Application of Relationally Integrated Value Networks in the Implementation of BIM for Better Life Cycle Considerations of Buildings

Abstract

Emerging as an innovative tool with rapidly increasing usage in the construction industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) can provide a platform to enable two dimensions of information exchange, namely i) information sharing among relevant participants within a certain project phase; and ii) information exchange between two or more project phases. The latter is of vital importance to help achieve potential life cycle benefits of BIM. However, a significant gap exists in information flows in current BIM implementation in Hong Kong, between 'Design & Construction' (D&C) and ‘Operation & Management' (O&M). This paper discusses the potential application of a relational management framework named 'Relationally Integrated Value Networks' (RIVANS) to guide the process of information exchange between ‘D&C’ and ‘O&M’ in a BIM system. Possible causes of the above information flow gap are explored and proposals are developed based on RIVANS principles to bridge this gap. Findings and recommendations presented in this paper should pave the way for enhancing information flow in BIM across various phases of a construction project, thereby enabling integrated efforts for improving building life cycle performance.