Hwan-Yong Kim’s research while affiliated with Hanyang University and other places

Building information modeling (BIM) is acknowledged for enhancing efficiency and collaboration in the construction industry. However, its application in the construction phase of railway projects faces challenges. This study, utilizing quantitative and qualitative analyses, explores the advantage of BIM consulting services in the railway infrastructure projects. A comparative analysis of similar-scale projects shows that BIM significantly boosts construction efficiency, yielding a 197.6% economic benefit in pilot projects. This study also delves into the BIM application environment in railway construction. Our findings provide valuable insights into BIM’s advantages and challenges, emphasizing the need for further research. The results will contribute to advancing railway infrastructure and promoting BIM’s application, aiding decision makers and practitioners in understanding its potential contributions to a more efficient and sustainable industry.

Building information modeling (BIM) has opened up many possibilities for the construction industry. However, most studies focus mainly on its overall uses and management areas. By investigating real projects that could utilize BIM in the design phases for railway construction, the authors examine the possible advantages and disadvantages in BIM implementation. To do so, the authors have selected three projects that utilized BIM implementation during the design process and three other projects with a non-BIM, traditionally designed working environment. Similar-scale projects were carefully chosen, and their differences in costs, man-hours, and labor forces were analyzed quantitatively. In addition, an in-depth interview was conducted with four BIM-designing firms to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the advantages and issues in BIM implementation. The average results showed that BIM-implemented projects spent USD 65,800 less than their counterparts and could increase productivity by about 2.9%. More importantly, the primary difference between BIM and non-BIM projects are in their man-hours. BIM-adopting projects spent 103.5 days less than non-BIM projects on average, and required three fewer professional labor forces during the entire design process.

Abstracts The authors provide a holistic perspective to enhance BIM working environment for more efficient smart construction settlements. An in-depth survey with 40 questionnaires was distributed to 100 professionals in construction, design, engineering, government. Although 45% of the respondents have received a certain form of BIM education, more than 94% of the respondents have answered that there should be a formal BIM education. Both design and construction experts have reported that the biggest advantage of using BIM is in its error checking ability. It can reduce design errors and increase construction ability. More than 79% of the respondents agreed upon a proper compensation for BIM implementation. The majority of opinions have revealed that there should be an increase in construction and design fees. There are a number issues for a successful BIM application: (1) guidelines and details for BIM work and delivery; (2) more standardized BIM education; and (3) a proper compensation system for BIM work. The results show that BIM professionals are ready to adopt the consequences of using BIM, but administrative and institutional preparations are not available beforehand. There should be a higher level of regulatory concern and provision of administrative solutions for successful BIM applications.