A study on the productivity evaluation of building information modelling (BIM) based prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC) project

• Main Author: Fernandez, Priscilla Crystal
• Other Authors: Tiong Lee Kong, Robert
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/70998
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In line with the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) target to improve construction productivity, the industry is currently moving towards more productive technologies that will achieve higher productivity gains. Of these productive technologies, BIM and PPVC were identified by the authority to be of high potential to achieve productivity gains. BIM is a technology and a process. BIM as a technology enables users to better visualise their development in a simulated environment by generating a 3D model. As part of a process, BIM carries the project modelling further via BIM supported methodologies which will aid in other areas of construction management such as construction cost control and facilities management. PPVC, on the other hand is a type of modular construction. Modules are first manufactured offsite then transported to the site for installation. As such, allowing the construction process at the site to be efficient. Together, BIM and PPVC technologies are believed to have a significant impact on the construction industry in terms of improving productivity. There are many instances of BIM based PPVC developments globally that have been found to be effective in improving productivity. BIM based PPVC developments are still new in Singapore and therefore, more study needs to be done to evaluate the extent of productivity gains and the potential problems it brings about locally. This report aims to study current BIM based PPVC developments locally; the challenges faced, the benefits that should be retained and the possibilities for improvements. This is so that we may work towards a smoother sailing project development in future and also to further enhance productivity of the construction industry as a whole. There are currently three PPVC developments in Singapore and of the three, only one is BIM based. This BIM based development is the new hostel development in NTU and it will be used as a case study in this paper. Present workflow of a BIM based PPVC development will be evaluated and representatives from the industry will be interviewed to gain insights on the current benefits and challenges faced. Findings have shown that current BIM based PPVC development is experiencing challenges such as resistance to move away from conventional methods and interoperability issues between BIM software. Furthermore current BIM based PPVC development is not using BIM to its maximum potential. Henceforth, a new workflow is proposed to attempt to mitigate these challenges for further BIM based developments. This workflow will include a refinement of the current workflow and the necessary changes to ensure that both technologies are exploited to its maximum capabilities in gaining productivity.