A Framework for Collaboration Management of BIM Model Creation in Architectural Projects

Abstract

In recent years, the uses and applications of building information modeling (BIM) have become more common in construction projects. Usually, most general contractors (GCs) will use collaborative works for BIM model creation. GCs work together and complete BIM model creation at different locations and times, successfully reducing the duration of BIM model creation. However, BIM collaborative works cause numerous practical problems in BIM model creation, which include low quality BIM models, the need to rework the model creation, and incorrect model creation. To overcome these problems, this study proposes the BIM collaboration management (CM) framework to enhance the quality of BIM model creation work. Using the proposed BIM CM approach, the BIM team can reduce the time needed for model checking and improve the quality of BIM CM work. The proposed framework and approaches were applied to a case study of a building project in Taiwan to verify their effectiveness. The case study results show that the proposed frameworks and approaches are effective for collaborative BIM model creation for the GCs. Finally, the benefits, limitations, conclusions, and suggestions are summarized for further application.