Improvising Industrialised Building System Through The Adoption Of Building Information Modeling

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EpMS
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https://doi.org/10.15405/epms.2019.12.3
ICRP 2019
4th International Conference on Rebuilding Place
IMPROVISING INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEM
THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF BUILDING INFORMATION
MODELING
Mariati Taib (a)*, Teo Yu Shan (b), Sabreena Shukri (c)
*Corresponding author
(a) School of Housing, Building, and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia, mariati@usm.my
(b) School of Housing, Building, and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia,
yu_shan93@hotmail.com
(c) School of Housing, Building, and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia,
sabreena@student.usm.my
Abstract
The implementation of Industrialised Building System (IBS) is highly challenged with fragmentation
problems in traditional construction process. The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in
integrated practice is distinguished as an alternative solution that could minimize the problem associated
with fragmentation in construction. This research study the impacts of fragmentation issue in IBS projects
and assess the awareness and current usage of IBS towards BIM. The study was carried out through the
interview session and distribution of questionnaires to contractors listed under the G7, G6 and G5 within
Penang region. The main conclusion drawn from the study are that the high rate of fragmentation issue in
Malaysian construction industry has resulted in poor quality and low productivity of IBS construction
projects and the adoption rate of BIM is still very low in the construction industry due to unawareness of
potential benefit of BIM application in construction projects. Hence, these potential factors have been
identified which could encourage the acceptance of BIM in integrated practice in order to minimize the
fragmentation issue in IBS projects.
© 2019 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.UK
Keywords: Industrialised Building System, IBS, Building Information Modelling, BIM fragmentation problem, integrated practice.

https://doi.org/10.15405/epms.2019.12.3
Corresponding Author: Mariati Taib
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1. Introduction
The construction industry is one of the drivers of economic growth of every country. It has shown a
significant impact on social, environment and economic of the country. However, the quality of
construction environment in Malaysia has been hindered by multiple factors related to material, process or
people (Nawi, Azman, Osman, Radzuan, & Yaakob, 2016). The successful adoption of Information
Communication Technologies (ICTs) is now emerging within the construction industry due to the
increasing awareness of digitalised construction. Industrialised Building System (IBS) is known as
technology systems that enhance the construction industry in terms of the effectiveness and productive
effort. It is the method of construction which the construction system is built up by using prefabricated
components; which are manufactured, transported, arranged and assembled structurally with minimal work
at site. The advantages of the application of IBS include improved quality, reduced waste material,
increased efficiency and productivity and enhance cost effectiveness (Abedi, Fathi, & Mirasa, 2011).
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is recognised to be among of the powerful tools used in the
construction industry. BIM covers all stages of construction ranging from designing, operation
management, structural analysis, data management and construction workflow. BIM is adopted by
construction contractors in order to enhance the decision-making in planning and organizing the
management of construction projects. The idea on the adaptation of BIM in Malaysia has been established
by Public Works Department (PWD) since 2007 (Kamar, Hami, & Ismail, 2010). However, it is hardly
used in the local construction of Malaysia. This study tends to explore the adoption of BIM in integrated
practice in the purpose of expanding the potency of IBS construction.
2. Problem Statement
Generally, most Industrialised Building System (IBS) project procurement or delivery methods in
Malaysia are still based on the traditional approach. As consequences, this traditional approach is then
massively criticized as cumbersome for its disintegration approach to deliver projects systematically which
resulting failure in forming effective teams’ network among the construction members. (CREAM, 2014).
The fragmentation problem of IBS has impacted Malaysian construction industry greatly through
the lack of integrity among teamwork members in design phase, construction stage and production process
towards the productivity and efficiency of IBS projects. Such problem as the lack of integrity among
relevant players in design stage had caused the requirement to redesign the plan increasing project span
time to delay and attributing unnecessary project cost if IBS is adopted (Yeboah-Boateng & Essandoh,
2014).
Disputes always arise due to the misunderstanding between design professionals and contractors.
The construction work only begins after the design drawing prepared and completed by design
professionals. The projects are carried out in a sequential manner and the construction cannot be
commenced prior to the completion of the design. The misunderstanding between the design consultant and
contractors causes the design conflict to happen. Meanwhile, the separation process between design and
construction also caused lack of coordination in the project (Latiffi, Mohd, Kasim, & Fathi, 2013). It causes
poor communication between the design consultants and contractors. This is because all the project works

https://doi.org/10.15405/epms.2019.12.3
Corresponding Author: Mariati Taib
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eISSN: 2421-826X
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are carried out individually rather than as a team. The coordination problem will arise when each trade
contractors have not scheduled appropriately.
Normally, the construction process is carried in a sequential manner that only begin after the design
which causes the project works to be incomplete within the project period. This will cause the cost of the
project increase and cost overrun. Besides, the design and construction that are not complete perfectly may
cause high probability of rework (Nawi, Haron, Hamid, Kamar, & Baharuddin, 2014). Moreover, the design
and construction error also cause rework in the projects, whereby sometimes the projects time allocated is
prolonged and delayed as consequences and it took longer than the construction time phase during the
rework.
All the decision making for each stage of the project may cause time-consuming. Thus, the projects
always fall behind the timetable. Uncontrolled rework and wastage affect the performance of the
construction (Kamar et al., 2010). As a result, IBS system produces a low productivity and efficiency
construction work.
3. Research Questions
The Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is considered as a new project delivery method which involves
the integrated project team such as designer, owner, contractor work together from the initial design stage
until the project handover (Nawi, Nadarajan, Omar, Zaidi, & Yasin, 2014). Architect, engineer, designer,
developer, contractor and owner will collaborate more closely and effectively towards a successful project
delivery. Fragmentation problem in IBS project is due to the separation in the process of design and
construction stage. Thus, a high effective collaboration and information sharing among the project team is
crucial in project delivery (Wasfy, 2010). According Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks, and Liston, (2008), IPD
with the utilisation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) could improve the traditional fragmented
construction process (Ajayi, & Oyeyipo, 2015). The principle of early involvement of Integrated Project
Delivery allows the concurrent processes to integrate the people, business structures, systems and practices
based from The American Institute of Architects Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide Version 1 (Integrated
practice in perspective, 2007). Therefore, it can reduce wastage and optimise efficiency through all phase
of the project. As a result, the issue of lack of integration and collaboration existing in IBS projects can be
overcome. Through the integrated practice, project stakeholders do not require to spend time on conveying
certain information of documentation in the traditional design process (Kenig, Allison, & Black, 2010).
This can save a lot of time and money in IBS projects. Therefore, the weakness of current IBS projects in
Malaysia can be improved by the integrated practice of BIM, making the IBS project delivery process more
effective and efficient.
4. Purpose of the Study
The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of fragmentation issue in IBS projects, to assess
the awareness and current use of IBS towards BIM as well as to identify the potential factor that could
encourage the adoption of BIM in integrated practice.

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5. Research Methods
In the present study, questionnaire survey was used to collect the relevant supportive information.
Out of 188 questionnaires sent out, 104 were received. The data analysis is carried out by using MS Excel
and IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The data collected were presented based on the outcome of the statistical
analysis such as frequencies, average index, Relative Important Index (RII) and rank. The use of A.I. is to
determine the average response of the respondents. A five-point scale of 1 to 5 was adopted to show priority.
6. Findings
6.1. Respondent profile
The respondents are contractors registered in Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) of
grade G7, G6 and G5. The grade indicates the limit of tender value of RM 5,000,000 for G5, RM 10,000,000
for G6 and limitless for G7. The region of the listed contractors only concentrates within Penang, one of
the northern states in Malaysia. Out of the 104 sets of questionnaires that were received, the background of
the respondents were quantity surveyors (30.8%), followed by engineer (20.2%), architect (18.3%),
contractor (15.4%), project manager (7.7%) and others (7.7%). Most of the respondents were degree holders
(56.7%) and only 3.8% of them were certificate holders (3.8%). In terms of experience, about 40.4% from
the respondents have 5-10 years working experience and only 5.8% for respondents were above than 15
years working experience. Most of the respondents were listed under G7 IBS contractor firm (64.4%) with
larger organization which has more than 20 employees (50.0%).
6.2. Fragmentation Issue in IBS Projects
Based on the result from Figure 1, it can be concluded that the rate of fragmentation issue in
Malaysian construction industry is very high which has resulted in poor quality and low productivity of
IBS construction.
Figure 01. Respondent’s company involvement in fragmentation issue
Table 1 shows the results of the responses to the impact of fragmentation issue in IBS construction.
The average index values (AI) of these variables indicated that the responds to the fragmentation issue in
IBS projects. From the Relative Importance Index (RII) and overall ranking for impact of fragmentation
87,5%
12,5%
Involvement in fragmentation issue
Yes No

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issue in Table 1, it shows that the adoption of traditional procurement approach in construction projects has
caused the lack of integration between contractors and designers.
Table 01. Impact of fragmentation issue in IBS construction
6.3. Awareness and Current Uses of BIM in Malaysia
From the analysis, it shows that most of the construction professionals have least aware on the
awareness of BIM and its application. This would contribute the reasons why the acceptance rate of BIM
in Malaysia is still low although Malaysia government has provided BIM training to the construction
industry. The awareness of BIM was divided into four stages as shown in Table 2. In these stages, the most
aware stage is during the feasibility stage (RII = 0.425). The least aware stage is during the in-use and the
maintenance stage (RII = 0.345).
Table 02. Level of awareness towards BIM at different stage
Table 3 shows the result of the respondents to the awareness of BIM application. The average index
values of these variables indicated that the respondents only have slightly awareness of BIM application.
According to the data analysis, able to quantify every element and generate Bills of Quantities automatically
(RII = 0.486) and able to reduce construction wastage and construction period (RII = 0.486) are the most
aware element of BIM application. The role of quantity surveyors in taking off quantities to produce a bill
of quantities indicated that they have more understanding towards the BIM application since quantity
surveyors represent a large number of the respondents in this study.
Impact of fragmentation issue in
IBS projects
AI
RII
Rank
Lack of integration between constractors and designers
4.15
0.830
1
Lack of communication
3.66
0.732
5
Misconceptions and misunderstandings
3.47
0.694
8
Design clashes, omission and errors
3.99
0.798
2
Changes of design
3.99
0.798
2
Increase complexity of project
3.54
0.708
6
Rework
3.48
0.696
7
Increase cost of project
3.84
0.768
4
Time delays
3.20
0.640
9
Stages
RII
Rank
BIM awareness at feasibility stage
0.425
1
BIM awareness at design stage
0.328
3
BIM awareness at construction stage
0.409
2
BIM awareness at in-use and maintenance stage
0.345
4

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Table 03. Level of awareness on BIM application
Figure 2 shows the involvement of respondent in BIM projects. From the figure, only 4.8% of
respondent was involved in BIM projects and almost all of the respondents have never been involved in
BIM projects. This may be due to unawareness on the potential benefit of BIM application in the
construction projects.
Figure 02. Respondent’s involvement in BIM projects
Element
AI
RII
Rank
A. BIM awareness at feasibility stage
A brief design or model can be projected at early stage
1.84
0.368
10
Pre-estimation can be identified within a shorter period
2.36
0.472
3
Any changes in the design will give effect to the pre-estimate
2.18
0.436
4
Forming a better integration between designers and client
2.12
0.424
6
B. BIM awareness at design stage
It converts 2D drawings into 3D models
1.65
0.330
16
Able to link all the data from different software such as AutoCAD, Tekia,
Vico and etc.
1.77
0.354
14
Able to detect clashes between structures and ducting for services
2.13
0.426
5
Able to quantify every element and generate Bills of Quantities
automatically
2.43
0.486
1
Able to shorten the duration of tendering by eliminating the taking off
process
1.87
0.374
9
C. BIM awareness at construction stage
Able to reduce construction wastage and construction period
2.43
0.486
1
Able to reduce variation orders
1.88
0.376
8
Able to reduce the probabilities of extension of time
2.04
0.408
7
Able to ease the project management procedures
1.83
0.366
11
D. BIM awareness at in-use and maintenance stage
Able to store history data as the references for new projects
1.82
0.364
12
Able to obtain pre-estimation on maintenance cost
1.67
0.334
15
Able to reduce the energy wastage
1.63
0.326
17
Able to retrieve the data for building’s renovation and replacement purposes
1.78
0.356
13
4,8%
95,2%
Involvement in BIM projects
Yes No

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6.4. Potential Factor that could encourage the Adoption of BIM in Integrated Practice
Table 4 shows the perception of respondents on the potential factor that could encourage the
adoption of BIM in integrated practice. The average index values (AI) indicates that the respondents agreed
that the potential factor that could encourage the adoption of BIM. The findings show that it has a high
potential of BIM implementation in construction industry as it can solve fragmentation issue of IBS
construction. According to the data analysis, reduce design-related issues during construction phase such
as constructability, rework and wastage (RII = 0.916) are the most potential factor to encourage the adoption
of BIM application.
Table 04. Potential factor of BIM implementation in IBS Project
7. Conclusion
The objective of this research is to explore the adoption of BIM in IBS construction. From the
finding of the study, it can be concluded that:
 The rate of fragmentation problem in Malaysian construction’s industry is very high which needs
attention and serious effort to ensure productivity and efficiency of IBS construction.
 The major impact of fragmentation issue in IBS construction are experienced by the lack of
integrity between team network between designers and the contractors, follow by design
disputes, omission and errors and changes of design.
 Majority of the construction industry has low level of awareness and uses towards BIM although
Malaysia government has provided BIM training courses to make establishment of BIM trending
in the recent construction’s industry.
 The ability to reduce design-related issues during construction phase such as constructability,
rework and wastage, enhance communication between parties in the Architecture, Engineer and
Construction (AEC) industry and reduce construction cost and time are the most potential
influences that could encourage the acceptance of BIM in IBS construction.
Potential factor of BIM implementation in IBS projects
AI
RII
Rank
Principle of early involvement in concurrent process in order to reduce the
waste and maximum efficiency through all design, fabrication and construction
phases
4.38
0.876
4
Enhance communication between parties in the Architecture, Engineer and
Construction (AEC) industry
4.53
0.906
2
Strengthen the project team's understanding of client's needs
4.33
0.866
5
Reduce design-related issues during construction phase such as
constructability, rework and wastage.
4.58
0.916
1
Assist designers in order to provide an accurate budget of estimation
4.06
0.812
6
Put owner in control of entire collaborative process
4.02
0.804
8
Reduce construction cost and time
4.52
0.904
3
Ensure a better quality of work
4.05
0.810
7

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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge and thanks for the support to the Ministry of Education,
Malaysia (FRGS-203/PPBGN/6711449, ‘Understanding the Behaviour of Industrialised Building System
Panel Connection Using Finite Element Analysis), Universiti Sains Malaysia.
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