BIM Environment Based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Resource Optimization System for Small to Medium-Sized Architectural Design Firms

Kyuhyup Lee,Soonwook Kwon,Chung-Suk Cho,Joonghwan Shin,Suwan Chung

doi:10.3390/app11136160

Kyuhyup Lee, Soonwook Kwon + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app11136160

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Abstract

The recent fourth industrial revolution and the era of post-COVID-19 have ushered in a series of technologies including a 5G network and online systems, such as cloud computing technology. In other industries, extensive studies on cloud platforms utilizing such technologies were conducted. Although the cloud environment has taken on greater importance in the construction sector as well, it was used only for servers, failing to fully reflect the characteristics of the cloud system. In particular, compared to large architectural design firms, it is challenging for small to medium-sized design firms to establish a virtual cloud computing environment, which requires high capital investment. Targeting small to medium-sized architectural design firms in Korea, this study was conducted to introduce the VDI system, one of the cloud computing technologies that was recently used in other industries, to the BIM environment for initial application, operation, and management. Specifically, after an analysis was carried out to see if the VDI system utilized in other industries may resolve the hindrance faced with the BIM environment in the construction industry, the KBimVdi system was created based on an algorithm for estimating server scales by analyzing the VDI system suitable for the BIM work environment. This was followed by a validation of the KBimVdi system based on selected projects carried out by small to medium-sized architectural firms where BIM was used for design work.

Highlights

In order to enhance its productivity, the construction industry has undergone the transformation from a 2D environment to a 3D one, and from a 3D one to the design environment using building information modeling (BIM)
This study aimed to introduce the BIM-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) resource allocation method, which is subdivided by taking into consideration the BIM environment of small to mediumsized design firms, and to validate it after establishing the BIM-based VDI system
The financial burden imposed by establishing the work environment for BIM has become the most serious issue

Summary

Introduction

In order to enhance its productivity, the construction industry has undergone the transformation from a 2D environment to a 3D one, and from a 3D one to the design environment using building information modeling (BIM). BIM refers to the process by which information is exchanged using a system of 3D modeling in multifaceted aspects from planning, designing, and construction of a building to its operation and maintenance, and decommissioning. This process involves the concept of a multilateral sharing mechanism and a process of collaboration, rather than simple software or singular models, while focusing on the “task” of involved parties rather than the “object” of architecture. In order to establish a BIM-based design environment for construction, which puts emphasis on sharing and collaboration, BIM-related software, high-performance workstations, and storage servers, etc. Further technical research studies on establishing platforms in the BIM design environment for construction conducted in Korea are required

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