, and later
its operation.
2.2 BIM Techniques-State-of-Art
Bhargav DAVE [7] studied the importance to identify what are the current systems in the market that support the
construction management/production management activities. Also, to avoid duplicating the features available with the
current commercial systems, their main limitations and available features should also be identified. These features may
include, but are not limited to:
i. Construction sequencing known as 4-D simulation
ii. Clash detection analyzing clashes between various designs (such as architectural, structural and MEP)
iii. Visualization of design during construction
iv. Communication, including marking up of design for clarification
v. Quantity and cost take--off
vi. Constraints analysis
vii. Evaluation of what--if scenarios
viii. Visual tracking of progress
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Eastman [6] holds a comparison between various systems from their construction management capability viewpoint.
Autodesk Navisworks, Synchro, Vico constructor, Tekla CM and Solilbri are samples of current BIM software systems
which have features in different ways. These tools offer important benefit over the traditional CAD systems where
construction users have to use imagination to gain a deeper understanding and yet some of the functions such as clash
detection or 4-D simulation would not be possible to achieve. A wide range of case examples of benefits is emerging
from the use of such systems in the industry. On some of the complex projects such as a hospital, multi-story
commercial building, stadiums, etc. it is not uncommon to identify several hundred if not thousand clashes during
design and early construction stages.
However, in terms of detailed production planning, scheduling and control capabilities, and the capability of BIM tools
still remains limited. Barring Vico and Synchro, none of the tools offer detailed production planning and resource
linkage to the production plans, and mostly offer 4-D planning capability which let the users simulate the project only
at the master plan level.
Both Synchro and Vico demonstrate some capability to provide a detailed production planning by enabling the
development of detailed plans and links to the model. Also, neither Synchro nor Vico offer the pull production
management capability, however Vico has partially implemented the Look ahead scheduling workflow. Also, Vico is
predominantly based on the Line of Balance scheduling method and for projects which are not using this method or the
teams which are not familiar with the method, the usability remains somewhat limited. On the other side, many users
claimed that both Vico and Synchro are of complex nature and prior training and experience is required before the
users can start to use them to its full potential. This remains one of the critical issues for software being used for
production planning and control. For such a complex system, it may not be possible to train the whole supply chain and
site team in using the system on daily or weekly basis, hence it remains a tool to be Used by a selected few users
located at the head-office or a central BIM team. This somewhat limits the usability of the system to be used on site.
Bhargav DAVE[7].
Previous research observed that neither of the system provides detailed constraints analysis at task level or assignment
of responsibility and real-time task status updates to enable accurate production planning. As it was observed, one of
the cornerstone principles of pull planning is to carry out detailed constrains analysis at the look-ahead and weekly
planning level and to assign responsibility to task/trade leaders/managers to ensure the constraints are removed before
the tasks are considered for production. However, such level of production planning is not yet available in any of the
commercially available systems. Table 1 shows a comparison between Construction Management capabilities of BIM
systems.
Table 1: Comparison between Construction Management Capabilities of BIM Systems. Bhargav DAVE[7].
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The second step which is intended to assure that the owner will receive the building as envisioned is simulating. The
value of simulating is to test the consequences of what will happen if a project is implemented which asset in reaching
and making the right decisions. The value of the decisions lies in screening different alternatives and quantifying cost
versus performance. Simulations also provide an opportunity to experience the planned future in real-time and therefore
a clear picture of the results. Force Technology [10].
3.1.3 Entering soil properties
The most important factor to be considered in any project is soil properties. To obtain clear vision of soil nature, it is
essential to get information as possible be obtained regarding strata, ground water, tidal water, embankments, existing
foundation, buried services and the like in order to design the most suitable piling in terms of strength stability and
economy. These data should be incorporated into the framework to assure that client demands planned in previous two
steps could be safely constructed.
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Proposed Framework
(1)
Testing
operation
Detecting client
demand
Conceptual
design
Soil Properties
(2)
Structural
design
Site geometry
Procurement
Resources
Construction
logistics
Sheet piles
Reinforcement
Bollards
Ready mix
concrete
Labor
Equipment
Construction
scenarios
Fenders
Rented
n-D
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4. CASE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to compare the current 2D-delivery system with Integrated BIM system. BIM offer
many features which could overcome current problems of 2D-system. To achieve this goal a case study will be presented
to reveal causes of information gabs. The effect of each problem on various dimensions will be estimated. Then, these
problems will be studied to evaluate if BIM could enhance it or not.
4.1 Project Description
The project is developing existing quay wall which consists of steel sheet piles supporting reinforced concrete beams to
facilitate barges loading. The existing quay walls are approximately 50 years old, so it is near the end of its design life
and sheet piles adversely affected by corrosion and it is risky to use it for loading barges. In order to load barges of 3M
draught, an extension to the existing quay wall has been studied.
After investigating soil properties, rocky strata push the planner to change existing structure system from using sheet
piles to use gravity wall. The main cause of choosing gravity wall was for two reasons. First, high tidal range cause
rapid deterioration of steel sheet piles. Second, the rocky strata need special technique and equipment to drive sheet
piles which considered time consuming in addition to cost overrun. So, it is proposed to construct a new gravity wall
seaward of the existing quay wall over the length of the existing berths. Granular fill material or crushed concrete will
be used to infill the space between the new gravity wall and the existing quay wall. The following figure shows the
cross section of the proposed gravity wall system.
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The client took 28 days to approve the submitted 2D drawings. As the client is not proficient as engineers he wasnt
able to imagine or judge the operation of loading barges. 2D drawing didnt dissipate client fears of clash between
barge and cant leaver beam when the barge is empty. Using RTSM it took only 20 mints to model and simulate all
critical operations. Finally, RTSM saved this period which equal (3.83%) of time losses.
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3
4
5
6
7
Category
Problem description
After arranging blocks of corner support and during loading test, the
measured settlement exceeded the permissible limits in Egyptian code.
The client took a lot of time to approve the submitted 2D drawings.
As the client is not proficient as engineers he wasnt able to imagine
or judge the operation of loading barges. 2D drawing didnt dissipate
client fears of clash between barge and cant leaver beam when the
barge is empty.
Bad climate conditions
The contractor faced many problems for performing workshop
drawing of block arrangement in corner supports.
During excavation the contractor found massive concrete section
conflicting with the new gravity wall.
The crane driver put a huge concrete block tons over the cant leaver
beams which immediately caused failure cracks
Using unsustainable materials
Code
Category description
Inadequate planning
Inadequate planning
A
D
C
Waste
Sustainability
A
C
B
C
A
D
C
Total losses using 2D delivery system
losses using proposed framework will be
Efficiency using proposed framework
BIM
role
Health &
Safety
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Category
Cost
%
Problem
No.
Time
%
9.58
3.83
8.21
3.28
4.38
6.16
35.47
22.87
35.52
1.77
1.11
0.44
3.33
1.55
53.33
1
1
0
1
18.26
18.26
10.95
40
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5. CONCLUSION
BIM is the newest technology in construction management which is intended to give momentum to various construction
industry branches. The first part of this research investigated seven marine projects to find out the most repetitive and
influential factors causing inefficiency. The investigation showed that the main factors are; insufficient site investigation
data, change orders, security precautions, bad climate conditions, uneconomic design, poor supply, low consideration
given for health and safety and finally inadequate planning. BIM was introduced as a cutting edge solution for different
marine industry problems.
Development of BIM was surrounded by many hot areas recommended for study. One of the major challenges facing
project stakeholders, especially in marine projects, is the information islands phenomenon. This phenomenon arises
from using different software by each stakeholder, transformation of large amount of data and reuse of these data to
match stakeholders management approach. Interoperability was recommended as the main approach to close
information gaps. But development of interoperability was surrounded by two main obstacles. The first is the disability
of breaking down element when using IFC approach. The second, the difficulty of gathering and managing information
related to all stakeholders to be managed in one manner.
This research developed integrated information system to overcome barriers which hinder development of
interoperability in marine projects. This system is mainly consists of framework and software to validate the
framework. By applying the software to a real case study it was found the RTSM software enhanced project parties
capabilities to gain BIM benefits and to overcome the traditional problems of current 2D delivery system.
REFERENCE
[1]. Qinghua He1, Ge Wang, Qian Shi, and Yaxian Zhou. Application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in
Chinas Megaprojects: Bibliographic Analysis, International Conference on Innovative Production and
Construction 2015 (IPC 2015), 28-31 July 2015, Perth, Australia, pp. 61-64, 2015.
[2]. Dr. Lieyun Ding, BIM Applications: From 3-D to n-D. Proceedings of 2012 Australasian Conference on
Innovative Technologies in Construction ,Wuhan, China, 6-7 December 2012, pp. 7-8, 2012.
[3]. Yaling Deng , Bo Xu, Xiao Li, Development and Frontier of Building Information Model Visualization Analysis
Based on Science Knowledge Map. International Conference on Innovative Production and Construction 2015
(IPC 2015), 28-31 July 2015, Perth, Australia, pp. 15-18, 2015.
[4]. Xinan Jiang, Developments in Cost Estimation and Scheduling in BIM Technology, Master of Science,
Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts, 2011.
[5]. Masha Ghaznavi, Developing an Information Modeling Framework for Tunnel Construction Projects, Master of
science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 2013.
[6]. Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., and Liston, K. BIM Handbook, 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011.
[7]. Bhargav Dave, Developing a Construction Management System Based on Lean Construction and Building
Information Modeling, PhD Thesis, University of Aalto, Finland, 2013.
[8]. NBIMS, National Building Information Modeling Standards: Overview Principles, and Methodologies. National
Institute of Building Sciences, United States (Version 1: Part 1, p. 21), 2007.
[9]. Christopher M.Hostetler, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its Potential Impacts on Sustainable Building
Project Delivery, Master of Science, University of Florida, USA, 2009.
[10]. Force Technology, Virtual world replicating future reality, http://forcetechnology.com/en/maritimeindustry/cargo -vessels/simulation-studies-for-maritime-operations, [access date; May 2016].
[11]. Esri, Make Better Decisions the Moment Something Happens, Available: http://www.esri.com/products/arcgiscapabilities/real-time-gis , [access date; October 2016].
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AUTHOR
Eng. Mohamed Abd Elmoty Mohamed Khalil received the B.S. degree in Civil Engineering
from Suez Canal University , Egypt in 2007, I received the M.S. degree in Construction
Engineering from Port Said University in 2013 ,worked as site engineering in Arab Contractors
Company, Egypt from(2007-2010), currently I am designer of marine structures in Suez Canal
Authority.
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