Digital Construction – is a major evolutionary step forward in the technological development of the construction sector, which will, one way or another, affect practically all participants in the construction process.
The information used in construction processes is intended to be transformed into a standardized digital flow, covering everything from client requirements and design to construction and operation.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) – is the process of digitally modelling and designing a building, during which all information about the building is created and managed throughout its entire lifecycle, from the initial concept to its demolition. Digital construction is already successfully implemented in foreign countries. Examples of best practices can be found in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and other nations.
The implementation of digital systems fundamentally means that all participants in the construction process – client, developer, designer, builder, and facility manager – commit to “speaking” the same language, i.e., using the same type of data and drawings. All data for each project must be “integrated” into a uniform digital format by creating a three-dimensional model of the construction object, standardising the electronic design, and submitting electronic applications for public procurement competitions.
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To have a vibrant, innovative, and competitive construction industry;
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To increase the competence and productivity of all participants in the construction industry;
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To create opportunities for closer and more efficient collaboration between different construction industry participants;
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To participate in international tenders for construction and design projects;
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To improve the transparency of public procurement;
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To save state funds in the construction and operation of public facilities;
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To increase the economic potential of new construction projects.
The nationwide implementation of digital construction must primarily be based on the initiative of the business community and the state authorities to digitalize construction processes in the organization of public tenders and the execution of construction projects, using advanced information and communication technologies, and adopting international construction classifiers.
First – a state initiative is required, along with the interest, integration, and goodwill of all construction industry participants (public and private clients, developers, designers, builders, and facility managers).
Second – a coordinating organization for this process is essential. For this purpose, construction sector associations establish a public institution.
Third – support schemes and funding sources for the implementation of digital construction in Lithuania must be defined.
Fourth – all construction industry participants must engage willingly and actively in the implementation of digital construction in Lithuania.
The digitalization of construction processes (the implementation of Digital Construction) aims to improve construction efficiency and quality. Digital Construction requires companies to use the same data and drawings across all phases of the construction process. By communicating in a unified and standardized “digital construction language,” all participants in a construction project significantly increase the likelihood of avoiding misunderstandings, defects, and delays.
Digital Construction is beneficial for all participants in a construction project:
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For the Government of the Republic of Lithuania – it improves the transparency, accuracy, and evaluation of public procurement, reduces public procurement costs, and creates more new jobs;
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For public procurement entities, real estate developers, and private clients – construction project costs can be reduced by up to 30%;
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For builders – more accurate estimates, better cash flow and resource management, lower costs, increased competitiveness and profitability, and the opportunity to participate in international construction projects;
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For designers – faster design processes, less time spent, fewer errors, higher profits, and the opportunity to participate in international construction projects;
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For the people of Lithuania – it represents a solid and concrete step toward a better future.
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Developing the competencies of all participants in the construction process;
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Promoting collaboration among these different “players” and supporting integrated project teams;
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Establishing unified construction information standards and ensuring compatibility of ICT systems in construction;
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Changes in design, construction, and real estate management influenced by 3D CAD (three-dimensional computer-aided design).
Main Participants in Digital Construction:
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Builders (clients);
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Researchers;
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Building designers;
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Building project or building expertise contractors;
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Contractors;
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Technical supervisors of building construction, building construction supervision contractors;
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Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and authorized representatives of construction products;
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Scientific and educational organizations.
Digital Construction is beneficial for the public sector because:
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It creates the opportunity to implement a greater number of construction projects.
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The use of ICT tools enhances the evaluation of project proposals. For instance, having a 3D model allows the client to assess the project, run simulations by adjusting initial requirements and conditions, and collaboratively refine the project with the applicant before implementation, ensuring an optimal outcome.
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It improves the transparency of public procurement.
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It provides a structured information base for real estate management and maintenance.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) – a process in which a unified informational model of a building is created, integrating all design components and its lifecycle stages, from the project phase to eventual demolition.
3D – Building Modelling
4D – Planning, 3D + Time
5D – Cost Estimation, 4D + Money
Level 0 – Collaboration based on paper documents, with drawings created by hand or using CAD solutions.
Level 1 – Collaboration based on paper and electronic document exchanges, with drawings created in 2D and 3D using CAD solutions.
Level 2 – Collaboration based on electronic document exchanges, creating element libraries, with drawings produced using BIM solutions.
Level 3 – Collaboration based on electronic document exchanges, integrating different data exchange platforms such as BIM, GIS, GeoBIM, and others.
The concept of BIM Level of Detail (LOD) was first introduced by Vico Software. The LOD concept defines how detailed a BIM object should be modeled and what amount of information should be provided with the object.
The table below presents LOD (LOG) definitions specifically for describing geometric detail. When used in a project, one of these designations can be selected.
2.3.1 LOD (LOG100)
A model element can be graphically represented in the model with a symbol, volume, or other generic representation but does not meet LOD (LOG200) requirements. Information about the model element (e.g., cost per square meter, HVAC capacity, etc.) can be obtained from other model elements.
Note: All information derived from LOD (LOG100) elements should be considered approximate.
2.3.2 LOD (LOG200)
The model element is graphically represented in the model as a system, object, or set with approximate quantity, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-graphical information can also be added to the model element.
Note: Any information derived from LOD (LOG200) elements should be considered approximate. Some elements may be used for procurement, while others are further detailed.
2.3.3 LOD (LOG300)
The model element is graphically represented in the model as a specific system, object, or set, with quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation. Non-graphical information can also be added.
Note: Information on quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation from LOD (LOG300) elements can be considered accurate. This level may be used for procurement or for creating detailed design documentation for production tasks.
2.3.4 LOD (LOG350)
Sets of model elements are graphically represented in the model as specific systems, objects, or sets, showing quantity, size, shape, location, orientation, and connections with other building systems. Non-geometric information can also be added.
Note: Information on quantities, size, shape, location, and orientation from LOD (LOG350) elements can be considered accurate. It may be used for procurement or for creating detailed design documentation for production tasks.
2.3.5 LOD (LOG400)
The model element is graphically represented in the model as a specific system, object, or set, with precise size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation, including detailed information for production, assembly, and installation on the construction site. Non-graphical information can also be added.
Note: LOD400 information is intended for production.
