Dilan durmus social media approaches on bim collaboration master thesis

2.2 
BIM AND BIM COLLABORATION 
The second part of literature review addresses the other major components of the research theme: BIM 
and BIM collaboration. Firstly, definition of BIM has been explained and the challenges and 
transformations from BIM has been reviewed. Then the impact of BIM from inter-organizational 
perspective has been examined to make a clear understanding for collaboration between the project 
teams and BIM-enabled projects. Literature review has been concluded with the BIM Collaboration 
Format (BCF) and BIM-based construction networks (BBCNs). 
2.2.1 Definition of BIM 
Even though the original history of "Building Information Modelling" concept dates to 1970s (Eastman 
et al., 2011), nowadays it has multidimensional definitions. The semantics of the acronym BIM is not 
univocal but has a dual acceptation. First, technology is typically seen as an activity and process for 
developing various information models (Eastman et al., 2011). BIM, on the other hand, is considered as 
system-building information management - work and communication structures that improve quality 
and efficiency (NBIMS, 2007). Access to the worldwide Internet and its services, communication 
standards, diverse building classifications, and new ICT tools and services are perceived as major 
driving elements in BIM development (Christiansson et al., 2011). The main principle of modelling is 
to create a digital model prior to physical construction that allows for various simulations and analysis. 
BIM is now considered about as an integrated approach for product creation. 
Azhar emphasizes BIM as a virtual process that encompasses all aspects, disciplines, and systems of a 
facility within a single, virtual model, allowing all design team members (owners, architects, engineers, 
contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers) to collaborate more accurately and efficiently than using 
traditional processes (Carmona and Irwin, 2007, as cited in Azhar, 2011). In this view, BIM is 
considered as the real workflow rather than a tool used in a workflow of the project. Moreover, benefits 
of this method include automatic fabrication, cost and material procurement, construction sequencing, 
clash detection, forensic analysis, and facility management (Azhar, 2011). 
Companies that use BIM technology aim for increased work productivity, optimum design solutions for 
less waste of resources, lower energy consumption, and improved passive design techniques. It has the 

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Durmus, D. 2022. Social Media Approaches on BIM Collaboration.
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Master Thesis. Ljubljana, UL FGG, Second Cycle Master Study Programme Building Information Modelling, BIM A+. 
potential to become a catalyst for integration, interoperability, and collaboration in the construction 
sector (Isikdag & Underwood 2010). Eastman et al. (2011) state that BIM has enabled a paradigm shift 
in the way information is communicated, transferred, and transformed, encouraging increased 
cooperation among the stakeholders who are interacting inside a Common Data Environment (CDE) 
during the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure asset. 
The BIM model could have 7-dimensions, with the first three dedicated to spatial representation, the 
fourth to time and scheduling, and the fifth to cost estimation. Instead, there is no universal definition 
for the remaining two dimensions; 6D is specifically defined as "Phase of work management (use, 
maintenance, and disposal)," whereas 7D is associated with "Assessment of sustainability" (social, 
economic, and environmental). (Charef, R., Alaka, H., & Emmitt, S., 2018). So, BIM can be defined as 
"sociotechnical system" and cycles for enhanced utilization. The technological advancements of BIM 
have not only presented with new business solutions, but also with expanded dimensions for developing 
inventive solutions.