Building information modelling (BIM) framework for practical implementation

Recent advances in building information modelling (BIM) have disseminated the utilization of multidimensional (nD) CAD information in the construction industry. Nevertheless, the overall and practical effectiveness of BIM utilization is difficult to justify at this stage. The purpose of this paper is to propose a BIM framework focusing on the issues of practicability for real-world projects. Even though previous efforts in the BIM framework have properly addressed the BIM variables, comprehensive issues in terms of BIM effectiveness need to be further developed. A thorough literature review of computer-integrated construction (CIC) and BIM was performed first in order to interpret the BIM from a global perspective. A comprehensive BIM framework consisting of three dimensions and six categories was then developed to address the variables for theory and implementation. This framework can provide a basis for evaluating promising areas and identifying driving factors for practical BIM effectiveness. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.