Measuring BIM's learning effect for construction works: a conceptual model

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is envisaged to bring a paradigm shift to the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industry. Although often in anecdotal evidence, BIM has been widely recognized as a virtual design and construction (VDC) environment, a communication vehicle amongst stakeholders, a lifelong information model, an education platform. However, few articulate it as a learning tool for a project team to familiarize itself with a construction work before it actually commences. The aim of this research is to develop a conceptual model to empirically measure effects of BIM as a learning tool for construction works. Learning curves of two situations: construction works with and without BIM are identified by following a series of analytical processes. Through comparing the two learning curves, the learning effects contributed by BIM are modeled as LeffBIM. The analytical processes embedded in the LeffBIM allow users to distil their own project data and measure the learning effects of BIM in monetary term. Practitioners can use this model to measure BIM’s learning effects by inputting their own project data. They can also use the model to justify the investment on BIM, and improve construction productivity in the long run through adopting BIM widely.