Improving the delivery of building performance using building information modelling (BIM)

Mayouf, Mohammad (2016) Improving the delivery of building performance using building information modelling (BIM). Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

Purposefully-designed buildings are complex by nature, because they are host to a variety of human activities that require them to perform adequately and be well suited to their intended functions. Building ‘performance’ has been an area of major research interest, so that efficient buildings are constructed that operate effectively to support the functional purposes for which they are being used. It is a complex concept that has been difficult to measure and incorporate into building design. Many methods and approaches have been developed to assess ‘performance’ for the purpose of addressing the gap between predicted – and actual – performance. However, it is acknowledged that these methods/approaches lack accuracy, are time consuming and do not provide a holistic view of the complex procedures and processes involved during the design and physical construction of the building.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides a new way of integrating information technology within the construction industry. Its capability as a digital platform has supported managing, sharing and exchanging interdisciplinary information between multi-disciplinary stakeholders. BIM has supported some aspects of assessing building ‘performance’ by emphasising energy consumption, sustainable design and building behaviour. BIM technology excels in situations that have quantitative-based aspects, which often are derived from those involved in the building delivery process. However, the design of successful buildings-in-use, through concepts like building performance, requires incorporating information from multiple perspectives, which requires going beyond the consideration of the characteristics that are quantitative.
This investigation aimed to explore how BIM can enhance the delivery of better construction performance for buildings. A case-study research method was used in this research where data was gathered using semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis, and feedback reports
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from the building delivery team, facility management team and building occupants. The research journey was developed through three case studies where one case study influenced the direction of the next case study. Initial findings showed that ‘space’ as one of the building aspects was used as a reference concept for building performance because it provided a way for situating different meanings of building performance by different stakeholders. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings for each case study. The key finding from the case studies showed that there is a gap between data and experience. ‘Systems thinking’ analysis was used to investigate this gap, as it concerns the complexity, the handling of information modelling and supports addressing ‘softer’ human aspects. It showed that the reason for the gap between data and experience is that different stakeholders see the parts and the whole differently. Soft systems analysis was then used to explore this gap, as it provides a holistic approach to the situation being investigated. The use of this approach allowed the opportunity to understand the problems and possible conflicts within a particular situation. Wilson’s approach of ‘soft systems’ was also used, as it goes beyond conceptual models to information categories, which can support bridging the gap between data and experience.
An overview of the problem, emphasising its complexity through proposed themes is presented. The delivery of building performance requires richer representation that acknowledges the significance of different parts in a construction project and how they influence stakeholders. Using the information requirements identified through soft systems analysis, a ‘space strategy model’ was proposed, which suggests that space designs in BIM should, in Zuboff’s concept, be informated in order to identify the significance of different parts of a the build and build design, and support richer cognition of emergent characteristics that influence different experiences within a building project.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Additional Information:	لمن كان لهم الفضل بعد إرادة الله سبحانه وتعالى بالتدرج نحو سلم النجاح ولمن كان دعاؤهم دعما ونورا أقتدي به والدي المهندس عدنان معيوف – والدتي هدى الجنيد إخوتي عبدالله – علي – أمين وأختي هدى أرجو أن تكون رسالتي إنجازا لوطني المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية First and foremost, I am mostly grateful to my god Allah whose mercy and blessings have supported me to through my PhD journey. Followed by that, there a number of people without whom this thesis might not have been possible, and to whom I am greatly indebted. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my PhD supervisor and director of studies Professor David Boyd who has provided valuable experience, continuous support and advice throughout my PhD journey. My PhD journey with Professor Boyd was richer than I can describe using words or summarised in sentences; all I can say is that it showed me that life is not about what you achieve, but it is about what you learn and develop. Professor Boyd was not only a supervisor, but definitely someone who I would strive to be like in the future. I am also very thankful to my PhD second supervisor Professor Sharon Cox who inspired and encouraged me with her words and motivation towards success. Again, words are not enough to describe an inspiring person and an idol for success such as Professor Cox who used my strengths to overcome my weaknesses and always cheered me up during stressful times. I would also like to thank Dr. Niraj Thurairajah who supervised me during the initial stages of my PhD research. My experience as a PhD Candidate with the supervisory team has been exceptional and supported me to construct a solid foundation, preparing me to face the challenging world of academia, which I would say that it just started. I am very thankful to my dearest family who remained encouraging, supporting and always willing to engage during my PhD journey and through my life. To my respectful father Eng. Adnan Amin Mayouf, my idol, and whose advice, support and care have been invaluable throughout my life from childhood all the way to higher education. To my respectful mother Huda Al-Junaid, whose kindness, warm words and continuous care have made me stronger and calmed me during my most stressful times. I would also like to thank my brothers Abdullah, Ali and Amin and my sister Huda who kept encouraging me to try and do my best. I would also like to thank many of my friends whose cheerful words and encouragement made me stronger. I would like to thank Professor Peter Larkham who always engaged with me and had the willingness to listen to our different issues and concerns as PhD candidates within the school. I would also like to thank Professor Hanifa Shah who is always engaged with us and always try to address our needs and concerns to have the best experience while doing research. A very special thanks and Mr. Ian McDonald, who was not only a mentor, but a friend and trustworthy individual who I have known since I started my PhD journey. I would also like to thank Mrs. Sue Witton whose kindness and support during the different stages of my PhD can never be forgotten. I would also like to express my gratefulness to all my colleagues from the School of Built Environment who always kept encouraging me to stay cheerful and made me believe that all challenges can be overcome. Last but not least, I would like to thank Birmingham City University for providing me the opportunity to do my PhD research and a benchmark that can support me to start shaping my future.
Dates:	Date Event 25 November 2016 Completed
Uncontrolled Keywords:	BIM, Building Performance, Soft Systems, Space, Information Management, Information Modelling
Subjects:	CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-03 - information systems CAH11 - computing > CAH11-01 - computing > CAH11-01-04 - software engineering CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-07 - civil engineering
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection
Depositing User:	Kip Darling
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2019 16:39
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2022 13:03
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/7202

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