Building information modelling (BIM) interoperability for architecture and engineering (AE) of the structural project: A case study

Abstract

The Architecture, Engineering (AE), and Construction (AEC) industry is a sector in accepting change and adopting new technological approaches. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly adopted as the leading information technology tool emerging in the AEC industry. Thanks to its advantages, especially the generation of a virtual model centralising all the information concerning the different trades involved and the effective interoperability, BIM has greatly helped construction projects reach a mature performance level. However, some phases in the AE lack interoperability and information exchange efficiency. This inefficiency is much more critical in the case of design and structural projects. In this respect, this study aims to conduct and integrate BIM into an AE process to analyse and improve the degree of efficiency of a structural project. For this purpose, a real case study on a high-standing villa was conducted. The BIM process was implemented based on the spirit of collaboration and interoperability with both Revit® and Robot® software. The results describe the BIM process’s ease of modelling, verification, transfer, exchange, and error detection. Thus, the speed, ease of modification, and decision-making. Thus, the rate of improvement and decision-making. The paper joins the body of studies seeking to reposition the AEC industry. It develops a Framework between Revit and Robot at the professional level, valid for all structural projects. For the scientific community, the study proposes innovation in AEC as a field of research to achieve the desired performance and sustainability. The work is limited to architecture and structural engineering and does not include MEP.