Previously, we explored the macro-level cost management benefits of combining BIM technology with the IPD collaborative management approach. In this chapter, we will shift focus to the micro-level advantages this integration offers:
1. Optimizing Design Change Management with BIM and IPD Collaboration Enhances Cost Accuracy and Timeliness
Traditionally, when design changes occur during construction, cost engineers must manually verify changes using updated drawings and calculate the impact on component quantities. This process also involves coordinating with owners, contractors, and other stakeholders to adjust on-site work, often resulting in delays and complex communication layers.
BIM technology, integrated with specialized software, enables simulation of on-site construction through building structure analysis, energy consumption evaluation, and pipeline clash detection, significantly reducing design changes. When changes are unavoidable, designers can directly update the BIM model. The software automatically summarizes the resulting changes in quantities, and by linking the cost model, it instantly reflects the cost implications. This streamlines cost management for design changes.
Moreover, the IPD collaborative management framework facilitates efficient coordination among all project parties. With updated models reflecting changes, all stakeholders quickly receive information on subsequent task adjustments, improving communication speed and accuracy, and ultimately enhancing cost management efficiency.
2. Enhancing Cost Management through Clash Detection and Construction Progress Simulation
In traditional construction workflows, varying participation levels and design changes often cause conflicts on shared work sites. Some subcontractors prioritize their own convenience, inadvertently creating obstacles for others, which can delay progress, increase idle time, and lead to costly rework. This complexity complicates site coordination and drives up project costs.
Introducing BIM into cost management leverages its visualization and simulation capabilities to detect clashes between different trades and disciplines in advance. BIM’s virtual walkthrough technology helps identify potential on-site conflicts early, allowing for timely plan adjustments.
By incorporating time and cost dimensions into the model, planners can more efficiently allocate resources such as funds, personnel, materials, and equipment. This approach enables detailed workload forecasting at critical milestones, leading to precise cost calculations and refined management.
The integration of BIM with IPD promotes balanced workload distribution and collaborative scheduling among all parties, minimizing delays and rework. This coordination improves on-site management efficiency and significantly boosts cost control effectiveness.
3. Multi-Dimensional and Comparative Cost Analysis Enabled by BIM and IPD Collaboration
Effective cost management requires multidimensional analysis and comparative calculations to ensure cost control measures are reasonable and effective. Only through comparing data across various perspectives can one assess the soundness of cost control strategies.
Dr. Yang Baoming’s concept of the “Three-Dimensional Eight Calculation Comparison Based on the BIM Model” comprehensively addresses multiple facets of cost control. The BIM model provides detailed time, process, and area information for every project component, enabling rapid and accurate comparative calculations supported by extensive databases.
Meanwhile, the IPD collaborative management model establishes an organizational structure that facilitates multi-faceted comparison by promoting communication and coordination between cost managers and project participants.
— Excerpt from “Research on Construction Project Cost Management Based on BIM and IPD Collaborative Management Mode” by Yin Xiaofei
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