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How will BIM impact future construction industry skills, capabilities and workforce profile?

Draft Discussion Paper

7 August 2014

CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 1

ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SKILLS QUEENSLAND

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent industry-funded body supporting

employers, workers, apprentices and career seekers in the building and construction industry.

We believe that a successful industry relies on a combination of world class capability and access

to the best knowledge.

Funded by an industry training levy, we work closely with students, schools, employers,

apprentices, industry partners, training providers and individuals across Queensland to build

capability at every level of business. CSQ invests in skills and training and distributes timely and

relevant research and information. As a recognised industry leader, our mission is to promote the

building and construction industry as a career of first choice, encourage investment in skills and

training and increase the number of skilled workers in the industry.

For full details about CSQ and the services available, visit www.csq.org.au or call 1800 798 488.

This report is a draft discussion paper – NOT CSQ POLICY

Please send your feedback and comments to:

[email protected]

Disclaimer: Whilst all care and diligence has been exercised in the preparation of this report,

Construction Skills Queensland does not warrant the accuracy of the information contained within

and accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may be suffered as result of reliance on this

information, whether or not there has been any error, omission or negligence on the part of

Construction Skills Queensland, or their respective employees. A number of unforeseen variables

can affect any projections used in the analysis, and as such, no warranty is given that a particular

set of results will be achieved.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Advantages of BIM ........................................................................................................................ 4

2.1 The utility of BIM in the design phase .................................................................................... 5

2.2 The utility of BIM in the construction phase ........................................................................... 5

2.3 The utility of BIM in the operations / maintenance phase ...................................................... 6

2.4 The utility of BIM in the decommissioning phase ................................................................... 6

3. Enablers for BIM ............................................................................................................................ 7

3.1 Major advances in computer technology and IT infrastructure .............................................. 7

3.2 Industry Foundation Classes and OpenBIM .......................................................................... 8

3.3 Increasing Global Support for BIM ......................................................................................... 8

4. Challenges for BIM ........................................................................................................................ 9

4.1 BIM and workforce capability ............................................................................................... 10

5. Discussion ................................................................................................................................... 10


1. INTRODUCTION Building Information Modelling (BIM), sometimes referred to as Building Information Management,

is the use of virtual building information models to develop building design solutions, design

documentation, and to analyse construction processes.

The National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee uses the following

definition:

“Building Information Modelling (BIM) is 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.”

Current BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan,

design, construct, operate and maintain diverse physical infrastructures, from water, wastewater,

electricity, gas, refuse and communication utilities to roads, bridges and ports, from houses,

apartments, schools and shops to offices, factories, warehouses and prisons, etc.

BIM offers the opportunity to develop better cost estimates based on actual elements of the built

asset, better design and construction processes and methods, and a means to engage the client

in the design phase of the built asset. Figure 1 gives a succinct summary of how BIM can improve

sustainability and asset management as it enables collaborative knowledge management across

all stages of the asset lifecycle. Enablers such as Cloud-based storage and fast-internet allow for

engineering knowledge management by easily sharing information - not only within a single

organisation - but also across organisations. This improved and simplified knowledge

management in turn facilitates the potential to increase sustainability and asset management for

all stages of development.

BIMKnowledge

Management

Sustainability

Asset

Management

Fa

cilita

tes

En

ab

les

Figure 1: BIM as the foundation to sustainability and asset management improvement

Much of the potential for BIM has yet to be realised due to the current level of implementation and

assessment. In current practice, BIM is often used as a hybrid, with several differing approaches

being used. Each approach seeks to tighten integration, but the single universal model and

perfect interoperability are still often aspirations, not achievements.

The implementation of BIM will also require training, re-education and the re-thinking of certain

issues. The impact of BIM however does not necessarily mean a drastic overhaul of the industry.


Computer Aided Design has long been taught at universities and trade schools, but (3D)

computer drawings are generally still converted to paper blueprints for the construction site. The

implementation of an all-encompassing BIM system however might see this change in the future,

and digital blueprints could become common on the construction site.

2. ADVANTAGES OF BIM Using a BIM model has a number of advantages over traditional 2D approaches to design and

construction. BIM models can enable collaboration and manage changes between different

professionals involved in the design and construction phase of the built asset.

BIM models can also offer a wealth of information that is generated automatically as the model is

created, such as cost estimating, project planning and control, and even for management of the

operation and maintenance of the built asset. The following benefits of BIM have been identified

from the literature, which are explored in detail below:

- Increased utility and speed

- Enhanced collaborations

- Better data integrity and quality

- Visualisation of data

- Enhanced fault finding

- Overall project productivity

If properly implemented, BIM has some clear advantages and benefits for engineers and

designers. By helping to promote efficiency and reduce wasted effort and minimise disputes,

collaboration facilitated by BIM amongst project team members in the construction industry is

increasing productivity.

Although the developments of BIM have delivered significant improvements in time, cost and

quality outcomes in separate stages of the process, commentators assert that the full benefits of

BIM will not be realised without a delivery methodology that facilitates the integration of the

complete ‘cradle-to-grave’ process.

It appears that the higher the level of integration at the early design stages, the greater the

opportunities to derive maximum benefit from BIM. BIM promotes clearer, more accurate, up-to-

date communication by consolidating currently disparate project information. It also allows all

team members to contribute to the establishment and population of the databases underpinning

the planning, design, construction and operation of the asset.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) and its government counterpart, the

Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) have set out to create and publish a

‘Project Team Integration Workbook1’, aimed at providing project team leaders with tools to make

the task of integrating project teams more effective, facilitated by BIM.

1 https://www.acif.com.au/acif-news/acif-and-government-release-productivity-guides

https://www.acif.com.au/acif-news/acif-and-government-release-productivity-guides


2.1 The utility of BIM in the design phase The latest developments in BIM technology mean that all of the 3D building objects created in the

design phase can coexist in a single ‘project database’, or ‘virtual building’, that captures

everything known about the building.

In BIM, the model comprises individual built assets, sites or geographic information system (i.e.

precise geometric coordinates coupled with accurate geometry and represented visually), with

attributes that define their detailed description, and relationships, that specify the nature of the

context with other objects. Because all components within a BIM are objectified and have

properties and relationships attached to them, BIM is called a ‘rich’ model. In this way BIM offers a

variety of information that is generated automatically as the design model is created. In turn this

information can be used for cost estimating, project planning and control, sustainability (such as

Life Cycle Analysis and Life Cycle Costing), and eventually for management of the operation and

maintenance of the built asset.

A growing library of pre-built manufacturer BIM content is adding to the ease of designing in the

early stages. Manufacturers who provide digital content on for example windows, sliding doors,

toilets, ceiling lights, cabinets, desks etc make it increasingly easy for designers to fully finish and

furnish their design into details such as flooring and colour of the walls. BIM information on

product manufacturing machinery can improve the design of factories as the designer can readily

place machinery into the design and improve workflows.

Over the last six or seven years, designers, builders and owners have come to expect that

product BIM content will be available on the manufacturers’ websites. This process conveniently

offers a BIM manager the ability to download or edit product BIM content models to meet their

standards. Additionally, company websites can provide the manager with specifications, warranty

and installation documentation, tech data sheets, product images and videos, and contact

information.

2.2 The utility of BIM in the construction phase The application of BIM to the construction phase is possible because the underlying data of the

BIM contains rich data concerning not just individual elements of the model, but also the

relationships between these elements. For designers and builders this means that amendments

to building designs can be made rapidly, easily, and accurately as all of the related elements of a

particular drawing are adjusted at the same time.

There are also advantages for sub-contractors involved in the construction phase. The detailed

designs can facilitate coordination of fabrication or computer controlled manufacturing,

coordination of installation, automated estimated / quoting and accurate off-site manufacturing. All

of these, when coordinated properly, will result in improved coordination, reduced time and less

waste. For example, rolling equipment such as excavators could be equipped with both GPS

systems and BIM, to control execution, or even automate excavation processes.

In addition, BIM could be used to monitor the productivity of a construction process. As BIM

collects dynamic real-time data, the user can measure productivity at any given stage, and use it


to support decision making.

A more futuristic outlook on using BIM on the worksite could include augmented reality through

tablets, telephones or equipment like google glass. The worker would have at their immediate

disposal all information required for executing their job.

2.3 The utility of BIM in the operations / maintenance phase Facilities Management (FM) is ‘a business practice that optimises people, process, assets and the

work environment to support delivery of the organisation’s business objectives’ (FMA 1998). If

maintained properly during construction, BIM can become a tool that can be used by the owner to

manage and operate the structure or facility.

BIM also has applicability in this phase of the built asset. Since all the specifications for a built

asset , BIM provides a repository of detailed information about the built asset and its components

that can be used after the completion of the built asset for FM. The facility manager has easy and

quick access to important information during the maintenance phase, and moreover can update

this information over time, which can result in better management of the asset. BIM provides a

tool which can retain records of all the updated data of the built asset.

Additionally, if a particular building element were to fail, then the builder or supplier of that

particular asset could be readily identified and contacted to provide a replacement element. This

framework also means that the owner of the built asset can easily change from one facility

manager to another, as only one single BIM file needs to be exchanged. This means that BIM has

the potential to reduce opportunistic behaviour from the facility manager and creates incentives

for the facility manager to perform as best as possible.

2.4 The utility of BIM in the decommissioning phase At the end of the built asset life, when it is decommissioned, BIM is useful in supplying the

information of the built asset construction, materials and the whole life history. From the BIM,

information about hazardous built asset materials or elements used in the built asset or in repair

work can be identified and these can be extracted and stored appropriately.

The availability and accessibility of such data will increase the speed at which the built asset can

be decommissioned and will also increase the safety of the decommissioning. As some built asset

products are only deemed hazardous many years after construction (e.g. asbestos), having a

detailed database available of the built asset and the composition of its components greatly

assists in the management of risk. BIM increases the overall sustainability of the built asset as it

allows the identification of dangerous materials that require special handling and valuable

materials that can be re-used. It can also assist possible future needs for dismantling built assets

and reusing the entire built asset or components of a built asset, instead of simply demolishing

the built asset.


3. ENABLERS FOR BIM A few major enablers for the implementation of BIM have been developed and progressed over

the past decade. The first is the advancement of IT infrastructure capability and capacity, such as

cloud based data-storage and computing, as well as the capacity of computers to develop and

display 3D models based on large databases.

The second enabler is the creation of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) by the International

Alliance for Interoperability (IAI). In Australia, the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF)

and the Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) have teamed up to develop an

electronic knowledge hub of benefits and resources associated with BIM.

The third enabler is the increasing world wide support for and use of BIM, such as official

mandates by the UK government for the use of BIM in tenders on public projects. These enablers

will be explained in detail below.

3.1 Major advances in computer technology and IT infrastructure The internet is arguably one of the driving forces of globalization. At a practical level, the internet

and roll out of high speed broadband across OECD countries has facilitated the easy exchange

and sharing of large files. This has meant that firms can be separated geographically and operate

in separate time zones, and yet the Internet enables these firms to collaborate on major projects.

Continuous innovations in internet technology and IT infrastructure have in turn increased the

performance of BIM.

Enhanced computing capacity in processing power and graphics, storage and memory, not to

mention better compression algorithms, have meant that larger, more resource intensive files can

be created and shared. This enhanced capacity of computers is another enabler for BIM, because

one of the biggest challenges for efficient BIM project management has always been file size,

central storage, and equal and timely access to project files and raw computing power.

Cloud-based BIM projects provide team members with the advantage of remote access to a

centralised storage location. This provides on-demand global access to the BIM-based project

regardless of the geographic location. Logically, if the entire team is storing their project files in

one location, then everyone is accessing the most current documentation. As a consequence,

delivering complete digital files to the owner at project completion will be faster and easier.

Cloud-based computing means that the BIM software is loaded and runs on remote servers. The

user-operated device (PC, laptop, tablet, and phone) accesses this cloud based software through

the internet. The BIM software uses the computing power of the remote servers for running the

program – not the device accessing the software. This means that devices used to access the

cloud require fewer hardware requirements, such as computing power and storage capacity, and

fewer software upgrades are needed, as upgrades run on the server.


3.2 Industry Foundation Classes and OpenBIM Although BIM may be considered as an independent concept, in practice, the business benefits of

BIM are dependent on the shared utilisation and value-added creation of integrated model data

across multiple firms. There are several reasons to create a global standard for the built asset

sector. One of those is the huge added cost of coordination errors. To access model data

therefore requires an information protocol, and although several vendors have their own

proprietary database formats, the major international open global standard is that published by

buildingSMART through OpenBIM.

OpenBIM recognises the need for vendor-neutral (non-proprietary) methods of exchanging

information throughout a project. Similarly in mid-2011, the Australian Institute of Architects and

Consult Australia formed a BIM and IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) Steering Group to develop

the first comprehensive collection of practice documents related to BIM in Australia for

practitioners who work using BIM and who aspire to implement IPD on their projects.

However, commentators believe that the full extent of the benefits BIM offers are realised only

when everyone involved in design, planning, construction and even post-construction asset

maintenance is able to contribute toward the design and how it delivers on the client’s brief.

To this end, BuildingSMART has registered the IFC format with ISO as ISO/PAS 16739 and is in

the process of becoming an official International Standard ISO/IS 16739. ‘Open’ is the key to the

real value of the buildingSMART standard. IFC can be used to exchange and share BIM data

between applications developed by different software vendors without the software having to

support numerous native formats. As an open format, IFC does not belong to a single software

vendor; it is neutral and independent of a particular vendor’s plans for software development.

3.3 Increasing Global Support for BIM There is an increasing global support for BIM as a business practise. A mandate to use and

support BIM in public tendering processes have been enforced in the UK, recently followed by a

European Parliament Directive to spur BIM adoption in 28 European countries. The adoption of

the directive, officially called the European Union Public Procurement Directive (EUPPD) means

that all 28 European Member States may encourage, specify or mandate the use of BIM for

publicly funded construction and building projects in the European Union by 2016. The UK,

Netherlands, Denmark, Finland and Norway already require the use of BIM for publicly funded

building projects.

In Asia, several countries have taken the lead in BIM. India is one of the fast expanding markets

in BIM technology (called VDC: Virtual Design and Construction). It has many qualified, trained

and experienced BIM professionals who are implementing this technology in Indian construction

projects and also assisting teams in the USA, Australia, UK, Middle East, Singapore and North

Africa to design and deliver construction projects using BIM. Governments in countries such as

South Korea and Singapore are also gradually increasing BIM adoption and implementation.

In the USA, BIM and relevant processes are being explored by contractors, architects and

developers alike. A McGraw Hill Construction study to determine contractors’ use of and attitudes


toward BIM (The 2013 Global Building Information Modelling Study) showed that in the USA

alone, 291 organisations indicated they were involved with or using BIM practises. The research

was conducted through an internet survey and a total of 727 individuals across 10 countries

completed the survey. Of these 727 the majority (60%), reported medium to very high

engagement with BIM.

In summary, BIM as a suite of technologies has been enabled by the significant improvements in

IT infrastructure, the capabilities of computer hardware and software, the increasing adoption of

BIM, and the development of IFC which facilitate the sharing of information between firms.

4. CHALLENGES FOR BIM Just as there are a number of advantages to the use of BIM in construction, there are a number of

challenges. A report by the Construction Industry Business Environment in 2008 discussed a

range of challenges to BIM, such as the single model, interoperability, added work for the

designer, the sheer size and complexity of BIM, and the legal implications of using one model

across multiple organisations. Most of these challenges have been addressed over the years,

partly by continuous innovation in information technology (addressing size and complexity issues,

as well as the single model problem), and part by efforts through organisations such as

BuildingSMART (formerly known as the International Alliance for Interoperability) who have

promoted Industry Foundation Class (IFC) as a neutral product model supporting the building

lifecycle (addressing interoperability issues). The extra work in the early stage of the project is

inherent to BIM, though interoperability and innovations in software have reduced the extra work

significantly.

The legal implications of BIM will not be addressed in this article, as Ashurst Australia has

recently released a concise summary of the current situation around the legal issues associated

with the use of BIM2.

The largest challenge for BIM currently appears to be in the (in)ability to quantitatively prove its

worth. A recent 2014 McGraw Hill Smart market survey on the value of BIM reported a positive

Return on Investment (ROI) for most contractors using BIM in the US, Japan, Germany, France,

Canada, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.

Globally, three quarters of all contractors surveyed by McGraw Hill report a positive Return on

Investment (ROI) through BIM. However, hard evidence or analysis to support this view is not

always easy to find. Projects are often unique and one-off, and it is therefore difficult to compare

what ROI could have been without the implementation of BIM. The overwhelming sentiment

however is that organisations who have implemented BIM have achieved higher ROI. Some of

the top cited benefits of BIM clearly support the potential for higher ROI, such as ‘reduced errors

and omissions’, ‘reduced rework’, ‘reduced construction cost’, and ‘reducing overall project

duration’. Each of these benefits is likely to increase a contractor’s ROI.

2 See: Ashurst Australia (2014), BIM from a practical perspective


4.1 BIM and workforce capability Another potential challenge is identified in the capability and capacity of the current construction

worker in working with and applying BIM to the build site. Building and construction workers are

fast becoming information workers as projects become larger and more complex, and advances

in mobile technology put information and the ability to update models at the fingertips of those on

site.

Going forward, it is possible to imagine that wearable technology will become more commonplace

on construction sites. Interconnected with BIM data, the possibility for augmented reality is quite

real. Meanwhile, the amount of data being captured by project management software will increase

the ability to benchmark project performance against past projects or other current projects.

This will mean that the future construction worker will not only be skilled in their field, but will also

learn how to work and interact with, interpret, and potentially update information to the existing

BIM database. This potentially increases a need for up-skilling and re-skilling of existing

construction workers, at various levels of the workforce.

Key to any successful change is communication and education, and adequate support through

the process. Currently, the Australian VET sector has only one (accredited) Unit of Competency3

available that mentions BIM, though there are various others that relate to CAD and 3D design.

The question arises, whether there will be an increasing need for vocational education and

training (VET) courses dealing with BIM in various ways in the future?

5. DISCUSSION This discussion paper outlines the current potential of BIM to impact on the construction industry.

The promise and advantages of an integrated information and database sharing model across the

entire life-span of a built asset have been identified. Of special interest to the industry, is the

potential cost savings BIM promises to deliver – particularly through improved efficiencies and

effectiveness via enhanced collaboration at all stages of the construction cycle. Recent advances

in IT (both hardware and software) have enabled advanced knowledge management, which in

turn facilitates sustainability and improved asset management in the construction industry.

Many of the tools and technology that have been discussed in this paper are embedded in the

daily work practices of designers and engineers already. The main challenges are not the

interconnection of software tools anymore, but rather establishing processes and best practices,

overcoming the barriers, and managing the social element of socio-technical systems. In other

words - it is not the technology itself that requires attention, but the process of interaction between

architects, engineers, builders and facility managers, as well as the interaction of these

stakeholders with the technology itself, especially on the work site.

3 CPPBDN5013A - Develop and collaborate on building information models for small-scale building design

projects


BIM driven construction is coming to Australia, and the implementation of it is already happening.

What the industry needs to understand is the potential implications for workforce capability and

skills development.

Worldwide, tertiary education institutions are either already providing, or gearing themselves up to

provide, BIM education on both an undergraduate and postgraduate level. Many VET providers

are already providing BIM training to the industry’s tradespeople and para-professionals.

It would appear however that the majority of BIM training is provided by the software vendors and

focuses on training students in the use of particular BIM software packages. Training for both

graduates and professionals in openBIM concepts, BIM management and working in collaborative

BIM environments, appears to be still in its infancy.

To meet future needs in the industry, at both the tertiary and the vocational levels, it is clear that

education providers will need to incorporate some level of BIM training into their curriculum, to

provide the industry with ‘BIM-ready’ graduates.

To support the industry in developing a BIM ready future workforce, a few questions will need to

be addressed, such as;

What are ‘BIM readiness’ skills and/or capabilities that will be needed for the industry?

When will these skills be needed?

Which occupations/career streams will be most affected?

What kind and level of support is needed to accommodate future industry training?

Answers to these questions will place the building and construction industry in a better position to

understand and respond to the impact of BIM on the skills needs of its workforce.

Have your say on this discussion paper

CSQ would like to invite you to share your opinion and knowledge on BIM and the potential

impact on future construction industry skills, capabilities and workforce profile. If you would like to

be involved and share your thoughts, please follow the link to a short survey. The survey will be

available until 31st August 2014.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CSQBIM

For other feedback or comments, please email CSQ at:

[email protected]

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CSQBIM

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