Effects of BIM-Based Construction of Prefabricated Steel Framework from the Perspective of SMEs

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are part of the building construction industry. Although many effect analyses of applying building information modeling (BIM) to projects have been conducted, analyses from the perspective of SMEs are lacking. We propose a BIM-based construction of prefabricated steel framework from the perspective of SMEs. We derive the essential functions of the system from the viewpoint of SMEs and verify the qualitative effect through a case analysis of prefabricated steel frame construction that is based on BIM. The following system functions and qualitative effects are analyzed according to project stages that are based on interviews of working groups participating in system development and case projects. (1) Preconstruction stage: extraction of fabrication drawing and review of shop drawing, (2) fabrication stage: prefabrication review, steel member removal, and field loading review, and (3) construction phase: integrated management of cost and schedule and quality management. The expected effects of applying the system are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed through expert group interviews and surveys. For the quantitative analysis, an evaluation index is used for the end-user computing satisfaction survey. Further analysis of the finishing and installation work is required. Future research should also analyze the effect of system application on human resource management.