TITLE:
BIM Improving Collaboration within Multidisciplinary Projects: Detailing Construction Planning and Cost Estimation Tasks
AUTHORS:
Alcínia Zita Sampaio, Augusto M. Gomes
KEYWORDS:
BIM, Multi-Discipline 3D Modeling, 4D Modelling, 5D Modelling, Collaboration, Integration
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Software Engineering and Applications,
Vol.19 No.3,
March
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: The Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology is currently the main support for the development of integrated and collaborative projects within the construction industry, having been implemented in all sectors of activity worldwide. The present study aims to disseminate the collaborative capabilities of BIM platforms on the development of multi-disciplinary building projects, upon an integrated 3D BIM model, composed of architecture, structures, water network and electrical system disciplines. BIM design process requires the elaboration of a digital virtual model. The study describes the modelling processes of different disciplines, the analysis of conflicts between components, the establishment of the construction planning (4D BIM model) and the building cost estimation (5D BIM model). A case study project was considered, comprising several disciplines required in the building design. In order to cover in detail the various design components, the case study was limited to a specific area of a house, the sanitary room. This zone presents a sufficient complexity in the modelling process, in the identification and timing of construction steps associated with the necessary human resources, in the estimation of costs involved by discipline and construction component and in the application of VR software. The conflict analysis and the visual simulation of the construction planning were prepared using a BIM viewer. The study allows to analyze the main advantages introduced in the construction industry and the barriers found in all the processes concerning the creation of a complete collaborative BIM model. The innovative aspect of the BIM application is based on the detailed 4D/5D and the achievements in the design quality supported in VR/AR.