By leveraging BIM technology, Jianyi Group has successfully implemented lean construction on the Dahongmen No.16 Courtyard project.
Jianyi Investment Development (Group) Co., Ltd. is a multinational corporation integrating capital operations, real estate development, engineering contracting, and equipment manufacturing. The group envisions the future of the construction industry through digital transformation and recognizes BIM-based collaborative workflows as the key to advancing informationization across the sector. Specifically, Jianyi uses BIM to address challenges such as information asymmetry and significant data loss commonly found in traditional project management.
Since early 2010, Jianyi Group identified BIM as a revolutionary technology and a crucial development trend within the construction industry. They dedicated significant manpower and resources to research numerous domestic and international BIM software solutions. In October 2012, Jianyi became a strategic partner with Luban Software and initiated their first BIM application on the Dahongmen No. 16 Courtyard project. Currently, their BIM efforts focus mainly on project-level applications for the Dahongmen 16th Courtyard in Fengtai District, with plans to expand BIM integration into upcoming projects. Additionally, Jianyi is actively developing a BIM-based, end-to-end project management information system, aiming to embed BIM technology as a core competitive advantage.
The Dahongmen No.16 West Road project is situated in Fengtai District and covers a total built-up area of 122,960 square meters—42,972 square meters underground and 79,988 square meters above ground. The development consists of residential buildings and podiums, featuring three basement levels and 15 to 21 floors above ground, with building heights ranging between 56 and 63 meters.
Model Creation and Quantity Calculation
Using Luban modeling software, a civil engineering model covering 120,000 square meters was completed in just 12 days. The steel reinforcement models were finalized in 10 days, and all mechanical and electrical models were completed within 15 days. In other words, all professional models were established within two weeks.
During the modeling process, several issues were identified directly from the design institute’s drawings—such as unclear annotations, unreasonable reinforcement detailing, and clashes between civil structures and installation pipelines. This facilitated a proactive review of the drawings, allowing the design institute to promptly address concerns and revise designs in advance, effectively preventing costly rework onsite.
Once the models were developed, engineering quantity calculations could be performed rapidly. Comparing these results with manual calculations and estimates from hired cost consultants revealed a 2-3% increase in accuracy, while work efficiency improved by over 50%.
BIM Model Management Platform and Team Collaboration
Lean construction emphasizes broad collaboration through teamwork. For the Dahongmen project, all professional models created by Luban were uploaded to a cloud server, establishing a centralized project database (PDS). Whenever updates occurred, the latest models were promptly adjusted and uploaded. Project leaders and management were granted 20 user accounts with varying permission levels, enabling access to relevant data anytime and anywhere via the cloud. Besides internal teams, project principals also shared access with stakeholders—including owners, subcontractors, and supervisors—to ensure data consistency and smooth workflows.
BIM Model Application
Collision Detection: Using Luban BIMWorks, multiple professional BIM models were integrated for clash detection. Cloud computing accelerated the identification of interference points within the models, automatically generating collision and reserved hole reports. The Dahongmen 16th Courtyard project uncovered 952 collision points, including 13 critical clashes requiring coordination among architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines to resolve design conflicts. Identifying these issues before construction significantly reduces rework, avoiding unnecessary costs and schedule delays.
BIM-Based Technical Disclosure: Beyond traditional drawing-based technical disclosures, the team utilized BIM collision inspection results for on-site simulation and technical briefings. A detailed digital model of the sample room was created, serving as a visual guide during secondary technical disclosures. BIM’s visualization capabilities greatly enhanced communication efficiency and minimized misunderstandings of drawings, especially at complex interdisciplinary junctions. This approach leveraged BIM’s strengths to improve the original technical disclosure process.
Plan Quantity Control and Dual Calculation Comparison: Modern construction projects often face tight schedules with overlapping design and construction activities. Obtaining accurate planned quantities for different regions and progress stages within a short timeframe is challenging. Procurement plans typically rely on rough estimates, and quota-based material requisition systems often become formalities. BIM technology enables arbitrary division of engineering quantities by time, region, discipline, and construction team, allowing for quick and precise planning of personnel, materials, and machinery. This supports Just-In-Time (JIT) or Kanban management methods.
At Dahongmen, planned data is entered in advance into the management platform, enabling relevant departments to formulate procurement and funding plans based on BIM model data. After completing phased construction milestones, the planned quantities are compared against actual construction volumes, down to floors, components, and parts. The team analyzes discrepancies, identifies causes, and proposes improvements to enhance enterprise cost control capabilities.
External Cost Control: Beyond internal cost management through planned quantity control and dual calculations, BIM models also facilitate external cost control. Before external settlements, BIM data serves as a crucial reference to develop accurate settlement strategies. When settling with owners, this helps reduce underestimations and omissions, supporting reasonable increases in settlement costs and safeguarding the amounts received. When settling with subcontractors, it clarifies payment scopes to prevent overpayments and associated profit losses.
For example, concrete and concrete pumping settlements at Dahongmen were initially based on drawings. Using the BIM model, the volume of concrete used in construction zones was quickly and accurately calculated, simplifying the settlement process. For the foundation alone, over 500 cubic meters of concrete volume was settled through BIM, demonstrating significant effectiveness.
On-Site Quality Management: Luban’s iBan mobile application was employed for project quality, safety, and concealed works management. iBan allows users to collect on-site photos and report quality defects, safety hazards, construction civility, and hidden works in real time via smartphones and tablets. These reports are linked to BIM models, providing visualized tracking of issues and hidden projects.
Weekly and monthly iBan reports generated by the Luban BE system offer qualitative analyses of issue frequency and trends, helping identify recurring problems and inform management decisions. Statistical breakdowns by floor and issue type assist in verifying corrective actions.
Data Integration and Facility Operation & Maintenance: The BIM model functions as a comprehensive relational database, incorporating component dimensions, manufacturer details, operating parameters, acceptance reports, and more—especially for equipment. This information is continuously enriched throughout construction to support the delivery of as-built models, facilitating future operation and maintenance management.
BIM Team Development
From the early stages of BIM adoption, Jianyi Group established a dedicated BIM team led by Vice President Liu Liming, who oversees both team building and BIM technology utilization. To date, the group has conducted over 80 BIM training sessions with more than 800 participants, including five high-level BIM application courses attended by over 100 individuals. Throughout training and project implementation, Jianyi continuously refines its practices and develops BIM operation manuals across various business functions, working toward a comprehensive BIM application process and system.
BIM Application Summary
Luban Engineering Consultant has identified 106 BIM application points during the construction phase, of which Jianyi has implemented a portion with notable success. Enterprises must take BIM seriously and fully recognize its value. However, BIM, like any information technology tool, ultimately serves as a management aid. No matter how powerful the technology, its success depends on integration with enterprise management. Therefore, BIM should neither be underestimated nor mythologized.
Technically, many BIM functions are feasible, and Luban continues to develop additional applications. Yet, in practice, decisive top-management support and persistent commitment from business units are essential. Most importantly, organizations must embrace changes in mindset and behavior.
Moving forward, Jianyi Group plans to expand BIM applications across more projects, exploring integration between Bentley BIM during design stages and Luban BIM in construction, as well as linking Luban BIM with UFIDA NC. This strategy aims to enhance the enterprise’s core competitiveness through technological digitalization in the new era.
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