PROJECT PROPOSAL

AN IN-DEPTH ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICABILITY OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

ABSTRACT

Construction projects present an assortment of challenges that are specific to the prevalent conditions. Conditions that impede the smooth execution of projects unvaryingly lead to delays, wastage of resources, and in extreme cases, the collapse of the entire project. It is, therefore, pertinent to adopt a mechanism that insulates the project owner and construction teams from these constraints.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) creates 3-dimensional visualizations of building projects. It provides an avenue through which experts from the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) fields can combine efforts to develop a comprehensive and efficient design of the project devoid of constraints but would be an all-round improvement as compared to traditional design-build practices.

However, while developed countries take strides in implementing legislation and policies in favor of BIM, developing nations lag.  This paper proposes to conduct an analysis of the construction industry in Afghanistan and deduce the challenges developing countries face in adopting BIM technology and suggest possible solutions based on empirical evidence.
1. INTRODUCTION

The construction process, from conception to completion, involves multiple variables that ultimately define the quality and operability of the building. These variables range from the type and quality of materials being used to the duration of execution. Proper planning during the design phase ensures that the project does not experience any constrictions.

One such tool applied in the forecasting of possible constraints is the use of Building Information Models (BIM).

Erezi et al. (2013) define BIM as “digital, data-rich representations of buildings which result in reduced construction time and costs, and find application in enhancing team collaboration and Facilities Management (FM).” Rather than the compartmentalized approach to construction where members of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry undertake their tasks independently, BIM, as a design platform, integrates all relevant disciplines designing the project.

Project-specific data, such as the specifications of the building materials, collated from the respective disciplines, create a 3-dimensional model that informs the design of a building. The visual representation of what the project ought to look like and operate allows the design and construction teams to execute the plan with minimal resource expenditure. Building operators also benefit from BIMs as it enables them to understand the project and how best to maintain it upon completion.

Despite the glaring benefits of using BIM in construction, it is yet to take root in most countries. While some countries such as the United Kingdom have instituted regulations that mandate the use of BIM in construction, Ismail et. el (2017) elucidates that most developing countries face several impediments in adopting the use of BIM. Among these hindrances is the lack of capacity and government support.

To gain a grasp of the extent to which BIM technology has permeated into developing countries, This paper seeks to propose and conduct research on the construction industry in Afghanistan and qualitatively discuss the effective incorporation of BIM.

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Although man’s perpetual pursuit of the zenith of innovation continues to break barriers, constraints that arise from these advancements often come at a hefty price. Construction projects harbor their fair share of impediments throughout their lifecycles. These impediments can be attributed to a lack in consideration of all the relevant design elements and allocating meager resources to a particular element owing to an absence of concerted efforts by players within the AEC industry. The outcome of failing to identify these impediments have the potential to be disastrous if not checked against at the earliest offering. While BMIs provide a suitable and effective means of planning and design in construction, they require resources that may not be readily available, especially to developing nations. In light of the existence of these shortcomings, this paper seeks to address the following research questions:

1. What are the current construction practices in Afghanistan?
2. What are some of the constraints that plague the successful introduction of BIM in Afghanistan?
3. How can BIM be introduced in Afghanistan?

3. OBJECTIVES

3.1 General Objective

To implement the use of BMIs in construction in Afghanistan.

3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To determine the constraints hindering the implementation of BIMs in Afghanistan.
2. To delineate possible solutions to the constraints faced by AEC members in adopting BIM.

4. LITERATURE REVIEW

4.1 A Historical Approach to BIM

The origins of BIM can be traced to 1957 when Dr. Patrick Hanratty developed Pronto, the first commercial software computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). In 1963, Ivan Sutherland created a 2-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) graphical interface called Sketchpad, which consisted of a screen and a stylus pen used to enter data for analysis (Mohammad, Abdullah, & Ismail, 2018).

It was not up until 1977 that the current BIM platforms began to take shape when Charles Eastman created GLIDE (Graphical Language for Interactive Design). In 1986, RUCAPS (Really Universal Computer-Aided Production System), regarded as the precursor of the current BIM software, became the first CAD program to be applied in construction during renovations done at Heathrow Airport (Khochare &Waghmare, 2018).

Khochare and Waghmare (2018) go on to mention that in 1987, Gabor Bojar created ArchiCAD, which became the first BIM software to be made available on personal computers. Significant advancements made since then in refining the BIM software have accorded it the ability to produce increasingly complex models, therefore bettering our capacity to decipher potential constraints in project designs accurately.

4.2 How BIM Works

Building Information Modelling serves to create an accurate simulation of the project, which contains accurate geometry and relevant data needed to support the design, procurement, fabrication, and construction activities required to realize the building (Azhar, 2011). In order to produce visualizations of the project at hand, BIM requires a particular set of data to convert 2D drawings into 3D, 4D, and 5D. Khochare and Waghmare (2018), opine “data required for BIM is legal data, Financial data, specifications data, environmental data, designers’ data, and so forth. These kinds of are data required for BIM because it simulates all the data input and gives the best possible results”. A BIM takes into account all data sourced from various AEC disciplines. If it were to contain information from a single source, for example, calculations from a structural engineer, then it would not be considered as a BIM (Bazjanac, 2004).

4.3. Applications of BIM

The development of BIM has revolutionized the construction sector. Azhar (2011) offers, “BIM represents a new paradigm within AEC, one that encourages the integration of the roles of all stakeholders on a project. It has the potential to promote greater efficiency and harmony among players who, in the past, saw themselves as adversaries.” The coupling of efforts between experts within the construction industry ensures that decisions made are thoroughly informed. Virtual models created through BIM have a variety of applications, as discussed herein.

4.3.1 Visualization

Virtual renders provide a better option in conceptualizing a project as opposed to tangible models in that they consume a significantly less amount of time to produce.

4.3.2 Code Reviews

Public service institutions such as the fire department make use of virtual models to familiarize themselves with buildings in case of emergencies.

4.3.3 Project Costing

BIMs can estimate costs associated with the project. Through these models, quantity surveyors can approximate the cost of materials required to execute the project wit relative accuracy.

4.3.4 Project Sequencing

Owing to the availability of information regarding resources required to complete the project effectively, project stakeholders can make informed plans on how to carry out the project within specified timelines.

4.3.5 Detection of Constraints

The immersive nature of the renders allows the project design team to detect instances whereby building elements that happen to be in conflict with others are rectified before execution. For example, ensuring pipes are placed correctly.

4.3.6 Forensic Analysis

BIMs can identify potential sources of leaks and failures with ease.

4.3.7 Building Maintenance

BIMs allow building operators to efficiently undertake remedial works as they ease the detection of the prevailing issues that require attention.

4.3.8 Fabrication

BIMs offer the construction team an easy route to install facilities such as HVAC systems and elevators.

(Azhar, 2011)

4.4 Benefits of BMI

Azhar (2011) goes on to describe the multiple benefits realized from the use of BIM as follows:

1. Accurate Project Designs

Precise project dimensions deter resource wastage. BIMs ensure the procurement of the required quantities of construction materials.

2. Multidisciplinary Input

BIM brings together a multifaceted team of experts, which ensures that the project design meets expectations and standards. It also eases the load of correcting mistakes and omissions.

3. Increased Efficiency

Virtual models allow process managers to undertake projects faster due to information regarding the project is easily accessible.

4. Sustainability

Informed designs of a project help ensure that the project is environmentally sound throughout its entire lifecycle.

5. Facility Management

Design models can be stored over long periods and are vital in ensuring the facility runs efficiently.

6. Improved Customer/Vendor Experience

Designs produced from BIM allow procuring entities to make well-informed decisions while selecting contractors while contractors can submit informed quotations for executing the project.

4.5 Shortfalls of BIM

1. Legal Constraints

Ownership of designs presents a challenge as, in some instances, the project owner can claim ownership of the designs. At the same time, the design team might also lay claim to the designs based on the protection of proprietary information.

The ease of accessibility to the models means that all team members might be privy to making personal changes, which may lead to inaccuracies that would complicate the process due to a lack of accountability.

2. Technical Constraints

The lack of standardized BIM processes and guidelines on delegation of tasks and allocation of funds amongst the project team members presents a conundrum.

Most countries also lack the capacity and resources required to implement BIM.

4.6 Construction Trends in Afghanistan

In the last four decades, Afghanistan has been a heavy-conflict zone. The country has experienced the Soviet-Afghan War of 1979 to 1988, a series of civil wars from 1989 to 2001, and the United States invasion of Afghanistan, all of which led to the country being declared a failed state in 2001. While the country makes steady progress in attempts to resuscitate itself, the state remains fragile (Bizhan, 2018).

The construction industry in Afghanistan revolves around principal military installments, government reconstruction projects such as roads, largescale commercial developments, and small-scale retail and residential construction. Construction contracts are awarded to public and/or private companies, albeit under low levels of scrutiny which provides a spawning ground for widespread corruption  (Lister & Karaev, 2004). As of 2017, Afghanistan had nine major construction industry players, with six coming from foreign-based companies. The high demand for housing within the country brought about a boom in construction activities  (Construction Sector: Sector Overview, 2017).

Based on the literature review conducted while preparing this project proposal, while it is not clear on if construction adheres to BIM principles, it is not listed under countries that have implemented BIM standards in construction (AutoDesk, n.d.).

5. RESEARCH METHODS

The principal research method to be employed in gathering qualitative data is through conducting face-to-face interviews with experts from the AEC industry in Afghanistan to ensure that data is collected in real-time and is not subject to any kind of bias. Upon completion of the first phase of interviews, phase two will involve comprehensive literature reviews using locally sourced materials. The analysis of secondary data will provide insight into the prevailing situation in regards to the Afghan construction industry.

The research period will run for a duration of 14 days from June 14^th to June 28^th 2020. On the first week, I will interview representatives of the construction companies based in Kabul and a government representative from the Office of the Senior Economic Advisor. The interviews will be held during regular working days and on the normal working hours, with each interview expected to last 10 to 20 minutes. The second phase, which will involve reviewing of literature, will run from June 21^st to June 28^th.