BIM Model Coordination Software Testing and Evaluating in Construction Project

Abstract

The purpose of this bachelor’s thesis was to highlight the needs of a software evaluation process during BIM implementation to ensure smooth transition and help clients achieve their BIM goals. A BIM model coordination software test and evaluation was done to find out the best possible 3D model coordination software that can carry out the functions of model coordination according to the user demand. In addition, this research paper aimed to sketch a rough software evaluation model, which could be used further by new construction firms during the software implementation process.

To set up the background for the research, literature review on construction trends, BIM and BIM software tools was done. The literature review highlighted 3D model coordination and software tools to do the model coordination, which is one of the most frequently uses of BIM. For the software testing, five most commonly used 3D model coordination tools were chosen. The features that were tested during the software testing process were drawn from the Employer’s Information Requirement, and to validate the features, interviews were conducted with BIM professionals. Then a final checklist containing the features from both EIR and interviews with BIM professionals was created. Each of the software tools were tested by using the trial version and the specifications on the checklist was filled based on the result obtained.

As a result of this final year project, a BIM model coordination tool that fulfilled most of the features in the checklist was recommended to the user. In addition, a preliminary web-based software selection engine was developed. The software selection engine could be further developed to become a commercial product. Furthermore, this paper serves as a reference for young professionals or start-up construction firms to do the software testing before BIM implementation