February - 2020CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM8THE TRANSFORMATION OF BIM THROUGH TECHNOLOGYBy Richard Kuppusamy, Head of Digital Engineering, Asia, Lendlease[ASX: LLC]The construction sector is one of the largest world-wide and also one of the least efficient ­ produc-tivity has only averaged a paltry one per cent over the past two decades. The introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM)and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) is making a difference for our industry, and has been credited for enabling landmark projects like Lè Architecture in Taiwan, Istanbul New Airport and the world's largest building by footprint, the Tesla Gigafactory, on top of shortening completion times and reducing material costs.It comes as no surprise that the use of BIM is increasingly mandated by regulators around the world from Singapore to the European Union. At Lendlease's S$3.7 billion landmark urban regeneration project Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) in Singapore, we pioneered the usage of BIM and VDC and other emerging digital tools to provide insights in construction planning and streamline operations even before breaking ground.BIM has enabled us to visualise the design, evaluate construction methods and allowed the adoption of a just-in-time approach where materials and manpower are allocated efficiently and cost-effectively. To fully realize the potential of BIM, we must integrate other technologies from 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D laser scans and drones to maximize value.BIM and VDC allow for a digital planning process during which a synchronised database is created that connects every process and partial aspect of a project and is accessible to all parties involved. It inherently is a collaborative way of working. If the past decade is anything to go by, the industry must continue to work with both governments, stakeholders and surrounding communities to evaluate both emerging and evolving technologies to sustain the momentum of progress thus far.With the increasingly ubiquitous use of BIM, it is important to recognise that it is just one part of the larger construction equation under the Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) approach ­ the key to unlocking true transformative productivity that has eluded us for so long. This methodology gives rise to a digital-first approach, applicable across all projects from design and construction to commissioning and IN MYOPINION
< Page 7 | Page 9 >