The impact of BIM technology on the lifecycle cost control of prefabricated buildings: Evidence from China

Abstract

settingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle The Impact of BIM Technology on the Lifecycle Cost Control of Prefabricated Buildings: Evidence from China by Jinkun Sun 1,Rita Yi Man Li 2ORCID andJirawan Deeprasert 1,* 1 Rattanakosin International College of Creative Entrepreneurship, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Bangkok 10700, Thailand 2 Sustainable Real Estate Research Center, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong 999077, China * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3709; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123709 Submission received: 20 September 2024 / Revised: 6 November 2024 / Accepted: 8 November 2024 / Published: 21 November 2024 (This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes

Abstract Prefabricated construction has become a significant trend in the international building industry, yet its promotion in China faces cost challenges. This study explores the effect of building information modelling (BIM) technology on the various phases of prefabricated buildings, focusing on the entire lifecycle cost to reduce the overall cost. Key factors influencing the lifecycle as the whole cost control of prefabricated buildings are identified via the top 35 highly cited BIM papers; 15 experts were invited to evaluate the factors influencing the lifecycle cost control of prefabricated buildings, and 22 factors were identified to construct the surveys. The results of 364 valid questionnaires were analysed. Research indicates that BIM significantly impacts cost control across various stages of the lifecycle of prefabricated buildings. BIM’s impact on cost control, ranked from highest to lowest, is as follows: construction and installation phase, production and transportation phase, operational maintenance phase, and design phase. By minimising costs at each stage, BIM enhances design efficiency, simulates production and logistics, reduces rework during construction, and, when integrated with artificial intelligence, BIM optimises operation and maintenance management. Leveraging BIM technology to its full potential effectively reduces the lifecycle costs of prefabricated buildings.