Building information modeling (BIM)-based modular integrated construction risk management – Critical survey and future needs

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is an innovative construction technology wherein complete building modules are produced and preassembled in an offsite factory before their final installation on the building site. It is fundamentally different from and has many advantages over the traditional onsite construction technology. However, it still involves several risks. To successfully implement MiC projects, effective MiC risk management (MiCRM) is crucial. Building information modeling (BIM) and BIM-related digital technologies have been applied to facilitate MiCRM in recent years. While numerous MiC studies exist, a critical analysis of BIM-based MiCRM is still missing. This study aims to conduct a critical survey of BIM-based MiCRM, and to offer recommendations about research gaps and future research directions. This was achieved by systematically identifying and critically reviewing related publications from four outlooks: (1) MiCRM through BIM used alone, (2) MiCRM through BIM used alongside sensing and tracking technologies (STTs), (3) MiCRM through BIM used alongside 3D model creation and comparison technologies (3D-MCCTs), and (4) other applications. Results indicated that using BIM alone for MiCRM has focused more on the design phase. The overall idea to use BIM-STTs integration for MiCRM is very young. In this direction, BIM-RFID integration has received most of the attention, although BIM-GIS integration is rarely explored. There are limited works around integrating BIM with 3D-MCCTs such as photogrammetry and augmented and virtual realities for MiCRM. While schedule- and cost-related risks have gained much attention in current BIM-based MiCRM research, facilities management, sustainability, and safety risks are largely ignored. Based upon identified gaps, this study suggested future research directions, including, e.g.: (1) BIM-based MiCRM software development, (2) fully automated and practical BIM-based MiCRM systems development, and (3) BIM-automatic rule checking integration for MiCRM. This study contributes to a solid understanding of BIM-based MiCRM and delivers a useful reference for its future practice and improvement within the industry.