BIM-based framework to quantify delays and cost overruns due to changes in construction projects

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) projects are inherently complex, risky in nature, and difficult to manage. Due to fragmented nature of design-construction phase, every project witnessing changes throughout project lifecycle. Changes are one of the most common issues in construction projects, and they hurt project execution as far as time, cost, and quality is concerned. To manage projects successfully, it is necessary to investigate the causes of change and analyze its delays and cost overruns systematically. Past studies revealed that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has huge potential to minimize unnecessary delays and increase cost savings. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the changes and their impacts on the schedule and cost of construction projects using BIM platform. This study proposes a one-of-a-kind BIM-based visualization model for changes in architectural, structural, HVAC, Fire, and electrical systems in buildings to assist owners and their stakeholders in considering the consequences of changes that occurred in the project. Before deciding to accept or reject changes, the proposed model enables owners to view the visual impacts of changes. The suggested model compares the “planned” and “actual” BIM models to recognize the grouping of affected changes, taking into consideration the consequences of such presented changes on the amounts and particulars of affected structure parts and their conditions. The proposed model was applied in an ongoing office building construction project, and it was demonstrated to be very helpful in making decisions related to changes. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.