Application Of 4D/5D Bim in Construction Project Management: The Case of Selected Building Projects in Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis investigates the application of 4D and 5D Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction project management, focusing on selected building projects in Addis Ababa. It addresses challenges faced by the Ethiopian construction industry, including low productivity, inadequate schedule control, and ineffective cost management due to traditional project management methods.
The study begins with a comprehensive literature review outlining the theoretical framework of construction project management and the limitations of conventional practices. It emphasizes how technological advancements, particularly BIM, can significantly enhance project outcomes through improved visualization, coordination, scheduling, and cost estimation. A developed 4D/5D BIM framework is applied to three projects: the New Ethiopian National Theatre (Project A), Addis Capital Goods Mixed-Use Building (Project B), and Ethiopian Petroleum Station Mixed-Use Building (Project C). The research highlights how the framework integrates 3D modeling with time (4D) and cost (5D) dimensions to boost project efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
Key BIM objectives identified include improving design quality, transitioning from conventional designs to integrated BIM workflows, ensuring quality control, and facilitating effective stakeholder communication. By utilizing advanced BIM tools like BEXEL Manager, the study demonstrates the benefits of automated processes such as clash detection, quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and progress monitoring. For Project A, the implementation of a federated BIM model resulted in significant advancements in collaboration, data management, and construction planning.
However, challenges were noted in Projects B and C, including incomplete mechanical systems, undefined model elements, and inconsistencies in work planes. These issues were attributed to deviations from ISO 19650 standards, Ethiopian Standard ES and the lack of critical documents like the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The findings indicate that while the projects reached basic BIM maturity (Level 2), substantial gaps remain in achieving higher levels of integration and optimization. Limitations include a shortage of skilled personnel, incomplete data for 4D/5D processes, and reliance on generic models.
To address these gaps, the study emphasizes the need for adherence to ISO 19650 standards, the development of robust BEP and EIR documents, and targeted training programs for stakeholders. The research concludes with a roadmap for improving BIM maturity, transitioning from basic 3D modeling to fully integrated 4D/5D workflows. By addressing identified gaps, the Ethiopian construction industry can fully realize BIM’s potential, thereby setting a benchmark for large-scale public infrastructure projects. This study contributes to the knowledge on BIM implementation, offering practical insights and recommendations for advancing BIM adoption in resource-constrained environments.
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Keywords
Building Information Modeling (BIM), 4D BIM, 5D BIM, Construction Project Management, Project Visualization, Schedule Management, Cost Management