Answer

Table of Contents

Executive Summary. 2

1. Building Information Modelling (BIM) System.. 6
2. Virtual Reality. 6
3. Case study of Gold Coast University Hospital 7

3.1.     Introduction. 7

3.2.     Current Method of Management 8

3.2.1.      Manual Inspection. 8

3.2.2.      Asset Management Using BaTMAN.. 9

4. Proposed Solutions. 10

4.1.     Use of 3D with Virtual Reality in Health Monitoring (Tekla Structure) 10

4.1.1.      Reinforced Detailing of Concrete. 11

4.1.2.      Steel Detailing. 12

4.1.3.      Full Detailing. 13

4.2.     Fiber Optic Sensors in Health Monitoring. 14

4.3.     Tekla Operational Network Information System.. 16

5. Implementation of BIM and Virtual Reality in Gold Coast University Hospital 17

5.1.     Feasibility of Implementation. 17

5.2.     Design Feasibility. 17

5.3.     Economic Feasibility. 18

6. Management of Risks. 18

6.1.     Identification of Key Risks. 19

6.2.     Assessment of Risks. 20

6.2.1.      Safety and Health Risks. 20

6.2.2.      Operational Risks. 20

6.2.3.      Environmental Risks. 20

6.2.4.      Economic Risks. 21

6.2.5.      Financial Risks. 21

6.2.6.      Legal Risks. 21

6.2.7.      Political Risks. 22

6.3.     Strategies for Risk Management 22

6.3.1.      Acceptance of Risks. 22

6.3.2.      Transfer of Risks. 23

6.3.3.      Mitigation of Risks. 23

7. Conclusion. 23
8. Recommendations. 24

References. 25

 

 

 

Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) System and Virtual Reality for High-Quality Construction of Gold Coast University Hospital

The soundness of structures is depended on how best they guarantee the health and safety of occupants. To ascertain the feasibility of structures over time, it is critical for effective measures to be put in place to monitor the health of the different components of buildings (Eastman et al., 2011). One of the technologies that can be deployed in better analysis and control of buildings and the structures is Building Information Modelling (BIM). According to Zhang et al. (2013), 3D technology in which BIM operates is critical for not only architects, but also engineers in the designing, planning, and managing buildings. The systems become more efficient when used together with virtual reality as it ensures that individuals can see behind the walls and identify any potential hazards (Arayici, Egbu, & Coates, 2012). Although BIM is mandatory in USA, UK, and Dubai, it is optional in Australia. However, it is a critical technology which when used can result in better safety through prevention against any fires, and even provide guides on how electrical systems can be efficiently installed

This paper seeks to illustrate how BIM can be applied in Gold Coast University Hospital to ensure that its construction is efficient and that the safety of its buildings is guaranteed. Technological advancements in Australia call for quality construction work which can be guaranteed through the integration of BIM with virtual reality. The current ways of managing the buildings in Gold Coast University Hospital will be explored and solutions recommended in improving monitoring of structural health and safety. Risks that come about will be evaluated as well as strategies in which such risks can be mitigated. Finally, recommendations will be made on ways in which Gold Coast University Hospital can incorporate BMI and virtual reality in construction.

1.    Building Information Modelling (BIM) System

The introduction of BMI more than fifteen years ago was to replace the existing 2D models with 3D drawings that provided real images of building designs. According to Eastman et al. (2011), the advantage of the use of 3D modeling is that it offers more opportunity and confidence to designers as it has the ability to offer more design options without any fear of the failure of a model. In the contemporary society, BMI has been an efficient system in which project teams have controlled their costs of construction as proper correlations have been ensured among the processes for designing, constructing, and procuring materials (Volk, Stengel, & Schultmann, 2014). The use of the virtual building model enables the designer to choose all critical building materials and place them in their respective positions.  The estimates of the project life cycle, time, and costs are enabled courtesy of the use of BMI.

Various benefits have been associated with the use of BMI in the construction industry. One of the critical advantages is that BMI improves on the quality of construction as it minimizes re-work on the filled (Hergunsel, 2011). Additionally, the ways in which various project disciplines are coordinated and communicated is improved. For instance, the processes of designing, construction, procurement, and allocation of resources are done in an integrated manner. In the construction industry, the costs of a project are reduced in designing structures. Moreover, materials Volk, Stengel, & Schultmann (2014) assert that the pace and intensity of construction improve through the application of BMI. The resultant effect of increased pace is the quick completion of projects within the anticipated timelines.

2.    Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that generates images and sounds as well as sensations through simulation of an imaginary environment. As such, designers in the construction industry can look in the artificial world using high-quality VR technologies (Zhang et al., 2013). VR moves and interacts with various designs of structures to identify the key components, which need to be improved. After designers are immersed in an environment, which represents the real works, the costs and strengths of a building are estimated. Although VR applications have been most commonly used in the gaming industry, 3D VR headsets have been very useful in the construction sector. One of the key areas in which VR can be utilized is on safety training as well as identification of safety hazards in public places (Malekzadeh et al., 2014). As such, at Gold Coast University Hospital, it is possible for designers to see behind the walls, identify a possible patient flow, and address any safety issues.

3.    Case study of Gold Coast University Hospital

3.1.Introduction

Gold Coast University Hospital is a branch of the 16 hospital and health services (HHS) located in Queensland and has the responsibility of providing public health services to residents of the area. The facility has various blocks of buildings meant to offer healthcare services to the different groups of patients as well as offering education to some students. After it opened in September 2013, the facility has had seven major buildings occupying a total space of 170,000 square meters (Gold Coast University Hospital, 2017). Over 70% of the rooms are single to improve the privacy and safety of the patients. The commercial multi-storey parking facility has more than 200 car parks, which are open throughout. Additionally, the organization has short term parking bays, emergency vehicle bays, and set down areas.

The high number of people that Gold Coast University Hospital serves in a single day could suffer a lot if the facility were to be closed down even for a single day. Additionally, if the installation was to experience any accident due to structural deficiencies, many people will be affected. As such, it is critical that the entire structures of the organization are inspected and any structural defects rectified. The central role of the hospital in Queensland would make it a disaster if it were to be shut down because of concerns relating to its health and safety. This section reviews the current maintenance methods of the organization and proposes how BIM technologies can be implemented in the healthcare facility.

Figure 1: Image of Gold Coast University Hospital

3.2.  Current Method of Management

Gold Coast University Hospital deploys various contractors from time to time to maintain the structural soundness of its structures. Instead of using the current technologies in structural health monitoring, the facility implements traditional methods, which include manual inspection and BaTMAN for asset management.

3.2.1.                  Manual Inspection

Every structure is required to be inspected from time to time to identify any corrosions and damages to the concrete structures. Using various devices, professional assessors perform periodic inspections. However, such a manual checks have various disadvantages and risks. For instance in Gold Coast University Hospital, manual inspectors only collect samples and take photos of few of the damaged sections of the buildings hence a likelihood of missing other parts, which require repair. Additionally, the data, which arises from such a manual inspection, is not recent as; based on the tall buildings, the time taken for the whole investigation is long (Volk, Stengel, & Schultmann, 2014). As such, it becomes difficult for the stakeholders to have a current report on the present health and safety status of the structures of Gold Coast University Hospital. Additionally, because of the congestion in the facilities based on the high number of patients visiting the hospitals every day and those in the inpatient department, it is not possible for the inspectors to do their investigations regularly. The risk that arises from the irregular assessments is the little possibility of the structural engineers getting an accurate picture of how sound the buildings of the facility are compared to the last time they conducted an inspection (Malekzadeh et al., 2014).

3.2.2.                  Asset Management Using BaTMAN

Gold Coast University Hospital needs to maintain its structures using the most appropriate software. In this case, it has deployed BaTMAN asset management software, which is used during the inspection processes, planning, reporting, and maintenance of any construction works (Sacks & Pikas, 2013). BaTMAN uses a database for the storage of information and provides unlimited access to the users who can then upload data and use it through a secure login system. The primary reports stored in the information software include the reports, drawings, and designs of the healthcare facility (Hergunsel, 2011). In the reports, the various levels of damage are stated providing stakeholders with an opportunity to understand sections that need immediate attention and which ones require to be repaired in the future

The use of BaTMAN for structural maintenance gives rise to various benefits and challenges. One of the advantages is that structural engineer as well as other stakeholders in the Hospital that can be upload and quickly retrieve information stored (Lan, Zhou, & Ou, 2014). Additionally, various actions can be taken based on the analysis of the reports, drawing, and designs. However, various disadvantages can be experienced when BaTMAN is used in the maintenance of the structures of the origination. One of the disadvantages is that it uses 2D drawings, which serve as the basis for any damages and cracks to the walls of the facility (Ostachowicz & Güemes, 2013). 2D images are not clear on the exact position and gravity of the damages and cracks. Additionally, the 2D technology is complicated to manage as it has different drawings for various sections and designs of the structures of the Hospital. As such, many defectives can be established on the current structural maintenance structure of the hospital. These challenges have necessitated the proposal for a new way in which the health and safety monitoring of the structure can be done.

4.    Proposed Solutions

The current method for monitoring the structural health and safety of Gold Coast University Hospital cannot be trusted to guarantee security and health of the occupants. The following monitoring technique can be used to improve the level and clarity of structural health surveillance.

4.1. Use of 3D with Virtual Reality in Health Monitoring (Tekla Structure)

When it comes to efficient and accurate monitoring of structures, 3D modeling is critical not only for architectural purposes but also engineering and construction applications. 3D modeling deploys a 3D visualization, which can manage massive amounts of data, and information, which allows for access by different users (Lan, Zhou, & Ou, 2014). This technique is critical in such big projects as it allows more people to work on the model. 3D monitoring has been internationally recognized as guaranteeing a high level of constructability and production as well as ensuring efficient communication (Oli, 2017). Tekla structures here can work in different subclasses including- Tekla steel detailing, Tekla reinforced detailing, and Tekla full. These will be the subject of the following sections.

Figure 2: An Example of Tekla Structure (Tekla, 2017).

4.1.1.                  Reinforced Detailing of Concrete

In the Tekla reinforced detailing of concrete, the concrete structures are modeled in-situ, therefore, enabling the modeling and display of not only quantity but also a quality reinforcement of the concretes (Sacks & Pikas, 2013). As a result, information related to the design will become available for use to increase the productivity of the concrete structures. Most of the Tekla structures for reinforced concrete cover the whole building from the processes of design, manufacturing, assembly, and construction. Tekla reinforced concrete detailing has been seen to bring about various benefits. One of those is that routine tasks in the structures are done automatically (Lan, Zhou, & Ou, 2014). The second benefit is that all the documentations for design and fabrication are created in a model, which is seen as parametric. The third advantage is that of reduced costs due to the immediate detection of the particular quantity of reinforcing bar placement information.

Gold Coast University Hospital can take advantage of the Tekla reinforced detailing of concrete to replace any concrete components in the structures, which are in a bad condition (Oli, 2017). Instead of taking the option of repairs, which do not guarantee success in the future, the Hospital need to replace the concrete structures, which are considered to be weak and install monitoring devices (Shuravina, 2012). For instance, fiber optic sensors can be installed to aid in health monitoring of the structures and provide vital information such as the quality of concrete and its years of existence. As opposed to the 2D drawings currently in use, 3D modeling will provide precise and additional information about the structure and ensure that key aspects are analyzed in virtual reality.

4.1.2.                  Steel Detailing

The subclass of steel detailing provides a comprehensive working knowledge of the overall design of a structure. The detailing allows engineers to view not only the materials of a building but also profiles and model molds. Additionally, Sacks & Pikas (2013) state that through steel detailing, design part, as well as bolts, are viewed and any loads added to the model structures. The various steel parts are assembled whereas the levels of hierarchy in assembling are virtually examined. Users of the steel detailing program can also have interfaces, analyze the designs, and exchange data with other stakeholders (Shan-yu, 2010). Due to the use of 3D in all those operations, then the graphics will be more clear and detailed.

Figure 3: An Image of Steel Detailing.

Although Gold Coast University Hospital uses a concrete structure as a major component of its building strengths, steel is integrated with the concrete so that it can last for long (Shuravina, 2012). Steel detailing will be critical in future developments to that the strength of the structures can be increased. Combining the currently used Tekla full with steel detailing will not only reinforce the concrete but also integrate the two into one single model. The structural soundness of buildings will, therefore, be guaranteed.

4.1.3.                  Full Detailing

Tekla full detailing consists of a combination of the various models described in the previous paragraph. Specifically, it integrates steel and concrete structures using 3D designs. Various benefits can be accrued when the two are combined to Tekla full. One of those is that the buildings in the Hospital will be more robust and last for long. As such, there will be no need for repairs anytime soon as the buildings will have a long time before they can have any damages (Ostachowicz & Güemes, 2013). Additionally, using Tekla full will result in a complete monitoring of the structures and hence detect any damages, which might arise. Gold Coast University Hospital consists of seven-storey building which should have efficient and sound structures based on the number of people visiting the facility each single day. As such, in any future extensions to the hospital, 3D modeling should be used so that multiple users can access the model and work on it at the same time. Additionally, concrete structures should be shaped together with steel structures to increase the strength of the buildings. Moreover, Ye, Su, & Han (2014) posit that fiber optic sensor should be installed during modeling so that structural health monitoring is done. The following is an overview of how the fiber optic sensors once installed can aid in health monitoring, and thereby increase patient safety.

4.2. Fiber Optic Sensors in Health Monitoring

The models used in the construction of the current structures in Gold Coast University Hospital did not have adequate methods for the health monitoring of structures; however, an extension to the buildings should incorporate fiber optic sensors in the concrete structures so that health monitoring can be done. Specifically, according to Nguyen et al. (2014), the sensors can be embedded on the steel bars of the structure. When the sensors are located in an area close to the concrete surface, any damage will be noted. To increase the efficiency of the sensors, they can be mounted on an extra tendon so that any cracks, corrosions, and damages will be detected at the earliest stage and measures taken to mitigate them (Ostachowicz & Güemes, 2013). Various advantages are associated with fiber optic sensors. One of those is that they are easily mountable because they are light. Additionally, they are small enough to have zero effects on the concrete structures. Moreover, they do not have any mechanical or electrical elements meaning that they are not only durable but also non-magnetic.

Figure 4: Installed Fiber Optic Sensors in a Steel Beam

Challenges will be encountered during the mounting of the fiber optic sensors. In this case, the sensors should be protected from the concrete structures at the time when the concrete is poured during construction. Hallberg & Tarandi (2011) state that this is a difficult task, as appropriate measures should be taken to prevent them from damage and to reduce their efficiency. The effects of the climate changes to the sensors cannot be underestimated. Specifically, any harsh climate changes will result in the corrosion of the sensors necessitating their casing. To incorporate the fiber optic sensor in the concrete structure, the engineers should start doing so at the design phase (Porwal & Hewage, 2013). In such a step, the location of the sensors is determined and any need for protection identified. As for installation, the procedure starts with ensuring safety and quality and then waiting at the right time to install. The positions of the sensors need to be prepared followed by the extra tendon and finally embedded in the concrete structures.

4.3. Tekla Operational Network Information System

Apart from the various subclasses of Tekla structures, an operational network information system (ONIS) known as Tekla Xpower can be deployed in the management of operational assets in Gold Coast University Hospital. The ONIS will have the ability to collect and store data, which can then be used by researchers to make recommendations on any need for reinforcements (Ostachowicz & Güemes, 2013). Tekla Xpower network information system has the advantage of updating data as it can receive data from the fiber optic sensor without any manual intervention (Nguyen et al., 2014). Users can access the information systems and modify it at the same time. Moreover, XPower can allow for the processing of data, which can then necessitate any operation and maintenance.

Gold Coast University Hospital can utilize Xpower for various purposes. In this regard, the information system can be deployed during any expansions to the existing structures to collect and receive signals from the sensor and hence facilitate proper planning and analysis (Ye, Su, & Han, 2014). Xpower will have the ability to store all critical information related to the concrete structure of the Hospital’s facilities and hence facilitate repairs based on this information. Additionally, it is key to the management of energy utilities as it can indicate the existence of a problem in the power system and hence facilitate the minimization of the effects of outages (Hallberg & Tarandi, 2011). Through the fiber optic sensors, monitoring will be done to ensure that the degradation of the concrete structures does not go below the critical point. It is, therefore, essential that Gold Coast University Hospital situates a control room at a certain point of the structures from where the data from the sensors can be received and analyzed.

5.    Implementation of BIM and Virtual Reality in Gold Coast University Hospital

From the information in the preceding sections, there is no doubt that BIM and virtual reality ought to be implemented in future works of the structures in Gold Coast University Hospital. However, a feasibility study ought to be conducted to determine whether the implementation is viable.

5.1.  Feasibility of Implementation

BIM implementation is one of the changes that will be made by engineers in the structural developments of Gold Coast University Hospital and, therefore, require strategies for change implementation to be applied. Gold Coast University Hospital needs to evaluate its status regarding the strengths of its concrete and the gravity of any damages to its buildings. In this case, it will be easier to establish whether the concrete cover will be replaced and fiber optic sensors installed (Porwal & Hewage, 2013). Engineers in the organization should be trained on the installation of the health monitoring sensors and ways they can use them to monitor the structural health of the buildings. Structural engineers should be convinced on why they need to move from 2D to 3D and the benefits that will accrue. Such preliminary steps will be critical to ensuring that the implementation process is smooth and that resistant to change is minimized.

5.2.  Design Feasibility

It is critical that the practicality of applying Tekla in the design of any expansions to Gold Coast University Hospital is established. Tekla should mobilize persons who will develop an information system program, which will be used in the collection and analysis of data from fiber optic sensors (Izadi et al., 2011). The new ONIS program should be specifically designed for Gold Coast University Hospital and should be tested before it can be offered to the organization. Before installation, it is critical that the Hospital establishes the best areas for the fiber optic sensors to be embedded. For instance, they can be attached to the reinforcements and protective coating materials should be provided to prevent any corrosion and damage (Firoz & Rao, 2012). Additionally, after installation, it is critical to test the sensors against the Xpower program and establish whether data is being transmitted in the manner intended.

5.3. Economic Feasibility

A need arises for the economic feasibility of BIM and virtual reality to be done to determine whether enough financial resources are available and justified. Conducting a cause and effect analysis is the best way in which the economic feasibility of the program can be assessed (Malekzadeh et al., 2014). Gold Coast University Hospital needs to examine various advantages of BIM against the disadvantages and hence determine whether it is worth the costs. The benefit of BIM includes increasing structural health and safety because of constant monitoring. Additionally, efficiency in construction and the Hospital’s is guaranteed, as the patient flow will be monitored. However, the disadvantages are the costs of implementation, which can be mitigated by the fact that the system will provide long-term benefits to the proprietors of the healthcare facility (Porwal & Hewage, 2013). Even though it will take time for the structural engineers to install the fiber optic sensors, the advantage is that the Hospital will not have to deploy consultants to inspect the structures but will rather rely on information from the fiber optic sensors. As such, the project is economically feasible.

6.    Management of Risks

In implementing BIM and virtual reality in Gold Coast University Hospital, it is critical to anticipate the risk that will be encountered and devise ways of mitigating them. The risk management strategies currently deployed are appropriate for the existing systems and would need to be changed with improved monitoring techniques such as the use of 3D in planning and fiber optic sensor (Wong & Fan, 2013). The management or risks start with the identification of the various probable risks and the application of measures to mitigate the effects of such hazards.

6.1.  Identification of Key Risks

The identification of principal risks, which the implementation of BIM would face, can be done through internal and external analysis (Villalba & Casas, 2013). External sources of the risks include those risks, which will be occasioned by the community and not under the control of the Gold Coast University Hospital. However, internal sources can be monitored, as they are those, which are derived from the stakeholders in the project including the CEO of the Hospital, designers, and consultants of the structures as well as the engineers (Love et al., 2011). Risk identification can be made using the cause and effect Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram. The items in the diagram should be identified via careful evaluation using survey.

Figure 5: Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram

6.2.  Assessment of Risks

It is critical that probable risks are assessed based on their severity as well as likelihood of occurring. The next step is devising measures for mitigating such risks based on their severity and likelihood. The following are the various risks, which are likely to be encountered, and their ranking based on severity and likelihood.

6.2.1.                  Safety and Health Risks

Those involved in the works of the concrete structures will have more exposure to this risk in many ways. For instance, according to Wong & Fan (2013), they will be encountering the risks of injuries, which arise from the different works in place. Those installing the fiber optic sensors will have the risks of accidents and injuries. Additionally, they face the risk of electrocution (Firoz & Rao, 2012). As such, safety and health hazards are ranked as very severe and, therefore, require adequate attention.

6.2.2.                  Operational Risks

Risks arising from operations will occur when the fiber optic sensors installed for structural health monitoring will encounter unfavorable climatic changes as they either might corrode or are damaged (Villalba & Casas, 2013). The likelihood of this risk is very high while the severity is also high considering that the soundness of the structures will be monitored through the sensors. When the fiber optic sensors are affected, then the information sent to the control room will be inaccurate. As such, it is critical that this high-rank risk is addressed as a matter of priority.

6.2.3.                  Environmental Risks

The integration of various Tekla structures will have different environmental impacts. For instance, embedding concrete structures with the steel structures will result in pollution due to the machinery used such as the mixers, which emit poisonous gasses. Additionally, the steel materials being embedded will cause noise pollution considering that those are metals, which produce much noise (Love et al., 2011). However, this risk is not that high and should only be mitigated last after the Hospital’s management addresses other severe hazards.

6.2.4.                  Economic Risks

The Hospital receives many patients daily and has programs that run throughout the day and night. The incorporation of BIM and virtual reality will have severe effects on the economic conditions of the facility, as the operations would be affected (Chi, Kang, & Wang, 2013). However, it is critical that the specific risks, which will be encountered, are assessed via surveys from the various stakeholders. The effect on the economic conditions of the hospitals will, nevertheless, cease to exist after the completion of the implementation program.

6.2.5.                  Financial Risks

There is a risk that much more finances will be used because of the nature of the change as well as the time taken. As it has been stated in the previous paragraph, the implementation process will be held when the Hospital continues with its normal operations. As a result, some disruptions will be made which might have a ripple effect on the profitability of the organization. Additionally, there is no certainty as to the costs of the project hence leaving room for escalation of costs (Firoz & Rao, 2012). This financial risk should be ranked as having a high likelihood but low severity.

6.2.6.                  Legal Risks

The proposed project is expected to follow all the legal requirements in place to avoid experiencing any legal impediments, which are not only time consuming, but also costly. Some of the legal risks that arise in this case are following the environmental management laws in place such as those to do with noise pollution. However, since the project will be for the benefit of the public, legal risks will be least likely, and their severity will be little.

6.2.7.                  Political Risks

Gold Coast University Hospital offers services to the public, and it is a public healthcare facility funded and owned by Queensland. The political risk in place is a failure to have political goodwill, which will be detrimental to the implementation process. However, since the Australian government and Queensland county council are in favor, political risks will be very low.

6.3.  Strategies for Risk Management

The supporters of the implementation of BMI and virtual reality strategies for structural health monitoring and control should devise measures, which will ensure that the risks identified in the above section are mitigated and that their effects do not affect the implementation process (Firoz & Rao, 2012). The strategies for the management of the various risks include accepting the risks, transferring them, and mitigating them.

6.3.1.                  Acceptance of Risks

It is critical that the proprietors of the project who are the stakeholders in Gold Coast University Hospital actively accept the various risks. The importance of this action is to ensure that they prepare the community for the likely events, which will take place. However, Safi (2013) suggests that they should convince stakeholders on the long-term importance of the project, which will serve to show reasons for the implementation of the project. Risk acceptance will convince the government and the authorities that the Hospital is aware of what lies ahead.

6.3.2.                  Transfer of Risks

Risk transfer is done to ensure that in case of the risks occurring; responsibility will be borne by different entities. One of the ways in which the risks of injuries, the breakdown of machinery, and escalation of resources can be transferred is through insurance (Villalba & Casas, 2013). Project supporters will make sure that in case of the occurrence of the risk, the Hospital does not suffer, as the insurance company will cover any damages. As such, risk transfer is key to successful implementation of the BIM and virtual reality systems.

6.3.3.                  Mitigation of Risks

Risk reduction serves to reduce the severity of threats when they occur or their likelihood of occurring. Mitigation of risks starts with the identification of the risks as well as proper strategies for their mitigation. As for the operational failure of fiber optic sensors, the way of mitigating is through insulating them from damage and corrosions (Wong & Fan, 2013). Additionally, health and safety risks can be reduced through the use of safety mechanisms such as the use of headgears and safety signs. Political and legal risks can be mitigated through consultations with the various stakeholders so that all legal procedures are followed and that political goodwill is assured.

7.    Conclusion

The invention of building information modeling as a 3D Technology has resulted in efficiency in the design, planning, and management of structures. Currently, the current structural health and monitoring assessment used by Gold Coast University Hospital is the manual inspections done by consultants while designing is done using 2D technology. Although BIM technology is not mandatory in Australia, as it is the UK and the US, it is critical for buildings as BIM ensures not only efficient but also safe infrastructures. Gold Coast University Hospital should start using Tekla BIM and move away from the 2D technology, which is unclear and incomprehensive. The structural health monitoring of the seven structures in the facility, as well as any expansions in future, should be done via fiber optic sensors. The advantages of monitoring are to monitor patient flow and increase the safety of occupants. The feasibility of implementing BIM has shown that it will be vital to ensuring the cooperation and analysis of data, which will lead to better decision making. However, various risks will such as operational and financial risks. However, they can be mitigated through insurance and take other appropriate measures.

8.    Recommendations

Based on the conclusions above, it is critical that Gold Coast University Hospital implements various actions, which will ensure efficiency in the design, planning, and management of its structures. One of those is implementing BIM and virtual reality, which will be crucial in enabling designers to have comprehensive and clear virtual checks of structures. Additionally, BIM will ensure proper and efficient health monitoring of the structures especially by using proper health monitoring devices. Secondly, fiber optic sensors should be installed and a control room created from where information from the sensors will be received and analyzed. Such recommendations will result in improved coordination and communication among various disciplines of the project and reduced costs in the design, construction, and procurement of materials. Additionally, BIM will be key to ensuring patient safety against any injuries and fires and integration of construction laws and principles in the planning stage.