Building information modeling for sustainable construction

Abstract

The study aims at evaluating and investigating the potential of BIM and its capacity in support for sustainable design and construction. This was achieved by: (a) Investigating the current trends in BIM usage within AEC and how it supports sustainable design and construction; (b) Identifying the potentials of Building Information Modelling software relevant to practices for sustainable construction. (d) Determining strategies that can be put in place to increase uptake of BIM amongst built environment professionals. Primary data was collected from Architects, Engineers, Green Building Practitioners, Quantity Surveyors and Construction Project Managers using questionnaires for data collection. Analysis of data was achieved using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel. The study established three major trends in BIM usage i.e., use of Revit, ArchiCAD and Navisworks. MEP (44%), energy analysis (40%) and lighting analysis (38%) on the other hand were the main Computer Aided Analysis being used by the respondents. Majority of the respondents also indicated they have implemented BIM in the design stage. Various environmental performance analysis software for users to analyse building sustainability in the AEC industry however it is not used to its fullest capacity. 42% of the respondents indicated they have not used any of the performance analysis softwares while Platforms such as Graphisoft ecodesigner has been used by only 20% of respondents, Ecotect 18% and IES Virtual Environment 15%. The study also investigated BIM software packages effectiveness in achieving sustainable construction practices. Three major variables were investigated: Energy efficiency, water efficiency and environmental quality which were further subdivided into 12 subcategories. A hypothesized mean of 3 and above was set as a critical cut-off point in determining BIM software packages effectiveness in achieving sustainability. All the 12 attained a mean of 3 and above hence these findings indicate that BIM software packages are effective in promoting sustainable construction practices. It is basically asserted that Building Information Modelling has become marketable. This is due to its project visualisation (4.33) project planning and coordination (4.25), clash detection (4.05) and rework reduction (4.02) capabilities. The study also established that sustainable design and Construction is supported by BIM hence the Alternative hypothesis was accepted. The study accordingly recommends education and training focusing on BIM and sustainability to help increase uptake of BIM amongst built environment professionals.