Global Case Studies

Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Summarise Global BIM Case Studies
Research Complex 2 (USA)
Client: University of Colorado-Denver Health Sciences
Centre
The scheme shown is a new build research complex for
the university of Colorado-Denver. As part of this
project, Information management used to reduce
programme and identify problems during the design
stage.
This scheme was of particular interest as the same
design team were used on the previous research
complex, therefore comparisons could be drawn from
the traditional approach and the use of building
information modelling.
As part of the design process, BIM was used to
undertake virtual design and construction (VDC)
processes.
BIM was selected on the project to improve the
customer experience, enhance productivity, optimise
the project schedule, and to enhance project team
collaboration.
The Benefit:
The overall benefit of the scheme was that, project
programme reduced by two months due to previously
unforeseen problems identified in the model rather
than in physical conflicts, as well as the efficient
coordination of subcontractors. Additional benefits
were found in the efficient coordination of sub-
contractors utilising 4D modelling.

As part of this project, common layering strategies,

coordinated base points, and an open model sharing
philosophy were determined to be critical for proper
collision detection and reporting. Sets of 2D shop
drawings or “assembly instructions” for various phases
and disciplines of construction were ultimately derived
from the construction BIM.
Through the use of the building information model, not
only was it used for clash detection, it was also used to
produce assembly instructions, to various phases and
disciplines of construction. Each of these deliverables
were derived from the information model.
In order to manage the project, the Contractor
combine models from each discipline to find collisions
between the various systems. The contractor leveraged
its pre-construction experience and provided direct
feedback to the design team based on discoveries that
its virtual coordination process uncovered.
Through the management of collisions, and the co-
ordinated approach to showing information, it resulted
in significantly less requests for information compared
to the previous project.

In addition, 4D visualization was used in pre-planning

coordination meetings to avoid field conflicts between
subcontractors scheduled to work in adjacent areas.
The project was able to benefit from the accurate
placement of concrete and structural systems, which
mitigated the opportunities for re-work and reduced
the overall programme by 2 months.
Shanghai Tower (China)
Client: Shanghai Tower Construction & Development

The development of an information model, played an

important role during the design stage, for building
form definition, structural and energy simulations, and
curtain-panel rationalisation.
Typically, a project of this size would usually involve
around 50 people to manage the process.
In regards to the project, the client stated that the
project complexity could be very difficult to manage
successfully, with traditional project methods and
systems.
As such, BIM was also used reduce the amount of
project management staff required for a project of this
size from 50 to 15.
Through the use of building information modelling and
its work flows, the amount of project management
staff required was reduced to 15. This reduction in
staff didn’t have a negative impact on the scheme.
On behalf of the Shanghai construction and
development team, the information model was used to
reduce rework and support building operation.
As part of this project BIM was used to coordinate the
design, analysis, construction, management and
operation; of a 121-story 632m high super high-rise.

The Benefit:
Cost of the accumulated rework was less than 0.22% of
the total project cost. In addition, the programme was
reduced by around 30% to 73 months.
Collaboration with Interserve and SSC resulting in pre-
cast cells, reducing the programme by 6 weeks saving
£85,000 on time-related overheads alone.
1.5% through early engagement and review of work
packages to ensure best value.
In addition to its use during design and construction,
BIM will play a vital role to the facility management
and operations to the building, this includes its use to
support asset management and spatial management
processes.

Cookham Wood Prison (UK)

Client: Ministry of Justice
On behalf of the ministry of justice, BIM was used to
satisfy the end user. As part of the design development
process of Cookham wood prison, a number of 3D
models were created to coordinate the design and
develop information to manufacture pre-cast concrete
cells.
The models were also used through alongside soft
landings to demonstrate the design to key stakeholders
and end users.
The Benefit:
20% capital saving achieved. In addition, the use of the
information model to fabricate pre-cast cells reduced
the programme by six week saving 85,000 on time-
related overheads alone.

Stakeholder Engagement
As part of the design development, stakeholders
challenge the design to ensure smooth operation, post-
handover. For instance “If what was a glazed screen
was converted back to bars, it would allow sound
transference, enabling staff to more easily hear if there
was a disturbance.”
Had this engagement not occurred in order to monitor
the prison an additional guard would have been
required and this would have increased the operational
cost.
North Shore Hospital (NZ)
Client: Waitemata District Health Board
On behalf of Waitemata District Health Board, the
information model was used to streamline the design
process.
Multiple 3D Models were created and co-ordinated at
an early design stage to improve the workflow
between teams and to avoid issues at key junctions
such as with MEP systems and fire protection.
The model was also used for client engagement using
3D room data sheets.
The Benefit:
By developing an early design stage model, critical
junctions were highlighted which benefitted the
documentation stage, saving weeks in project time.
Client engagement was a key part of this scheme,
utilising 3D room data sheets to ensure that the right
equipment and fittings were provided and spaced
correctly. Good hospital design can limit cross-
contamination, improve staff efficiency and ultimately
save lives.
Due to the complexity of the systems proposed MEP
systems could not be approved due to the technical
level of their information by the client, a team was
then commissioned to produce this information into
3D which was then conveyed to the client and
approved.
WDHB CEO Dale Bramley anticipated that, based on
this model, operations would cost approximately 20%
less than average through improved facility design,
consultation, surgery and recovery times, and by
ensuring that most patients would need only visit the
hospital once prior to surgery.
It can be difficult for clients and non-construction
professionals to read technical drawings, as such
having good visualisation data, such as there room
data sheets allow decisions to be made by the client
and end users without having to navigate the language
of construction drawings.