Generic Model for Measuring Benefits of BIM as a Learning Tool in Construction Tasks

Over the past years, people's understanding of building information modeling (BIM) in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has improved significantly. Building information modeling can be diversely recognized as a virtual design and construction environment, a communication vehicle among stakeholders, a lifelong information model, or an education platform that can be used in universities and colleges. Building information modeling can also be used as a learning tool that can aid project teams in familiarizing themselves with a construction task before commencement of the task on-site. Yet, little effort has been made to measure the benefits of this kind. The aim of this research is to empirically measure the benefits of BIM as a learning tool in real-life construction tasks. The learning curves of two situations-construction tasks with and construction tasks without BIM-are identified by following a series of analytical processes. The two learning curves are compared and the learning effects contributed by BIM are modeled as L-effBIM. By inputting their own data, practitioners may use this generic model to measure learning effects contributed by BIM in their own projects. The model can be used to encourage potential BIM users by showing empirical evidence of BIM's benefits. It is also hoped that the model can join the concerted efforts to promote BIM's value in the AEC industry. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000585. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.