B1. What technology do you think is needed to realize the digital expansion from the building level to the city level?
Establishing digital technology infrastructure is crucial for urban digital transformation. This includes high-speed internet, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Usually, a BIM model for building is typically a presentation of the information by using a model and the data/information catered inside the model. From my personal point of view, digital expansion from the building level to the city level is not only presenting the information but also the collection and monitoring of the data/information from the city. There would be an interaction, or information exchange between each building with its surrounding buildings, in such area, region and further to the entire city.
Currently, the BIM model is mainly focusing on gathering information and showing the information passively, which is mainly based on input from the BIM modeller/operator, but I believe, in future, the BIM model could automatically obtain/collect the information. AI could assist in processing such information and updating the current BIM model. Therefore, we need more technological facilities/infrastructures to support this data collection, storage, analysis, and application at the city level. City-level digitalization requires integrating data from different buildings and domains.
B2. Based on your practical experience, please discuss as a group the following issues:
- The most commonly adopted BEP format(s) in HK, and is it best-fit?
- The most critical, but also most likely unavailable in time information in the BEP? What is your strategy to collect this kind of information?
In Hong Kong, the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plan (BEP) is a critical document that outlines the strategy for implementing BIM on a project. The most commonly adopted BEP format shall be the CIC Pre-Appointment BIM Execution Plan and also the Post-Appointment BIM Execution Plan. The adoption of such recognized standards ensures that the BEP is comprehensive and fit for purpose, catering to the specific needs of the Hong Kong market.
Typically, some of the most critical, but often unavailable or delayed information in a BEP could include:
Detailed Project Goals and BIM Uses:
- Clear and detailed project goals and BIM uses are crucial for a successful BIM project. However, these might not be fully defined or understood at the beginning of the project.
Information Exchanges:
- The specifics of what information needs to be exchanged, when, and by whom, are often not fully known at the start of the project.
Responsibility Matrix:
- This outlines who is responsible for what tasks and when. It can be challenging to define this early in the project, especially if the team composition changes.
Software and Data Formats:
- Decisions about which BIM software and data formats to use might be delayed due to budget constraints, software compatibility issues, or lack of consensus among the team.
To collect this kind of information, a strategic approach could involve:
Early and Regular Communication:
- Engage all stakeholders early in the project and maintain regular communication to clarify project goals, BIM uses, and responsibilities.
Iterative Planning:
- Recognize that the BEP is a living document that should be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
Leverage Technology:
- Use BIM collaboration and project management tools to facilitate information exchange and track progress.
Training and Education:
- Provide training and education to the project team on BIM processes and tools to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
B3. Please design the system to prove the manpower of supply chain assessment and self-audit.
Key to a successful project is the proposed approach, capability, and capacity of each of the Task Teams that make up the Delivery Team. During the tender stage, each Task Team should prepare:
- Task Team Capability and Capacity Assessment;
- Resume / CVs of key Delivery Team members;
- Company overview;
- Information Delivery Strategy;
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Capability;
- BIM Capability; and
- Information Delivery Capability.
Where Task Teams do not have the appropriate skills, software, or resources available, this should be mitigated through risk assessment, procurement and training preferably through the mobilisation stage. Supplier Assessment includes:
Supply chain capability summary form:
- Summary of contents of all other assessment forms to prove capability
Supplier BIM assessment form:
- General BIM questions
- Area of BIM projects may support
- BIM project experience
- BIM capability questionnaire
Supplier IT assessment form:
- General production and distribution of
- Information policies
- Drawing and CAD management
- Document numbering
- Experience with web-based tools
- PI limitations
- Software and systems
- Security
Supply resource assessment form:
- Resources to deliver project and experience
- Organization and team information
B4. Draft the workflow of the BIM model coordination (3D/4D/5D BIM) across the project lifecycle.
3D BIM Coordination Workflow:
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- Information Gathering: Teams provide their respective BIM models.
- Model Integration: All discipline-specific models are integrated into a comprehensive master model.
- Clash Detection: Automatic clash detection is used to identify and resolve conflicts in the model. This helps prevent problems from occurring throughout various project phases.
- Issue Management: Issues identified during coordination are shared between the design and construction teams for resolution.
4D BIM Coordination Workflow:
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- Linking Schedule to Model: The construction schedule is linked to the BIM model. This allows for visualization of the construction sequence and identification of potential scheduling clashes.
- Construction Simulation: The construction process is simulated in the model, showing the sequence of construction activities over time.
- Progress Tracking: The model is used to track progress against the schedule, providing a visual representation of planned vs. actual progress.
- Issue Management: Issues identified during coordination are shared between the design and construction teams for resolution.
5D BIM Coordination Workflow:
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- Cost Estimation: Cost data is embedded in the BIM model, allowing for automatic cost estimation based on the design.
- Budget Tracking: The model is used to track the budget against actual costs, providing a visual representation of planned vs. actual costs.
- Change Management: Changes to the design are tracked in the model, with automatic updates to cost estimates and schedules.
- Issue Management: Issues identified during coordination are shared between the design and construction teams for comment, review and resolution.
B5. Please discuss the contract issue according to a BIM project or potential/existing contract issue of your organization.
For engineering projects, several potential contractual issues can arise. Here are some key points based on the literature:
BIM Use Effectiveness:
- The effectiveness of BIM use can be significantly impacted by the conditions set in the contract. Appropriate contractual conditions regarding the handling of BIM technology can positively impact the performance and outcomes of a project.
Intellectual Property:
- BIM involves the creation and use of detailed digital models, which can raise questions about intellectual property rights. It’s important to clearly define who owns the model and how it can be used.
Liability:
- BIM increases the level of detail and accuracy in project models, which can lead to increased liability for design errors or omissions. Contracts should clearly allocate this liability.
Process-Related Risks:
- BIM changes traditional workflows, which can introduce new risks. For example, if a model is not properly managed, it could lead to information being lost or miscommunicated.
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