Investigation of Effectiveness of Common Data Environments (CDEs) Utilized in Metro Projects

Managing the information generated during the life cycle of construction projects is critical for effective project management and continues to be a challenge due to the volume of information generated. Through BIM, improved techniques for information management have developed, and the use of Common Data Environment (CDE) for collecting, managing and sharing project information via a managed process has become prevalent. ISO 19650 standard for information management proposes CDE as an agreed source of information since CDE is essential for effective and collaborative project information management. This study aims to describe implementation of CDE and present challenges, barriers and lessons-learned in six real-life metro projects in Istanbul. Six case studies, including interviews and a survey were conducted to attain this goal. 37 experts were interviewed and 164 professionals who use BIM on a daily basis have completed the survey. According to the findings of the study, the majority of project professionals do not actively use the CDE. The primary barriers discovered are 1) lack of implementation strategy, 2) high initial costs of CDE systems, 3) lack of adequate training, and 4) lack of workflow definitions and incomplete setup of the established CDE systems to include all stakeholders in the projects. The paper concludes with strategies for implementing CDE and information management when using BIM.