Constructability assessment framework using BIM technology

Implementation of constructability/buildability ideas in the construction industry has a potential return on investment concerning time and money. Literature shows that a constructability program provides benefits to the owners, contractors and designers. It is found that quantified assessment of design is the most suitable approach to improve constructability of projects. The potential use of new technology-based tools to assess constructability of a design has not been fully realized. This research introduces a new methodology to evaluate the level of application of constructability principles in residential buildings during design phase. The proposed methodology integrates object oriented Building Information Model (BIM) and 4D CAD simulation model. Factors affecting constructability of building designs in the Canadian construction industry are identified from a questionnaire survey on constructability attributes. Multi attribute decision analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used to assess the overall constructability value. Direct applications to check for constructability using 4D models were demonstrated. The new methodology was validated using a case study of condos project in downtown Montreal. The outcome showed that integrating BIM with 4D CAD simulation models has many benefits to designers in which evaluation of different designs can be done in a more accurate and faster way.