An analysis of a building information modeling (BIM) based approach for optimizing the life cycle costs of buildings in Uganda.

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the importance of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) analysis in selecting building materials for construction projects which involved the collection of quantitative data on various aspects of a building, such as the number of occupants, building size, material types, and costs associated with maintenance, repair, replacement, and disposal. The data was collected through interviews with building maintenance management, observations, and on-site measurements. Secondary data in the form of building drawings and a 3D BIM model were also used to analyze building characteristics. The collected data was then used to calculate the building's life cycle cost and analyze cost estimates using Excel and Origin Pro software. The study found that there is no correlation between initial cost and LCC results, emphasizing the importance of LCC analysis when selecting building materials. Although low initial cost materials may seem attractive, they may result in costly maintenance and replacements over the facility's lifespan. Therefore, a thorough LCC analysis that considers all relevant factors and associated costs should be conducted when selecting building materials. This approach helps to ensure that the most economical choice is made in the long run, optimizing budgets and achieving cost savings over the lifetime of the building. The study's findings have significant implications for building designers, facility managers, and decision-makers, emphasizing the need to prioritize LCC analysis over initial cost when selecting building materials. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the building's financial and operational aspects and highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in building design and construction.