Use of Building Information Models: a contractor's point of view

摘要

The so-called Virtual Construction technology promotes a wide use of digital mock-ups andcomputer simulations for modelling the tri-dimensional (3D) geometry and analysing thebehaviours of a structure. The aim is to identify and anticipate problems as soon as possible duringthe design and construction processes in order to make the most adequate decision in the right time.A global management and storage of all the data defining the structure guarantee to all thestakeholders access to the right updated information and will avoid re-keying the needed data.The present paper provides an overview on the use of that technology in civil engineering based ona contractor's experience. Promising results have been identified when using a stand-alone system.Problems remain to be solved when applying it in a collaborative environment. The important facetis not the tools availability but the ability of an organisation to adopt virtual construction and reapthe benefits that the technology can bring. As such, the need to get the company culture and processin place is paramount.