A proposal for a BIM performance framework for the maintenance and refurbishment of housing stock

Alwan, Zaid (2016) A proposal for a BIM performance framework for the maintenance and refurbishment of housing stock. Structural Survey, 34 (3). pp. 242-255. ISSN 0263-080X

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Abstract

For many years Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been acknowledged as providing digital representation of projects’ complex physical and functional attributes. This goes beyond automated communication and documentation of structures and design: a strategic approach to BIM adoption needs to incorporate people, processes and technologies on an equivalent basis, and lead to capacity building through the managerial improvements (Arayici et al., 2011), coupled with industry implementation being driven through the specific govemental fiscal incentives such as the BIM task force in the UK for example (Gledson et al., 2012). BIM’s information delivery abilities are acknowledged by the building and construction industry worldwide. In recent years, researchers have investigated in depth the overall benefits of BIM in managing complex construction projects (Waterhouse and Philp, 2013;Yan & Damian, 2008), and how to measure these benefits with regard to the specific needs of stakeholders via integrated design processes (Barlish and Sullivan, 2012; Succar, 2009) . There have also been extensive studies conducted on green building performance such as thermal analysis, sustainability and evaluation tools (chiefly BREEAM and LEED), their benefits to buildings (Fox, 2010), and the facilitation of sustainable design (Alwan et al., 2015), with specific reference to BIM processes (Kim et al., 2015; Hope & Alwan, 2012; Building & Consumption, 2010). However, there has been relatively little discussion of the benefits of BIM with respect to the domestic housing sector; and even less research has been conducted on the potential adoption of BIM for the maintenance and refurbishment (M&R) of housing stock. Finally, despite targets in the implementation of BIM being set by the UK Government, its uptake has been generally modest at best (Motawa & Almarshad, 2013), with its employment varying significantly from one industry sector to another. This may be as a result of a reliance on traditional practice as well as a lack of education within the sector.

The aim of this research is therefore to evaluate the current state of BIM in relation to maintenance and refurbishment (M&R), and to propose conceptual and practical frameworks whereby BIM adoption can be usefully utilised as a strategic management tool for ageing housing stock, with a specific focus on sustainability issues.

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