Article

A Building Information Modeling (BIM)-Integrated

System for Evaluating the Impact of Change Orders
Tantri N. Handayani1,a, Veerasak Likhitruangsilp1,b,*, and Nobuyoshi Yabuki2,c
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road,
Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
2 Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
E-mail: atnhandayani @gmail.com, [email protected] (Corresponding author),
[email protected]

Abstract. Change orders are inevitable in most construction projects. The conventional change order
practice is usually associated with 2D drawings and various paper-based documents, which cannot illustrate
the existing and altered building conditions efficiently. This often leads to misinterpretation and
miscommunication among project participants. In addition, cost and schedule information, which is basic
inputs for analyzing the impact of change orders, is usually scattered and poorly organized resulting in
difficulties in retrieving it. The evaluation of cost and schedule impacts is often subjective and unsystematic
contributing to construction disputes. Building information modeling (BIM) is widely used in modern
construction projects. BIM is a promising construction information management tool, which can address
the aforementioned challenges. In this paper, we develop the BIM-Integrated System for Evaluating the Impacts of
Construction Change Orders (BIM-ISICO), which can systematically analyze three main impacts of a change
order: physical conditions, schedule, and cost. The BIM-ISICO assists users in observing and visualizing the
effect of a change order on building conditions systematically via 3D BIM models. The system can also
evaluate the impacts of such change order on project cost and schedule. It establishes a new paradigm of
delay and cost analysis by minimizing subjectivity and providing the auditing trails of change orders. To
demonstrate its efficacy and practicality, the system is applied to an actual 18-story building project for
analyzing the impact of a construction change order. The system can successfully assess and report all three
aspects of change order impacts. These results can mitigate the conflicts between the project owner and the
contractor about the construction claims resulting from change orders.

Keywords: Building information modeling (BIM), change order, time and cost impact assessment, change
detection application, delay analysis, color-coded visualization.

ENGINEERING JOURNAL Volume 23 Issue 4

Received 24 July 2018
Accepted 24 April 2019
Published 8 August 2019
Online at http://www.engj.org/
DOI:10.4186/ej.2019.23.4.67
DOI:10.4186/ej.2019.23.4.67

1. Introduction

A construction change order can be defined as any deviation from the scope of works stipulated in the
contract documents [1]. It is commonly issued by the project owner or their representative. Due to the
complexity of a construction project and the owner’s desire to modify the facility, change orders are
inevitable [2], but they are considered a tool to enhance and optimize the owner’s benefit on the project [3].
Change orders are a primary cause of construction claims [4], which contribute to costly and time-
consuming negotiations between the project owner and the contractor. Thus, it is necessary to manage
construction change orders appropriately to avoid or mitigate their adverse impacts.
Since the conventional change orders practice is usually associated with 2D drawings and paper-based
documents, it is difficult to retrieve information that is necessary for evaluating their consequences. Since
the altered physical conditions of a building after executing a construction change order are often not
clearly illustrated, project stakeholders may be unaware of the scope of the changed works. A failure to
assimilate the scope of the changed works significantly influences the accuracy of time and cost impact
assessment. For the conventional assessment, an analyst needs to modify the plans and estimate
consequential costs. This process is subjective and time-consuming, and its results are often inaccurate.
Since the results are narrative, it is challenging to communicate them to the stakeholders, leading to
disagreements and conflicts.
Change order management can be improved by various approaches. Fundamentally, guidelines have
been developed to integrate modern technologies with advanced modeling [5]. A basic guideline consists of
a contractual aspect such as an effective change order clause [2] and the efficient performance criteria of
change order practices [3]. An object-oriented information model based on Visual C++, namely
CONSCOM, was introduced to evaluate cost and time impacts by utilizing the concept of time-cost trade-
off [6]. Even though this system can evaluate the time and cost impacts of change orders, the adjustment of
cost and time still relies heavily on the analyst's assumptions. An internet-based system was created to
enhance communication and collaboration in change order processes [7]. It highlighted the importance of a
centralized database, particularly on the concept of integrating the project information. Using artificial
neural network (ANN) as a learning feature and case-based reasoning (CBR) as a similarity calculating
feature, a system was created to predict potential litigation [8] and generate an early litigation warning [9].
This hybrid artificial intelligence can predict future consequences by assessing historical data. Recent studies
show that advanced technologies played an essential role in improving the traditional practice. The
graphical approach for evaluating the impacts of change orders such as Building Information Modeling
(BIM) is still limited even though a number of previous studies confirmed that BIM can assist in tracking
design changes across multi-disciplinary [10], contributing to successful construction projects [11].
BIM is a virtual representation of physical and functional building characteristics. BIM can yield various
methods (BIM uses) for achieving specific objectives during the facility’s life-cycle [12]. BIM authoring is a
BIM use that creates a 3D virtual model of the facility [13]. Since 3D models can provide more
comprehensive visualization than conventional 2D models, they can assist us in communicating and
collaborating with other parties in a better environment [14]. This BIM benefit is expected to tackle the
problem of the conventional change order practice, in which project participants are unaware of the
modified building conditions due to an inefficient description of 2D drawings. However, non-automated
BIM tools for tracking design changes are still time-consuming and inaccurate. A number of design change
tracking systems have been developed such as creating an add-in utilizing Revit.NET API [15]. The current
model checkers are commonly developed to solely examine the alteration of building elements. In fact, the
accurate information of altered building elements is a stepping stone to evaluate time and cost impacts.
Thus, it is necessary to create a direct link between the modified elements to the cost or additional activities.
Not only can a new system perform design change tracking, but it should also be able to evaluate schedule
and cost impacts by adopting the concept of integrated information. The flexibility to embed and extract
multi-disciplinary information from BIM models allows us to establish a system [16] that can support
various aspects of project management such as construction waste [17] and maintenance [18]. In addition,
its ability to provide automated quantity take-off potentially improve the conventional practice [19]. Lastly,
BIM adoption in construction projects needs the development of guidance such as detailed methodology,
tools or frameworks [20]. This BIM paradigm is, therefore, promising to address the aforementioned
problems in the traditional change order practice.
In this paper, we propose the BIM-Integrated System for Evaluating the Impacts of Construction Change Orders
(BIM-ISICO). The system is designed to evaluate three main impacts of change orders, namely, physical

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conditions of the facility, time, and cost. The results from the building condition assessment are integrated
with other necessary information to evaluate schedule and cost impacts. For efficient presentations and
communications, the system reports the outcomes using a color-coded concept, which transforms
narratives into graphical results.

2. Literature Review on BIM for Construction Change Order Management

Various standards and guidelines are available to support BIM implementation. The National BIM
Standard-United States Version 3 (NBIMS-U V3) [12] is a guideline that is widely used by project
stakeholders to organize construction information and implement BIM. The AIA Document G202-2013:
Project Building Information Modeling Protocol Form [21] provides the detailed framework of the
attributes of BIM uses. BIM has been applied to several aspects of construction management such as
design review using clash detection [22], supply chain management [23], project monitoring [24], and facility
management [25]. For construction change order management, the applications of BIM have been limitedly
examined. However, BIM has a potential for facilitating this important construction issue. This is because
the building elements in BIM models can be authored and modified readily [26]. Through the information
embedded in BIM models, quantity take-off and cost estimating can be carried out effortlessly and
accurately [26]. BIM also facilitates the 3D visualization of detailed building elements [27]. These attributes
render BIM a powerful tool to overcome various barriers in construction claim management such as
storage and retrieval of necessary data and information [28]. Even though there have been some
preliminary investigations of BIM for change order management, a comprehensive study has never been
carried out before.
Previous research works related to BIM for construction claim management are as follows. Design
change tracking encompassed creating an add-in utilizing Revit.NET API [15] and using Solibri Model Checker
[10]. The model checker has also been extended for specific purposes such as spatial requirement checking
[29] and regulation compliance checking [30]. However, these research works do not entail a direct link
between the building conditions and the cost and schedule evaluation. Thus, it is necessary to equip the
model checker with the concept of integrated information. Not only can this new framework be used for
assessing the design change, but it can also provide a reference for cost adjustment and delay analysis.
The integration of 3D BIM model and schedule information renders a 4D BIM model, which can be
used to identify scheduling problems such as contradictory logical sequences or constructability issues [31].
To evaluate the impact of a change order on schedule, as-planned 4D models are compared to as-built 4D
models [32]. These 4D models can further be used for delay analysis, which can reduce the analyst's
subjectivity and provide an auditing trail. Lastly, the new system should be able to display the analysis
results that support communication and collaboration among all project participants. This can be achieved
by reporting the results in the form of color-coded visualization.

3. Research Methodology

This paper presents the development of the BIM-Integrated System for Evaluating the Impacts of Construction
Change Orders (BIM-ISICO). The proposed system is primarily designed to improve the traditional change
order practice by focusing on measuring the impact of a change order on physical conditions as well as
project time and cost. The system development process consists of three main steps.

1) Define the system context and framework

Relevant literature related to construction change order, BIM implementation, delay analysis, and cost
evaluation were extensively reviewed. The research objective, research gap, and conceptual framework were
defined. Existing BIM-based platforms were thoroughly investigated and compared to derive the one that
most conforms with the conceptual framework defined previously. The platform was chosen based on the
objective of the analysis and the flexibility of information exchange among the system components.

2) Develop the system components and supporting tools

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The conceptual framework defined previously was elaborated in the form of the system architecture,
including the system structure, guidance for all rules and specifications, and the workflow of the advanced
methodology applied in the system. The system applications were created as supporting tools that simplify
the workflow and assist the analyst in performing repetitive analyses. In this research, the system
applications were developed by using Dynamo and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

3) Verify the system

To verify the proposed system, it was applied to an actual 18-story building construction project, which
adopted BIM for supporting project design and construction. Among several change orders by the project
owner, a change order issuance was chosen to demonstrate the application of the proposed system for
evaluating its impacts on physical conditions, time, and cost. A group of construction experts, who have
experience in both BIM-based construction and change order was asked to evaluate the performance of the
system. The results were then discussed and the conclusion was drawn.

4. Structure of BIM-ISICO

The BIM-ISICO is a BIM-integrated tool to assess three primary impacts of a change order, namely, the
physical conditions of the building, time, and cost [33, 34]. The BIM-ISICO comprises three main features,
which can improve the conventional change order practice:
1) Systematic observation
The BIM-ISICO can automatically track design changes and identify modified building elements,
which help the analyst examine the building conditions completely and accurately [35].
2) Cost and schedule evaluation paradigm
The BIM-ISICO then evaluates the cost and schedule impacts of a change order based on the
outcomes from the systematic observational model. In other words, the time and cost impacts are
automatically analyzed from the modified elements [36]. This integrated process minimizes the
analyst's subjectivity and provides an auditing trail of each change order.
3) Color-coded visualization reporting
To better communications of change order impacts among all parties, the analysis results are
presented graphically through 3D BIM models, which are enhanced by color-coded visualization to
highlight important information.
These three features define the framework of the BIM-ISICO, which is constituted by five interrelated
modules:
1) Module 1: Data acquisition
2) Module 2: Change detection
3) Module 3: Schedule impact analysis
4) Module 4: Cost impact analysis
5) Module 5: Reporting
The development of the BIM-ISICO relies on the provisions about construction change (variation)
orders of FIDIC Red Book 1999 [37]. According to Sub-Clause 13.3 [Variation Procedure], the contractor is
deemed to submit a proposal to the owner containing an overview of the change order works, modification
of schedule (if any), and cost evaluation prior to the work execution. The BIM-ISICO can assist the
contractor in composing this proposal quickly and accurately. The proposal will later be used by the owner
and its representative as a reference for their decision making. It also plays an important role in the
negotiation process regarding the new design, execution time, and additional costs. The complete, accurate,
clear change order impacts provided by the system will minimize conflicts among the parties and mitigate
the potential risks resulting from such changes.
Once a change order is issued, the BIM-ISICO can be implemented to determine the impact of such
change order. The system is designed to evaluate the impact of each single change order. However, as the
project proceeds and other change orders are issued, the BIM-ISICO can be executed for every change
order chronologically. The BIM-ISICO is not specifically built for certain project stakeholders. Contractors
can employ the system to create a proposal for evaluating change order impacts. For the owner or its
representative, this system can be used to review their decisions regarding changed works.
Several platforms are selected and integrated to develop the system, namely, Autodesk Revit as the BIM
authoring platform, Microsoft Excel as both database and analysis sheets, and Microsoft Project as the

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scheduling program. In addition, Dynamo is used as an information exchange tool between Autodesk Revit
and Microsoft Excel. It also serves as an automated color-coded tool, which improves the default BIM
visualization. Lastly, Visual Basic for Application (VBA), which is embedded in Microsoft Excel, is scripted to
perform repetitive analysis, filter data, and provide interactive user-interface in the spreadsheets.
Figure 1 shows the system architecture of the BIM-ISICO. As can be seen, the two-dimensional matrix
connects the five selected platforms to the five modules. Each module contains sub-modules, which
elaborate analyses and information exchange.
The BIM-ISICO is equipped with several system applications, which perform different complex
analyses. Without these system applications, the analyst must deal with a large amount of data while
performing repetitive analyses. For example, a set of programs created by Dynamo allows users to control
the designated parameters conveniently. As a result, information exchange can be performed efficiently.
The details of the five modules of the BIM-ISICO are as follows.

4.1. Module 1: Data Acquisition

This module defines the collected data, the system requirements, and the analysis preparation. It
preconditions the designated data to conform with the system requirements, so they are ready for further
analyses. As depicted in Fig. 1, this module is supported by four sub-modules: the gathering, updating,
integrating, and implementing instruction sub-modules. These sub-modules create BIM models, schedule, and
project costs. If the system requirements are fulfilled, they can yield accurate results with minimal errors.
The gathering sub-module features the data collection requirements and designates the rules for the
collected data. This sub-module requires schedule and the cost information, which is provided by the BIM
models. In other words, the elements in the BIM models must be associated with the schedule of
construction activities and the database of construction cost items. Thus, an important step is to delineate a
connection between each building element in the BIM models and the schedule and cost of associated
activities. For example, for the brick wall elements located on the first floor, this sub-module must gather
the elements to be included in activities and the cost items associated with such building element.
The updating sub-module reflects the latest conditions of the building prior to the issuance of a change
order. The updating process incorporates any ongoing construction works, previous change orders, and any
alteration of schedule information. The BIM models are updated based on the actual project conditions,
while the schedule and cost information are adjusted to the current time and cost status of the project.
The integrating sub-module performs three main functions, as shown in Fig. 2. First, it assigns the codes
for the BIM models, schedule, and cost database. The code is divided into two types: cost ID and activity ID.
The cost ID interconnects the BIM models with the project cost database, whereas the activity ID links the
3D models to the schedule. The second function is to transfer the detailed cost and schedule information
to the BIM models through a system application created by Dynamo. The schedule information (e.g., activity
name, duration, float, and progress) and the cost information (e.g., cost item, material cost, and labor cost) are
exported from the spreadsheets to the corresponding elements in the BIM models, which share the same
values of schedule ID and cost ID, respectively. This sub-module yields the basic BIM model, in which each
element contains detailed schedule and cost information.
In the last sub-module, the implementing instruction sub-module, change order instructions are gathered,
compiled, and analyzed. If a change order is delivered orally, the analyst must transfer such instruction to
the BIM models. The analyst edits the basic BIM model to reflect the change order instructions to derive the
modified BIM models. The establishment of two different BIM models, which represent the facility condition
prior to and after a change order instruction remarks the final part of Module 1.

4.2. Module 2: Change Detection

This module provides a systematic observational method for detecting the changed building conditions
resulting from a construction change order. It first extracts the parameters from the BIM models and then
filters the elements, the geometrical parameters of which are modified due to a change order. The findings
will further be used for the schedule and cost impact analysis. The change detection module consists of two
sub-modules: the extracting and filtering sub-modules, as shown in Fig. 1.

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Selected Platforms

Spreadsheets program
BIM authoring program Dynamo Scheduling program
Gathering Spreadsheets VBA Cost database

Gather 3D model with the Prepare cost database Prepare schedule with
geometry and non-geometry with the detail of clear sequences among
parameters material and labor cost activities
Updating
Module 1: Data Acquisition

Update the cost Update the schedule

Update the model
database information
Integrating

Store the
Updated Integrate Updated Updated
schedule to
BIM model information1) cost schedule
query
Implementing instruction

Apply change
order instruction

Basic Modified Basic project Basic

BIM model BIM model cost schedule
Module 2: Change Detection

Extracting

Extract Element
Merge BIM
designated parameters
models
parameters2) query
Filtering

Changed Filter
elements by ID-to-ID
query comparison3)
Extra cost Direct cost Prospective delay analysis Change modeling

Generate and
Schedule Impact Analysis

tabulate
fragnet
Module 3:

Impacted as-
planned (IAP)
analysis

Impacted
schedule
Module 4: Cost Impact Analysis

Calculate direct
cost

Calculate extra cost

Delay cost

Calculate delay cost

Reintegrating

Final Store all new Update schedule Summarize cost

BIM model parameters4) query as Modified
project cost

Color-coded
Change detection

analysis5)
visualization
Module 5: Reporting

Change detection
visualization

Asterisk *) symbol refers to the use of the

Critical path visualization

proposed supporting tools as follow.

1)
Basic critical activity Parameter integrator v1
2)
visualization Color-coded Parameter exporter
analysis6) 3)
Parameter comparator
4)
Parameter integrator v2
5)
Color-coded analyzer v1
6)
Impacted critical activity Color-coded analyzer v2
visualization

Fig. 1. System architecture of the BIM-ISICO.

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The extracting sub-module requires the establishment of the merged BIM models, in which the modified BIM
models is linked to the basic BIM models. In this paper, Autodesk Revit was used to insert the basic BIM models in
the modified BIM models (i.e., an underlying model). Even though this process combines both BIM models,
the information in both models is not compromised. Each BIM model still contains independent
information. This BIM model is created to reduce the redundancy of analysis so we can extract the
parameters of both basic BIM models and modified BIM models simultaneously. This parameter extraction
process is facilitated by an application using Dynamo. We created a program file consisting of two sets of
nodes, which are used to assess, extract, and transfer the designated parameters into the designated
columns in a spreadsheet. Both node sets accommodate the extracting process for the basic BIM models and
the modified BIM models. The redundancy can be avoided because the BIM-ISICO performs the compression
and the extraction of the models at the same time. The extracted parameters consist of geometrical
parameters (e.g., category, element ID, element name, level, material, quantity, and location), schedule
parameters (e.g., activity name, activity ID, float, and progress), and cost parameters (e.g., cost item, cost ID,
material cost, and labor cost).
The filtering sub-module determines the elements that are affected by the change order instruction. VBA
is scripted to perform this analysis by comparing the geometrical parameters (e.g., element ID, material,
quantity, and location) of each element from the modified BIM models to those from the basic BIM models.
The filtering methodology is based on the following five types of construction change.
1) Quantity modification. For the same element ID, the system detects different values of the quantity
parameters of the basic BIM models and the modified BIM models.
2) Material alteration. For the same element ID, the material parameters between both models are
different.
3) Relocation. The element ID in both models are identical, but the location information is not identical.
4) Deletion. An element ID is detected in the basic BIM models but does not exist in the modified BIM
models.
5) Addition. A new element ID is found in the modified BIM models but does not exist in the basic BIM
models.
The BIM-ISICO can track the building modification by applying this filtering methodology. It can also
detect the elements that are classified into many types of change such as Quantity modification & Material
alteration or Relocation & Material alteration. This sub-module finally provides a list of modified elements,
which is equipped with information such as the element identity (e.g., element ID, element name, and level),
the change classification, the quantity deviation (before and after the change), the material deviation (before
and after the change), the schedule parameters, and the cost parameters.

4.3. Module 3: Schedule Impact Analysis

This module forecasts any potential delay due to a change order by adopting a delay analysis method. It is
supported by two sub-modules: the change modeling and prospective delay analysis sub-modules.
The change modeling sub-module transfers the results from Module 2 to the delay analysis performed in this
module. This sub-module requires that the analyst examines the modified elements that are detected in
Module 2 and transforms them into sub-network activities. A sub-network activity, which is called fragnet, is
the representation of the disruption the contractor has to bear during the change order execution. A fragnet
is developed based on the analyst's interpretation towards the modified elements combined with their tacit
knowledge. The BIM-ISICO requires that the analyst tabulates the developed fragnets, which is equipped
with the fragnets ID (following the format of the activity ID), fragnet name, modified element number (based on
the result of Module 2), duration, predecessor, and successor. The duration, predecessor, and successor
information are solely based on the analyst’s assumption. Since developing a fragnet depends upon the
modified element (the result of Module 2), the information of the modified element is substantive
information to support the assumption. In addition, the delay analysis in this paper incorporates the
duration and the construction sequence of each additional work the contractor needs to perform.
For example, if an element is detected as “relocation” with the progress of 100% (i.e., completed work),
the analyst must consider any additional activities such as demolition, re-installation, and finishing. Since
Module 2 yields the correlation between the modified element and the schedule parameters, the fragnet can
be easily determined.

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The prospective delay analysis sub-module facilitates the delay analysis. There are many delay analysis
methods available. Selecting an appropriate method is based on the availability of data, the available analysis
time and fund, and the capabilities of the methodology [7]. The BIM-ISICO adopts the
Modeled/Additive/Multi base [25] or the Time Impact Analysis (TIA) [1] method. This is because the TIA
method conforms with the objectives and the requirements of our system. However, the system can also be
integrated with most delay analysis methods.
The TIA method begins with the insertion of each fragnet in a chronological order. In this paper, we
adopt the method of stepped insertion fragnet, instead of global insertion fragnet. The fragnets that have
been created are inserted one by one. For each insertion, we record the alteration of project duration. Lastly,
after the last fragnet is inserted, we examine the impacted project completion date. The fragnets are first
inserted into the initial project schedule before a change order issuance (called the basic schedule). A new set
of project schedule is then obtained and called the impacted schedule, which represents the project schedule
after integrating the change order. The basic schedule and the impacted schedule are compared by examining the
project duration and critical path.

Synchronize
codes
Codes
Assigning
code to the Assigning code
Cost ID to BIM model
schedule &
project cost
Activity ID

Export the information

Dynamo
Spreadsheets Visual Programming BIM authoring program
Contains the schedule and Every element contains
cost information Activity ID and Cost ID

6
Autodesk Revit

Activity ID
Activity name
Duration
Float Export Export
Progress

Cost ID
Export the information
$ Cost item
Material cost
Labor cost
based on the Cost ID
and Activity ID

Result

$6 r
Integrated BIM element contains
information the schedule and cost
information
Schedule and
project cost

Fig. 2. Details of the integrating sub-module (modified from [35]).

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The BIM-ISICO integrates the conditions of the facility due to a change order with the schedule
analysis. There are also other external and administrative factors that may cause additional delay. These
factors are however beyond the scope of this paper.

4.4. Module 4: Cost Impact Analysis

This module evaluates the impact of a change order on the project cost. It records any cost alterations
resulting from the change such as direct cost, demolition cost, relocation cost, and delay cost. The module
is supported by three main sub-module: the direct cost, extra cost, and delay cost sub-modules. These three sub-
modules represents the three main cost types considered in this system. The modified element determined
by Module 2 is the basis for calculating the direct cost and the extra cost. Table 1 illustrates examples of
relations between the types of change and the cost calculation methods, which are determined by Module 2.
It is based on an assumption that any works that have been done according to the basic BIM model must be
reimbursed. The direct cost sub-module and the extra cost sub-module is executed by relying on the information of
the change classification, progress, and the cost parameters provided by Module 2. Based on such
information, the system adjusts the basic project cost (i.e., the project cost database before the change) to the
modified project cost (i.e., the project cost database after the change).
As shown in Table 1, if the modified element is classified as “addition” with no record in the basic project
cost, the system will establish a new cost item, cost ID, material cost, and labor cost. This new unregistered
element is detected by the modified element without the cost ID. On the other hand, if a new element is
classified as “Addition” and has been registered in the basic project cost, known by the embedded cost ID, the
system will add the detected quantity into the database. Consequently, the quantity of the corresponding
cost item is adjusted.
The extra cost sub-module calculates the additional cost that the contractor incurs as a result of a change
order. In this paper, the additional cost includes the expenses of relocation and demolition. Based on the
results from Module 2, the “deletion” and “quantity modification” categories combined with progress
information of 100% lead to the demolition work. The quantity of an element that is identified as “deletion”
or “quantity modification” with the progress of 100% demonstrates the volume of demolition work.
Meanwhile, the unit price of demolition works should be derived from the analyst’s assumptions. For the
relocation work, the quantity is derived from the volume of any element detected as “relocation” with the
progress of 100%. Since the work has already been completed, the element needs an extra cost for
relocation or demolition if the element has to be rebuilt.
Another cost item determined by the BIM-ISICO is associated with the results from Module 3. The
result from the delay prediction is converted to an allowance of the contractor for their extra efforts to
finish the changed work. The delay cost encompasses the variable overhead cost and the preliminary cost
per day. Since the delay cost is based on the contract provision, the subjective assessment by the analyst
towards the conditions is necessary.
As the three cost components have been computed, the basic project cost is updated, and the modified
project cost is derived. The updating of the cost database marks the completion of cost impact evaluation.

4.5. Module 5: Reporting

The final module of the system, the reporting module, compiles and presents the analysis results. It consists of
three sub-modules: the reintegrating, change detection visualization, and critical path visualization sub-modules.
The reintegrating sub-module creates the final BIM models, which represents the eventual project conditions
once all impacts of the change order have been incorporated. As discussed previously, Module 1 forms the
modified BIM models, which displays the physical conditions of the building after the change has been
executed. Yet, the schedule and cost parameters are still the representatives of the schedule and cost
database prior to considering the change. Thus, it is necessary to add and override the schedule and cost
parameters. This process is similar to the integrating sub-module of Module 1. However, this reintegration is
applied to the modified BIM model, impacted schedule, and modified project cost. This sub-module introduces a new
parameter, impacted float, in the modified BIM model. The result of the delay analysis will fill the impacted float
parameter because every activity has a new value of float. A similar process is applied to the cost parameter,
in which a new element possesses the completed cost parameter as the system will fill in the value. Thus,
the modified conditions of the building after incorporating the change can be completely described in the
final BIM models.

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The change detection visualization sub-module is created to visualize the result of Module 2, which is a list of
modified elements transferred into a virtual report. It is a system application using Dynamo. This sub-
module accesses the element ID and its change classification determined by Module 2, searches the
corresponding elements, and assigns the elements based on its change classification. The result is the color-
coded BIM models, which highlight the elements that are impacted by the change order.
The critical path visualization sub-module is designed to visualize the result of Module 3. It assembles the
colors into the elements in the BIM models that are associated with the critical path. Similar to the previous
sub-modules, it is a system application built by Dynamo. Since the basic BIM models and the final BIM models
contain the schedule parameters before and after incorporated with the change order, respectively, the
comparison of the critical path can be determined. For the basic BIM models, the value of the float parameter
is used to determine the critical element before the change order issuance. On the other side, the element
of the final BIM models possesses both float and impacted float parameters, which can be used to highlight
whether or not the element is critical before and after the change, or it remains the same. In the end, the
change of the critical element due to the change order can be displayed clearly.

5. Application of the BIM-ISICO

An actual high-rise building project is chosen to demonstrate and verify the application of the BIM-ISICO.
The project is a multipurpose eighteen-story building, which houses classrooms, laboratories, seminar halls,
and sports facilities. The building is located in the Chulalongkorn University campus and occupies
approximately 1,300 m2 of the land and 22,905 m2. The construction began in June 2015 and was mostly
involved cast-in-place concrete for the structural work, bricks and precast panels for the walls, and
aluminum composite for the façade. In this paper, the proposed system is applied to evaluate the impact of
a change order on the architecture work of this project only. The system can, however, be used to examine
the change order impact on other project works such as structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.

5.1. Overview of the Project Case Study

During the early period of the project, the owner was concerned about the space allocation of a pipeline
shaft located next to the male restrooms. The building has typical male and female restrooms in every floor,
and all of them are connected through this pipeline shaft. The male and female restrooms have separated
shafts for easier maintenance. This became an issue when the owner realized that they had to maintain
another pipeline shaft, which came from the shower room in the sports facility area. Due to limited
maintenance resources available, the owner instructed the contractor to combine the pipeline from the
shower room to that from the male toilet. As a result, a larger shaft was required, which led to the
modification of the shaft area in the male toilet. Figure 3(a) displays the BIM models of the project and the
scope of the modified work as instructed by the project owner.
The instruction on the shaft enlargement was certainly considered a change order. However, the owner
would like to examine their decision objectively, so its impact would not severely impact the overall project
progress. Thus, the owner instructed the contractor to evaluate the impact of this modification and asked
them to submit a proposal as soon as applicable. The BIM-ISICO was implemented to help the contractor
evaluate three impacts resulting from this change, including the physical impact on the architectural work,
the schedule impact, and the cost impact.

5.2. Implementing the BIM-ISICO

The implementation of the BIM-ISICO began with executing Module 1, data acquisition. Based on the
requirements of the gathering sub-module, project information, including the BIM models, schedule data, and
cost data were collected. The connections between the elements in the BIM models and the schedule
activities and cost items were mapped.

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Table 1 Examples of relations between types of change and cost evaluation methods.

No Change classification Progress Cost evaluation method

1 Addition The element type is >0% Direct cost:
found in database 0% Increase the quantity using the new quantity
>0% Direct cost:
The element type is
New cost item and unit price are added to
new 0%
the database
2 Deletion Extra cost:
>0%
Demolition cost using the current quantity
Direct cost:
0%
Reduce the quantity using the current quantity
3 Relocation Extra cost:
>0%
Relocation cost using the current quantity
4 Quantity Direct cost:
The quantity is >0%
modification Increase the quantity using ∆ quantity
increased
0%
Extra cost:
>0%
The quantity is Demolition cost using the ∆ quantity
decreased Direct cost:
0%
Reduce the quantity of using ∆ quantity
5 Material The material is >0% Direct cost:
alteration found in database - Reduce the quantity of the current cost
item using the current quantity
- Increase the quantity of the new cost item
Extra cost:
- Demolition cost using the current quantity
0% Direct cost:
- Reduce the quantity of the current cost item
using the current quantity
- Increase the quantity of the new cost item
using the new quantity
The material is new >0% Direct cost:
- New cost item and the unit price are added
to the database
- Reduce the quantity of the current cost item
using the current quantity
Extra cost:
Demolition cost using the current quantity
0% Direct cost:
- New cost item and unit cost are added to
the database
- Reduce the quantity of the cost item using
the current quantity
*) New quantity and current quantity are based on the result of Module 2

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Table 1 Examples of relations between types of change and cost evaluation methods (cont.).

No Change classification Progress Cost evaluation method

6 Quantity - The quantity is >0% Direct cost:

modification increased Increase the quantity of the new cost item
& Material - The material is using the new quantity
alteration found in database Extra cost:
Demolition cost using the current quantity
0% Direct cost:
- Reduce the quantity of the current cost item
using the current quantity
- Increase the quantity of the new cost item
using the new quantity
-The quantity is >0% Direct cost:
increased New cost item and unit price are added to
- The material is the database
new Extra cost:
Demolition cost using the current quantity
0% Direct cost:
- New cost item and direct cost is added to
the database
- Reduce the quantity of the current cost
item using the current quantity
- The quantity is >0% Direct cost:
decreased Increase the quantity of the new cost item
- The material is Extra cost:
found in database Demolition cost using the current quantity
0% Direct cost:
- Reduce the quantity of the current cost
item using the current quantity
- Increase the quantity of the new cost item
using the new quantity
- The quantity is >0% Direct cost:
decreased New cost item and direct cost is added to
- The material is the database
new Extra cost:
Demolition cost using the current quantity
0% Direct cost:
- New cost item and direct cost is added to
the database using the new quantity
- Reduce the quantity of the current cost item
using the current quantity
7 Quantity - The quantity is >0% Direct cost:
modification increased Increase the quantity using the ∆ quantity
& Relocation - The quantity is Extra cost:
decreased Relocation cost using the current quantity
Direct cost:
0%
Increase the quantity using the ∆ quantity
Extra cost:
>0% - Demolition cost using the ∆ quantity
- Relocation cost using the new quantity
Direct cost:
0%
Decrease the quantity using the ∆ quantity
*) New quantity and current quantity are based on the result of Module 2

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Fig. 3. BIM models of the project case study and the impact of the change order.

As required by the updating sub-module, the collected data were updated to reflect the latest condition of
the construction work prior to issuance of this change instruction. The updating process was conducted in
the three separate platforms (i.e., the BIM models in the BIM authoring program, schedule in the
scheduling program, and cost in the spreadsheets). For example, the schedule must contain the overall
progress of the project, which was approximately 14%. The construction project began on June 5, 2015,
and the change order was issued on August 7, 2015. Within a month of the construction period, the
contractor finished the wall works in the 1st, 1M, and 2nd floors; the tile works in the 1st and 1M floors; and
the ceiling works in the 1st and 1M floors.
The integrating sub-module was applied by using the system application built in Dynamo. The latest
schedule and cost information were stored into the BIM models to achieve the integrated data. As a result,
every element in the BIM models contained not only geometrical but also non-geometrical parameters,
which are the schedule and cost parameters. This integrated BIM model represents the basic BIM model, as
depicted in Fig. 3(b).
Figure 3(b) portrays the initial design of the project before the change order issuance. The implementing
instruction sub-module was executed by transforming the basic BIM model to the modified BIM model, as shown in
Fig. 3(c). It should be noted that the shaft was enlarged and the sanitary wares such as toilet, floor drain,
and toilet partition were relocated. The establishment of the basic BIM model and the modified BIM model
marks the completion of Module 1.
Module 2 was then implemented by combining the basic BIM model with the modified BIM model, resulting
in the merged BIM model, as depicted in Fig. 3(d). The extracting and filtering sub-modules were applied, and the
result from the change detection analysis is shown in Fig. 4. The result was stored in a spreadsheet, which is
complemented with the interacting analysis buttons. The analyst can, therefore, access VBA script to
perform the analysis conveniently.
Figure 4 shows the list of the modified elements along with the geometrical and non-geometrical
parameters, change classification, and comparison of material and quantity. The geometrical parameters
help users understand the identity of the element. For example, the element ID can be used as a search key
if the analyst would like to point out the element in the BIM models. The change classification helps the
analyst to understand the condition of the element. The quantity and material comparison shows any
alteration of quantity prior to and after the change order. For the material comparison, it shows the detail
of any material changes. Lastly, the non-geometrical parameters show the relation of the building element
and the schedule and cost information.

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Fig. 4. Result from the change detection analysis by Module 2.

As can be seen, the first modified element is the wall of P1–100mm with the element ID of 348487
which is classified as “quantity modification.” Due to the change order, this element must be enlarged from
8 m2 to 14.9 m2. It should also be noticed that this element has already been completed (i.e., the progress is
100%). This element belongs to Walls 1st floor activity and Half piece brickwork cost item. Based on this
information, the analyst needs to perform additional calculations towards the building element that has
been completed. Any equipment or plant movement can be postponed to avoid re-mobilization. Clearly,
the BIM-ISICO also serves as a warning system for the contractor to mitigate any potential risks. Another
virtue of the analysis result, especially as a reference for the subsequent analysis, will be elaborated in the
following two modules.
The extracting sub-module is performed by a system application using Dynamo. Figure 5(a) shows the
validation of this analysis. As can be seen, the analysis process using Dynamo can extract 12,002 elements,
which match to the number of elements in the BIM model obtained from the manual checking performed
on Autodesk Revit. It can be concluded that the system application can be used to analyze a large amount of
data. It also shows that the system application supports the implementation of the BIM-ISICO and
minimizes the redundant analysis.
Figure 5(b) illustrates the validation of the analysis result of the filtering sub-module. The analysis by the
system application of the Module 2 was compared to the manual analysis using Autodesk Revit. For example,
the result of the filtering sub-module identifies P1-100mm wall with element ID of 348533 located in Level 1 as
“deletion.” Considering the same element ID, the manual search on the basic BIM model shows that the
element exists, but the modified BIM model shows otherwise. Thus, the change detection analysis by the
system shows the correct result.
The BIM-ISICO integrates a change order into the BIM environment. The virtual 3D BIM models
provide better visualization of constructed facilities than the conventional 2D drawings. In addition, the 2D
drawings cannot efficiently display the impact of a change order on the building conditions. The difficulties
in retrieving the information from the conventional drawings can also lead to misinterpretation and
inaccurate building condition assessment. A construction project is usually associated with a large number
of building elements, the alteration of which can affect others. Even though introducing BIM to change
order management can enhance visualization of modified buildings, without other supporting tools the
impact assessment is still time-consuming and the result may be inaccurate. These problems have been
explicitly addressed by Module 2, which comprises the systematic observational feature. It can identify and
categorize every altered element in the building so the analyst obtains the detailed consequence of the

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change order impact on the building conditions. The analysis time is also reduced and the result is also
more accurate.

(a) Validating the result of the extracting sub-module

(b) Validating the result of the filtering sub-module

Fig. 5. Validation of the analysis result from the change detection analysis by Module 2.

The analysis result of Module 2 was subsequently used in Module 3, schedule impact analysis, by first
executing the change modeling sub-module. First, we interpreted each of the modified elements presented in Fig.
4. Transforming the modified elements into the fragnets involves the examination of the change
classification, quantity, material, and schedule parameters. Figure 6 shows the analysis result of the change
modeling sub-module.
For example, the 13th modified element in Fig. 4 is the P1-100mm walls with the element ID of 571272.
This element is located on the first floor and is categorized as “quantity modification” with the increasing
quantity. Based on this information, it can be concluded that this modification encompasses additional
works. Assume that the additional work (from 8 to 14.9 m2) needs additional two work days. Consequently,
the fragnet can be placed correctly to the activity that needs to be extended, which is the wall 4th-floor activity.

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Fragnet tabulation
Home Clear

Schedule subnetworks (Fragnets) Impacted schedule

Change no.
Fragnets ID Fragnets name (Module 2) Duration Pred Succ Project completion Net gain/loss
January 8, 2017
A.20.01 Demolition wall 2nd floor 10 1 A.01.04 A.20.02 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.02 Demolition wall 1M floor 8 1 A.20.01 A.20.03 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.03 Demolition of ceiling works 1M floor 128 2 A.20.02 A.20.04 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.04 Relocation of tile works 1st floor part 1 (demolition) 4, 6 2 A.20.03 A.20.05 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.05 Demolition wall 1st floor 2 1 A.20.04 A.20.06 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.06 Demolition of ceiling works 1st floor 127 2 A.20.05 A.20.07 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.07 Demolition of tile works 1st floor 3, 5 2 A.20.06 A.20.09 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.08 Additional wall works 1st floor 1 2 A.20.06 A.20.09 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.09 Relocation of tile works 1st floor part 1 (rebuilding) 4, 6 2 A.20.08 A.20.10 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.10 Additional wall works 1M floor 7 3 A.20.09 A.20.11 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.11 Additional wall works 2nd floor 9 3 A.20.10 A.20.12 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.12 Additional wall works 3rd floor 11 3 A.20.11 A.01.05 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.13 Additional wall works 4th floor 13 1 A.20.12 A.01.05 January 8, 2017 0
A.20.14 Additional wall works 5th floor 15 1 A.01.05 A.01.06 January 9, 2017 1
A.20.15 Additional wall works 6th floor 17 1 A.01.06 A.01.07 January 10, 2017 1
A.20.16 Additional wall works 7th floor 19 1 A.01.07 A.01.08 January 11, 2017 1
A.20.17 Additional wall works 8th floor 21 1 A.01.08 A.01.09 January 12, 2017 1
A.20.18 Additional wall works 8M floor 23 1 A.01.09 A.01.10 January 13, 2017 1
A.20.19 Additional wall works 9th floor 25 1 A.01.10 A.01.11 January 14, 2017 1
A.20.20 Additional wall works 10th floor 27 1 A.01.11 A.01.12 January 15, 2017 1
A.20.21 Additional wall works 11th floor 28 1 A.01.12 A.01.13 January 16, 2017 1
A.20.22 Additional wall works 12th floor 29 1 A.01.13 A.01.14 January 17, 2017 1
A.20.23 Additional wall works 13th floor 30 1 A.01.14 A.01.15 January 18, 2017 1
A.20.24 Additional wall works 14th floor 31 1 A.01.15 A.01.16 January 19, 2017 1
A.20.25 Additional wall works 15th floor 32 1 A.01.16 A.01.17 January 20, 2017 1
A.20.26 Additional wall works 16th floor 33 1 A.01.17 A.01.18 January 21, 2017 1
Total delay 13 days

Fig. 6. Modeling and recording the inserted fragnets.

The fragnet tabulation displayed in Fig. 6 shows the additional activities the contractor may have to
perform to execute the change order work. The BIM-ISICO requires that the fragnets are equipped with
the identity of the modified elements, so it creates a clear auditing trail. For example, the additional wall works
4th floor fragnet (fragnet ID is A.20.13) is associated with change number 13. By examining the result of
Module 2 (Fig. 4), it is known that change number 13 refers to the P1-100mm walls element, which is classified
as “quantity modification” with the progress of 100%. It indicates that the additional wall works 4th floor activity
is performed to facilitate the deletion of the element. This clear auditing system and a systematic analysis
are a virtue of the BIM-ISICO.
The fragnet development based on the information of Module 2 demonstrates the direct link between
building condition assessment and the delay analysis. Comparing to the conventional change order practice,
the development of the fragnets fully depends on the analyst’s interpretation towards the building
conditions. The analyst must imagine the building condition or examine the 2D drawing with minimal
information. Thus, the fragnet development heavily relies on the analyst's subjective judgment on additional
works. This might cause disputes among the project stakeholders on the impacts of change orders. The
BIM-ISICO supports and exploit their tacit knowledge by providing them with substantive information.
The modified element provided by Module 2 is equipped by not only the type of change but also schedule
information. The decision-making process concerning additional activities can be performed rigorously. In
addition, the fragnet, which is recorded with the corresponding modified element, creates an auditing trail
system, as shown in Fig. 6. The conventional practice does not possess this tracking system because the
additional activities are derived from the analyst’s assumptions. This system feature can certainly support
every additional work that is claimed by the contractor during their negotiation with the project owner.
By executing the prospective delay analysis sub-module, the TIA method was performed by inserting the
developed fragnets into the basic schedule to obtain the impacted schedule. Figure 7 summarizes the TIA analysis
results using Microsoft Project. It also displays the comparison between the basic schedule and the impacted
schedule. As can be seen, the project completion date is shifted to January 21, 2017 (13 days). In addition, the
system also examines the change of critical activities due to the change order. It is found that the entire wall
works from the 3rd floor to the 16th floor become critical. In contrast, the curtain wall works are no longer
critical. As a result, the contractor needs to focus on these new critical activities.

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Module 4, cost impact analysis, was then used to evaluate the cost impact of the change order. The
analysis result from Module 2 (Fig. 4) was further analyzed in this step. Figure 8 shows the example results
from the direct cost sub-module. As can be seen, the quantity of half piece brickwork item increases to 103 m2. The
increasing number of half piece brickwork item stems from the addition of the new part of the wall, namely,
P1-100mm with the cost ID of C.01.01. The element is categorized as the “quantity modification” type, for
which the quantity of work increases from 8 to 14.9 m2 in each floor.
Given the unit price of the work, the total direct cost for the modified work can be calculated. This
cost is 13,380 Thai Baht (THB) lower than that of the basic works due to the reduction of the ceramic tile
walls, ceramic tile floors, and ceiling works.
Figure 9 shows the result of the extra cost sub-module. As can be seen, the contractor needs to demolish
4.5 m2 of wall works, 3 m2 of wall tiles, and 2 m2 of ceiling works. This demolition work is determined from
the elements that are classified as “deletion” or “quantity modification” (with the reduced quantity) with
100% progress (completed works). Their unit prices, which are assigned by the users, refer to the labor cost
and the cleaning cost. For the relocation work, 12.4 m2 of wall tiles encompasses the need of demolishing
the walls and building the same wall specification and quantity at a new location. Thus, the relocation cost
must be presumed based on the demolition works and the direct cost for constructing the same element.
As shown in Fig. 9, the grand total of the extra cost is 34,300 THB.
The analysis of the delay cost sub-module is directly connected to the result of Module 3 (Fig. 7). This sub-
module facilitates the condition in which the contractor is allowed to claim the prolonged duration due to a
change order. As previously discussed, the delay analysis yields 13 days potential delay, the contractor will
need approximately 70,006 THB to cover their overhead cost, as displayed in Fig. 9.
The BIM-ISICO is programmed to perform automated quantity take-off and cost estimating. It can
automatically calculate construction work quantities and costs that are more accurate than those from the
traditional approach, which are based on manual calculations and 2D drawings. In addition, the BIM-
ISICO also supports dynamic updating of project costs so it can be used for cost monitoring throughout
the project life cycle.
For the last module, the reporting module, the BIM-ISICO introduces an extended analysis report using
color-coded visualization. This module improves the current BIM visualization by coloring each element
based on its type of change. Figure 10 displays the modified elements, which are detected by Module 2.
Different colors represent different types of change. For example, the yellow color is assigned for the
ceramic tiles, toilet, and toilet partition, which must be relocated. Since the change order is instructed for all
bathrooms, the color-coded result (i.e., yellow and green) is shown in an entire building section.
Another color-coded visualization is used to elaborate the alteration of the critical path due to a change
order, as shown in Fig. 11. As can be seen, the building elements on the critical path prior to issuing the
change order is highlighted in the red color. Per this state, the contractor must focus on the curtain wall and
façade works, which are the critical activities. Once the change order was issued, the wall works from the
3rd to 16th floors became the critical activities. Yet, the façade works still remained critical.
Even though the typical BIM visualization can illustrate building conditions in the 3D form, the BIM-
ISICO enhances the efficacy by integrating a color-coded system into visualization. This allows us to
pinpoint important analysis results such as the modified elements or the critical elements, which are vital
information for project monitoring and control.

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Timeline
Activity ID Activity name 2015 2016 2017
JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR

A.13 Start
June 5, 2015

Basic schedule
A.01.01 Walls 1st floor

As-built schedule

A.01.02 Walls 1M floor Impacted schedule

Change order 01 instruction
Aug 7, 2015
Fragnets

A.01.03 Walls 2nd floor Basic critical path

Impacted critical path

Walls 3rd floor to
A.01.04 to 16th floor
A.01.18

Wall and floor tiles

A.02.03
2nd floor
Inserted fragnets

Wall and floor tiles

A.02.18
16th floor

Interior walls 2nd

A.04.03
floor

Interior walls 16th

A.05.18
floor

A.05.01 to Curtain walls 1st

A.05.19 floor to 15th floor

A.05.18 to Curtain walls 16th

A.05.19 floor to roof top

A.06.03 to Façade 2nd floor to

A.06.21 water-tank roof level

A.09.19 to Roof of roof top and Impacted

A. 09.20 water-tank level finish date:
Basic finish date: January 27,
A.12 Finish January 8, 2017 2017

Fig. 7. Fragnet insertion and critical path assessment.

Fig. 8. Analysis result of the direct cost sub-module.

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Delay cost

Delay duration 13 days

Preliminary cost 1,640,000 THB

Planned project duration 870 days
Preliminary cost per day 1,885 THB/day

Variable overhead cost 3,500 THB/day

Delay cost = 13 x (1885 + 3,500)

Total delay cost 70,006 THB

Fig. 9. Analysis result of the extra cost and delay cost sub-modules.

Fig. 10. Color-coded visualization for different types of change.

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Fig. 11. Color-coded visualization for critical construction activities.

5.3. System Evaluation by the Experts

The performance of the BIM-ISICO is not only illustrated through its application to an actual building
project, but it was also evaluated by a group of experts. Herein, we invited six experts who have extensive
experience in construction change order management and BIM to participate in this research. Table 2
shows their profile. The BIM-ISICO structure, components, and its application to the case study were
presented to them in detail. We then conducted in-depth interviews with them for obtaining their feedback
on the system’s performance and their opinion for improving this system.

Table 2 Profile of the six experts.

No. Field of expertise Experience Highest Education

1 Construction claim 20 years Ph.D.
consultant
2 BIM consultant 12 years Ph.D.
3 BIM manager of a 12 years Bachelor Degree
construction company
4 BIM manager of a 10 years Bachelor Degree
construction company
5 BIM manager a real 8 years Master’s Degree
estate development
company
6 Lecturer/Building 30 years Master’s Degree
owner and designer

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All the experts agreed that Module 2 introduces a new concept of the design review in BIM
environment, which they previously used for clash detection only. They also emphasized that change is
inevitable in construction projects and it adversely affects the productivity of construction works. Thus, it is
necessary to develop an automated tool that can evaluate the impact of change orders.
According to the claim consultant (expert 1), integrating the Time Impact Analysis (TIA) in this system
complies with the real practice. The TIA method is considered a reliable method, which facilitates the
dynamic change of the activity logic and critical path. The substantive information provided by the BIM-
ISICO certainly benefits the evaluation of change impacts and the claim process.
The experts valued the demolition and relocation costs determined by this system. They agreed that
introducing the project progress information and the change category into the analysis makes the estimated
costs more realistically. In practice, they accepted that contractors might fail to include them. The proposed
system, therefore, can significantly contribute to the time and cost impact analysis for change orders.
Lastly, all the experts agreed that the color-coded visualization, which highlights the critical activities in
the 3D model, can be used to improve the current practice, which typically relies on simple bar charts. The
experts also commented that this new communicative tool can help every party understand the impact of
change orders better.

5.4. Barrier and Challenge

Module 1 (data acquisition), which defines the system requirements, integrates necessary information from
the BIM models and the schedule and cost information. This process can be a major challenge for users if
their projects are not on 4D or 5D BIM platforms. The users may have to manually assign each building
element to its corresponding activity and cost items, which will be extremely time-consuming and
erroneous.
Module 2 (change detection) is based on the concept of systematic observation, which can address
several shortcomings of the traditional change order practice such as inaccurate data, misinterpretation by
parties, and lengthy analysis time. As discussed previously, the BIM-ISICO can automatically detect the
consequence of modification and can quickly and accurately determine its impacts on the overall project.
Since a modern construction project is usually associated with complex and a large amount of data, the
system applications need to be supported by powerful computer hardware and software, which might be
costly.
Module 3 (schedule impact analysis) improves the existing delay analysis by providing auditing trails
and relying on minimum subjectivity. In the case study presented previously, there are about 300 modified
elements. The analyst needs to filter them in accordance with the defined change categories. The proposed
system can, therefore, be improved by introducing a methodology that can automatically interpret and
categorize the modified elements.

5.5. Research Highlight

The BIM-ISICO is based on the integrated information by which the BIM elements are connected to the
schedule or cost information. The system enhances the efficacy of the change order impact evaluation by
introducing the concept of systematic observation for assessing the physical conditions of a building. Delay
and cost impact analysis is characterized by an auditing trail system and minimum subjectivity, a cost
recording system, and color-coded visualization.
The BIM-ISICO tracks the modification of the building elements as a result of a change order. Even
though BIM is a promising concept to visualize the building conditions [17], the manual assessment of the
building modification can be time-consuming and inaccurate. This automatic change detection is achieved
by executing the system applications using Dynamo and VBA. The analysis result can be served an early
warning for project control and inputs for the subsequent analysis (i.e., cost and schedule impact analysis).
For an early warning, the BIM-ISICO can inform if a certain element needs to be relocated or altered. It
reminds the contractor to take a prompt action to avoid any potential losses and reworks. In addition, the
information of quantity modification combined with the schedule information can be transformed into the
sub-network activities to model the disruption due to the change order. For the impact cost evaluation, the
cost parameters help the contractor to recalculate the quantity and other expenses such as demolition or
relocation costs.

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The BIM-ISICO also introduces a new paradigm in which the development of fragnet should be based
on the changed element. In practice, the development of fragnet is quite based on the analyst’s judgment.
The BIM-ISICO provides substantive information that can be combined with the analyst’s tacit knowledge
to adjust the project schedule. With this integrated information, the subjectivity can be minimized. In
addition, the requirement to tabulate the fragnet makes the delay analysis method transparent. It connects
the developed fragnet and the modified element providing the auditing trail so the claim report can be
easily audited.
The similar concept is applied to cost evaluation. The integration of building condition assessment and
cost evaluation leads to a comprehensive cost quantification. The proposed system automates quantity take-
off for not only the variation of material and labor cost but also the extra cost such as relocation and
demolition costs. The dynamic changing of construction costs can be recorded throughout the project life-
cycle.
Lastly, the BIM-ISICO improves the current BIM visualization by proposing a color-coded
visualization, which highlights the building element according to the pre-defined criteria. The
implementation of color-coded visualization is impossible without an automated tool [32]. Thus, the BIM-
ISICO is equipped with the system applications to address this problem. The visualization helps the project
stakeholders focus on the modified element and the critical element. In addition, it also can be an early
warning for the project stakeholders to treat the critical element carefully.

6. Conclusion

In this paper, the BIM-ISICO is developed and implemented in an actual construction project to quantify
the impacts of a change order. The impact assessment focuses on three aspects: physical conditions of the
building, time, and cost. The BIM-ISICO is elaborated by the system architecture, which converts the
proposed methodology to the sub-system (module) level and provides the interrelations among the selected
platforms. The system consists of five main models: (1) data acquisition, (2) change detection, (3) schedule
impact analysis, (4) cost impact analysis, and (5) reporting. A number of system applications are introduced
to equip the system for dealing with complex and complicated data. Lastly, the efficacy and practicality of
the BIM-ISICO are verified through a project case study and confirmed by a group of experts.
The BIM-ISICO contributes to a new approach to observe the altered building conditions caused by a
change order. This systematic observation tool is extended to an early warning for project control and a
reference for the subsequent analysis (schedule and cost evaluation). It also introduces a new paradigm of
delay analysis with minimal subjectivity and transparent analysis. The proposed system also improves the
automated quantity take-off into project cost recording for not only the additional direct cost but also
demolition and relocation costs. The BIM-ISICO enhances the narrative evaluation report of change orders
with the color-coded visualization which provides a clear description of the analysis results.
This research can significantly benefit the current practice of construction change management. The
comprehensive evaluation of the three main aspects of change impact using BIM technologies opens the
opportunity to further investigate other aspects such as productivity and safety. In addition, this research
also contributes to expanding the area of BIM implementation. The integration of BIM and change order
management is just a beginning point for innovating BIM as a modern tool in addressing other challenges
in construction project management.

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