Bridging BIM and building (BBB) for information management in construction: The underlying mechanism and implementation

Chen Ke, Lu Weisheng

Purpose

How to make an effective use of building information   modeling (BIM) for information management (IM) is a challenging question in   the field of construction project and asset management. Chen et al. (2015)   answered this question by developing a conceptual framework of “bridging BIM   and building (BBB).” However, the underlying mechanism through which BBB can   truly impact IM remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is thus to   demystify the mechanism linking BBB and IM.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the IM literature, this paper   proposes three IM requirements, namely, requirements on information quantity,   quality and accessibility, as the significant mediators between BBB and IM.   To verify this proposition, a two-year, participatory case study was   conducted based on a real-life construction project in which a BBB system was   implemented.

Findings

The results of the case study supported the   proposition that by enhancing the information quantity, quality and   accessibility BBB could favorably contribute to IM in construction.

Practical implications

This paper provides knowledge about system   architecture, components and their linkage in an operable BBB system. It also   provides empirical experience about BBB implementation.

Originality/value

This study is among the first attempts to   streamline the theoretical discourses relating to BBB for IM in a   construction context. It contributes to the construction IM by directing   attention to key IM requirements and processes rooted in the IM literature.

Key words: Information system, BIM, ICT applications

Link: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2018-0206