Developing the Documentation System for the Construction Project by Using Building Information Modeling

Abstract

Abstract Documentation is an important part in the construction process provides a contemporary record of actual events. Therefore, documentation errors are a significant problem during the construction stages. Errors contained in contract documents can also contribute to loss of profits, reduced productivity, cost and time overruns, as well as contractual disputes. Also, the nature of the construction work requires dealing with a huge of information and documents. The processes of documentation and information sharing have become management challenges. Project managers who still use paper documents have difficulty searching through a huge number of documents, especially when they are managing several projects. Modern technology, such as Building Information Modeling has alleviated this issue and allowed users to centralize the construction project documentation into a singular source. This study aims to develop the documentation system in Iraqi construction projects by using Building Information Modeling to improve data documentation and improve construction document management. The data was collected from a literature review and questionnaire to evaluate the documentation system in construction projects. The results indicated that the construction sector in Iraq lacks a database due to the lack of application of information technology, as well as accumulation of documents which makes it difficult to manage and access documents because of the huge VIII number of papers that could reach thousands, this causes waste of effort and time when searching for any document, as well as the cost due to consumption a large number of papers. Also, the study found that the documentation method in construction projects is a 2D system, which is paper documents, (CAD) drawings, or PDF files. This method does give a full visualization of the building and doesn't discover the conflicts between the different disciplines. To achieve the objectives of the study, the case study was documented using Revit software, and time schedule was linked with a 3D model in the NavisWork software to create a 4D model that simulates reality. Also, a comparison of quantities was made between actual and BIM for (foundations, columns, beams, slabs, staircase, floors, secondary ceiling, tiles, and stone), the percentages of difference between actual quantities and BIM are (1.614%, 1.7%, 2.4%, 0.29%, 4.15%, 0.52%, 0.32%, 2.13%, and 0.23%) respectively and these percentages are small and acceptable. Then, documents and a 3D model were uploaded to BIM360DOCS. Finally, the researcher concluded that BIM is characterized by accuracy in documenting construction project information in a singular source, and gives a visualization of the building. Also, the accuracy of BIM quantification of materials compared with a traditional method as it is inefficient, timeconsuming, and prone to error which has a negative impact on project performance. As a result, using questionnaire and according to the opinion of the experts and engineers, an evaluation was made for BIM 360 DOCS, and it was found that it increasing efficiency, improving quality, and reducing risk by making project information accessible to the project team when and where they need it.