Enhancing agile application in construction projects using BIM

Abstract

The construction industry's traditional management approach faced some difficulties during the project lifecycle. This research integrated agile project management principles with Building Information Modelling functionalities to develop a strategy to overcome some of the challenges facing construction projects. On the other hand, agile project management had left a positive and effective print in the software and manufacturing industries. So, this research reflects upon the implementation of agile as a management approach for the construction industry. Moreover, the technology revolution in the construction industry started to apply and develop modern methods of 3D, 4D and nD modelling techniques. BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a technical programme and a process that adopts changes and provides better results to the management and construction team during the project lifecycle. This research approach is deductive research. This study considered several measurements to validate the study findings. The research epistemology is positivism which depends on science to evaluate results. The research ontology is objectivism influenced by values, beliefs, culture, rules and social acting. Moreover, this research strategy considered qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data and analyse results based upon professionals in the construction and software industries. Also, it is designed on both primary and secondary case studies to drive data from the two sectors (construction and IT sectors). The study relied on multiple research methods encompassing interviewees, questionnaire surveys and Delphi techniques to collect data from professionals in these sectors. The evaluation criterion considered validity to confirm research results. A summary of the research finding revealed that the agile project management approach's application increased the construction industry's productivity by eliminating non-adding value activities and increasing collaboration and communication with stakeholders. Moreover, this study found that the adoption of BIM will enhance the capabilities of agile methods to achieve more successful construction projects by reducing human errors, avoiding reworks and improving quality. In this research, agile project management is evaluated more practically in adopting changes, communication, encouraging and empowering individuals. On the other hand, this study carried out additional assessments on BIM functionalities of simulation, 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, collaboration and coordination. In addition, this study investigated Agile, and BIM implementation challenges to support professionals in the construction industry to overcome these challenges. This research has proven that the agile project management approach can improve the construction industry's productivity. Moreover, BIM technologies supported team members to understand and visualise the project during the design and construction stages. BIM assists the project management team ensure better time management, constant improvement, and reduction of uncertainties, minimising risks and better financial control to make better decisions. This research developed 2D, 3D and 4D dimensional integrated frameworks between 12 agile principles and 13 BIM functionalities, RIBA plan of work and procurement methods. These integrations are validated through case studies, interviews and questionnaire surveys and linked to a literature review to support this study.