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JOURNAL FOR DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
FOCUS
BIM TRAINING COURSES
TRENDS
GETTING AHEAD WITH DAQRI SMART HELMET
BIM
GLOBAL STANDARDS & PROTOCOLS
www.construction-week.com 1
Totally Construction Week
presents
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www.construction-week.com
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ISSUE 3 2016
CONTENTSMessage from the editor.......................................................................................................................... 2
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING
BIM for terrifi ed contractors ................................................................................................................... 4
A smarter approach to BIM..................................................................................................................14
BIM and your business............................................................................................................................16
The current global context of BIM...................................................................................................18
Savings realised through Building Information Modelling ............................................. 20
COST MANAGEMENT
ICMS (Integrated Cost Management Solutions): A case study ........................................ 6
Magnitude: A new benchmark for real-time construction project management ........................................................................................................................ 13
Stamp of approval for Rubberstamp .............................................................................................17
DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION
Bruma Lake Bridge gets a facelift ...................................................................................................... 8
INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE
Shawn B Hopkins: An architect’s perspective .......................................................................... 10
Yashaen Luckam: 3D Architecture and design software .................................................. 12
INDUSTRY TECH TRENDS
Daqri Smart Helmet ................................................................................................................................. 22
EDUCATION & TRAINING
BIM Institute: Building Information Modelling Courses .................................................... 23
THE LAST WORD
Why BIM shouldn’t just be about design and construction ........................................... 24
CSIT is the offi cial bi-annual journal of the BIM Institute and is offi cially endorsed by
31 Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, Tokai • PO Box 30875, Tokai, 7966, SA • Tel +27(0)21 700 4300 • Fax +27(0)21 702 4340
CHAIRMAN: Rudi Leitner e-mail: [email protected]
CEO: Devi Paulsen-Abbott e-mail: [email protected]
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Errol Bryce e-mail: [email protected]
EDITOR: Vaughan Harris e-mail: [email protected]
PROJECT MANAGER: Jennifer Rees e-mail: [email protected]
ADVERTISING: Waseem Sallie e-mail: [email protected]
DESIGN, LAYOUT & PRODUCTION: Virgil Jacobs e-mail: [email protected]
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Hypenica accepts no responsibility for any opinions or statements in this publication. Consequently no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following any statements or opinions expressed herein.
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JOURNAL FOR DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS
FOCUS
BIM TRAINING COURSES
TRENDS
GETTING AHEAD WITH DAQRI SMART HELMET
BIM
GLOBAL STANDARDS & PROTOCOLS
22CSIT September 2016
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CSIT September 2016
editor’s comment
The BIM Institute came into task in May 2015 as an independent body to enable technical experts to discuss digital construction solutions that can be adopted by professionals working within the construction sector. The initial task of the BIM Institute was to promote the SA BIM Protocol through its various partners and steering committee members. The portfolio very quickly evolved with the investment from industry software vendors and other professionals to help support the BIM initiative for Africa.
It’s going to get technical. Are you ready?
By Vaughan Harris
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The success of the BIM conference in March and the Construction IT Expo in May saw associations such as SAIA and ASAQS supporting the BIM process.
Our key objective now is to have the industry support us in driving best practice, as we believe that this mission is best achieved through events and media. Together, these environments create a dialogue for companies to engage in partnerships and support initiatives such as the SA BIM Protocol, which will directly or indirectly aff ect the entire industry some way or another in the not-so-distant future.
The SA BIM Protocol is aimed at all professionals, who are working with, or are looking to work with Building Information Modeling in a consistent and coordinated approach. In and of itself, the (SA) BIM Protocol is not a standard; it is, for want of a better description, an implementation guide to deploying offi cial South African processes in a BIM scenario.
The BIM Institute is in an ideal position as a non-biased entity to create partnerships and together explore solutions to ‘optimise the eff ectiveness of digital technologies’ in unity with our international partners, Canadian BIM Council (CanBIM) and AEC (UK).
A key tenet to the BIM Institute is promoting partners, software vendors and professionals, which will hopefully assist in introducing sustainable change and direct knowledge exchange.
The participation of universities and institutions can also help us grow graduates and professionals in digital construction skills, paving the way for all to have a role in creating a digital construction path for the country and continent.
With that, I welcome you to the third issue of Construction Software & IT. I hope you enjoy the read and welcome any feedback you may have to off er.
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CSIT September 2016
BIMfor terrifi ed contractors
building information modelling
“Group Five Engineering and Construction are one of the contractors that have started to invest heavily in BIM tools and processes available on the market. But what has happened to the rest?
With recent technological advancements over the past decade, especially regarding Building Information Modelling
(BIM), many companies globally have acknowledged this trend and have joined the radical paradigm shift of adopting BIM.
For the contractor, BIM presents huge challenges and opportunities, particularly in the area of estimating and quantity take-off . We have already observed the many capabilities of BIM tools automatically generating quantity take-off s and measurements directly from a digital drawing of a building, a process that, traditionally, is very time consuming for contractors and is often referred to as the ‘brain drain’ in measuring. Even so, there are still many contractors out there who are unaware of what BIM really is and what it has to off er the industry.
I am of the opinion that much of the automated quantifi cation eff ort is worthless if the third-party data on the working project is inadequate. Day-to-day monitoring of quantities and costs is useless without the actual knowledge of what is important at a given moment. This is often the fundamental responsibility of a quantity surveyor in a contractor’s environment who needs hands-on knowledge of how the forecasted quantities were achieved in order to have an
accurate anticipation of actual versus allowable quantities.
A number of key challenges globally in BIM estimating have been identifi ed with the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) and when applying the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) when preparing cost estimates. Even though NRM1 was developed as the standard measurement rule to guide the quantifi cation of building works for preparation of order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans (BCIS, 2009; RICS, 2012), it does not specify a standard pricing format when extracting quantities from a digital plan.
From my recent research on BIM in South Africa, it was interesting to learn that Group Five Engineering and Construction are one of the contractors that have started to invest heavily in BIM tools and processes available on the market. But what has happened to the rest? Can we point fi ngers at the software vendors in South Africa who are not implementing BIM tools or are contractors too busy to research
BIM and understand new ways of working? Personally I think it is the latter and all too often hear from contractors, “Why fi x something that’s not broken?”
For all the noise and mandates on BIM around the world, nobody is going to force a person or company to adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM) locally – not yet anyway. If they want to, they can just carry on as usual and tune out from all the jargon, but what will happen if BIM is not embraced and how will processes aff ect contractors who are not staying ahead of their game?
When others around the workplace start to talk about or adopt BIM in certain ways, only then will those slow to adopt sit up and take note. Much like the smartphone market today, while everybody talks about downloading new apps and using extended smartphone features, one might feel comfortable in being part of that discourse, even though one does not own a smartphone, because one feels suffi ciently abreast of technology by being
building information modelling
able to make calls and send text messages. But this is a comfortable illusion. The same will happen with BIM; competitors will start producing notably better tenders, doing faster take-off s, more accurate tenders and managing information more quickly and effi ciently.
Many contractor employees tend to be shielded or controlled by the organisations they work for and often the software they use is outdated or is not BIM compliant. Unfortunately, the consequences of failing to embrace BIM could well be more dire for the organisation than for the individual.
Construction estimating software is designed to help estimators and quantity surveyors to engineer bills of quantities and to manage and track the costs related to a project regardless of BIM being used or not. All too often we tend to fi nd contractors operating on diff erent estimating software packages to professional quantity surveyors’ fi rms, which sometimes makes it diffi cult to compare apples with apples. Data is all too often then shared among various parties on the project using either Excel spreadsheets or formats
“All too often we tend to fi nd contractor fi rms operating on diff erent estimating software packages to professional quantity surveyors fi rms, which sometimes makes it diffi cult to compare apples with apples
such as .csv or XML fi les. Typically, all estimating applications focus on helping create accurate bills of quantities and tender proposals, but also help users track the actual monthly valuation quantities and costs associated with resources used on the projects, i.e. materials, labour, overheads and sub-contractors. Some systems go even further by assisting in managing other aspects of the job, like bar chart scheduling, cash fl ow, budget forecasting and materials breakdown.
The transition for most companies to adopt BIM processes or even to attempt to select the correct software solutions is a diffi cult task, especially when many companies are not aware of the various industry systems available
on the market today. All too often the choice of software for the company is made either by executives only interested in the reporting side or by infl uential individuals who are ardent fans of a particular software tool and who may fear losing control by advancing onto new and improved technology. These individuals are often responsible for a lack of progress towards new processes like BIM.
The option for deployment of new alternative software systems can also be due to the substantial increase in software and hardware costs. Companies have also refrained from looking at new and improved digital solutions during the downturn in the economy. CIT
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CSIT September 2016
cost management
Petroserv, a leading EPIC contractor, engaged CCS to help align its construction and technology processes in order to achieve greater accuracy across projects.
Petroserv identifi ed that improved project cost control would enable it to operate more competitively within the construction industry. However, as an EPIC contractor, Petroserv manages vast amounts of data with a multitude of IT systems from project concept through construction operations and accounts. As such, accurate cost management was complex.
CCS analysed the business need and implemented a real-time operational and cost management solution that has had a signifi cant positive impact on the productivity and cost management of projects for Petroserv.
ABOUT THE CLIENT Petroserv, a wholly owned Qatari company, is one of the leading EPIC/traditional contractors in Government Construction projects in the State of Qatar, with over 2000 employees and a market capitalisation of $100B.
It is an ISO 9001: 2008, ISO 14001: 2004 and OHSAS 18001: 2007 Certifi ed Company that off ers a diverse range of engineering and construction services in its three main areas of activity, namely Infrastructure, Oil and Gas and Building.
Petroserv’s client base includes Qatar airlines, Maersk, Larsen & Toubro, Punji Lloyd group, Tata, Saipem, QAFCO, McDonalds and ABB.
INDUSTRYCurrently Petroserv are working with large Civil Infrastructure and Oil and Gas projects for government clients.
THE BUSINESS CHALLENGESituation: As an EPIC contractor, Petroserv is responsible for integrating all parts of a construction project from conception to production. Across the industry, increasing pressure to deliver construction projects with greater cost effi ciencies is forcing contractors such as Petroserv to review their operation and technology processes. Petroserv thereby identifi ed a need to better align its technology
Improved accuracy across projects
with its construction business requirements in order to improve the monitoring of projects and identify areas for improved effi ciencies.
Findings: After the initial consultation, CCS consultants identifi ed two core areas for improvement; fi rst principle resource budgeting linked with project planning and cost management from site request and procurement to payments.
Given the fl uctuation of costs and labour within the construction industry, real-time management of contract cost and allowable was identifi ed to be essential for eff ective cost management and improved accuracy of data.
The challenge: A mandate for change was established requiring an audit of the existing ERP system and business processes. Two new systems, Candy and BuildSmart, were to be installed with minimal disruption to existing projects and required quick integration through CCS with the help of Petroserv employees.
THE CCS SOLUTION How it worked: CCS installed both the Candy and BuildSmart products to streamline business costs and allowable to activities and allow for greater accuracy in reporting throughout the lifecycle of a project.
The Candy and BuildSmart products were installed in response to a need by Petroserv to more accurately manage the dynamic link between money and time, actual vs. allowable, thereby
providing a wealth of information to the construction management team regarding spend detailing operational effi ciencies and also ineffi ciencies experienced providing the opportunity to improve processes moving forward to positively aff ect the project outcome.
The BuildSmart product, including accounts, site costs, procurement MOS, payroll wages and HR, equipment and asset management amongst others, was implemented in response to the challenges of compiling project cost information across many diff erent locations and the variances associated with this.
As an integrated solution, Petroserv now has access to real-time
CSIT September 2016
7
cost management
construction project information which is
held across the company.
How it helped: CCS products enable real-time information at all stages of a project, from cost estimate to live running. As the CCS products are designed to integrate, it is possible to monitor each stage of a project as well as monitor the project holistically. The depth of accuracy provided through real-time monitoring of projects provides deeper insight into project cost control and, when required, quick rectifi cation.
Unique to CCS is that the business
consultants have a depth of industry knowledge and so are able to consult to the client’s business needs fi rst, then identify the technology solution that best fi ts that need.
THE BUSINESS IMPACTFollowing the installation of the Candy and
BuildSmart programmes, Petroserv achieved increased visibility of its projects through enhanced data accuracy. From a short-term perspective, Petroserv gained improved knowledge on project cost control and, from a long-term perspective, it has been able to increase profi ts, improve tender accuracy and reduce risk.
Main advantages: The Candy and BuildSmart products have enabled
Petroserv to identify where issues exist in real time. As such, they are now able to
pinpoint opportunities for cost-effi ciencies far better than when using conventional ERP software.
This data is analysed and used to improve the accuracy of project reports, allowing the business to identify where there are risks and predict profi tability. The BuildSmart ICMS system in particular makes contract cost information available in real time, which reduces the time required to produce cost reports signifi cantly and also requires the project teams to work more closely to verify data, thereby supporting accuracy.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL“CCS products have benefi tted our company and will benefi t other companies in the construction industry. With the risks and costs involved with deploying ERP systems, selecting the right people to partner with
is as important as the right products – CCS fulfi lled both criteria. As such, we’ve been able to develop eff ective project cost control for construction projects that have not been possible with previous systems implemented.” – Mubarik Hussain, Head of IT, Petroserv
OVERVIEW OF CCSCCS provide dedicated cost management software solution to the Construction and Engineering industries. All CCS products are designed by and with the help of experienced construction industry professionals, which means they are built with a deep understand-ing of the industry and the problems that typically occur.
Candy and BuildSmart provides an integrated solution from fi rst estimate to fi nal accounts in real time. Used together, BuildSmart ERP Cost Management and Accounts and Candy Estimating and Project Control tie the fi nancial processes to the physical processes of your enterprise construction projects. This means that an accurate and real-time appraisal is presented of each construction project of your enterprise. Information is used to improve ineffi ciencies and maximise opportunities.
Launched in 1982, CCS is headquartered in Gauteng, South Africa and has offi ces in the Middle East, United Kingdom, Portugal and India. CCS has more than 14 000 users in over 50 countries including many of the world’s largest construction companies. CIT
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CSIT September 2016
digital construction
In more recent years, Boksán has also carried out bridge refurbishment projects for bridges needing structural repair and corrosion protection from environmental
elements. This skill set has become increasingly important on many historical bridges, as they age and require refurbishment, mainly as a result of structural damage or due to new requirements to suit contemporary conditions.
THE CHALLENGEThe Bruma Lake Bridge is an iconic feature of the Johannesburg East area and many members of the local community and some further afi eld see the bridge as holding sentimental value. The bridge has remained in its original state since the 1980s and is mostly used by pedestrians crossing over the Jukskei River to access the Bruma Lifestyle Centre. However, over the past three decades, natural elements have caused a signifi cant amount of corrosion.
gets a faceliftFor more than two decades, Boksán Projects CC (Boksán) has been involved in the fabrication, supply and
erection of a variety of specialised bridge building projects, as well as steel pedestrian and pipe support structures throughout southern Africa.
As part of the rehabilitation of the Bruma Lake business precinct, Boksán partnered with the main contractor, Basil Read & ARQ Consulting Engineers, who were the driving force behind giving the Bruma Lake Bridge its much needed facelift. Boksán then looked to
Prokon Software Consultants not only as their Autodesk® Reseller, but also as trusted advisors on the project.
“The challenge was to make use of existing structural elements as much as possible to manage project costing,” says Wayne Page, a Structural Detailer at Boksán. “It’s therefore important to maintain the original structure of the bridge, which is a cambered profi le suspended from steel cables with balustrades that have a unique design, rolled-profi led hand-railing and shaped stanchions. The concrete pillars and other parts of the bridge can be refurbished to restore the bridge to its former glory as well as ensure that the natural elements would cause minimal corrosion in the years to come.”
“We were able to design all the bridge parts quickly on this software because of the programme’s diverse functions.”
Bruma lake bridge gets facelift
Another common problem with the refurbishment of old buildings and structures is that the original architectural drawings are
digital construction
Project detailsCompany: Boksán Projects CC Location: Olifantsfontein Software: Autodesk® Advance Steel™Main contractor: Basil ReadSub-contractor: Boksán Projects CC
CSIT September 2016
9
paper-based hand-drawings that can get damaged or lost, which means that years later, contractors need to recreate the drawing to carry out any repair work required. Detailed drawings are crucial to the success of construction projects, because they ensure accuracy, while also enabling the planning of other details like transporting and lifting the structure.
Bridge detailing always presents a challenge to architects, as each bridge is unique. To manage the redrafting of the bridge’s plans, Boksán used the technology off ered by the Advance Steel™ 2015 package from Autodesk® on the AutoCAD platform. Advance Steel™ detailing software helps accelerate design, steel detailing, steel fabrication and steel construction. It also improves accuracy and enables a more connected workfl ow.
THE SOLUTIONProkon Software Consultants provided Boksán with all the training required to use Autodesk® Advance Steel™ to its fullest potential and continues to provide Boksán with technical support to ensure that their part of the project runs according to plan. “With Autodesk® Advance Steel™, we were able to model the existing bridge structures with little complication. The 3D model generation made for easy viewing of the external design of the bridge as well as the fi tting of internal members with regards to practical connections,” says Page.
“The steel detailing, draughting and creation of shop drawings in Advance Steel™ is quite easy in comparison to other packages I have reviewed. So we were able to detail cambered plates quickly and all the other bridge parts on this software because of the programme’s diverse functions. Other software options in the market don’t have the advanced pillar functions. It is quite amazing what can be done with plating on Advance Steel™,” he adds.
Much of the structure is pre-assembled in a controlled workshop environment. The bridge was trial assembled off site in the factory in Olifantsfontein to ensure a seamless and correct fi t, as no mistakes can be aff orded on site. “The advantage, of course, is that much of the structure is pre-assembled in a controlled workshop environment and less time is wasted on site when erecting the bridge,” explains Page.
THE RESULT Once it is completed, the bridge will be transported to the building site. This will be done after dark, when there is less traffi c on the roads. It will be assembled piece by piece, using scuffl ing bolts under the bridge to support it, two to three parts at a time. Upon erection, the metal surfaces of the bridge will be painted with a specialised heavy duty anti-corrosion paint system that can withstand harsh environmental elements. CIT
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CSIT September 2016
infl uential people
An architect’s perspectiveVaughan Harris of the BIM Institute interviews Shawn B Hopkins, Professional Architect and BIM Curator at Large Architecture cc Group, about the impact of BIM on architecture and its current state in the local context.
VH: How has BIM impacted and/or infl uenced architecture since the former’s inception?
SBH: Not many people know that the concept of BIM has been around since 1987. Graphisoft introduced the ‘Virtual Building Concept’ through ArchiCAD, which has become regarded as the fi rst iteration of BIM processes in the AEC industry. Having being recognised as the fi rst CAD product to connect 2D and 3D, it has been off ering architects the simple effi ciencies of what I like to refer to as connected workfl ow.
Thus, BIM in the architectural world is nothing new. It simply takes the basic communication formats which form the core of architectural delivery and connects them. This means ‘fewer instances of the same decision’, off ering more control, accuracy and effi ciency.
VH: What are the benefi ts of BIM in design and construction as it stands today?
SBH: Accuracy is the main benefi t. Through the ability to effi ciently collaborate, built environment assets can now be designed and delivered through accurately authoring and curating BIM models that off er a virtual replica of the real build, a process I like to refer to as ‘build it virtually and assemble it in reality’.
This approach means that any errors or clashes can be communicated in the virtual world of BIM, off ering professional teams and clients the ability to reduce variations during construction, along with many other communication benefi ts and savings. It is a simple case of leveraging off the authored and curated data.
VH: Who are the main benefi ciaries of BIM in design and construction and how do they benefi t?
SBH: Asset holders of the built environment are the key benefi ciaries of the BIM process. Importantly, this process shouldn’t cost a client any additional funds. The only action required is to simply mandate OpenBIM as a delivery format, and the professional teams must comply. The irony, however, is that all professionals will become more effi cient through adopting BIM, whether voluntarily, or through a mandate.
VH: What are your thoughts on the current state of BIM in SA today, vs. globally?
SBH: BIM adoption is ramping up dramatically in South Africa. There are, however, many concerns with the uninformed decisions
professionals and clients are making. BIM.SA has been established to off er professionals advice on selecting a BIM authoring tool that suits their profession and required processes and outputs (www.bimsa.co.za).
With that said, the BIM authoring software war is my greatest concern with regards to the state of BIM locally, as well as globally. Many people and organisations seem to be focusing on only promoting BIM via a single software house’s formats and processes, which I believe could have dire eff ects on the architectural profession.
The essence of BIM is about connections, which include the ability to strongly collaborate, meaning that, as an architect, I should be free to select a BIM authoring tool that best suits my workfl ow. With many organisations in South Africa mandating a specifi c software’s proprietary format as the project set terms of delivery, I wonder who would be excluded from working on a project. I strongly support
CSIT September 2016
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infl uential people
BIM.SA’s vision for BIM in South Africa, which subscribes to the www.buildingsmart.org vision of OpenBIM. This vision will ensure an inclusive environment for all professionals. More importantly, it will ensure professionals do not relinquish the future of the architectural profession to any software house.
VH: What can be done, and by whom, to elevate the standards and grow the uptake of BIM in the local context?
SBH: Architects need to get involved in the BIM space. The profession has a lot to gain from these workfl ows, but if we do not engage in OpenBIM as a profession, we have a lot to lose. Organisations such as the BIM Institute, BIM.SA, AutoSpec, BimLocal.co, BimSpec™ and BimBakery.co are engaging heavily with professionals to ensure that common and inclusive standards are authored and adopted. While the software distributors have a large role to play in the support of the local standard curation, I believe that it is imperative that the
standards are assembled by neutral parties, from the professions.
VH: What exciting developments in BIM can architects, quantity surveyors and facility managers look forward to in the near future?
SBH: AutoSpec’s engagement with the local South African BIM market is an exciting milestone. Having access to their experience and insight into the harvesting and management of local manufacturer data will add huge value to BIM users’ workfl ows.
Their collaboration with BimBakery.comeans that this local data will soon be
connected into the leading BIM authoring solutions in our market.
VH: One piece of advice to users working with BIM solutions?
SBH: Ask data ownership questions of your software providers. The only truly open and inclusive format available globally, is IFC. Explore it. Promote it. Join www.bimsa.co.za. CIT
“The only goal of the OpenBIM movement is to promote open collaboration workfl ows for better-coordinated projects” – http://bit.ly/2aqSFZM
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CSIT September 2016
digital construction
Q How is 3D software transforming the architecture industry?
A 3D software is benefi cial to both the process of design and the representation of design to clients and other stakeholders.
The historic 2D representation of architectural concepts is diffi cult for many clients to imagine as-built liveable space. Scaled physical models, which supplemented 2D drawings, provided a better understanding of the form and general aesthetic of the building, however, 3D digital software represents architecture at the human scale. A person can now walk through a building or view it on the site as he/she would in the real built form.
For architects and designers, 3D software provides opportunities to engage with architecture ‘inside-out’, exploring spatial interconnections in volume. The scales of experience and grades of intimacy between user and space are unlimited, thereby enhancing the development of place through socio-spatial interaction, which all good architecture aspires to.
Q Do you believe this is a trend which is set to grow and why?
A This trend has been growing ever since inception. The demand for high quality 3D software is on the increase. This has driven the continuous development of 3D software packages which has seen new/revised versions being released in short time. Software developers have grasped this opportunity, although market competition is high.
Q Is the cost of 3D software prohibitive or is this coming down, and could this perhaps be a factor in its rate of adoption?
A Cost does not seem to be prohibitive as the vast majority of architectural practices are using 3D software. There are ‘Lite’ versions of software at lesser cost, with obviously
fewer possibilities and options. Student versions are a fraction of the cost of
the full versions and this exposes young practitioners to 3D software. A signifi cant
An interview with Yashaen Luckam, President of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
number of these students move on to set up private practices which then purchase licensed versions of software for commercial use.
Q How is 3D technology being used today by architects and what are some of the more innovative ideas and solutions that have come from this?
A Some of the more organic or amorphous architectural forms, which are near impossible to achieve through 2D drawings or physical modelling, become possible with 3D modelling. Many internationally acclaimed, award-winning architects rely heavily on 3D software for design development. Nowadays, 3D software aff ords interdisciplinary interfaces with engineering and construction software, which can translate ambitious and innovative design forms and structures into working drawings, details and ultimately, production/construction.
Q What are the implications of this technology for the industry in South Africa?
A 3D software has to translate into Building Information Modelling (BIM), in order to realise idea/concept as built form; this is what will transform practice in South Africa, especially in the SMME sector. Computer technology has literally shrunken the offi ce footprint and the one-person practice becomes much more possible. Access to the profession and business is therefore easier, which is of particular importance to transformation in a volatile, growing economy.
Q Any other thoughts?
A 3D software and digital technology have to be harnessed and exploited to the fullest in order to benefi t practices in the SMME sector. Technology has redefi ned the concept of the offi ce or studio as well as access to resources. Mobility and connection is the way of professional business today – a computer with the relevant software and wifi is all that may be required to run a sustainable practice. The offi ce and library have largely become virtual spaces, while the coff ee shop has taken the place of meeting room. All this is to the credit
of computer and digital technologies. CIT
information management
Magnitude is the only Construction Collaborative Quality Management Solution that will enable project managers to truly manage quality and progress on site at all touch points throughout the lifecycle of projects.
A new benchmark for real-time
construction project managementIIt’s ttimee tooo repplacee ‘caaaanddy coooattedd’ innnnteernnall reepoortttingg sooluuuutionns wwwwithh third ppppartyy inputt aandd staart rrreepoortinng iin rreaal-tttimme wiiiithh reeal-timmee aaanaalytticsss.
Who uses Magnitude? More than 60 quantity surveyor companies are using Magnitude. For more information, contact Belinda on 083 633 3981 or SMS BIM to 44927 and we will get in touch with you to develop your app.
14
CSIT September 2016
digital construction
“In an ideal BIM workfl ow, the project team captures reality and informs the 3D model with highly accurate, discrete measurement points and as-built point clouds.
A smarter approach to BIMBy Kendall James, Segment Manager Africa: Asset Collection & Management at Leica Geosytems
While most construction fi rms are well aware of the benefi ts of using building information modelling (BIM) to identify problems before they happen and facilitate more complete building systems integration, gaps in the BIM process often prevent projects from achieving their full potential.
Rich digital models are converted to 2D paper drawings for use in the fi eld, where guesswork and manual layout processes can cause errors
that might not become evident until later in the construction process. Additionally, on renovation or retrofi t projects, the models themselves might contain errors, since many models are developed from outdated and inaccurate as-built paper drawings. These inaccuracies lead to problems in the fi eld during construction, which drive up project costs, increase risks and even derail entire projects.
THERE IS A BETTER WAYIn an ideal BIM workfl ow, the project team captures reality and informs the 3D model with highly accurate, discrete measurement points and as-built point clouds. New design models are then created around the accurate as-built data, and construction layout points are added to the model. These points are then replicated on the jobsite using tools such as total stations to bring BIM to reality.
During construction, as-built information is captured with handheld measurement tools, high accuracy total stations and high defi nition scanners. The accurate discrete measurement points and point clouds are compared against
digital construction
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the as-designed model to immediately identify deviations and head off expensive downstream co-ordination issues in the fi eld.
The result is a lifecycle process that brings reality into BIM and BIM into reality for a holistic building construction approach. Through innovative hardware and software integrations, today’s construction professionals have faster and easier access to high-accuracy data throughout the entire construction process, making it possible to minimise rework and achieve new levels of effi ciency, predictability and profi tability.
When renovating or expanding an existing structure, drawings are often extremely out of date or simply don’t exist, making designing any type of renovation or addition diffi cult. Being able to accurately capture existing conditions and easily feed that information into the model is imperative to keeping projects on time and on budget.
A simple way to achieve this is to capture discrete measurement points or point clouds using hardware that integrates seamlessly with existing software to provide a streamlined workfl ow.
BUT WE DON’T LIVE IN AN IDEAL WORLD… YETThe world we live in will often be without accurate as-built drawings and if any do exist these may be 2D paper drawings at best and in some cases, hand-drawn engineering drawings can still be relied upon for maintenance. The quickest method to recreate reality is to use high accuracy handheld or scanning technology that will rebuild this asset in no time at all, without leaving anything out. Data does not lie.
Quick and accurate data acquisition comes from various technologies, be those handheld laser measuring tools like the Leica Disto D810 or S910 or high-defi nition point-cloud capture using the Leica P16 ScanStation, all of which directly integrate with Autodesk® Revit® or Autodesk® ReCap™ and ReCap 360™ Ultimate, respectively and are ready to use in a BIM or CAD software package of choice.
The recreation of reality is quick, simple and ready to be used in the design context and may include mapping (GIS) data imported from centimetre mapping tools using the Leica Zeno 20. The plethora of data becomes useful information within a centrally managed BIM context and becomes the hub for any project and/or programme information system that depends on a variety of information sources to make more informed decisions.
While there is signifi cant growth in the digital design and clash-detection processes and plenty of development in the 4D and 5D arenas, with good system integration with cost management systems and programme schedule applications, the 3D model process seems to halt quite rapidly.
At Leica Geosystems, our BIM focus is not only about providing world-class data acquisition tools, but also the tools to take BIM to fi eld through the use of our layout solutions and tools. Being able to take the 3D model and all elements to the fi eld not only enhances the processes but facilitates any in-fi eld validation quickly and brings the digital and real worlds much closer together
This approach has resulted in a close collaboration between Leica Geosystems and Autodesk® to transform the building construction industry. This collaboration creates new opportunities for professionals
“Being able to accurately capture existing conditions and easily feed that information into the model is imperative to keeping projects on time and on budget.
working with Autodesk® software to leverage the high-accuracy data available from Leica Geosystems’ sensors directly within popular Autodesk® authoring tools.
As we move into an era that will see assets being the most mapped, scanned, surveyed, measured and analysed, the demand for tools and information protocols that integrate will be of greater value to the professional than systems that result in information silos.
Implementing a BIM process reduces rework and increases predictability and profi tability. With a reduction of 40% in fi eld changes, 10% contract savings and 7% reduction in project time, the successful implementation of BIM not only delivers immediate value at the design and construction phases of a project, but also adds value to the Facilities Management (FM) eff orts once the asset is handed over. Being able to deliver a working model in high defi nition means no money is wasted in getting the FM tools implemented and operational. CIT
For more information, contact Kendall James on +27 79 649 1270 or [email protected]
References:www.constructrealityxyz.comwww.leica-geosystems.comwww.bimlearningcenter.com‘Bring BIM Full Circle Best Practices for an Effi cient BIM Process’ eBook
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digital construction
BIM and your businessand your businessWhether you’re a designer, contractor, sub-trade, or supplier, Building Information Modeling
(BIM) has a role to play in your business.
By Scott Chatterton, International BIM Lead for HDR Inc. & Director of CanBIM
Technology has been a major factor in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries throughout history and with the
advancement of technology since the beginning of the digital age in the 1970s, computers and software have become ubiquitous. The advent of computer-aided design not only advanced the design and construction process, but also improved effi ciency in construction and building performance.
Recently, we have taken another technological leap; BIM is dramatically impacting all aspects of the AEC industry. Since the late 1990s, designers – both in architecture and engineering – have been using 3D digital modeling to improve their processes. Designing today’s modern buildings would not be possible without BIM, as leaders in the industry take advantage of BIM’s visualisation and coordination benefi ts.
Contractors quickly realised the benefi ts of BIM for construction management. Being able to construct a building digitally, prior
to starting construction, has innumerable benefi ts. BIM is a valuable tool for construction sequencing, material quantifi cation and cost estimation.
Regardless of your role in the AEC industry, BIM will touch all aspects of your business: your workfl ow, how you acquire projects and how you complete your delivered product.
There is no doubt the transition to BIM has its challenges, but the long-term benefi ts are signifi cant. There are some tactics to consider when integrating BIM into your organisation:• Culture: One of the biggest changes will
be cultural. Moving to a digital environment requires a shift away from traditional processes, and people typically do not like change. Transition people slowly; give them plentiful training resources and make it clear that they have permission to learn.
• Technology: Your 386 computers with Windows 98 cannot handle BIM. It may be time to overhaul your network, including computers and software. Think of this overhaul as an investment in the future.
Providing your people with the right tools will ease the transition to BIM.
• Process: Adopting BIM creates an excellent opportunity for revamping your entire workfl ow. Utilizing BIM will create effi ciencies and streamline your processes, allowing you to deliver a better product, faster.
Whether you are an organization of 1 or 10 000, making BIM part of your work will fundamentally change your production. Embrace this change and commit to the integration process, and you will reap the rewards of a strong, effi cient, modern business that is poised to take on all BIM projects. CIT
About Scott:
Scott Chatterton is the International BIM Lead for HDR Inc. and sits on the board of directors for the Canada BIM Council. His extensive knowledge of BIM in the design and construction industry enables him to create and apply effi cient design and construction practices using the latest BIM technology and techniques. As a result of his experience, Scott is a sought after author and presenter at BIM-related conferences, addressing ideas on BIM workfl ow, processes and protocols.
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Stamp of approval for Rubberstamp
Sometimes payments don’t go through when they’re supposed to because of a missing sheet of paper, people don’t get paid on time, ineffi ciencies emerge and paper purchase order systems often turn into a frustrating
sinkhole that drains a company’s time, resources, and attention.
THE CURE FOR PURCHASE ORDER HEADACHES IS HERE. Perfect for small- to medium-sized businesses with multiple purchasers involved, Rubberstamp is a user-friendly online purchase order system that allows your team members to send purchase requests with ease. Managers have the ability to approve them on the go and in a single click, and fi nancial controllers can pay them exactly when they need to be paid.
A FEW REASONS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LOVES RUBBERSTAMPAvoid fraud:Managers get to see every spending decision as it happens, helping organisations avoid fraud and monitor their expenses in real time. Management receives live ‘to the minute’ feedback on the actual spending versus the budget spending, which is extremely useful, as traditional purchase order systems require a week or two waiting period to generate monthly reports. Faster information means better decision-making, which means an overall greater effi ciency.
Manage and record ad hoc purchasesRubberstamp is a lifesaver whenever it comes to managing and recording ad hoc purchases. Because the system can be accessed from anywhere, POs can be loaded at the store counter and approved immediately from the boss’s phone. This speeds up purchases and secures the ‘paper trail’ from the site to the offi ce. Paper-based systems take days to sort through and can become an accounting nightmare. Bookkeepers get electronic documents of everything and managers get an instant view of the budgets.
Paperless expense management The days of printers jamming and loose leaf expense papers fl ying around and getting lost are over. Instead of spending hours of your week allowing staff to get approval for the resources they need and signing off on expense papers, your time is freed up to do more important things. If you leave the offi ce for a period of time, your team does not have to wait for your return to function. Rubberstamp allows managers to approve
Rubberstamp’s paperless expense management, protects your projects against fraud or overspend and even tracks ad hoc purchases for every site.
+27 87 550 0493
Rubberstamp
Stop getting ripped off
www.profitsecure.co.za
POs on the go. The fast, one-click approval or rejection of POs makes the process much easier.
The interface is much more user-friendly than traditional purchase order management options and less time needs to be spent on training employees on how to submit purchase order requests as there is little to no learning curve to understand how to use it eff ectively. A team can be set up and
running in a few minutes. The reliable 24/7 customer support is there to help and guide you
any time should you need it. The support team will go the extra mile to ensure you don’t have to spend any additional time or eff ort on purchase order management. Rubberstamp gives you back your attention to focus on what’s really important.
For more information, visit www.profi tsecure.co.za. CIT
ay
N INDUSTRY LOVES
“I like that I can enter everything needed to track on invoices. I can download a list of all the POs for the job site and track deliveries on it. All information I need to do my job can be noted in the programme.” Molly Fjell,
Field Offi ce Manager at Holloman Corporation
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CSIT September 2016
building information modelling
The current global context of By Anine Eschberger Wortmann
The concept of using digital models and specifi cations for simulations is fi rmly entrenched in several industries which require measurable and repeatable methodologies. This includes the manufacturing and engineering industries in order to ensure service and product integrity on behalf of the client.
Within the current ‘digital construction era’ the construction industry is following suit as Building
Information Modelling (BIM) is widely adopted globally. The construction industry diff ers from the manufacturing industries, however, as each project is a unique endeavour.
Numerous countries have implemented open and vendor-neutral BIM standards and protocols in order to mandate BIM on public sector projects. This is necessary in order to re-organise workfl ows which will standardise and thus optimise real-time collaboration amongst construction stakeholders in a common data environment. This increase in effi ciency of operations and communication from all stakeholders will create data rich environments, which in turn add value to clients.
BIM standards and protocols should be context-specifi c and ideally be developed collectively by local government agencies, professional bodies, voluntary organisations and research committees. Unfortunately, existing international BIM standards and protocols cannot merely be lifted or adapted to other contexts, as each context diff ers in various aspects which may include procurement processes, design processes, construction methods and government policies. It can furthermore be argued that BIM standards and protocols are mainly proposed at the industry level which will require further modifi cation and adaptation in order for it to be successfully utilised at project level.
The majority of developed countries have promoted BIM implementation and practice. The United States of America’s General Services Administration is currently pioneering the implementation of BIM on public projects and has mandated BIM usage for spatial programme validation since 2007. Denmark,
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building information modelling
BIM standards and protocolsBIM-based designs have been mandated
in Singapore since 2013 and in South Korea since 2012. France is aiming to regulate BIM implementation by 2017. The United Kingdom and Australia have both mandated BIM for government projects since the fi rst half of 2016. The government of the United Kingdom additionally mandated Level 2 BIM adoption since the fi rst half of 2016 as they have gained increased support from industry bodies and professionals. This requires collaboration between stakeholders, as design information should be shared in a common fi le format; however this does not necessarily require working on a single shared model. The United Kingdom’s standards are generally straightforward and logical; it is also clear how diff erent BIM standard documents and protocols relate to each other as they have been developed in conjunction. The USA BIM standards and protocols on the other hand are more fragmented as it appears that the majority of the protocols have been developed in isolation, yet it can be argued that they are more context-specifi c.
In terms of BIM adoption comparisons by continent, North America is currently the front-runner, followed closely by Europe and Australia, which are broad implementers of BIM, especially during the design stage. Asia and the Middle East are making headway, whereas South America is currently experiencing some of the lowest BIM adoption rates globally. The potential of both Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and BIM in Africa remains largely untapped and lags behind the global context.
The South African construction industry diff ers from the global top-down regulatory model, as there are currently no mandated or national best practice BIM standards or protocols. Organisations implement company-specifi c BIM standards and protocols at best with isolated incidents of cross-industry alliances. The company-specifi c standards may be diffi cult to share or replicate and will thus hinder design collaboration. Furthermore, there is little interest from local government agencies, professional bodies and voluntary organisations to act as driving forces in the development of national BIM standards and protocols, despite the existence of a vibrant client base. South Africa thus lags behind numerous countries in terms of BIM implementation and practice.
The South African BIM Institute has stepped into this gap as they are currently developing a local BIM protocol based on the AEC UK Technology Protocol. This is being developed
under a Memorandum of Agreement with the South African Institute for Architects.
Barriers to BIM standards and protocols, apart from the lack of understanding thereof, include contractual issues, continual training and education, and the support from top management of construction organisations. Due to the nature of collaboration, there is much uncertainty about the quality of BIM models, reliability of cloud technologies, data ownership as well as intellectual property rights. Furthermore, continual training and education is crucial in terms of adopting BIM. This typically requires substantial upfront costs of which managers and clients cannot immediately see the return on investment.
BIM standards and protocols should be the core of any construction project in order to reap the full benefi ts of BIM. It aims to not only standardise and optimise consistent workfl ows between stakeholders, but also to reduce project delays and cost overruns, which in turn can potentially increase the overall economic development in any given context. The adoption of BIM standards and protocols in a South African context will force the local construction industry to catch up with global BIM adoption and allow them to compete on an equal footing in foreign markets. CIT
References
Davies, R., 2015. BIM in Europe: Innovation networks in the Construction sectors of Sweden, France and the UK. In: Raiden, A.B. and Aboagye-Nimo, E., (Eds.). Procs 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, United Kingdom, 7-9 September 2015. Lincoln, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 1135-1144. [online]. Available at: http://www.arcom.ac.uk [Accessed 01 June 2016].
Eadie, R., et al. 2015. A Survey of current status of and perceived changes required for BIM adoption in the UK. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, [e-journal] Volume 5(1), pp. 4-21. Available through: http://www.wits.ac.za/library [Accessed 02 June 2016].
Jung, W. and Lee, G. 2015. The Status of BIM adoption on Six Continents. International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering, [e-journal] Volume 9 (5), pp. 497-501. Available through: http://www.scholar.google.co.za/ [Accessed 01 June 2016].
Lea, G., et al. 2015. Identifi cation and analysis of UK and US BIM standards to aid collaboration. WIT Transactions on the Built Environment, [e-journal] Volume 149 (1), pp. 505-516. Available through: http://www.wits.ac.za/library [Accessed 1 March 2016].
Smith, P. 2014. BIM Implementation – global strategies. Procedia engineering, [e-journal] Volume 85 (1), pp.482-492. Available through: http://www.wits.ac.za/library [Accessed 01 June 2016].
Norway and Finland are currently leading the building design and construction industry in terms of open BIM standards and protocols, as they have mandated the use of BIM on government projects from as early as 2007. The Scandinavian region is arguably the pioneer of BIM interoperability as it has developed the technology and vendor neutral standard Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) which is one of the most popular collaboration formats used in BIM. Norway has mandated IFC compliant BIM since 2010, although the industry
is requiring improvement thereon in order to enable holistic
information exchange solutions.
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CSIT September 2016
cost management
The saying ‘knowledge is power’ is a truism embodied in Building Information Modeling (BIM). A process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places, it is the embedded information that makes this technology so powerful.
Used in all design disci-plines including town planning, geospatial and all build-related
disciplines, Nicholas Karassavas, BIM Manager at Arup South Africa, explains, “The software packages diff er from architec-tural drafting tools, such as AutoCAD, by allowing the addition of further infor-mation such as time, cost, manufacturers’ details, sus-tainability and maintenance information to the building model. Additionally the in-formation remains valid for the life of the building, which is show-ing substantial savings in facilities management and ultimately re-ducing risk in design, construc-tion and fi nance management.”
In the conventional con-struction model, each discipline works in a silo and operates from its own two-dimensional lin-ear drawing, often unaware of changes made in another disci-pline that may have signifi cant impact on its own portfolio. To understand the value of BIM in contrast to the conventional model, Karassavas suggests imag-ining that a single unit (like a Lego brick) represents each element of the building, such as a light fi xture. “Each discipline attaches its ‘recipe’ to that brick. It could be the pho-tometric details and electrical specs, the costs and supplier, the style, colour, model, etc. Inserted into the 3D model, the ‘brick’
“To understand the value of BIM in contrast to the conventional model, Karassavas suggests imagining that a single unit (like a Lego brick) represents each element of the building, such as a light fi xture.” Nicholas Karassavas, BIM Manager at Arup South Africa
Savings realised through BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING
ProjectOVE virtually creates a building that replicates the systems of the human body.
cost management
immediately shows up any coordination issues, such as a column block-ing the light or an air conditioning outlet in the same space. It also relays associated data such as quantity, position and other pertinent informa-tion required by the diff erent players involved, from designing through to construction and then facility management.
“A key saving from the contractors’ perspective is time. Only one model carries the truth and, because it is 3D and parametric, calculating elements into an accurate project plan removes the traditional delays caused by overlapping construction-sequencing details. For instance, scaff olding can be arranged so that all elements requiring scaff olding can be dovetailed in one moment – currently, it is quite common for scaff olding to be erected, removed and then re-erected by another supplier for another aspect of construction,” says Karassavas.
Arup South Africa’s BIM expertise has strong support from the UK offi ces. Driven by architects, engineers and, in the UK, mandated by the UK government, BIM continues to grow worldwide. A survey held in April this year of 1 000 UK construction professionals, revealed that BIM adoption has increased from 13% in 2010 to 54% in 2015. Furthermore, early indications in UK government buildings have shown an 8% saving in construction costs and a 10% facilities management saving since 2010. However, further extrapolation points towards a 27% facilities management saving across the life of a building.
“BIM is going to make major shifts in the way people design, construct and manage infrastructure and is the most exciting thing to happen to the construction industry, since the arrival of the computer.” Nicholas Karassavas, BIM Manager at Arup South Africa
We are able to save our clients both time and money - without sacrificing quality - by combining our renowned engineering excellence with the latest virtual design tools.
[email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Speaking to delegates at the recently held ‘BIM Infi nity and Beyond’ talks at Construction IT, Casey Rutland, Associate Director of Arup UK, commented, “BIM is an exciting and positive way of working that off ers many diff erent methods of collaboration on project design. Its success and innovation can best be described as ‘hitting a target with a sniper rifl e as opposed to missing with a shotgun’, thereby reducing wastage throughout every stage of a development. The training can be intense and intimidating but none of these challenges are insurmountable and the benefi ts are immense.”
Arup’s projects in South Africa clearly demonstrate the benefi ts. Karassavas – himself an international guest speaker on BIM – explains, “For our clients, the savings come not only in the latter stages of a building’s life, but also in asset management throughout the lifespan. The BIM model can go so far as to identify all elements of a building – right down to the level of furniture – and tag it. Now if someone moves offi ce, you simply move the elements on the virtual plan, and asset management becomes much easier.”
THE FUTURE OF BIM“It’s exciting!” says Karassavas, “virtual reality lenses will enable us to ‘see’ the 3D model on a table, as it would appear from the ground and, like so many sci-fi fi lms, allow us to unpack and rebuild without any costs to produce the optimum building. These 3D models will eventually be stored in the cloud and will make future additions or alterations so much simpler.”
Arup continues to be at the forefront in the successful application of BIM, ably demonstrated through the recent ProjectOVE – a 35 storey, 170m tall BIM building in the shape of a human body. Additionally in 2015, Arup introduced a ‘BIM Maturity Measure Tool’ to measure the maturity and level of success of BIM implementation. This model enables assessments to be made based on how well diff erent projects have been completed, with scope for comparing the statistics collected.
“BIM is going to make major shifts in the way people design, construct and manage infrastructure and is the most exciting thing to happen to the construction industry, since the arrival of the computer,” concludes Karassavas. CIT
View the video Virtually Human: Creating ProjectOVE at http://www.arup.com/pushing_the_boundaries_of_bim
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CSIT September 2016
Better, safer industrial
workplaces possible with new
smart helmetDaqri Smart HelmetTM is an industrial-grade human-machine interface that enhances human abilities by seamlessly connecting its user to the work environment, while simultaneously providing relevant information.
Powered by the 6th Generation Intel® Core™ m7 processor, the Daqri Smart Helmet combines a world-class sensor package with an intuitive
user experience, driven by augmented reality software and Daqri’s IntellitrackTM system, which allows for the most precise display and tracking, realising the true potential of augmented reality and 4D in the enterprise space.
IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY Every feature of the Daqri Smart Helmet was built with the industrial workplace in mind, and designed to reduce operational complexity, increase productivity and improve work life. Its benefi ts are as follows: • Augmented work instructions make tasks
intuitive, eff ective and less time consuming. Workers will understand processes quicker, spend less time on each step, and make fewer errors.
• Daqri Intellitrack™ computer vision and navigation technology allows workers to understand the world around them. This understanding lets them perform tasks,
such as object recognition, mapping an environment, and 3D reconstruction of a facility.
• Apps like thermal vision equip users with the ability to see temperature data in their real world environment. This prevents them from interacting with something at an unsafe temperature. Another benefi t is the ability to see thermal characteristics of objects or items in the workplace that need maintenance or additional monitoring.
• In pilot testing, the Daqri Smart Helmet has resulted in a reduction in quality errors by over 90% and reduced assembly times by over 30%.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES❍ Intel RealSense camera technology❍ Daqri Intellitrack™ computer vision and
navigation technology❍ Industrial grade 360 degree sensor array
with high-defi nition video
❍ Thermal vision sensors for predictive maintenance and enhanced worker safety
❍ 4D augmented reality displays off ering an industry-leading fi eld of view
❍ Designed for comfortable, all day wearability
❍ Live equipment data visualisation❍ Integration with Daqri 4D Studio
augmented work instruction platform
The Daqri Smart Helmet is in the pilot phase of product roll-out with large multi-national companies in the fi elds of oil, gas, power, construction, water, transportation, shipbuilding and aerospace. To date, relationships with Topcon, Hyperloop and KSP
steel have been announced. CIT
“Every feature of the Daqri Smart Helmet was built with the industrial workplace in mind, and designed to reduce operational complexity, increase productivity and improve work life.
industry tech trends
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23
education & training
Leaders in BIM standards and processes www.biminstitute.org.za
Building Information Modelling Courses
Providing BIM learning solutions across Africa
WHY TRAIN WITH USThe BIM Institute Training Academy was developed to address skills within the construction sector to promote the digital construction process. We develop and produce training workshops based on a tri-partite approach, addressing current market challenges and trends around BIM processes.Our highly qualifi ed experts focus attention on the technological advancement and cutting edge course content and latest learning methodologies to develop best practice in our industry.
EXCLUSIVE DELEGATIONSmall class sizes facilitate group discussion, as well as a learning experience more tailored to the exact challenges of the delegates. Our course content contains international insight with global best practice supported by our international partners.
COMPLETELY VENDOR-NEUTRALThere will be no bias towards any solution or software. You will be free to share all best practices and feedback in this neutral software lead workshop
PRACTICAL CASE STUDIES/ PRACTICAL SESSIONSDuring the workshops there will be an emphasis on case studies , practical sessions or both to enhance the lessons learned with practical application case studies.
COLLABORATIVE INSIGHTSOur workshops will bring together all aspects of the life cycle including international standards and processes and more to reveal how adopting technology impacts all areas of an organization.
Our unique and unparalleled workshop experiences will usher you and your organization into an era of enhanced digital construction performance, through emphasising continuous improvement and encouraging innovation.
COMPANIES SUPPORTING AND REGISTERED WITH THE BIM INSTITUTE• Accenture• Arup• Aecom• Turner Townsend• WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff • Asite• Autospec• Baker Baynes• BIM Bakery• BuildingPointSA• CadexSA• Graphisoft Archicad• Leica Geosystems• Modena• FusionBIM• Prokon• Construction Computer Software• Builder Plus• Convirt• RedIce• RIB• Oracle Primervera• Milestone Project Management• Model Maker Systems• Docwize• SSG Consulting• iQela (Synergy)• Asta Powerproject• Learn3D• MakerBot (Rectron)• Nashua• Lloyd Hill• Micro Graphics• Umbrella Software
1 Become a BIM champion within own processes
2 Learn digital construction solutions
3 How digital models can operate to make BIM more valuable in construction
Associate International Partners • AECOM• ARUP• Turner Townsend• WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff
International Partners • Canadian BIM Council – CanBIM• AEC – UK BIM Protocol
Selected Courses CPD accredited • ASAQS• SAIA
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CSIT September 2016
last word
Biographical detailsPaul Wilkinson (founder, pwcom.co.uk Ltd) has been working in the UK construction industry since 1987. An independent technology consultant and PR practitioner, he is also an author, public speaker and analyst specialising in construction collaboration technology platforms, Software-as-a-Service and related developments in fi elds such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), mobile technologies, ‘big data’, open data and the ‘internet of things’. He blogs at www.ExtranetEvolution.com and tweets as @EEPaul.
Following its acquisition of Textura, global IT giant Oracle is expanding the reach of its software to embrace new areas of construction IT, including construction payment management. See more at: http://bit.ly/2beWhbq
In the biggest deal yet seen in the construction SaaS market, the Melbourne, Australia-based collaboration technology provider Aconex acquired Munich, Germany-based rival Conject for around US$73m in March 2016. See more at: http://bit.ly/1Ltr1H8
Over the past 20 years technology has helped make construction communication easier, quicker and cheaper, and to span international boundaries. As a UK-based technology writer, for example, I can interact in seconds
with friends and colleagues in Africa and across every other continent. Social media, instant messaging, wifi , internet telephony and online meetings have largely replaced onerous and time-consuming email exchanges and expensive telephone calls.
However, technology has not necessarily transformed the quality of collaboration relating to construction. Yes, we can instantly share stuff via Twitter or Facebook and upload content to various cloud-based services, but technological change doesn’t happen in isolation; if we change our tools we also have to change our processes. A rough rule of thumb is that ‘successful collaboration is 20% technology and 80% people and processes’ – and we retain some serious silos.
Since 2011, the UK Government has been pushing the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to help improve the productivity and competitiveness of a deeply conservative and fragmented construction industry. BIM conferences and meetings are dominated by talk about BIM authoring tools, about common data environments, and about COBie, IFCs and other emerging standards. And you will hear about employer’s information requirements (EIRs), BIM execution plans, object libraries, model federation, clash detection and other technology-driven processes.
But despite fi ve years of detailed discussion, the strong push to digitise the UK construction industry has not been accompanied by an equally strong push to integrate with the information needs of some key stakeholders: the owners and operators of built assets.
SILO WORKINGThat is not to say client organisations have been ignored. The Government Soft Landings philosophy encourages clients’ facilities managers to be involved from their projects’ inception in helping to defi ne EIRs and Asset Information Management (AIM) needs. A proposed standard (PAS 1192 part 3) covering information management in the operational phase was published in March 2014.
However, there is some disquiet in the FM community about whether they will experience the alleged benefi ts of BIM and about the limited collaboration that has occurred between construction and FM to date. Early design and construction decisions can have a profound impact on operational costs – and this is where the majority of a typical building’s lifetime costs are incurred. But a cultural divide persists between those involved in short-term construction of built assets (CapEx) and those involved in whole-life operation and management (Opex). We are not yet creating a collaborative joined-up view of both areas (TotEx).
Designers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers have, perhaps understandably, focused on applying BIM to the detailed processes of planning, design, construction, commissioning and handover. Constructors are becoming increasingly good at sharing data
Why BIM shouldn’t just be about design and constructionBIM is sometimes described as a catalyst for collaboration, but for BIM to truly succeed it needs constructors to collaborate more closely with clients and their asset operations teams.
By Paul Wilkinson
with each other while they are building an asset, but they haven’t really started to talk seriously with the people who will receive that physical asset and its related digital models and then need to manage these for decades to come.
Poor digital handover not only hampers future operation and maintenance, it also hampers the all-important feedback loops from facilities managers and from end-users that can help create better client briefs for future projects. We run the risk that FM will just ignore BIM and look for solutions in the growing ‘proptech’ fi eld.
CONNECTING BIM TO CLIENT BUSINESS OUTCOMESThe promise of BIM was that it would enable future clients and FM professionals to re-use as-built information and combine it with real-time sources of information, including sensors (the ‘Internet of Things’), apps and linked data from internal business systems and the internet (the ‘semantic web’). We anticipated that owners and operators might view ‘business intelligence’ dashboards and see at a glance how the whole-life costs of their build assets aff ects their organisations’ operational effi ciency, their business performance and their employees’ health and productivity.
However, such ‘Big Data’ approaches require current silos to be dismantled and relevant data to fl ow seamlessly between everyone involved – and not just over the lifecycle of a single built asset, but across the lifecycles of entire multi-asset portfolios.
For this to happen, the industry currently known as construction will need to engage more deeply with the FM community and also understand more about its clients’ business needs and the associated whole-life costs of their assets. Technology may be a catalyst for change, but much closer collaboration and integration is going to be vital if construction businesses truly want to delight their building owner-operator customers. Tomorrow’s clients are likely to be even more demanding about creation and maintenance of their digital assets than
today’s are about their physical buildings. CIT
