BIM for Construction Safety: A Case Study
Case Study: BIM-Based Construction Safety Management at Auburn University, USA
Author: Alex Behringer, Salman Azhar | Source: JBIM_fall
[Portal Introduction] A critical aspect of any construction safety plan is the ability to identify all potential hazards before they arise. BIM technology enables project participants to visually assess site conditions, recognize risks, and provides ample time to create effective risk mitigation strategies.
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A key element of construction safety planning is the early identification of potential hazards. BIM allows stakeholders to visually evaluate the site and pinpoint risks, granting sufficient time to develop appropriate safety measures.
The use of BIM technology tightly integrates safety concerns with construction planning, enhancing worker safety. It offers a clearer depiction of the site layout and tools for managing and visualizing the latest plans and on-site updates. BIM also encourages collaboration among designers, subcontractors, and safety experts in risk assessment and planning. This case study focuses on a project at Auburn University, USA, where BIM and 4D simulations are employed to develop safety plans including: 1) tower crane management; 2) fall protection; and 3) emergency response. The use of 4D simulations, 3D walkthroughs, and renderings helps identify hazards and effectively communicate safety protocols to workers.
Figure 1: 3D Rendering of the Project
Project Information
Owner: Auburn University Facilities Operations Department
Project Manager (Engineering Team): Robins & Morton
Architect: 360 Architecture
Construction Cost: $50 million USD
Size: Approximately 240,000 square feet (about 22,300 square meters)
Delivery System: Construction Management (CM) Agency
Start Date: October 2011
Expected Completion Date: May 2013
The base BIM model for this project was developed by 360 Architecture, based in Kansas City, Missouri, to aid communication and visualization. The research team enhanced this model by adding missing design details and temporary safety features.
The following sections detail the BIM-based safety plans created from the base model.
Crane Management Plan
The crane management plan aims to 1) define the crane’s swing radius to maintain safe distances from power lines and nearby structures, and 2) specify which trade or crew will operate the crane at different times. Two lattice-boom crawler cranes are used to place structural members: a 110-ton Link-Belt 218 HYLAB on the north side, and a 250-ton Manitowoc Model 999 on the south side. Figure 2 illustrates the steel truss placements within the crane management plan.
The colored zones (yellow, orange, and blue) represent the crane’s swing radius and operational influence. The yellow zone shows the maximum reach of the crane’s boom on any given day. Collision detection tools can generate weekly reports highlighting any scheduled non-steel installation activities occurring within the crane’s swing radius, as per the project schedule. These reports support safety meetings by addressing risks related to crane and personnel interactions. Additionally, 4D simulations assist in safely planning construction activities.
Figure 2: Crane Work Zone and Steel Truss Placement in the Crane Management Plan
Fall Protection Plan
The fall protection plan for leading edges complies with OSHA Subpart M: Fall Protection standards. Two types of fall protection railings are modeled: 2×4 wooden railings bolted to the second-floor concrete slab, and 3/8″ steel aircraft cable railings on the third and higher levels of the steel structure. Elevated floor openings are covered with plywood and marked with caution tape, meeting OSHA requirements.
After modeling the railing components, they were placed within the structural BIM model. The 3D view helped identify multiple fall hazards that were difficult to detect on 2D plans, such as unfinished stairwells and skylights. Fall protection railings were added accordingly. The railings were segmented by zones and levels, then exported to Synchro® for developing 4D simulations. These simulations provide contractors with detailed schedules for the installation and removal of railings. Figure 3 shows a typical railing type and its placement in the BIM model.
Figure 3: Model of the Railing System for Fall Protection
Emergency Response Plan
The BIM-based emergency response plan consists of five sub-plans: construction personnel entrance/exit, equipment and delivery routes, temporary facilities and trailer locations, emergency vehicle routes, and severe weather precautions. 3D walkthrough animations and renderings generated from the BIM models are used to communicate these plans to workers. Figure 4 displays key elements of the emergency response plan.
Figure 4: Emergency Action Plan Screenshots – A) Traffic Flow Directions; B) Ambulance Arrival Route
Conclusion
Both internal and external validations have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of this research. The project team recently completed the first validation cycle, presenting the BIM model integrated with safety elements and 4D simulations to a focus group of BIM experts. The group identified three main benefits: 1) enhanced communication of safety plans among construction personnel; 2) improved dialogue between OSHA and the project owner regarding safety plans; and 3) comprehensive logistical planning for construction safety tasks during the pre-construction phase.
In the upcoming months, the project team will regularly showcase the BIM models and simulations at safety meetings and continue evaluating their impact.
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