Using production metrics to compare and understand VDC elements practiced by general contractors in Norway
ABSTRACT
Despite increasing interest in VDC (Virtual Design and Construction), it has been difficult to compare VDC practices across AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) project teams. VDC theory states that all three of its key elements, i.e., BIM (Building Information Modeling), ICE (Integrated Concurrent Engineering) and PPM (Project Production Management), should be used together in an integrated way. Content analysis was used to find evidence of the use of BIM, ICE and PPM, in production metrics reported by 57 AEC professionals representing general contractors in Norway. ICE production metrics were reported by 83% of the professionals, followed by PPM (70%) and BIM (34%). A survey with a list of production metrics was provided to another group of 50 professionals, also representing general contractors in Norway. Survey results showed an increase in the reporting of production metrics for all the three elements, most dramatically for BIM (from 34% to 90%). This study illustrates that comparing production metrics fosters understanding of VDC elements in practice. It also opens pathways to future research on a) a joint understanding of VDC elements, in particular BIM, and b) a systematic classification of production metrics for a reliable understanding and comparison of VDC elements used in practice.