CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION TECHNICAL BARRIERS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR PREFABRICATORS D.G. Tharinda Rathnapala, University Of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK T.Rathnapala@wlv.ac.

.uk Dr D.Heesom University Of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK D.Heesom@wlv.ac.uk

Abstract Within the Building Construction industry information flow between different entities plays bigger role in order to bring a given project to a successful end. And indeed throughout the world, resources and great encouragement have been expanded in the deployment of latest technological advancements to improve the construction industry functionalities, Building Information Model (BIM) is one of the introductions to the industry to accelerate technological improvement phase. Offsite Prefabrication is one of the widely used methods to gain the productivity & efficiency in construction projects. How ever there exists very little research into the effectiveness of this Building Information Model deployment process when applied to offsite prefabricators who are directly effect the whole building construction phase and beyond the life cycle of any building. Keywords Building Information Model, Construction Industry, Prefabrication, Information Exchange standards Information in the Construction Industry Compared to other technical industries such as Automotive, Aerospace, according to Bradfield (1983) the construction industry has a well-documented history of information and communication problems. From the history due to large, complex and highly fragmented and diverse nature of the industry and the separation of design from construction are contributing factors, augmented by new technologies, new materials and techniques (Bradfield, V.J., 1983). One can argue that architects have a thorough understanding over each and every element of the building and they technically know how the each system works. But this is not the true situation. In the construction industry the architect is dependent in many senses on others and their skills, as an example Prefabrication can be one of those other skill areas/industries where the architect needs to communicate. Since it took number of painful years for the prefabrication industry as an example the light gauge steel industry to come up with more robust solutions such as prefabricated internal & external walls, roof trusses, mezzanine floors etc.., one can not expect architects to learn all the technical aspect of it. Thats where the industry specific information sources and pre packed information can come to play a great role. From the early state architects had a small basic library of information sources, this included books, pamphlets, catalogues and articles. In the construction industry classification of information is widely acknowledged to be the most complex, controversial and fundamentally important component in the development of data coordination, since it is basic both to general information systems and to the structuring of project information (Phillips, 1976) Construction earlier was based on practical experience of the architect/main builder. But now with the technology development is requiring number of areas to consider before coming to any conclusion regarding construction projects. Gradually more and more has come to be grounded on science: Strength of materials, development of new and

improved materials, structural analysis and design, heat and moisture transfer, acoustic, natural and artificial illumination, energy conservation, fight against corrosion, fire, smoke, wind, floods, environmental protection, information and telecommunication technology, mathematical methods and application of computers, management and social science (Sebastyan, 2003) Even though the technology develop rapidly in different principles (electrical, Acoustic, Heating, Plumbing, Materials, Manufacturing processes etc..) it hasnt specify or implemented a proper method to abstract relevant different information from unrelated industries for the architects or the designers to use for any given construction process (in the stages of prior, during and after the construction). Currently some of this information can be found in paper format, electronic format and in CAD systems (e.g Stuc CAD, Architectural Desktop) or in latest 3D building modelling CAD systems (eg Vertex BD, Tekla, AdvanceSteel) as a comprehensive information package. Is a question of who is responsible / volunteer to collect all the available information and validate and process to provide comprehensive information source. According to Sebastyn (2003) Architectural design at all times has had to reckon with the available technology: materials and processes. Same instance the architect or the engineer had to work against the available design tools, techniques to achieve the ever changing ideas and objectives of the society, of the client. In the process of trying to achieve what the end user require and what end picture the architect has, it always required latest information for the building construction methods and its related techniques. Building Information Model (BIM) Building information model is a sole database of building design information. Not only a

design model, it is an information base which can be used through out the life cycle of the building, from tendering, construction, servicing, refurbishing and at the end for demolition. Based on the developed central database, different information can be retrieved to fulfil number of expectations and requirements. Even though the information can be obtained for different purposes, the root for all information is the same. Having a core database provides hidden coordination in-between different parties who use the building information model for their own purpose. In current instance the use of BIM is evident with major architect companies and giant contractors who handle a number of projects. But the benefit can gain by processes down the chain as well, (Khemalni, 2006). Different users can obtain different views from the model, these views include not only plan, section and elevation drawings typically found in a set of construction documents, but also door, window and finish schedules, material listings, 3D renderings and animations, and virtual reality scenes (www.triglyph.net, 2006). At the same time BIM should not adopt by any entity just for the cost saving purpose, also for many other benefits which can derive such as the ability to explore different engineering systems, perform energy analysis, determine building specifications automatically, and eventually eliminate the use of paper and paper-based processes (Khemalni, 2006), such as drawings, bill of materials, inventory, order processing etc.. According to Adams (2006, p.13) the Building Information Model should capable of providing is reliable, co-ordinated, and internally consistent digital representation of the building which available for design decision making, the production of high quality construction documents, construction planning and predicting performance in different ways. In the same stage it argues that the BIM model for construction is

substantially different from a BIM model for design (Khemalni, 2006). This situation creates theoretical barrier between the initial/planning stage of a building and the actual live executing process of the building when it comes to integrate different parties in to single database driven BIM. Construction Information and BIM At which point the building information model should initiate or who should maintain the information model is still an undefined topic. An important fact is the system existing in the technology world, this has been highlighted by Grobler (2005) during the BIM standard council at NIBS, USA. Still some barriers and lower growth cause the construction industry to chase behind advanced technology. When deciding who should contribute to the BIM and what are the types of information the model can accept to facilitate more reliable information is still an industry question. Information will vary from content and format (Bradfield, V.J., 1983), some might prefer information to be pre-packed for specific needs. By having pre-filtered information for any task will result not allowing end user to thoroughly evaluate required features and to logically accept what is been presented to them. Also it is a question with respect to the level of contribution from each party to the building process. One can argue that architect leads the building process, or other may argue it is main contractor or the structural engineer or the onsite project manager. Some can argue that this is a collective responsibility. Peter Rice, an English structural engineer, having cooperated with architects in several projects (Pompidou Centre, Sydney Opera House, Paris La Villette, etc.) declared that whilst the architects work is creative, the engineers is essentially inventive (Rice, 1994 in Sebastyn, 2003). This is an indication of not only the architect should be taken as the focal point of

developing any CAD based information system such as BIM. Any developed system and its related information base should be able to provide information for any given user to obtain what is relevant for them. According to Hagan (2005) beneficiaries from BIM varies during the course of the project, moving from designer to constructor to facility owner over (25- 30 Years) of life cycle. Current BIM Information Framework The key factor for implementing a BIM system/solution in construction/Architect entity will be how to interact with other stakeholder in the industry, mainly to exchange the design information. Regardless of the type of information which can be included in to the BIM, it is a matter of how to insert readily available information in to the new BIM. Key objective is how to exchange data between different platforms and to maintain a two-way information path between users. According to Douglas Ross et al., (AFIPS Conference, 1963) due to different languages used to create Computer Aided Design Systems, it has created own restrictions & interwoven computational complexities which generate great difficulties to integrate different CAD systems together. According to Gorbler (in NIBS, 2005) Technology is available, albeit; it is not perfect; nor is it complete, but it is at a place that it can be implemented. In current there are number of methods and ideas behind how the information framework for the BIM should work. Most common method is having BIM with one repository (e.g virtual data bank in Internet) over the project life cycle (Gorbler, 2005). This method brings the argument whether do we need to create number of data banks/storages uniquely for each and every project. As per Davis (in NIBS, 2005) over one million projects been designed and constructed using BIM. Did it create one million data storages over the internet?. Key

criteria behind BIM are to hold recreation of data and share information. According to Dillon (2005) there mainly three types of information one can in put in to BIM. 1) Geometry: Designers can model the entire building as a 3D model and create 2D drawings from it. And finally 2D drawings can be directly link to initial 3D model. When ever there is a change in the 3D model, it will automatically update the 2D drawings such as Elevation, Plan and detail drawings. This will reduce the time taken to rectify any errors in the process of accommodating quick changes. Also having 3D model will help in understating and providing solutions in the beginning of the project. 2) Non-graphical information: with the latest technology development in the area of parametric modeling, 3D objects can contain number of non-graphical features of the component which will helpful to further define it function. As an example common I-Beam can contain information about it fire rating, framing parameters, estimating information, etc., (Dillon, 2005). These information are not visible in the drawings and in the 3D model, but can be obtained though reporting procedure and also use in another analysis software for further analysis. 3) Linked information: these are the information in the model, but which is not directly related to the model, such as project details (main contractor/sub contractor details), Gantt charts etc.. Information exchange standards According to Eastman (1999) need to exchange data between engineering applications existed even before the development of initial CAD systems. Eastman (1999) also highlighted the different requirements to exchange data

Translate data between two CAD systems, when two business entities working in the same project To extract data from CAD system for input into an analysis application Loading the output from an external application that generates design results in the receiving CAD application Loading data of an exiting building for the planned renovation work Reading in details or building parts from parts catalogue in represented in some general format for inclusion in a CAD project. Extracting base information from construction drawings. To automatically derive the Bill Of Materials from construction drawings When Eastman mention about some general formats to use to exchange parts information and loading outputs from external application for further design purpose, it unintentionally highlight the requirement of having system be able to interact with other business entities who are in the second or third level of the construction industry supply chain. With respect to Prefabricators or other bespoke item suppliers having BIM system be able to accept information (i.e. CAD data and associated information) from external system will generate great benefit. Technical Barriers and Opportunities for Prefabricators In most of the engineering fields there is prespecifiability of the fabrication technology, where small numbers of parts are combined in to hierarchical structure to deliver final product Kit-of-Parts Design and to deliver different function. The possibility of using BIM to interact prefabricators is still an ill defined subject. As per Lachmi Kemlani,(2006 , AECbytes) There seems to be a natural correlation between the computational technology of BIM

and the constructional technology of Prefabrication. What above comment highlight is still there is an unexplored link between BIM and requirements of prefabricators. With the Availability of all the prefabricated components in digital format which will represent as accurately as it geometry as their properties, BIM system could be developed where it can use to assemble these components in the design stage as well as during the offsite construction stage Lachmi Kemlani (2006 , AECbytes). By having all the associated information such cost, structure, energy performance and so on, it could be used positively in BIM model to analysis future proceedings of the project. By having all the prefabricators information in the BIM model from the beginning of the building lifecycle it will dramatically reduce the cost and errors and increase the efficiency. This will be great tool for early decision making procedure and to use as a test bed to trial different prefabrication methods. But due to large number of prefabricators and their infinite number of materials and construction methods it is a very time and cost incurring activity to build up a such comprehensive database. Even after achieving this it need to run in a super computer environment to deliver all the relevant information for the architects or engineers. Then the standards, before determining who the prefabricator is, architect or structural engineer need to be able to use BIM system to form the building in 3D environment. Without specialty knowledge on prefabrication industry this will be a highly responsible procedure. In the same time the system should be able to customize prefabricated components based on its materials, special construction methods and for different construction scenarios so on. Eastman (1999), Due to current contracting practice, when moving through the building lifecycle phases it is a common situation of

not giving proper consideration about activities involve in the next phases. Due to this situation and to cope with unnecessary amount of data which need to be in any computer system Eastman (1999, p.28) emphasized it is more practical to add information about different technologies (ex prefabricated components) as a design proceeds. In the current stage of the BIM it is hard to forecast when the prefabricators direct involvement appear within the system. In first offsite prefabricators need to produce and publish their prefabricated components in a digital format, where it can be used at the very early stages of the building design process. Due to mass production and having to deal with number of construction projects at a given time has prompted prefabricators to utilise in house 3D modelling and Computer Aided manufacturing Systems by individual part manufacturers and modular builders. This shows that incorporation of prefabricators information in to BIM will not be an alliance activity for prefabricators, the commitment and leading trade partners architect/contractors for the technology is required. And appropriate technical procedures need to incorporate within BIM technology to accept prefabricators information. Conclusion One objective of this research is to understand uniqueness of construction industry information and its latest development with technological advancement. Second objective is an actual implementation of relevant technological requirements in a selected offsite prefabricators infrastructure to adapt Building Information Model. With the possible live integration with an existing Building Information Model and the positive impact on both construction and prefabricators business cycle will be assessed.

A thorough understating about the Building information model is required prior to recommending any technological advancement. A proper understating about different users and industry requirements need to be assessed in advance to find how the prefabricators should interact with Building Information Model.

It is not realistic to predict when the whole industry will incorporate prefabricators in to Building Information Model within its own development stage. But it is a fact that by incorporating such second/third level offsite manufactures information in to BIM will provide higher cost savings and efficiency in real time construction process.

Phillips, M., (1976) Putting Data On Tap Construction News Magazine,2(9),39 Editor Bradfield, V.J.,(1983) Information Sources in Architecture. Butterworth & Co(Publishers) Ltd. (720 INF) Sebestyen, G., (2003) New Architecture and Technology. Architectural Press, An Imprint of Elsevier Science. (720.105 SEB)
Eastman, C.M., (1999) Building Product Models, CRC Press, USA.

Begg, V., (1984) Developing Expert CAD Systems. Kogan Page Ltd. London (620.004 250 2854 BEG) Smith,N.J., -Edited By 2nd Edition (2002). Engineering Project Management BlackWell Science Ltd. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, July/August 2006 Volume20 Number 4 ISSN 08873801CODEN: JCCEE5 Technical Council on computing and information technology American Society of Civil Engineers Automation In Construction An International Research Journal. www.sciencdirect.com Editors Y.E KALAY & M.J. SKIBNIEWSKI Volume 15 Number 4 July 2006 ISSN 0926-5805 Smith, S., (2005) CURT AEC Productivity Initiative. In National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), Information Model-National BIM Standards-Facilities Information Council (FIC) (2005) Meeting Minutes: 29th August 2005, Prepared by Glenn, H. STV Inc, Washington DC: NIBS. Douglas Ross & Jorge Rodriguez, 1963. In AFIP Conference, Theoretical Foundations for the Computer- Aided Design Systems.
Kemlani, L. ACE Bytes, (2005) Prefabrication of Timber Buildings based on Digital Models: A Perspective from Norway [on line]. [cited 28th February 2005].< http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2005/Norway_prefab.html> Kemlani, L. ACE Bytes, (2006) The Executive Forum and Other Session for Technology at Construction 2006 [on line]. [cited 24th August 2006]. <http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2006/TFC2006_sessions.html>