August 2019
BIM-based tools provide new methods of mitigating safety hazards and risks through the integration of 3D models by taking into account of construction procedures and safety knowledge. The implementation of BIM in design stage is believed to predict and prevent any possible construction accidents. Likewise, time-related information and 3D models data (4D BIM) linkage could further enhance the site safety through the utilization of simulation and visualization features. Besides, the visualization feature could ease designers for effective detection on time-space conflicts that able to prompt hazard recognition (e.g. fall identification), and enhancement on communication among designers and builders (e.g. virtual reality safety dialogue).
4 Steps of Risk Evaluation & Mitigation in Design Phase
a) Safety risk quantification for design elements and construction activities
- Risk was firstly quantified by using survey results from construction field personnel at activity level, then the cumulative results were used to assess the risk in accordance to each design element.
b) Incorporation of risk scores with 4D BIM Model
- Linkage of quantified risk values with corresponding design elements in the 3D model
- After unit risk and quantity information gathered, the risk associated with an object can be quantified or calculated
c) Project risk simulation and risk assessment analysis
- Visualization of construction sequences on a timeline for the entire project and promote collaborative environment for both designers and constructors including unscheduled design elements recognition
- Synchro PRO as the 4D Modelling software enable the daily risk for each task to be calculated
d) Design alternative selection
- Revision on the design at object level could be done by designers with collaboration of contractor to adjust the project model and schedule to mitigate the accumulated risk (Process of revising design could be repeated until identified risk is acceptable)
BENEFITS of BIM Modelling (4D) for:
| Designers | Contractors |
| Gain idea on risk levels for each building system & design option | Discover deficiencies in schedule and offer input during early stage of project to improve effectiveness of risk assessment |
| Acknowledge the presence of high-risk tasks | Enhance on safety resource allocations within high-risk period or work area |
| Adjust designs to eliminate the hazards / substitutes in less hazardous materials or design components | Use risk information to re-sequence high-risk activities through risk levelling in construction |
