The effectiveness of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, in the construction industry has become a hot topic of debate. Used in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry for over a decade now, its effectiveness to certain aspects and sectors of the industry is under constant review. Its implementation into the Swedish bridge construction sector is relatively new, especially when used during the production phase of a projects delivery. This paper aims to investigate how using a 3D BIM during the production phase can improve the performance of production, whilst exploring ways in which to improve the handling of 3D BIM for future projects. This is achieved by following the production phase of the Roforsbron project in Arboga, Sweden. The first of its kind to utilise 3D BIM tools throughout its entire production phase. The theoretical framework focuses on the concepts of constructability, lean construction and productivity as well as reviewing a variety of literature on the benefits and drawbacks of BIM. The empirical data has been gathered through personal involvement of the Röforsbron project, where structured and semi-structured interviews with the workforce make up the bulk of the findings. Empirical observation and practical participation of activities on-site complement the opinions of the personnel. The interviews focus on individuals’ experiences using 3D BIM and their opinions on its effect of the production of the Röforsbron. The problems affecting current production performance often stem from a lack of detailed design and planning that affect constructability. Designing with a larger consideration on how to build and addressing constructability issues early is the means in which production can improve. The Röforsbron project was successful where no rework was performed and attributed many of its savings to the use of 3D BIM. Extra resources and experienced personnel were also a factor in the success of the project. 3D BIM is shown to have the most beneficial effect on the reinforcement works, but also offers a broad range of tangible and intangible benefits to widespread aspects of a bridge project. It is concluded that 3D BIM provides an effective tool in which to improve constructability through facilitating a more detailed design and effective means of understanding through visualisation and communication.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:kth-125347 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Simey, Oscar |
| Publisher | KTH, Bro- och stålbyggnad |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | Trita-BKN-Examensarbete, 1103-4297 ; 389 |
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