BIM-based Site Layout and Safety Planning

This paper deals with the opportunities building information modelling (BIM) offers in supporting occupational safety in construction projects. The main focus is in BIM- based site layout planning and visualization. The paper demonstrates BIM-based site layout planning and the usability of the model. The main findings concerning the modelling tools available and the requirements for BIM-based site planning are also described. Additionally, the potential of 4D-simulation in safety planning is presented. The paper is grounded in the research project called SafetyBIM: Building Information Model (BIM) promoting safety in the construction site process. The main objective of the research project was to encourage and develop utilization of BIM technology in construction planning and management from the viewpoint of occupational safety. In the project, the potential of the building information model in safety management was studied, 3D site planning objects were collected and created, and BIM-based building site modelling and visualization tests were carried out using data from an completed building project. Additionally, the object library was tested and developed further in an ongoing BIM-based site planning pilot project. As a result, there is the first version of a site planning object library available for use in building projects. In addition, the needs, ideas and potential of BIM-based safety management were surveyed by workshops with industry representatives. Utilization of BIM technology connects safety more closely to construction planning, provides more illustrative site layout plans, effectively supports communication, and finally promotes occupational safety on building sites. From the viewpoint of occupational safety, the 4D production model enables visualization of safety arrangements in construction projects at different moments of time. This can be used for example in safety planning, day-to-day safety communications and managing changing situations. However, more experience and knowledge are needed concerning 4D safety simulation as well as further development of modelling tools such as object libraries to broaden the use of the BIM-based safety planning in the design-build process.