Adoption of Building Information Modelling as a Project Management Tool

Speaker: Swapan Saha

Affiliation: University of Western Sydney

Time: Monday 22/07/2013 from 14:00 to 15:00

Venue: Access Grid UWS. Presented from Penrith (Y239), accessible from Parramatta (EB.1.32) and Campbelltown (26.1.50).

Abstract: This study aims to develop an understanding of current and potential use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) through advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems in the Australian construction industry. This research also aims to find out how BIM has become important for the purpose of construction project management. With the advancement and availability of the latest IT facilities it has been seen that the Australian construction industry is increasingly using BIM in construction projects. Its use, however, is limited to large and complex projects and driven by the client's requirements. With the arrival of powerful CAD software that is available at relatively low expense the technology has seen a steady increase in use. However, more recently CAD has evolved from traditional 2D and 3D CAD into further dimensions such as 4D and nD applications. To date these advanced dimensions CAD technologies have primarily been used solely for design and presentation purposes. Through the use of case studies and interviews, this study gauged how successfully BIM has been adopted within the Australian construction industry. This paper reports the preliminary findings of the literature review.

Biography: Swapan Saha received his Master of Engineering degree in Construction in 1989 from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand and obtained his PhD in 2002 from the University of Western Sydney. He currently works at UWS as the Associate Head of School (Construction). Swapan's teaching and research are mainly in the areas of construction management and simulation, construction information systems and construction technology. He worked in the construction industry in Australia and Thailand before joining as an academic member of staff with UWS. Swapan has worked on landmark projects including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel Project during 1990 and 1992, plus the Bangkok elevated expressway project in 1989. He has published papers in journals and conferences and is a member of Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Building.