Integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) System for Multi-dimensional Framework Application on Marine Projects

One of the major challenges facing project stakeholders, especially in marine projects, is the “information islands” phenomenon. This phenomenon arises from using different software by each stakeholder, transformation of large amount of data and reuse of these data to match stakeholder's management approach. This creates gaps, losses and duplication of data at almost all project stages. Implementing of Building Information Modeling (BIM) may provide stakeholders with many advantages and benefits that can achieve their project's objectives. Literature review of latest BIM in construction showed that the development of interoperability as it is the only way to close information gaps. This development included additional areas such as; schedule (4th D), cost estimation (5th D) and sustainability (6th D) as well as using higher level of detail (LOD), Decomposition of elements and interoperability…. etc. In this research interoperability is developed as the main approach to close information gaps. This development is carried on via handling of interoperability with two approaches. One approach is the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) which is an open-data format developed by building SMART. In which, the IFC is facilitating of information transfer among BIM programs. The main obstacle of transferring data from modeling to schedule or cost estimation software is the disability of breaking down element. The second approach of interoperability development is by integrating the information systems which can provide a unique environment to facilitate successful information exchange. A comparison among three approaches of management approaches in marine projects to illustrate how each approach may be able to overcome information gaps. This include (1) the current traditional two-dimensional (2D) way of transferring data; (2) Available BIM software with help of IFC; and (3) the integrated information system developed to adopt almost all BIM feature.