Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Journal of Construction Engineering

Volume 2015, Article ID 579486, 10 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/579486

Research Article
An Integrated BIM System to Track the Time and Cost of
Construction Projects: A Case Study

Ahmad Jrade and Julien Lessard

University of Ottawa, 161 Louis Pasteur Private, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5

Correspondence should be addressed to Ahmad Jrade; [email protected]

Received 25 June 2015; Revised 28 September 2015; Accepted 27 October 2015

Academic Editor: Eul-Bum Lee

Copyright © 2015 A. Jrade and J. Lessard. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly
cited.

Many construction projects suffer from poor design and from inconsistent time and cost management. This situation has led to
rethinking of the industry’s performance and how it could be improved. Technology is breaking through design and management
practices. Earned value management (EVM) enables better management of time and cost constraints. Building Information
Modeling (BIM) is recognized to improve the planning and realization of a construction project. The present paper proposes
an integrated time and cost management system (ITCMS), where an EVM platform is used in a virtual environment during the
planning and construction phases of a project. The ITCMS enables early involvement and project integration plus thorough time
and cost management. The system consists of four modules and 13 different processes. The ITCMS is beneficial at the design stage;
construction professionals are able to synchronize the building model with time and cost parameters as well as optimize it through
a clash detection process that results in budget and schedule compressions early on. The ITCMS is a useful tool for construction
and engineering managers that strive to increase projects’ performance. The authors demonstrate in this paper the validity of using
the ITCMS through an actual project.

1. Introduction for monitoring and controlling time and cost parameters

according to a baseline and rendering forecasts.
Multiple issues such as decrease in labor productivity, poor Budget and schedule overruns in a big number of con-
identification of design requirements, and lack of steady and struction projects have set grounds for the present research.
professional construction management hinder the construc- Firstly, the authors aim at providing an exhaustive back-
tion industry. This situation made the industry reevaluate its ground on the principal difficulties within the construction
performance and look into ways for improvement. Project management industry and looking for ways for improvement,
integration is essential for success; designers and construc- noticeably through the use of technology. Secondly, the
tors must collaborate and communicate effectively to keep authors propose a methodology for the development of a
budgets and schedules on the right track. Technology is system that will improve time and cost management of con-
slowly breaking through construction management practices struction projects, within a virtual design and construction
and new contractual methods are emerging. BIM improves working environment. Finally, the proposed solution will be
technical work at the design stage by creating 3D models tested in a real-case project. It is believed that construction
that integrate all building’s features and it better represents and engineering managers as well as project stakeholders will
benefit from this system.
the infrastructure’s requirements. Those models can also be
enhanced if linked with schedule (4D) and costs (5D); the
construction can thus be better planned almost entirely at
2. Literature Review
the design phase. Time and cost controls are very important Glavinich [1] believed that constructability refers to the
for any construction organization. EVM is widely used ease with which the raw materials of the construction
2 Journal of Construction Engineering

process can be brought together by a builder to complete a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag to be then
the project in a timely and economic manner. Tatum [2] scanned on construction sites and imported in a database
denotes constructability as the integration of the design that would be used to determine the percentage complete of
and construction. Johansen and Wilson [3] questioned the tasks and perform EVM. Multiple changes on a construction
necessity of intense construction planning in the design project can complicate the EVM control process [12]. Kim
phase; they reached a conclusion that there is reluctance [13] looked at the application of EVM on residential projects
within the industry to accept first planning initiatives. Their and the proper understanding of schedule and cost perfor-
major finding is that there is a lack of convergence between mance indices. The author introduced a judgmental approach
the design and construction team planning ideas, thus for analyzing schedule and cost performance. Furthermore,
preventing achievement of project success. Mismanagement, the integration of IT systems is particularly important in
as per Chester and Hendrickson [4], originates from the project control and monitoring. Chou et al. [14] believed
drive to build cheaper and faster, designers performing a that project information must be presented visually and
less thorough job and managers not planning as well as automatically for efficient control process. Turkan et al. [15]
they should. Glavinich [1] suggested that a design-phase proposed a system where actual construction progress is
scheduling and a check of drawings and specifications be scanned with a 3D object laser recognition technology. The
performed before the construction would lead to less bud- rendered scan was then linked to the actual BIM design
get and schedule impact to the owner. With construction model and EVM calculations could be performed. The above
projects’ performance being evaluated mostly along budget referred to time, cost, and EVM control systems are proven to
and schedule considerations, it is imperative that time and be resourceful for managing construction projects. However,
cost control needs to be a major focus of the construction the latter are mostly being used during the execution phase.
manager. An early involvement and proactive presence of a The construction industry practitioners would benefit from
construction professional is needed during the development early involvement and real-time integration and visualization
of the project plan to ensure that construction plan and for budget and schedule control.
schedule are sound. In the same direction, Miyagawa [5] BIM is being increasingly present in the mind of con-
developed an automated and computerized system intended struction practitioners. Eastman [16] presented BIM as a
to control the manageability of the construction planning. more integrated design and construction process that results
The outcomes of this system are interesting and include in better quality buildings at lower cost and reduced project
noticeably the ability to integrate the project design with duration. The following simple definition was proposed: BIM
project planning, scheduling, and diagnosis techniques. The is an enabler of constructability. Abourizk [17] approached
user can then simulate the construction process. Stevens [6] the role of simulation in construction projects. He showed
presented the integrated cost/schedule performance curve that models were used to develop better project plans and
that achieves cost and schedule control against project plan. to improve overall construction management. An integrative
Used as a visualization summary tool, it can also be used as solution, enabling quick generation of project schedule, costs
a model for predictions and forecasts. Perera and Imriyas [7] with relation to design would achieve a high automation
proposed the combined usage of MS Access (database) and level of construction modeling and simulation. Barlish and
MS Project (scheduling) software as a project time and cost Sullivan [18] found that significant savings are obtained
control system. Olawale and Sun [8] suggested five mitigating through BIM with reduced requests for information (RFI)
measures groups to improve project time and cost control, and change orders, leading to improved return on investment
which are design changes, risks and uncertainties, inaccurate (ROI) and profit. On the other hand, Staub-French and
evaluation of project durations, complexity of works, and Khanzode [19] realized that the adoption of a 4D process
nonperformance on subcontractors. enables the linkage of a schedule to 3D elements and results
Fleming and Koppelman [9] considered that EVM is not in construction animation. According to Staub-French and
adopted widely on private projects. Therefore, Czarnigowska Khanzode [19], multiple benefits are brought in a project with
[10] looked at practical problems of the application of EVM 3D and 4D processes, listed are some of which: identification
in construction. The author found that obtaining true values of design conflicts at the design phase, improvement of
for tasks’ completion rate can be difficult and needs to be productivity, fewer change orders, better cost control, better
developed along guidelines rather than actual measurements. communication of scheduling intent, and identification of
Cost data can be difficult to gather for the EVM model; such project status at any time during the project. As per Arain and
difficulties can thus alter the schedule variance and index. Burkle [20], 3D models help in identifying potential technical
Czarnigowska [10] recommended the use of the Earned and management issues with the project at an early stage.
Schedule method rather than the EVM with little manipu- Visualization enables the representation, communication,
lation in the calculations; this method allows construction and coordination of visual project information among project
managers to perform comprehensive analyses to ease project participants [21]. Visualization also allows the identification
monitoring and status rather than forecasts, which are not of conflicts at the design phase through clash detection [19].
likely to be accurate. In light of such problems with the Clash detection changes must then be integrated with the
effective utilization of EVM in the construction industry, budget and schedule aspects of the project; it is an iterative
some scholars suggested methods to successfully convey process until the final design is approved.
the benefits of EVM in project control. Ghanem et al. [11] Feng et al. [22] studied the application of a time-cost integrated
proposed a method where materials would be tracked with schedule for construction project within BIM constraints,
Journal of Construction Engineering 3

(1) Convenient, efficient, and easy to learn and manage.

(2) Improved project coordination and communication must be inherent to the system and all
efforts towards project budget and schedule success.
(3) The system should integrate every construction practitioner’s work in a sole process/tool.
(4) Project’s information must always be available and understandable.
(5) Built for future improvement and allowing flexibility.

Box 1: Proposed integrated time-cost management system’s requirements.

(1) Agreement and use of a sole construction specifications standard and WBS by the project’s designers (architects, engineers)
and the construction manager or prime contractor.
(2) The building model must be constructed exactly in line with the WBS.
(3) Integration of different software; most of the linkages of software should be automated whenever possible.
(4) Ability to associate time and cost values with each of the model’s components, those being modifiable quickly and easily
through automation.
(5) Visualization is used as a tool for communicating with project stakeholders and to assess constructability.
(6) Project’s time and cost parameters can be set as a baseline (with EVM method) before the construction starts.
(7) Budget and schedule are both linked within a sole platform.
(8) Changes to the project can be implemented at any time during the design or construction process.
(9) System’s iterations must be feasible readily.
(10) Ability to generate performance reports and ratios based on the EVM method at any point during the project and visually
assess project success.

Box 2: Specifications of the proposed integrated time-cost management systems.

to which they refer as a visualized time-control model. The similar to the ITCMS. Unlike the research reviewed in
addition of a cost component in such a model enables a this section, the ITCMS is used during both the planning
fifth dimension (5D). The authors deduct from above that and execution phase of any project. It is believed that the
BIM alone will not suffice in improving construction projects; ITCMS, coupled with BIM tools and processes and used in
involvement of a construction practitioner at an early stage a virtual design and construction environment, will better
and project integration among stakeholders will ensure that promote construction practices and improve budget and
the project’s budget and schedule objectives are preserved schedule success on most of future construction projects. The
before the construction starts. Moreover, the systems men- integration between ITCMS and BIM will help construction
tioned above are mostly being used during the design stage, managers take vital decisions during early design stage of the
for preparing construction models. Construction projects project with an in-depth time and cost planning; every item
would be improved with BIM models being also used during of the 5D model is directly linked to the schedule and budget.
the construction phase. To successfully implement tools Moreover, synchronized EVM during the construction phase,
and processes within BIM constraints in a construction along with timely updates of the model, fosters sound project
project, a new contractual method has been developed that management practices, which will potentially improve its
is referred to as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Kent progress and success within time and cost constraints.
and Becerik-Gerber [23] found that IPD would generally be
preferred to traditional contracting method by construction 3. Methodology and System Development
practitioners. The coming of IPD demonstrates that the
construction industry seeks new contractual practices that set The requirements and specifications of the proposed system
aside business moneymaking and foster project integration are established based on an intense literature review and
and collaboration for better schedule and budget results. accordingly the system architecture is developed. Afterwards,
The literature review has shown that BIM is an enabler a project management and process-oriented methodology is
of constructability. Furthermore, it was found that EVM is carried out as part of the conceptual workflow, involving the
a useful tool that enables proper monitoring and controlling following three important phases: (1) planning, (2) executing,
of time and cost relative to the project’s scope. EVM also and (3) monitoring and controlling. Box 1 lists the user’s
allows construction managers to compare their project’s requirements for an ITCMS used in a virtual design and
progress to the planned baseline and then assess whether construction environment; the general intent of the study is to
their construction will meet budget and schedule goals. develop a system that will be efficient to use, ease construction
Multiple time and cost tracking systems for construction managers’ task when planning and monitoring time and cost
exist. However, the authors have not been able to find a parameters within a project, and enhance project coordina-
system that has characteristics and multiple tasking ability tion and communication among stakeholders. Box 2 exhibits
4 Journal of Construction Engineering

Integrated time-cost
data component

Estimating
component

Time and cost

estimating
module
5D modeling WBS component
component

Integrated time-cost
3D modeling Visualization management Scheduling Project scheduling
component module module component
system

Earned value
management
module

EVM data
acquisition
component

EVM analysis
component

Figure 1: Integrated time-cost management system modules and components.

the specifications taken into consideration while developing their associated components, while Figure 2 presents the
the proposed system. These specifications are applied with architecture of the proposed system in which clear descrip-
the willingness to ensure integration and synchronization tion of the required inputs, analysis, criteria, and outputs for
throughout computer management tools, such as scope of both the design and construction phases is provided.
work, schedule, budget, EVM platform, and building model. It is worth mentioning that both design and construction
The proposed ITCMS will ensure a good flow of infor- phases have their own set of inputs and outputs. The principal
mation and will foster good collaboration within the project inputs of the system are an integrated WBS and a 3D building
team. Furthermore, the technical work associated with this model that are provided initially by the design team. Then, the
proposed system needs to be well integrated to limit rework construction team works with the design team to improve the
and incomprehensiveness where automation is a key to model by evaluating time and cost parameters and assessing
success. The resulting work will allow the design team to constructability with clash detection and by doing general
construct a sound building model with high level of con- visualization and evaluation of the model. Iterations of the
structability and the construction manager to assess project’s project’s budget and schedule are created throughout this
performance in terms of budget and schedule progress at any phase. When the building model is finished, the generated
point of time of the project. The proposed system includes outputs of the design phase include final quantity takeoffs,
four different modules that are interrelated to each other budget and schedule, the EVM platform with time-cost
and continually interact within the inherent system’s iteration baselines, and a 5D model that integrates time and cost
processes. Figure 1 illustrates the system’s interconnected values for the building and its associated components. At
modules and their associated components. These modules are the construction phase, the EVM module is used to establish
(1) visualization module, (2) time and cost estimate module, project performance based on the percentage of physical
(3) scheduling module, and (4) earned value management work put in place. Change management is also performed,
(EVM) module. The visualization module includes the actual followed with an updated budget, schedule, and 5D model of
building model that allows 3D and 5D visualization. From the building. Once the system’s modules and its architecture
this module, it is possible to derive time and cost values for are established, the development will commence by assessing
each component of the modeled building. Then, by linking the conceptual workflow as shown in Figure 3.
this data to each of the construction tasks, the user can The system’s workflow begins at the design phase where
develop the schedule and the EVM modules, respectively. the 3D building model is developed in line with a WBS
Figure 1 illustrates the system’s interconnected modules and that is agreed by the project team. The WBS has to be
Journal of Construction Engineering 5

Analysis

Inputs Design phase Criteria

(1) General visualization of the
building model Design phase
Design phase (2) Time and cost estimates for each of
(1) Project information the model’s components (1) Well-reputed source for time
and cost data
(2) Work breakdown structure (3) Clash detection
(WBS) (2) WBS of the model is the exact
(4) Assessment of constructability same as the one used for the
(3) 3D model
estimating and scheduling tools
(4) Building model iterations

Construction phase Construction phase Construction phase

(1) Physical work achieved (1) Assessment of project’s progress (1) Accuracy of progress % for
(2) Changes to the project (2) General visualization of the each building’s components
building model
(3) How changes affect the project

Outputs

Design phase Construction phase

(1) Quantity takeoff (1) Project performance ratios
(2) Integrated time-cost schedule (2) Updated schedule and budgets
(3) Earned value management (EVM) platform (3) EVM curves
(4) 5D model (4) Updated 5D model
(5) Assessment of constructability

Figure 2: Integrated time-cost management system architecture.

developed using recognized database such as Uniformat or and cost baselines will be set before the construction begins.
Masterformat, in order to ensure synchronization between The EVM platform is constructed with MS Project© and
the building model and the time-cost control system (define Excel©, using cost data that is collected in the schedule by
WBS and build 3D model in Figure 3). The construction team first setting the baseline and then measuring the planned
holds the responsibility to perform quantity takeoffs, time value (or costs) at periodic dates of the schedule (build
and cost estimates, and a work schedule that will be iterated to EVM platform and set time and cost baseline in Figure 3).
ensure the project constructability. The latter outputs are per- The process at the planning phase is iterative; users are
formed using a software (Autodesk Quantity Takeoff©) that encouraged to go back and improve the 5D model until it
scans the building model and generate automated detailed is considered final and ready for the construction phase.
cost and time estimates, using data that has previously been At this point, the project team can approve the 5D model
set in the software (perform quantity takeoff and estimate and begin execution (approve final design, integrate and
time and cost in Figure 3). Time and cost data has to relate construction starts processes in Figure 3). The developed
exactly to each of the building components (WBS items). EVM platform will then be used during construction as an
Using the time and cost data, the project schedule can be executing, monitoring, and controlling tool. By assessing the
built using the same WBS framework, with software such project’s progress as a percentage (%) of each component of
as Microsoft Project©; costs are also incorporated in the the updated building model (i.e., on a monthly-basis), users
software, for the EVM platform that will later be constructed will be able to first update the schedule and then report the
(define project schedule in Figure 3). A 5D model will also be data in the EVM platform to evaluate the overall project
created by the construction team by incorporating the costs performance (manage building model, perform changes,
and schedule in Autodesk Navisworks© software, the model assess timely project progress, update work schedule, update
being then used as a visualization and clash detection tool to project costs, and update EVM platform in Figure 3). EVM
iterate the building model during the planning phase until curves and ratios would then be generated automatically to
project’s objectives are met. The project team will evaluate the provide updated information to the construction manager
building model in accordance with the budget and schedule on the project’s health, for immediate action in case of
parameters and iterate until final acceptance is achieved by budget or schedule problematics (generate EVM curves and
all the parties (use model as a visualization tool, perform ratios/assess project performance in Figure 3). In the mean-
clash detection, and establish 5D building in Figure 3). At time, design and other changes brought during construction
this point, the EVM platform will be built and the time can be integrated to the building model and extended to
6 Journal of Construction Engineering

EVM module Scheduling module Time and cost management Visualization module
module

Design phase starts

Build 3D building Use model as a

Define WBS Coordinate
model visualization tool

Iterate/
change
Perform quantity Perform clash Iterate/
takeoff detection change

Define project Estimate time and Establish 5D

Build EVM platform costs
schedule building model

Set time and cost Integrate Approve final design

baseline

Construction starts

Update EVM Update work Assess timely

project progress Manage 5D model
platform schedule

Generate EVM
curves and ratios/ Update project Perform changes
assess project costs
performance

Figure 3: Integrated time-cost management system workflow.

the EVM platform in the same way as in the design phase project is selected to do the validation. The project is a new
(perform changes in Figure 3). The 5D model will also be used car dealership of approximately 40,000 square feet. The new
during the construction as a visualization, communication, building is located in Gatineau, Québec, Canada. The project
and coordination tool for every project’s stakeholders. The information has been provided by Beaudoin, a construction
ITCMS workflow during the planning phase involves many management firm that acts as the prime contractor for this
processes that are linked to each other and can be iterated. project. The project has been developed from a preliminary
During the execution phase, the processes are fully integrated design perspective using the developed system. BIM’s tool
and resemble a periodic check of the project’s health in used in developing the building model is Autodesk Revit
accordance with budget and schedule baselines, using the 2013© because it allows for the integration of architectural,
EVM platform. structural, mechanical, electrical, and other models into a
sole 3D model, which simplifies the coordination among the
4. System Validation design team and eases the transition to the planning work and
the construction phase. Afterwards, the model is exported
In this section, the developed system will be validated to into Autodesk Quantity Takeoff© to perform the time and
test its workability and potentials. The system validity and cost estimates as seen in Figure 4.
its outcomes will be tested with two scenarios that occur The system estimated the project costs as $2,287,971.83,
either during the design or during the construction phase. which is obtained from exporting the Quantity Takeoff and
Design iteration will be demonstrated and then the project then integrating it with the durations in a Microsoft Excel©
will be updated during the construction phase. An actual sheet. These costs do not include the general conditions and
Journal of Construction Engineering 7

To develop the 5D model, it is necessary to import the 3D

model and the project schedule into Autodesk Navisworks©.
With the use of the selected WBS, each of the model elements
has been associated with an activity in the schedule. Then, the
construction animation can be performed.
Clash detection management is also a feature of the
ITCMS. Figure 6(a) represents the clash detection performed
by the model. Since the model is applied at the conceptual
design stage, many clashes were found where the number
reached 976 clashes as shown in the figure. Figure 6(b)
illustrates a demonstration of the ITCMS iteration function
Figure 4: Autodesk QTO time and cost takeoff and estimates. that is performed on only one of these clashes, which is a cross
bracing bar located right through an exterior door. On the
lower part of Figure 6(b), it can be seen that the steel members
have simply been removed.
Planned value (PV)
Now that the model has been revised, a new time and
4,500,000.00 cost estimation is performed in Autodesk Quantity Takeoff.
4,000,000.00
3,500,000.00 Figure 7(a) illustrates the values of the time and cost estimate
3,000,000.00 before fixing the clash and Figure 7(b) shows the values after it
($)

2,500,000.00
2,000,000.00 has been fixed. The model originally contained 826 elements
1,500,000.00
1,000,000.00 but after doing the changes it contained 824 (2 steel members
500,000.00 removed, in grey in Figure 7(b)). Moreover, the total project
0.00
cost has changed from $2,287,971.83 to $2,287,073.73 and the
9/15/2013
9/30/2013
10/15/2013
10/31/2013
11/15/2013
11/30/2013
12/15/2013
12/31/2013
1/15/2013
1/31/2013
2/15/2013
2/28/2013

time changed from 5,632 to 5,372 hours.

Once the quantity takeoff and estimates are completed
in Autodesk Quantity Takeoff, the Excel file can be exported
Figure 5: PV curve. from the previous software and then the time-cost integrated
sheet is updated. Since the two files are linked to each other,
this process is automatically performed. Indeed, a detailed
verification of the work by the design and construction team
management costs that will be obtained when developing the is strongly encouraged. Next, the schedule is updated. Since
project schedule in the next section. The aggregated hours the schedule generated by MS Project© is also linked with
required to perform the work are found to be 11,731 hours. the integrated time-cost spreadsheet, then this process is thus
The time and cost estimates are calculated based on RS Means automated.
2013. Some of the costs and time data have been attributed Therefore, the project duration dropped from 121.75 days
randomly as well as the crews and the length of the working to 121.67 days due to the reduction in the steel framing
shifts. This demonstrates the need for external construction work. Reiterating that the total project cost is linked to the
expertise such as the specialized contractor or construction activity “general conditions and management” in MS Project,
manager during the design phase. we can now retrieve the updated total project cost from
Using the WBS and the time and cost estimates, the MS Project. It is obvious that the costs came down from
schedule is constructed. The project construction duration is $2,592,346.88 to $2,591,212.80. It is worth noting that the
calculated to be 121.75 days. Once the general conditions and model was applied during the conceptual design stage of the
management costs are added, which are established randomly case project; therefore, an approximated calculation of the
at $2,500.00/day, the total project cost is estimated to be time and cost saving resulting from identifying the whole 976
$2,592,346.56. clashes would be 6 days and $115,000, respectively. However,
The cost obtained during the estimating process for every these values would change as the design would reach its final
work item is attached to each activity of the project schedule. stage. Next, the EVM platform is modified with the planned
Toward the end, the planned values (PV) for each of the value (PV) calculations generated in MS Project. This will
project status dates that have been established are acquired. thus lead to revised EVM curves.
For this dealership project, it has been determined that, every Finally, the revised schedule is updated in Navisworks.
two weeks, a measurement on the 15th and the last date of This iteration process will occur several times during the
each month would be sufficient to perform accurate earned design phase until the team reaches a satisfactory complete
value management. integrated model that has taken constructability into account,
By retrieving the PV numbers from the project schedule, which will lead to a facilitated and productive construction
the EVM platform can then be developed in Microsoft Excel phase. During construction, the ITCMS requires timely
and the PV curve is drawn as shown in Figure 5. The PV curve updates to ensure that the project is progressing as planned
shows the monetary level of accomplishment (vertical axis, $ in the design phase. To do so, scheduling techniques and
value) the project should attain according to the as planned EVM are used to report performance, and the 5D model is
values at any point of time (horizontal axis, dates). communicated to the project’s stakeholders to ensure proper
8 Journal of Construction Engineering

(a) (b)

Figure 6: (a) Clashes detected by the model. (b) One of the detected clashes, interference between a door and a steel member.

(a) (b)

Figure 7: (a) Autodesk QTO before modifying the time and cost estimates. (b) Autodesk QTO after modifying the time and cost estimates.

coordination of the work and thorough understanding of

the project objectives. An update of the schedule including
time delays due to poor weather and lengthy activities
is presented, with progress reporting using the previously
established EVM platform and an update of the 5D model.
An arbitrary update of the schedule is first performed. The
progress status date is set on December 15, 2013, in MS
Project. Tasks durations are modified—diverging somehow
from the baseline—with the hypothesis that some unforeseen
conditions were discovered during construction and that
bad weather during winter happened and delayed some
construction activities. The updated schedule is presented in Figure 8: Schedule updated during construction.
Figure 8. The project duration has slipped by almost 4 days at
this point of time.
Now, the user is able to retrieve the PV from MS
Project and monitor the project performance. Looking at (CPI-red) throughout the project. The SPI curve shows that
the EVM curves in Figure 9(a), the user can visually assess the performance of the schedule is not constant. Therefore,
that the project is behind the expected progress. The EV the schedule is definitely an issue that the construction
(red) and the AC (green) curves are, in this case, almost manager should look at.
the same. These curves are showing the earned value (EV), The next step would be to synchronize the new project
according to the initial planning, and the actual costs (AC). schedule in Navisworks. The updated schedule in the 5D
Figure 9(b) exhibits the variation of the Schedule Perfor- model is reflected with a new ending date on January 31, 2013,
mance Index (SPI-blue) and the Cost Performance Index instead of January 28, 2013, as initially planned.
Journal of Construction Engineering 9

4,500,000.00 1.20
4,000,000.00
3,500,000.00 1.00
3,000,000.00 0.80
($) 2,500,000.00
2,000,000.00 0.60
1,500,000.00 0.40
1,000,000.00
500,000.00 0.20
0.00 0.00
9/15/2013
9/30/2013
10/15/2013
10/31/2013
11/15/2013
11/30/2013
12/15/2013
12/31/2013
1/15/2013
1/31/2013
2/15/2013
2/28/2013

9/15/2013

9/30/2013

10/15/2013

10/31/2013

11/15/2013

11/30/2013
Planned value (PV) Actual cost (AC) CPI
Earned value (EV) SPI
(a) (b)

Figure 9: Updated EVM curves.

To conclude, it was demonstrated that the proposed Microsoft Excel, and Autodesk’s Revit, Quantity Takeoff, and
ITCMS is performing as expected and meets the require- Navisworks were used. The ITCMS has the potential to
ments and specifications set beforehand. At the design phase, improve the actual construction practices. Multiple benefits
model iterations are performed and every output needs to are identified from applying it to the actual project such
be updated; even though the system has some automated as ability to associate detailed time and cost values to
features, computer maneuvers are still necessary for some each of the building model components during the design
of the process in the design phase. The same thing happens phase; facilitated estimating process with automated outputs;
during the construction phase. Updates to the schedule and creation of a time and cost baseline that serves as a reference
5D model are readily feasible and valuable for assessing the for EVM performance reporting at any time during the
project’s performance with the EVM indicators. The ITCMS construction; visual tool fostering better comprehension
has an incredible number of possibilities in terms of computer among the project team, particularly with people that have
operations and data analysis. It is undeniable that, with a less technical or management knowledge. It is believed
complete design and construction project, having the ability that the ITCMS is beneficial to construction managers; the
to ensure coordination and integration among the project functionality and dependency of the developed model have
team with BIM tools and processes, paired with the use of been proven by using an actual case project. Its budget
an EVM platform that enables a continual review of the and schedule management platform, coupled with BIM tools
performance, would be useful. Moving forward, there are and processes, will inevitably improve construction produc-
several improvements and additions that could be brought to tivity, constructability, and overall performance if applied
such a system in order to get the best of the practice in the rigorously. Taking its roots in early involvement and project
construction management practice field. integration, the ITCMS enables collaboration and sharing of
construction expertise at the benefit of all the stakeholders,
5. Discussion and Conclusion working towards a common goal which is budget and sched-
ule performance, a virtue that the industry professionals
In an effort to merge a time and cost management system are now seeking. Virtual design and construction already
with future construction best practices, the study objective have breakthrough; engineering and construction managers
was to develop an integrated time-cost management sys- must promote its benefits and drive its integration in the
tem (ITCMS) and to test it on a real-case scenario. The industry’s practices. This is an ongoing research; authors are
conceptual methodology revealed that this system would working on adding other project management parameters
consist of four modules: time and cost estimating, scheduling, such as risk and quality that could be introduced in the
visualization, and EVM. A conceptual workflow was also system and would highly benefit construction managers in
presented and several tasks to be performed at the design and effectively managing their projects. Furthermore, authors
construction phases developed. The system can be described are working on incorporating a sixth dimension to ITCMS,
as a convenient tool that takes advantage of improved team which is facility management. This would be an extended
coordination and visualization tools to associate detailed time enhancement of the present system by integrating life-cycle
and cost values with each component of a 5D building model. costs in a 6D building model, which is considered to be a
The system then ensures budget and schedule monitoring promising advancement for the construction industry.
throughout the project, with the aid of an earned value
management platform. The ITCMS was implemented with Conflict of Interests
thirteen detailed processes to be performed at the design and
construction phases. Most of the work is to be performed The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
with computer tools; pieces of software such as MS Project, regarding the publication of this paper.
10 Journal of Construction Engineering

References [18] K. Barlish and K. Sullivan, “How to measure the benefits of

BIM—a case study approach,” Automation in Construction, vol.
[1] T. E. Glavinich, “Improving constructability during design 24, pp. 149–159, 2012.
phase,” Journal of Architectural Engineering, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 73– [19] S. Staub-French and A. Khanzode, “3D and 4D modeling
76, 1995. for design and construction coordination: issues and lessons
[2] C. B. Tatum, “Improving constructibility during conceptual learned,” Electronic Journal of Information Technology in Con-
planning,” Journal of Construction Engineering and Manage- struction, vol. 12, pp. 381–407, 2007.
ment, vol. 113, no. 2, pp. 191–207, 1987. [20] F. M. Arain and M. Burkle, “Learning construction project
[3] E. Johansen and B. Wilson, “Investigating first planning in management in the virtual world: leveraging on second life,”
construction,” Construction Management and Economics, vol. Electronic Journal of Information Technology in Construction,
24, no. 12, pp. 1305–1314, 2006. vol. 16, pp. 243–258, 2011.
[4] M. Chester and C. Hendrickson, “Cost impacts, scheduling [21] I.-C. Wu and S.-H. Hsieh, “A framework for facilitating multi-
impacts, and the claims process during construction,” Journal dimensional information integration, management and visual-
of Construction Engineering and Management, vol. 131, no. 1, pp. ization in engineering projects,” Automation in Construction,
102–107, 2005. vol. 23, pp. 71–86, 2012.
[5] T. Miyagawa, “Construction manageability planning—a system [22] C.-W. Feng, Y.-J. Chen, and J.-R. Huang, “Using the MD CAD
for manageability analysis in construction planning,” Automa- model to develop the time–cost integrated schedule for con-
tion in Construction, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 175–191, 1997. struction projects,” Automation in Construction, vol. 19, no. 3,
[6] W. M. Stevens, “Cost control: integrated cost/schedule perfor- pp. 347–356, 2010.
mance,” Journal of Management in Engineering, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. [23] D. C. Kent and B. Becerik-Gerber, “Understanding construction
157–164, 1986. industry experience and attitudes toward integrated project
delivery,” Journal of Construction Engineering and Management,
[7] A. A. D. A. J. Perera and K. Imriyas, “An integrated construction
vol. 136, no. 8, pp. 815–825, 2010.
project cost information system using MS AccessTM and MS
ProjectTM,” Construction Management and Economics, vol. 22,
no. 2, pp. 203–211, 2004.
[8] Y. A. Olawale and M. Sun, “Cost and time control of con-
struction projects: inhibiting factors and mitigating measures
in practice,” Construction Management and Economics, vol. 28,
no. 5, pp. 509–526, 2010.
[9] Q. W. Fleming and J. M. Koppelman, “Earned value project
management,” Cost Engineering, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 13–15, 1997.
[10] A. Czarnigowska, “Earned value method as a tool for project
control,” Budownictwo i Architektura, vol. 3, pp. 15–32, 2008.
[11] A. G. Ghanem, A. G. Ghanem, and Y. A. Abdelrazig, “A frame-
work for real-time construction project progress tracking. Earth
and Space,” in Earth and Space 2006—10th Biennial Interna-
tional Conference on Engineering, Construction, and Operations
in Challenging Environments, March 5, 2006-March 8, 2006,
League City/Houston, TX, United States, pp. 1–8, American
Society of Civil Engineers, 2006.
[12] J.-S. Chou, “Cost simulation in an item-based project involving
construction engineering and management,” International Jour-
nal of Project Management, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 706–717, 2011.
[13] S.-C. Kim, “Project success indicators focusing on residential
projects: are schedule performance index and cost performance
index accurate measures in earned value?” Canadian Journal of
Civil Engineering, vol. 36, no. 11, pp. 1700–1710, 2009.
[14] J.-S. Chou, H.-M. Chen, C.-C. Hou, and C.-W. Lin, “Visualized
EVM system for assessing project performance,” Automation in
Construction, vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 596–607, 2010.
[15] Y. Turkan, F. Bosché, C. T. Haas, and R. Haas, “Toward
automated earned value tracking using 3D imaging tools,”
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, vol. 139,
no. 4, pp. 423–433, 2013.
[16] C. M. Eastman, BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Informa-
tion Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and
Contractors, Wiley, 2008.
[17] S. Abourizk, “Role of simulation in construction engineering
and management,” Journal of Construction Engineering and
Management, vol. 136, no. 10, pp. 1140–1153, 2010.
 International Journal of

Rotating
Machinery

International Journal of
The Scientific
Engineering Distributed
Journal of
Journal of

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

World Journal
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Sensors
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Sensor Networks
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

Journal of

Control Science
and Engineering

Advances in
Civil Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

Submit your manuscripts at

http://www.hindawi.com

Journal of
Journal of Electrical and Computer
Robotics
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

VLSI Design
Advances in
OptoElectronics
International Journal of

International Journal of
Modelling &
Simulation
Aerospace
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Volume 2014
Navigation and
Observation
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014
in Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014
Engineering
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014

International Journal of
International Journal of Antennas and Active and Passive Advances in
Chemical Engineering Propagation Electronic Components Shock and Vibration Acoustics and Vibration
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation Hindawi Publishing Corporation
http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014 http://www.hindawi.com Volume 2014