Engineering changes are a common occurrence during construction, with nearly every project experiencing some form of modification along the way. This is especially true for super high-rise buildings like the Shanghai Center Building, where changes are even more frequent. While some changes can bring significant benefits, others may be unnecessary or even harmful. If not managed properly, these changes can result in substantial costs. Although certain factors and timing related to engineering changes are difficult to control, effective change management can greatly minimize their negative impact.
Before finalizing construction drawings, BIM technology allows for continuous modifications and improvements. Strabala, the chief designer of the Shanghai Center Building, led his team in identifying design errors directly through 3D modeling to avoid clashes. BIM accurately represents pipeline routing and spatial layouts across various engineering disciplines, providing a clear overview of potential conflicts. This three-dimensional review process enhances design accuracy, preventing errors, collisions, omissions, and deficiencies. As a result, it significantly reduces the need for design changes during later stages and lowers associated time costs.
During construction, any changes that arise can be effectively managed using BIM technology. By remotely updating and linking design model data, BIM models remain current, eliminating communication barriers and reducing misunderstandings among project stakeholders. This dynamic approach facilitates real-time cost control and organized project management.
Traditionally, complex projects such as the Shanghai Center Building—requiring approximately 150,000 drawings—face challenges in managing vast amounts of design information. Design flaws often lead to costly rework and delays. However, BIM technology addresses these issues by storing comprehensive building information and integrated models, creating a massive data repository that transforms project management practices. Specifically, BIM helps the Shanghai Center Building project reduce engineering changes through:
1) Collision detection;
2) Construction site simulation;
3) Equipment operation simulation;
4) Construction progress simulation.
Thanks to BIM technology, the Shanghai Center Building has maintained low engineering change costs and change rates, significantly reducing unnecessary resource use and expenses. Below are the key figures for the project’s engineering changes:
Total project cost: 12 billion yuan
Change cost: 360 million yuan
Change ratio: 3%
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