Collaborative BIM Modeling Case Study — Process and Results

This paper documents the collaborative creation and utilization processes of a BIM model for a $320M public sector building construction project. What makes this implementation unique is the near non-participation in the modeling by the designer of record. Instead, a collection of other project participants (contractor, subcontractors, and construction manager) developed individual model elements and then worked collaboratively to develop a complete model. Project performance enhancements resulting from the completed model are also discussed, specifically trade coordination, construction sequencing, and clash detection results. Also of interest is how the model was able to assist in the dissemination and understanding of over 2500 completed contractor requests for information and 70 architectural bulletins generated in the first 25% of construction of the project. Conclusions documents lessons learned in the effort and compare the effectiveness and performance of this hybrid development modeling approach to more typical BIM model implementations.