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EFFECTIVENESS OF 3D MODELING IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY USING

SKETCHUP IN REDUCING TIME AND COST OF PROJECT

Research · March 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1596.8404

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EFFECTIVENESS OF 3D MODELING IN
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY USING SKETCHUP IN
REDUCING TIME AND COST OF PROJECT

(Background, Review Literature, Theoretical Framework and

Objectives)

Submitted By:

Adeel Hassan

SP15-RPM-154

Subject: Research Methodology (MGT-602)

Department Of Management Sciences

Comsats Institute of Information Technology

Submission Date: December 15, 2015

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Background……………………………………………………. 3

2. Literature review……………………………………………………………..…… 5

3. Problem Statement and Objectives……………………………………….…........ 6

4. Significance of the Research……………………………………………...………. 7

5. Theoretical Framework……………………………………………………..……. 8

6. Research Methodology........................................................................................... 8

References...………………………………………………………………………. 10

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………. 11

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1. Introduction and Background

The engineering information provided to the construction crew plays vital role in
construction process. The poor information leads to inefficient communication of design and
hence results in construction rework which obviously comes up with cost, disputes, and lower
worker morale (Dadi et al., 2014).Engineers usually combine plan, elevation and sections to
visualize (in mind) and communicate project components or projects even. Delay usually
occurs in visualization and then conveying the decisions based on those visualizations to sub-
ordinates. The other problem on sub-ordinate side is that sometimes it becomes difficult for
them to read those visualizations or suggest theirs visualizations. These sorts of
misinterpretations are very hazardous and hence demand improvements in the formation of
documentations of the engineering information.
Traditionally, two dimensional (2D) drawings or blueprints are the spatial and technical
communication media for all project participants (Gould and Joyce, 2013). Drawings in the
form of plan views, elevations, detailed sections and isometrics help the user to represent the
final design intent from all viewpoints.The physical three dimensional (3D) models were built
then by hand which provided 3D representations of the project to assist in sequencing,
visualization, and planning of critical construction activities however this practice greatly
diminished since the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM).It is an intelligent
model-based design process that helps in planning, designing, constructing and managing
buildings and infrastructures and hence adds value across the entire lifecycle of building and
infrastructure projects. It is not a single piece of software or model, but a newform of
information processing and collaboration, with data embedded within the model1.
The UK BIM Task Group defines BIM as
“Value-creating collaboration through the entire life-cycle of an asset, underpinned by the
creation, collation and exchange of shared 3D models and intelligent, structured data
attached to them”.

1
http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/How-building-information-modelling-is-changing-
the-construction-industry

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The importance of BIM extends so much that in 2011, the UK Cabinet Office published
the Government Construction Strategy report and stated that the government is intended that,
by 2016, it would require “collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information,
documentation and data being electronic) on all government projects”2. Figure 1 better explains
the services BIM offers in construction industry.

Figure 1: Uses of BIM in Construction industry3

In the digital age of computers, different tools are being used for BIM; for example
Tekla, Autodesk, Rivet, 3dMax, Bentley,SketchUp etc.SketchUp(formally Google Sketchup)
is one of tool or software application of BIM. Among other costly software related to BIM,
SketchUp’s basic version is free, user-friendly, easy to learnand has ability to be applied widely
in different industries at the same time for example construction, mechanical etc.SketchUp
debuted in August 2000 as a general-purpose 3D content creation tool, and was envisioned as
a software program. Trimble Navigation acquired SketchUp from Google on June 1, 2012.
SketchUp releases many of its versions like: SketchUp Make, introduced in May 2013, is a
free-of-charge version for home, personal, and educational use;SketchUp Pro 2013 that has an

2
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-construction-strategy
3
http://globalartenia.com/en/servicios/bim-modelatge-dinformacio-de-la-construccio/

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improved LayOut 2013 module, and introduced Extension Warehouse, a source for plug-ins
and add-ons.

2. Literature Review
Extensive literature is available that helps in highlighting the use of computer based methods
in construction industry especially to save time and cost. Few is reported here:

Gal et al. (2008) with the help of two case studies advocated the use of 3D modeling
technologies into the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
Korman et al., (2008) demonstrated how BIM could improve the MEP coordination
process in buildings.
Xui-Gui (2008) applied the Sketchup software to the architecture industry showing that
it increased the operating efficiency and the achievement quality of the design in certain degree,
and being worth to generalize and use.
Succar (2009) declared BIM framework as the research delivery foundation for the
industry stakeholders under the available international guidelines.
Xu et al. (2009) analyzed the formation of digital city firstly using the Google Sketchup
and ArGIS and then discussed the 3D visualization of the city information and modelling.
Azhar (2011) discussed current trends, benefits, possible risks, and future challenges of
BIM for the Architecture Engineering and Construction industry. The findings of this study
provide useful information for AEC industry practitioners considering implementing BIM
technology in their projects.
Hergunsel (2011) studied the uses and benefits of BIM for construction managers and
examined the BIM based scheduling in the Architectural / Engineering / Construction / Facility
Management industry. Literature review, case studies, and interviews were conducted to
identify the uses of BIM for pre and post construction phases. Jung and Joo (2011) reviewed
the previous efforts in the utilization of BIM in the construction industry. They provide
thorough literature focusing on the BIM framework and its effectiveness.
Meadati et al. (2011) presented a methodology, which helps to extend Building
Information Modeling (BIM) beyond the pre-construction stage and facilitate its
implementation during the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase of a facility's life cycle.

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Xu et al., (2013) introduced a new philosophic stance for cost estimation to address the
development of model-based cost estimation. The knowledge of cost estimation is
demonstrated and discussed.
Zhang and Gao (2013) made a case study to depict how the use of BIM techniques can
help reduce project costs and optimize project schedules, benefiting all the stakeholders of a
construction project. The analysis of project cost and time control is on a full project life cycle
cost instead of just construction cost. The research concludes with recommendations for the
future use of BIM as a project control tool.
Dadi et al. (2014) advocated the use of physical 3D models via BIM and CAD in
delivering engineering information to an end-user. Their study showed that the 3D printed
model outperformed the 2D drawings and 3D computer interface in productivity and workload
measures. The study was done on managerial and executive stage and the respondents were
approached through email. Basic descriptive tools and ANOVA was used.
Stuart (2015) made simulation between application and actual field operation by
exposing students to (3D) animated models of surveying equipment during lectures and the
corresponding field applications created within SketchUp software. Thus a concept of
visualization strengthens here.

3. Problem Statement and Objective

Considering the construction industry, lot much time is usually wasted in re-works. For
example sometimes lack of coordination and lot of pressure of work or lack of clash analysis
during design phase results into unacceptable product which needs to be re-worked and hence
rectification comes with a cost. On the other hand, if all the project or its various
phases/components are visualized using BIM (via any software), not only it will indicate the
point of clash of utilities etc. but it will force multidisciplinary engineers to sit together and
resolve the issue before project goes into execution phase.
The model-based approach increases efficiency within individual organizations and
truly shines during coordinated project delivery.To brief how it reduces time and cost of project
is that it integrates many disciplines of engineering in virtual world and creates visualization
of complex project. SketchUp don’t sacrifice usability for the sake of functionality. Just by
drawing lines and shapes, push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms, stretch, copy,
rotate and paint to make any desirable shape. It has adopted the medium of visualization and

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presented physically in the form of software where communication of visualization is much

simpler and cheaper and hence helps in reducing time and cost.

Keeping in view that limited time and cost are the major issues of every industry specifically
of construction industry, this piece of research will focus on these two factors. Hence the basic
objective of this research work is to study the effectiveness of using 3D modeling in
construction with SKETCHUP in reducing time and cost of project. Therefore following will
be the basic research hypothesis:

Hypothesis Meaning
3D modeling (using SketchUp) is effective in reducing
H1
time of project.
3D modeling (using SketchUp) is effective in reducing
H2
cost of project.

4. Significance of the Research

As discussed earlier that there are many softwares/tools available for BIM but we are
considering the SKETCHUP only to see its effectiveness reducing time and cost of project. It
should be worth mentioning to note that this effect is indirect. For example in construction of
house may normally take 1 year. Out of these 365 days, it may take 40 days to understand the
various activities and planning. In coordination of multidisciplinary engineers working
together while the project is in design phase, SketchUp develops a stage by stage model. This
helps all engineers, contractors etc. (more broadly speaking stakeholders) to see their project
in virtual world. All the concerns, issues, problems, clashes, risks will be highlighted, analyzed
and resolved. Now these concerns, issues, problems, clashes may have raised in execution
phase resulting into time consumption and thereby increase in cost. Now out of 40 days, 10
days may be consumed in developing model but still 30 days have been saved. From
perspective of execution phase of project, the time saved may be 60days.Sketchup modeling
also helps to understand better so that minimum number activities lay over critical path, which
eventually saves cost.

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5. Theoretical Framework

Cost Time
Reduction Reduction

BIM using
SketchUp

Figure 2: Theoretical Framework

SketchUp is a BIM tool which helps in reduction of time and cost of project and based
over hypothesis H1 and H2 of Section 4.Although many other factors are working
simultaneously in the industry that is deemed to control time and cost of the project. But this
research focused on the use of software to visualize the project in 3D world. There is inverse
relationship between modeling done using SketchUp and time, SketchUp and cost i.e. use of
SketchUp reduces both time and cost. Therefore time and cost will be considered as dependent
variable. It shall be noted that Hypothesis H1 and H2 may not be true simultaneously. Reason
being that those activities that do not occur at critical path, reducing time may not result in
reduction of overall schedule and hence there is no change in cost. Thus, it gives rise to
following possibilities.
I. Only H1 is valid (Reduction in time but no change in cost).
II. Only H2 is valid (Reduction in cost but no change in time).
III. Both H1 and H2 valid at the same time.
Above mentioned three possibilities will be acceptance criteria of hypothesis. However
rejection criteria will be
I. Only H1 is valid BUT H2 is not valid (reduction in time BUT increase in
cost).
II. Only H2 is valid BUT H1 is not valid (reduction in cost BUT increase in
time).
III. Both H1 and H2 are not valid at the same time (increase in time as well as
increase in cost).

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6. Research Methodology

How effective is the 3D modeling in construction in reducing time and cost of project is the
main objective of the research. A survey will be conducted to collect the information through
questionnaires. Questionnaires are the most familiar reliable and widely used primary data
collection method (Radhakrishn, 2007). A well-organized questionnaire reduced errors and
helps to collect important information. Likert scale (Likert, 1932), the most common and
popular five-point bipolar response method with least to most categories will used to develop
the questionnaire. Companies that are using the 3D modeling (in Qatar) will be the target
population and the sample will be collected through non-random sampling scheme i.e.
convenient sampling scheme.

Reliability or the precision of the questionnaire (Norland, 1990) is an important factor to be

analyzed. Although many methods are available in the literature to test the reliability but the
most frequent method used for estimating the reliability is the Chronbach’s coefficient alpha4.
This coefficient measures the consistency of items included in a questionnaire with high
coefficient indicates that the items are consistently measuring the same underlying construct.
SPSS and R are the softwares that will used to complete the analysis.

For univariate analysis of the variables descriptive statistical tools will be used. To summarize
the obtained information averages, tabulations and graphical representation will be employed.
However for the bivariate data contingency tables will be formed and analytical statistical
method of chi-square will be exercised to find the associations among the variables. The
decision about the acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis to be tested will be made on the
basis of the p-value.

4
https://www.psychoutcomes.org/Questionnaires/QuestionnaireReliability

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FLOWCHART SHOWING HOW SKETCHUP IS EMBEDDED FROM PLANNING PROCESS

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REFERENCES

 Azhar, S (2011). Building Information Modeling (BIM): Trends, Benefits, Risks, and
Challenges for the AEC Industry. Leadership Manage. Eng., 11(3), 241–252.

 Dadi, G. B., Goodrum, P. M., Taylor, T. R., & Maloney, W. F. (2014). Effectiveness
of communication of spatial engineering information through 3D CAD and 3D printed
models. Visualization in Engineering, 2(1), 1-12. doi:10.1186/s40327-014-0009-8

 Fleron, J. (2009, March 23). Tool for Teaching, Learning and Applying Geometry.
Retrieved October 24, 2015.

 Gal, U., Lyytinen, K., &Yoo, Y. (2008). The dynamics of IT boundary objects,
information infrastructures, and organisational identities: the introduction of 3D
modelling technologies into the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
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 Gould, F, & Joyce, N. (2013). Construction Project Management (4th ed.). New Jersey:
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 Hergunsel, MF (2011). Benefits of building information modeling for construction

managers and BIM based scheduling. MS Thesis, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

 Jung, Y., &Joo, M. (2011). Building information modelling (BIM) framework for
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 Korman, T., Simonian, L., and Speidel, E. (2008) Using Building Information
Modeling to Improve the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination Process
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 Meadati, P., Irizarry, J., &Akhnoukh, A. (2011). Building Information Modeling

Implementation-Current and Desired Status. Computing in Civil Engineering, 512-519.
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 Norland-Tilburg, E. V. (1990). Controlling error in evaluation instruments.

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