A case study on building information modelling implementation processes of railway systems sector in Turkey and managerial suggestions

Nowadays in construction sector, innovative changes and initiatives have been progressed on global scale due to development of information technologies. Economy of Turkey is proceeding based on construction sector which reveals the need for changing works are parallel with development of technology. The traditional project management systems and tools are used until the second half of the 20th century, have undergone reform through the development of CAD technology. During the recent years progressive technology, provides a basis of evolution of more effective systems on a global level, had led to obligation of using databases based on project management systems and tools in Turkish construction sector which show inadequacy of CAD tools and help more practical and multidisciplinary works. According to researches it can be noticed that clearly a large part of the investments, have made to develop the multi-part organization structure of the construction sector today, are focused on the building information modeling technology now and the developments will continue to proceed in this manner due to the positive approach and the changing perception in the sector Building Information Modeling (BIM) aims to improve design, projecting, construction, management and operation processes throughout the project life cycle using parametric and object-based models, establishing a digital information, sharing environment and enhancing communication and coordination between project stakeholders in a positive way and it is an innovative construction sector technology which is aimed reducing the most problems encountered in the process. In despite of lagging behind of rapid growth and initiatives in the world as acceleration in public project sector, initiatives started with the conditional requirement of BIM implementations in the project tender process in a large part of the state projects as in many North European and Oceanic countries especially in the UK and the US. Turkish contracting and design firms have begun to play a role in accelerating the adaptation process with creating teams which has required infrastructure and equipment. In this case, the first attempt of BIM applications in Turkey has been Kabataş-Mecidiyeköy-Mahmutbey (KMM) Metro Line Project which is started to built in 2013 under the ownership by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality European Side Rail Systems Directorate. This project based innovation brings being pilot project for the next project tenders. The work is supported by a new technological initiative, leaving behind the traditional construction and management methods that have been in place and settled for many years in public sector projects. For this reason, KMM Metro Line Project was examined as a case study in this thesis study. Assessments about BIM adaptation processes of railway's sector in Turkey, used technologies, adaptation efforts in project management processes and its effects are discussed in detail with all the stages. It is observed that adaptation problems may occur in applications because BIM flow is a completely new venture; but because of the systems increased efficiency throughout the project. As a result of the negotiations and the examinations were made, the benefits and advantages provided by BIM technology disadvantages have been overcome. For the project the BIM system is mostly used in the design stage to create interdisciplinary with 3 dimensional coordination model, time planning with model connected work program (time schedule - model integration), cost planning with cost data inputs as model data and progress payment according to BIM models, document management phases. After the completion of the construction the project record models should be qualified to serve for operation by Metro Istanbul A.Ş. which is having undertaken the operation of all rail system lines in Istanbul. Within the scope of the thesis study, the effects of BIM implementation on the project management stages were analyzed and evaluated by the way of the literature review and the case research. Deficiency of .current BIM implementation to lead BIM trend in Turkey and lack of standardization have been identified as main problems. Analyzing the reasons of adaptation problems occurrence shows the main fundamental factors as inadequacy of standards and implementation guidelines in Turkey which can constitute source, barriers arising from the enterprise that is being experienced first time in the field. Hence the thesis is expected to be a light of source with the determination of causes of inefficient uses in the first public BIM implementation project by case study method for all railways systems projects are planning to built after KMM Metro Line Project and several enterprises and development works in public sector in Turkey. In the first chapter of the thesis, basic information that supports the background of the study, problems that constitute the subject of this type of research in particular, the scope and purpose of the thesis work are defined. In the second chapter, the BIM system has been conceptually identified, and a detailed literature search has been done to support case study research findings on domestic and foreign sources in terms of historical development processes, fields of BIM activity in the world, implementation strategies and cases, and how to use BIM more widely and effectively throughout the project management phases. In the data collection and analysis section; KMM Metro Line Project works are reviewed for the BIM investments which are the future investments in railways system sector. The advantages and disadvantages of the system have been highlighted and the factors slowing down the process have been analyzed. In the conclusion section of the study, administrative and adaptive suggestions have been made to eliminate these barriers, and evaluations have been made to ensure that the transition period can be completed faster.This study includes a particular part of the ongoing implementation process. In the coming years with the finalization of the project, facility process uses or alternative usage areas can offer further research work. It is thought that the thesis study may be a basic source and background information for these future studies. With the fact that BIM is an indispensable trend now in the world investments and entrepreneurial activities in Turkey should be increased in order to spread the usage. This initial movement of awareness by the public sector has created an innovative surge in the Turkish construction sector markets. In the future, the BIM system should be closely monitored by the companies in the sector and an attempt should be made to catch up with the rapid adaptation flow initiated for this change. For the BIM implementation experience to be sought as a criterion in the next project work in the Railed Systems Sector, the structures of company organizations and technology infrastructures should be changed and developed in the direction of BIM design. It is clear that the investments on BIM to be made will have favorable benefits for the future. In order to establish the BIM infrastructure in the context of global BIM work which can be referred, it is necessary for the construction sector stakeholders in the country as well as the owners and the government to support and organize real incentive and development works. The preparation of the BIM implementation guidelines for users may be a positive strategy that can be developed to include the entire industry in this process with the requirement of BIM usage for all project contracts in which traditional project delivery methods are actively used and not just for railways system projects. For the country the creation of national BIM utilization strategies is very important in the adoption of BIM use in the industry as technology. As a system that should be adopted by all stakeholders, BIM will be an action that also increases the international market share of the Turkish construction sector. As a conclusion, BIM is a form of technology development to address the shortcomings of all project-building systems and methods that have served and experienced the new era and their adverse effects on the project process. The more efficient use of this system, which includes all of the project life cycles, enables a more successful project production process and management simplicity. It is being developed rapidly by recognizing its importance and advantages in global areas along with the need for the system and constantly renewing itself. Over the next few years, the number of countries adapting to this technology will increase gradually. Monitoring BIM developments substantially and pursuing the works with greater speed are notably important for the future of Turkish construction sector.