Is Building Information Modelling (BIM), an advancement in technology that is detrimental to the working professional within the construction industry?

Abstract

This research paper has been produced to satisfy the Module BN3990: Dissertation. Titled “The Digital Revolution: Is Building Information Modelling (BIM) an advancement in technology that is detrimental to the working professional within the construction industry? Submitted by Ibrahim Ismail for BSc. Hons in Building Surveying at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in April 2016. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the result of the construction industry forming synergies with software development industry. A prime example of defining the 21st Century as the age of technology.
BIM allows the production of a 3D Model to host data compiled by a project team. The concept of BIM is to create data to be stored, shared and used over the lifecycle of a built asset. With the collaboration of a project team and integration of disciplines involved within a project it offers a more streamlined operation. The innovation of said software is such, it enables the simultaneous method of working and cross working enabling collaboration of works developed. This results in an optimised method of working, an outcome which recalibrates a project team’s focus onto time, cost and quality. The focus of BIM is a sustainable one, which goes beyond the deliverance of a built asset. The focus of collating this data is to use collated information for the lifecycle of a project. BIM is considered to provide better efficiency in the way tasks are completed and can be used pre construction or throughout this stage. This enables a virtual reality to mirror what is or will happen on site. This provides valuable insight to the project team to be able to pre-empt and take preventative measures to fulfil contract duties. BIM proposes to improve the way the construction industry operates by improving the efficiency with which tasks are delivered. The automation of tasks have enabled professionals to take advantage and restructure what their respected roles requires from them. This is associated with how BIM can impact professions within industry. The purpose of this research is to identify what BIM is capable of in respect of its impact in industry. This has channelled the discussion of whether BIM is going to allow roles to evolve, or if BIM will diminish the capacity in which traditional roles operate. What is BIM achieving that would have been considered a traditional role is a question that arises?
There is various research available discussing BIMs impact on the industry and as of recent, BIMs impact on professional roles such as Quantity Surveying has been gaining traction. BIM has often been associated with the Facilities Management role due to its attributes. However, this dissertation is an attempt to review roles and see what would become of the traditional role. The use of the Literature Review in Chapter 2, the collation of data in Chapter 4, the analysis in Chapter 5 and conclusions present this discussion. The conducting of this research in the manner discussed is what has allowed the Aims & Objectives to be fulfilled.