Potential Application of BIM in RFI in Building Projects

Abstract

Requests for information (RFIs) are frequently used by the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry to resolve doubts and inaccuracies and to request complimentary information. However, they can be inefficient due to the lag between issuance and response, generating delays and cost overruns. The building information modeling (BIM) methodology allows for the integration of information by using virtual models and facilitating the control and management of RFIs; however, the full potential of BIM is not being exploited. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the RFIs of 17 high-rise building projects in conjunction with the application of BIM for their mitigation. To achieve this, categories of RFI categories were identified, the issuance and response process was analyzed, the building projects’ RFIs were classified, the most frequent problems were identified, the BIM uses that would allow for a reactive or preventive action were identified, and, finally, the potential benefits of BIM use for the reduction of RFIs were analyzed. The research showed that the correct use of BIM applications focusing on RFIs allows for an effective information review, generating preventive or reactive management of problems. Thus, it is possible to identify the recurrent causes of RFIs and those specialties issuing the most RFIs, with the objective of mitigating RFI submission in construction projects.