The integration of building information modeling (BIM) and system dynamic modeling to minimize construction waste generation from change orders

Change iterations in construction create uncertainties and make the project management dynamic and unstable. Published literature shows that 30% of the construction cost is attributed to rework. Moreover, change orders are considered as the largest source of construction waste. Construction professionals have to make change decisions based on their previous experience and assumptions supported by incomplete information. Objective methods based on state-of-the-art technology can be systematically used to address the above challenge. Despite its promise, Building Information Modeling (BIM) based dynamic modeling has not been researched to estimate waste generation from change orders. In this paper, Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used to simulate the field data over the project lifecycle to analyze the ripple effects of construction changes. A system dynamic model was developed to map interactions in the system. Virtual BIM data was used to analyze the dynamic behavior of the variables due to the changes in the scope of work. Case study results showed that the client's commitment to decrease waste in the pre-project planning stage, with coordinated BIM design efforts, could reduce construction waste by up to 25%.