An investigation into the building information modeling applications in the construction project management

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is an innovative construction technology which aims to improve design, construction and operation phases by creating a digital information model. This parametric and 3D object based model support collaborative working of different disciplines, thereby communication and coordination increases between the project stakeholders. In literature, BIM usage is classified as 3D BIM to 7D BIM according to their implementation scope. For 3D BIM, project models are designed as 3D models, and this model enables to working of different designers simultaneously on the project. Through 3D modeling clashes can be detected and corrected in the design phase, and 3D model provides to present visually more understandable project to the customer. Software should be used e.g. Navisworks Manages, in Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format that can transfer the information from the 3D model to implement 4D and 5D BIM. In 4D BIM time information is added to the model. Work schedule is created and visualized on the model, thereby workflow can be checked during the construction phase. Similarly, in 5D BIM cost information is added to the model. Bill of quantities has more consistent results with the calculation from 3D model, and project total cost and progress payments can be checked during the construction. In 6D BIM implementation project is aimed to build with sustainability criteria. Through 6D BIM technology building's energy consumption is monitored more accurately, and project is designed in a way that to minimize the energy consumption. In 7D BIM, updated "as-built" project which contains all the specifications, warranty and maintenance and operation information is delivered to the client. The BIM model of the project helps to optimize and monitor the cost analysis and energy consumption of the project throughout the project lifecycle. According to these implementations, BIM technology facilitates construction project management areas, and it improves the project management success. Building modeling concept based on to 1970's, and in 1987 ArchiCAD launched a CAD software that can create 2D and 3D graphic designs. BIM concept has become a widely used term in construction industry in the last decade. Thus, the software companies as; Autodesk, Bentley, Allplan and Graphisoft have began to launch software that can enable to produce digital information model of the project. BIM technology aims to create a database that stores all the information about the building, and also aims to be used this information actively throughout the lifecycle of the building. Therefore, design software that can produce 3D model of the project such as; Revit, ArchiCAD, MicroStation and Allplan, and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format software that are capable of receiving data from design program and can work coordinately with them such as; Navisworks Manage should be used to achieve successful implementation of BIM. This study concentrates on how to use BIM technology effectively on all phases of construction project management, the contribution of BIM technology to project management areas, and the reasons for using BIM technology is not spread enough in Turkish construction sector. In this study, firstly the research purposes and objectives are explained, and the international literature review study is presented. Particularly, the articles that focus on the relationship between the project management and BIM technology are analyzed. Following chapters indicate the research methods and objectives, and the research results. This research results created by survey results and the interviews made with 18 BIM experts from the medium large scale Turkish construction companies. According to research findings, the contribution of BIM technology to the project management and connection between them are revealed, and the implementation methods in the Turkish construction industry is evaluated by the author. In addition, the proposals have been developed for the widespread use of BIM in Turkish construction industry. BIM implementations have increased during the last 10 years especially in the American and European construction industries with the rapidly developing technology. The United States and the United Kingdom have the leadership in BIM development. The main reason for this situation, the countries required the BIM applications in the contracts of government projects after a certain date. Furthermore, particularly Germany, France, the majority of the Nordic countries, Singapore and Australia have accelerated the BIM adaptation process by investing in IT and establishing strategic organizations. The research results have been prepared based on the responses of BIM users who are participated to the interviews and survey study. According to the research findings, the main advantages of BIM usage are working on 3D model together with the different disciplines, strengthening the coordination between the project stakeholders, eliminating of project errors in design phase which results in cost and time benefit, and creating a building information database that helps the facility management process. The company may face with some potential difficulties while adapting BIM technologies such as; lack of educated employee about 3D design and BIM implementations, employee resistance, subcontractor adaptation problems, and the documentation process that BIM requires etc.. To overcome these difficulties and accomplish BIM adaptation process companies should make some organizational and administrative changes. The beneficial changes can be summarized as; hiring new and BIM experienced employees, establishing a BIM team within the company, investing in BIM technologies and providing training for employees to improve BIM consciousness. The research results show that technological developments and global tendency has raised an awareness toward BIM in Turkish construction industry. Main reasons for implementing BIM technology are employer demand, involvement of BIM criteria in the contract and gaining global competitiveness in the construction industry. The incentive factors for widespread using of BIM technology are being necessity of BIM implementation in government tenders, increasing education about BIM in academic institutions, promoted using of 3D CAD programs and increasing conference and panel about the BIM implementation in the construction sector. In conclusion, BIM technology greatly supports the project management knowledge areas, and it affects the project cost, time, quality and communication performance in a positive way. In current situation, BIM applications are carried out as producing 3D model of the project and work schedule in Turkish construction industry. Although the construction sector in Turkey following BIM movement a few year behind of the world, companies are increasing the scope of investment and BIM applications accordance with the growing interest and demand in the sector.