1. Introduction
In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed a paradigm shift with the advent of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability [1]. Among these innovations, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative approach that integrates various aspects of construction, from design to operation [2]. BIM facilitates a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of facilities, allowing stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and analyze projects throughout their lifecycle [3]. This technology has become particularly relevant in complex infrastructure projects, such as railway development, where the effective coordination and management of multiple disciplines are crucial [4]. Railway infrastructure development involves significant investments, extensive planning, and intricate design and construction processes. The complexity of these projects often leads to challenges, including cost overruns, delays, and safety concerns. Traditional construction methods have struggled to address these issues adequately, often resulting in fragmented communication and inefficient project management [5,6].
As a response to these challenges, BIM offers a comprehensive solution that promotes collaboration among stakeholders, enhances decision-making, and mitigates the risks associated with design and construction [7]. The application of BIM in railway development has the potential to revolutionize the way projects are executed. By enabling real-time data sharing, visualization, and analysis, BIM enhances the design process by allowing for the early detection of potential conflicts and errors [6,8]. This proactive approach minimizes costly changes during the construction phase, thereby improving overall project efficiency. Furthermore, BIM’s capabilities extend beyond the design stage, impacting the construction phase by optimizing scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management. The integration of these functionalities can lead to substantial time and cost savings, making BIM a strong guarantee for railway developers [9].
While the railway sector is among the most advanced in adopting BIM within the infrastructure industry, challenges related to high initial investment, specialized training needs, and varying levels of technology acceptance among some stakeholders may still limit the widespread implementation of BIM in certain regions or project types. The adoption of BIM often requires overcoming these challenges, particularly in regions with less mature digital infrastructure or among smaller stakeholders [10,11]. Moreover, while many studies have focused on the quantitative benefits of BIM [12,13], there is a notable lack of research addressing the qualitative advantages [14] it offers, such as improved collaboration, enhanced communication, and increased project transparency. Understanding these dimensions is vital for fully realizing the potential of BIM in railway development.
This paper aims to bridge this gap by exploring both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of using BIM in the design and construction stages of railway projects. The primary research questions guiding this study are as follows: What are the quantitative and qualitative benefits of BIM in the design phase and construction phase of railway construction projects, respectively? Are there significant differences in the effectiveness of BIM between the design and construction phases, and if so, what are they specifically? By addressing these research questions, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the benefits of BIM in railway development, contributing to the existing body of knowledge while offering practical insights for industry stakeholders. The findings of this study will not only reinforce the case for adopting BIM but also guide future research and practice in the field of railway infrastructure development. In an era where efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability are paramount, understanding the full spectrum of BIM’s advantages is essential for the future of railway projects and the broader construction industry.
2. Data and Methods
The research method incorporates both quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights to provide a comprehensive evaluation of BIM’s impact on project efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and stakeholder collaboration. This dual approach enables a more holistic understanding of BIM’s role, encompassing both measurable outcomes and more subjective, but equally critical, aspects of project management.
2.1. Research Approach
The research methodology employed in this study is a combination of case study analysis and comparative analysis. The study is based on both quantitative metrics (cost, time, error rates, and resource efficiency) and qualitative feedback (collaboration, communication, and project management improvements). By re-examining the data from these sources, the research will highlight BIM’s contributions to project success, focusing on both the design and construction phases. The approach is structured as follows: a. Quantitative analysis will focus on the measurable benefits of BIM, such as cost savings, time reduction, and efficiency improvements. Data will be analyzed using statistical techniques such as cost–benefit analysis and time efficiency comparisons. b. Qualitative analysis will involve assessing the softer, non-metric aspects of BIM, such as improvements in stakeholder collaboration, communication, and error reduction, using data from previous case studies and interviews.
2.2. Data Collection
This study relies on secondary data from three case studies published in previous research [15,16,17]. While this limitation restricts the scope of data, the selected studies were chosen due to their relevance, detailed reporting, and applicability to the railway sector in South Korea. We acknowledge that the limited number of case studies may reduce the generalizability of our findings and recommend further research using primary data collection or a broader range of projects to validate the results. This study selected several completed or soon-to-be-completed railway construction projects in Korea, covering both the design and construction phases. The authors aim to compare the data from these two phases to summarize the specific advantages of BIM. In the three cases studied, Case 2 was entirely conducted during the construction phase, Case 3 was entirely conducted during the design phase, while Case 1 used BIM during the design phase but did not utilize it in the construction phase. After the construction was completed, data were gathered by identifying design errors and work information.
3. Analysis and Results
To evaluate the overall improvement in project efficiency, this study employed a dual approach that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative metrics include cost savings, reductions in working days, and optimization in labor requirements, derived from case studies and benefit–cost analysis. Qualitative improvements, such as enhanced collaboration, better communication, and improved management transparency, were assessed through expert interviews and structured surveys. This comprehensive evaluation ensures a robust understanding of BIM’s impact on project efficiency.
We assessed the overall improvement in project efficiency by analyzing quantitative metrics, such as cost savings, reduction in working days, and labor demand, as well as qualitative feedback from stakeholders regarding collaboration, communication, and management transparency. The quantitative data were derived from cost–benefit analysis, while the qualitative insights were gathered through structured interviews and surveys.
In the preliminary research, we conducted a benefit–cost analysis (BCA) of multiple railway construction projects in South Korea, focusing on both the design and construction phases. The advantages of using BIM, whether in the design or construction phase, primarily manifest in three areas: (1) design review; (2) rework and reconstruction; and (3) cost increases due to construction delays caused by design errors. Additionally, through interviews and surveys with industry experts, we summarized the effectiveness of BIM in terms of usage time, work content, and application. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a horizontal comparison of the specific advantages and differences in BIM in the design and construction phases of railway construction projects. We will specifically compare the differences and economic benefits brought about by cost efficiency, time efficiency, and labor efficiency (Table 1).
3.1. Quantitative Analysis
3.1.1. Economic Benefit Analysis
One of the key quantitative benefits of BIM technology is its cost-saving potential, especially in controlling expenses during the design and construction phases. The implementation costs for BIM projects, including initial modeling, training, and technical support fees, are offset by the overall reduction in costs due to decreased rework and error correction. In the design phase, BIM’s precise 3D modeling and clash detection capabilities allow teams to identify potential issues before finalizing the design plans, effectively preventing costly rework and corrections in the later construction phase.
In Case 1 [17], BIM was only used during the planning and design phase. For certain reasons, BIM did not carry over into the construction phase, which relied on 2D drawings instead. Therefore, the planning and design phase involved a consortium of eight different companies. Based on expert interviews and data analysis of workflows, we identified 12 design errors across seven subprojects that could have been avoided had a BIM model been checked before construction. The costs associated with these rework efforts can thus be considered a benefit arising from the use of BIM.
The labor costs generated from BIM, calculated based on the level of the engineers, amount to approximately USD 127,983, including a 10% subsidy. Since rework and reconstruction involve multiple processes, accurately capturing all related work and calculating costs is relatively challenging. Therefore, we simplify the rework costs to labor and material costs. Due to dimensional errors, modifying design drawings also incurs labor costs; thus, the labor cost incurred during the design phase is approximately USD 16,930. The labor costs associated with rework and reconstruction during construction are about USD 71,417, while the material costs are approximately $78,139, bringing the total to USD 166,486.
Additionally, it is generally accepted that the Korean construction industry may impose up to 15% of the total construction cost as penalties for delays. The maximum statutory delay period can reach 300 days, with penalties calculated at 0.05% per day. This means that if modifications to the drawings and rework cause a delay of one month in the construction schedule, the total cost could increase by 1.5%. If the delay extends to three months, penalties could reach as high as 4.5%. In other words, on top of the USD 166,486 rework cost, an additional penalty of approximately USD 2500 to USD 7500 would be incurred. Assuming a one-month delay, the total additional cost resulting from rework and reconstruction would be around USD 168,983.
The economic benefit saved can be calculated as follows: Economic Benefit Saved = Rework and Reconstruction Costs + Delay Penalty − BIM Implementation Costs, leading to savings of approximately USD 41,000 (Table 2). The benefit–cost ratio (B/C) is calculated as the total benefits saved by the BIM project divided by the implementation costs of BIM. This indicates that although the initial design costs may increase by approximately USD 127,983 due to BIM model checks, the subsequent construction phase could save about USD 168,983 in rework costs.
Although the saved economic benefit currently appears to be only USD 41,000, which seems minimal compared to the substantial investment in construction projects, this figure is based solely on the 12 identified design errors. In reality, a railway construction project may have dozens or even hundreds of design errors, leading to significant economic losses due to rework caused by these mistakes. Objectively speaking, the use of BIM in construction projects offers substantial advantages in saving construction costs.
Case 2 [16] involves a comparative analysis of two similarly sized subprojects within a railway construction project currently under construction. Due to the vast and complex processes involved in the construction project, it is challenging to accurately capture each task and calculate costs. Therefore, we simplified the cost calculation into three parts: (1) labor costs, (2) costs for resolving conflicts and preventing delays, and (3) rework costs arising from design changes and errors. Compared to case study one, we extracted more data for analysis. Among the multiple joint contractors engaged in the construction, some companies participated in BIM consulting while others continued to use traditional 2D drawings for construction, providing a valuable data sample for our comparative study.
From Table 3, it is evident that the use of BIM in this construction phase case has resulted in significant economic benefits, averaging savings of USD 710,795. However, due to the complexity of the BIM departments among various contractors, it is challenging to accurately calculate the input costs for BIM, such as employee training and investments in hardware and software.
To gain a deeper understanding of the economic and time costs associated with BIM in the design phase, in Case 3 [15], we examined several railway design projects around Seoul, involving a total of six design companies (Table 4), three of which utilized BIM and three that did not.
The average cost of projects utilizing BIM is USD 283,285 per year, while the average cost for non-BIM projects is USD 290,153 per year, resulting in savings of USD 6868, which is not significant. The cost savings associated with the three cases that used BIM are illustrated in Figure 1. In the design phase, BIM’s primary benefits lie in reducing design errors, optimizing the design process, and enhancing design accuracy. Data from the design phase indicate that BIM saved USD 6868. Although the amount saved is not as significant as in the construction phase, the cost savings in the design phase help avoid substantial modification costs and rework expenses later on. Data from the construction phase show that BIM has a more pronounced impact, saving USD 41,000 (Case 2) and USD 710,795 (Case 3), respectively. These savings primarily stem from reducing rework, optimizing construction schedules, and improving resource management efficiency.
3.1.2. Time and Labor Analysis
The application of BIM technology in railway development projects has not only improved the quality of design and construction but also significantly optimized project schedule management and time efficiency. In traditional project management processes, modifications during the design phase and rework during the construction phase are often the primary factors leading to project delays. However, BIM, with its powerful 3D modeling, collision detection, and real-time data sharing capabilities, allows project stakeholders to identify potential design conflicts in advance and resolve these issues before construction begins, thereby reducing delays and rework during the construction phase.
Time efficiency is one of the key indicators for measuring the success of project management. During the design phase, BIM enables design teams to generate accurate models more quickly, thus reducing the number of design modifications caused by information asymmetry or misunderstandings. In the construction phase, BIM integrates project scheduling, resources, and process management to achieve visualization and the real-time monitoring of construction activities, helping project managers track timelines more effectively and reduce delays during construction.
This part will present a quantitative data analysis demonstrating the time efficiency of BIM technology in the design and construction phases of railway projects, as well as how it significantly shortens project duration and enhances overall project efficiency through precise schedule control.
In Table 5, it is evident that BIM projects significantly save time in project duration. The BIM project in Case 2 saved 89 days compared to the non-BIM project, while Case 3 saved 104.5 days. This indicates that BIM can greatly shorten project cycles by optimizing the design process and reducing construction rework. Additionally, BIM projects also show significant savings in labor demand. The average labor requirement in Case 2’s BIM project decreased by 2 people, while Case 3 reduced the labor requirement by 8 people. This means that BIM can lower the demand for human resources and improve labor productivity through more precise construction planning and resource allocation.
In Case 1 (Figure 2), BIM was only applied during the design phase. Although it was not used in the construction phase, the optimization during the design phase resulted in a saving of 49 days in work hours. This indicates that even without BIM being utilized in construction, the precise design and optimization in the design phase still reduced modifications and rework caused by design errors. In Case 2, BIM was fully implemented in the construction phase, where its role was even more pronounced, leading to savings of 89 days and 104.5 days in work hours. This shows that BIM significantly enhanced construction efficiency by optimizing construction processes, reducing rework, and dynamically managing schedules.
From the data across the three cases, it is clear that BIM technology has distinct advantages in both the design and construction phases, though its utility manifests in different dimensions. During the design phase, BIM primarily saves work hours and labor by reducing design errors, optimizing design processes, and improving accuracy (as evidenced by savings of USD 6868, 104.5 days, and 8 people in the case study). This lays a solid foundation for the construction phase. In contrast, the utility of BIM during the construction phase is more pronounced, especially in terms of reducing rework, optimizing resource allocation, and managing construction schedules, resulting in greater economic benefits and work hour savings (e.g., savings of USD 41,000, 89 days, and 2 people).
Overall, while the economic benefits are more substantial in the construction phase, it is the synergistic effect of both phases that maximizes the comprehensive benefits of BIM.
3.2. Qualitative Analysis
Based on our qualitative analysis of the application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the design and construction phases of railway construction projects, it is evident that BIM not only brings significant quantitative benefits, such as cost savings and increased efficiency, but also generates important qualitative benefits. These benefits are primarily reflected in enhanced cross-departmental collaboration, improved transparency of information sharing, strengthened decision support, and optimized project management capabilities. The qualitative analysis was based on data extracted from three case studies, as well as interviews with industry experts involved in the projects. The sources of qualitative feedback were clearly identified in the Methodology Section, and the results are consistent with the broader body of research on BIM’s impact on collaboration and project transparency [15,16,17]. Although these findings align with the general perceptions of BIM’s positive impact, the analysis provides specific insights into the railway sector’s challenges and successes in implementing BIM, particularly in relation to communication and decision-making improvements.
3.2.1. Optimization of Level of Detail (LOD) in Design and Construction Phases
The level of detail (LOD) is a key indicator for measuring the richness of design details in BIM projects. The higher the LOD, the more precise the information and details in the model, which helps reduce errors during the later stages of construction. Through case studies of BIM applications, it was found that the participating companies adopted different LOD levels during the design process. Most companies started at LOD 200–300 and advanced to LOD 300–400 during the detailed design phase, ultimately achieving a final product at approximately LOD 350.
LOD 200–300: This range is used for schematic design, where the primary role of BIM is to create a foundational model. It provides clear visibility of the project’s main structures and functions, facilitating early visualization and initial planning.
LOD 300–400: During the detailed design phase, BIM allows designers to delve into the specifics of component design, including materials and connection methods. This stage significantly enhances the model’s accuracy, ensuring the feasibility of the design.
LOD 350 and Above: In the final product phase, LOD is used to comprehensively verify the model’s accuracy and construction feasibility. Particularly in complex railway projects, this high level of detail helps address discrepancies between design and actual conditions on-site.
From Table 6, it can be observed that BIM progressively increases the level of detail and the richness of information at each design stage, thereby ensuring that effective optimization and adjustments can be made at different phases. These capabilities of BIM enable designers to promptly identify potential design conflicts and modify the design according to actual conditions.
3.2.2. Issues and Risks in the BIM Implementation Process
Despite the numerous benefits of BIM, several problems and challenges have arisen during its actual implementation. These issues primarily focus on the following aspects (Table 7).
Drawing Errors: BIM can detect drawing errors that are often overlooked in traditional 2D designs during the design process. Particularly in multi-disciplinary coordination, inconsistencies between different designs often lead to an increase in drawing errors.
Software Interface Compatibility: Compatibility issues between different BIM software frequently occur, especially in complex projects. The compatibility between software like Revit, Navisworks, and others significantly impacts the overall integrity and accuracy of the model.
Unresolved Issues in Design Decisions: Some companies report that the use of BIM does not fully resolve all design conflicts during decision-making. Certain design decisions remain unresolved, leading to the need for on-site adjustments during actual construction.
Discrepancies Between Design Products and Construction Site: Although BIM models can greatly enhance precision, discrepancies still exist between design products and actual construction conditions due to the complexity of the construction site, particularly in areas with existing structures or complex terrains.
3.2.3. Enhanced Information Sharing and Collaboration
One of the biggest advantages of BIM is its ability to connect all participants in a project through a shared platform, significantly enhancing the efficiency of information flow and cross-department collaboration. In previous projects, different departments, designers, and contractors often faced design changes, construction rework, or resource waste due to information asymmetry or delays. However, BIM effectively addresses these issues through real-time data sharing and three-dimensional visualization (Table 8).
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Real-Time Data Updates: Any changes in the project are immediately reflected in the BIM model, allowing all stakeholders to access the latest design and construction progress at any time, thereby avoiding delays or errors in information transmission.
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Cross-Department Collaboration: On the BIM platform, designers, engineers, and on-site construction personnel can collaborate in the same environment, facilitating smoother information exchange between different departments and significantly reducing errors and delays caused by information asymmetry.
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Visual Collaboration: Through three-dimensional models, all parties can better understand design intentions, especially in complex structures (such as railway tunnels or bridges), where 3D visualization helps minimize misunderstandings and enhances design accuracy.
Through the enhanced information sharing and collaboration offered by BIM, project management efficiency has significantly improved, reducing errors and delays caused by communication issues, thereby enhancing the overall project performance.
4. Conclusions
This study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses to explore the effectiveness of BIM technology in the design and construction phases of railway construction projects. The implementation of BIM demonstrates distinct advantages in both stages, with case analyses clarifying how BIM enhances efficiency, optimizes resource allocation, and significantly reduces costs and time investments in railway development projects.
The quantitative analysis results indicate that BIM can lead to substantial cost savings, reduced working hours, and optimized labor in railway construction projects. Notably, the benefits of BIM are particularly pronounced in the construction phase. For instance, Case 2 achieved savings of USD 41,000 through BIM implementation, while Case 3 saved as much as USD 710,795. Additionally, BIM contributed to shorter project timelines, with Case 1 saving 49 days, and Cases 2 and 3 saving 89 days and 104.5 days, respectively. In terms of labor, BIM resulted in a reduction of eleven workers in Case 1, two workers in Case 2, and eight workers in Case 3.
These data illustrate that BIM plays a crucial role in optimizing design and construction processes, thereby reducing rework and construction errors, which in turn enhances project management and construction efficiency. The optimization achieved during the design phase mitigates the need for changes during construction, while precise resource scheduling and real-time progress tracking during the construction phase lower overall project duration and labor costs.
Qualitative analysis further reveals the significant soft benefits of BIM technology in railway construction projects, particularly in areas such as information sharing, cross-departmental collaboration, decision support, and risk control. Through real-time data sharing and three-dimensional visualization, all participants can gain a clearer understanding of project progress, thereby reducing design and construction issues caused by information delays or misunderstandings. BIM enhances communication efficiency among designers, engineers, and construction teams, enabling project managers to make more accurate resource scheduling and construction planning decisions through transparent information sharing, which minimizes unnecessary communication errors. Additionally, BIM’s clash detection feature can identify potential design issues during the design phase, reducing rework due to design errors during the construction phase, thus improving overall project quality and management transparency.
In the design phase, BIM primarily reduces design errors through 3D modeling and clash detection, optimizing design decisions. Moreover, the utility of BIM in this phase is also reflected in its ability to enhance design accuracy and visualization, assisting designers in collaborating more effectively with construction teams to address potential construction problems in advance. Although the direct economic benefits of the design phase are relatively modest, BIM lays a solid foundation for the construction phase. By reducing the need for design modifications, BIM effectively decreases the likelihood of changes during construction, leading to smoother and more cost-effective execution.
The utility of BIM in the construction phase is mainly evident in its real-time tracking and management of project schedules. By dynamically adjusting resource allocations, BIM ensures the smooth execution of construction activities, minimizes resource waste, and reduces construction issues arising from information asymmetry. These advantages make BIM particularly crucial in large railway projects, especially in those characterized by construction complexity and challenging resource scheduling, where BIM can significantly enhance construction efficiency.
Since this study relies on secondary data, there are inherent limitations related to the scope and depth of the available data. The analysis is restricted by the data quality and detail provided in the published papers. Additionally, this study focuses on the benefits of BIM in railway projects and may not fully generalize to other sectors of construction or infrastructure development. Future studies could supplement this research with primary data collection, such as interviews and surveys with professionals actively involved in ongoing railway projects that utilize BIM.
The future application prospects of BIM technology in railway construction and the broader construction industry are vast. It is expected to gradually evolve from a supporting tool in the design and construction phases to a core platform for lifecycle management [18]. By integrating with digital twins, smart construction, and automated construction technologies, BIM can optimize the efficiency of project design, construction, and operational maintenance, reduce rework and resource waste, and drive the industry toward intelligent, standardized, and sustainable development [19]. Furthermore, BIM’s role in enhancing project collaboration and information sharing, promoting green construction, and lowering carbon emissions will become increasingly significant [20,21,22], laying a solid foundation for future innovations in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Additionally, there is a need to examine the applicability of BIM in international contexts, especially in countries with less mature BIM adoption, to identify challenges and successful strategies. The combination of BIM with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for smarter project management, such as resource optimization and risk management, should also be explored. Lastly, future research can focus on BIM’s potential in smaller-scale railway projects, evaluating its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in less complex environments. These research directions can contribute to advancing BIM’s role in railway and broader infrastructure development.
Methodology, H.Y.K.; data curation, M.H.S.; writing—original draft, J.L.; writing—review and editing, J.L.; project administration, H.Y.K.; funding acquisition, M.H.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Footnotes
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.
Comparison of case information.
Case 1 | Case 2 | Case 3 | |
---|---|---|---|
BIM Application Stage | Design Stage | Construction Stage | Design Stage |
Project Type | Railway Infrastructure | Railway Infrastructure | Railway Infrastructure |
Number of Subprojects | 6 | 2 | 7 |
Number of Contractors | 8 | 2 | 9 |
Case 1 Economic Benefit Analysis.
Cost Item | Amount (USD) | |
---|---|---|
BIM Implementation Cost | 127,983 | |
Rework and Reconstruction Costs | Rework Design Cost | 16,930 |
Rework Construction Labor Cost | 71,417 | |
Rework Construction Material Cost | 78,139 | |
Rework Penalty | 2497 | |
Total | 168,983 | |
Cost Savings | 41,000 | |
Benefit–Cost Ratio (B/C) | 0.32 |
Case 2 Economic Benefit Analysis.
Project 1 | Project 2 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-BIM | BIM | Saved Cost | Non-BIM | BIM | Saved Cost | |
Labor Costs | 61,976 | 12,395 | 49,581 | 51,464 | 17,600 | 33,864 |
Conflict Resolution and Delay Prevention Costs | 45,965 | 30,643 | 15,322 | 24,445 | 15,838 | 8607 |
Rework Costs | 37,185 | 24,790 | 12,395 | 66,623 | 44,415 | 22,208 |
Total | 145,126 | 67,828 | 77,298 | 142,714 | 77,853 | 64,861 |
Average Total Saved Cost | 710,795 |
Case 3 Economic Benefit Analysis.
BIM | Non-BIM | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Firm A | Firm B | Firm C | Firm D | Firm E | Firm F | |
Total Cost | 210,800 | 410,500 | 235,000 | 274,200 | 355,930 | 240,330 |
Average Cost | 283,285 | 290,153 | ||||
Average Saved Cost | 6868 |
Analysis of working days and labor differences.
Case 1 | Case 2 | Case 3 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIM | Non-BIM | BIM | Non-BIM | BIM | Non-BIM | |
Average Working Days (day) | - | - | 113 | 202 | 263.6 | 368.1 |
Saved Working Days (day) | 49 | 89 | 104.5 | |||
Average Labor (people) | - | 30 | 28 | 22.7 | 30.7 | |
Saved Labor (people) | 11 | 2 | 8 |
Incremental enhancement of LOD application in BIM.
Project Phase | LOD | LOD | LOD |
---|---|---|---|
Schematic Design | 200–300 | - | - |
Detailed Design | - | 300–400 | - |
Final Product | - | - | 350 |
Main issues encountered during BIM implementation.
Problem Type | Feedback from BIM Projects |
---|---|
Drawing Errors | Most companies reported that BIM reduced drawing errors in traditional designs. |
Software Interface Compatibility | Compatibility issues between Revit and Navisworks need to be addressed. |
Unresolved Issues in Design Decisions | More collaboration and detailed decision analysis are required. |
Discrepancies Between Design Products and Actual Construction | BIM reduces discrepancies, but adjustments are still needed on-site. |
Benefits of collaboration and information sharing in BIM.
Collaboration Type | Improvements Brought by BIM |
---|---|
Real-Time Data Sharing | All stakeholders can access the latest project information in real time. |
Cross-Department Collaboration | Design, engineering, and construction departments can work seamlessly together. |
Three-Dimensional Visualization | The design intent of complex structures is more intuitive, reducing communication errors. |
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Abstract
As railway infrastructure projects become increasingly complex, the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to enhance project efficiency and management has garnered significant attention. This paper analyzes the quantitative and qualitative benefits of BIM in the design and construction stages of railway development projects through case studies and compares its effectiveness in these two phases. The results indicate that BIM primarily benefits the design stage by reducing design errors and optimizing processes to save costs and time, averaging cost savings of USD 41,000 and a reduction of 49 days in project duration. In the construction stage, the impact of BIM is even more pronounced, reflected in reduced rework, dynamic resource management, and shortened project timelines, leading to savings of USD 710,795 and a reduction of 89 to 104.5 days in project duration. The 3D modeling and real-time information-sharing capabilities of BIM significantly enhance cross-departmental collaboration efficiency and information transparency, minimizing rework caused by communication issues and greatly optimizing project management and execution. This study shows that BIM can lay the groundwork for construction during the design phase and further improve project management efficiency during the construction phase.
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Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
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1 School of Architecture & Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, ERICA Campus, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea;
2 Department of Railroad Construction System Engineering, Woosong University, Daejeon 34606, Republic of Korea