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

Transcription

1 How will BIM impact future construction industry skills, capabilities and workforce profile? Draft Discussion Paper 7 August 2014

2 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 or call This report is a draft discussion paper NOT CSQ POLICY Please send your feedback and comments to: research@csq.org.au 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. CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction Advantages of BIM The utility of BIM in the design phase The utility of BIM in the construction phase The utility of BIM in the operations / maintenance phase The utility of BIM in the decommissioning phase Enablers for BIM Major advances in computer technology and IT infrastructure Industry Foundation Classes and OpenBIM Increasing Global Support for BIM Challenges for BIM BIM and workforce capability Discussion CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 2

4 Facilitates Enables 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. Sustainability BIM Knowledge Management Asset Management 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. CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 3

5 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-todate 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 Workbook 1, aimed at providing project team leaders with tools to make the task of integrating project teams more effective, facilitated by BIM. 1 CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 4

6 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 CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 5

7 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. CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 6

8 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. CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 7

9 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 and is in the process of becoming an official International Standard ISO/IS 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 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 CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 8

10 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 BIM 2. 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 CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 9

11 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 Competency 3 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 CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 10

12 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 31 st August Survey: For other feedback or comments, please CSQ at: research@csq.org.au CSQ Draft Discussion Paper - How will BIM impact future construction industry training? 11

13