IFC models for semi-automating common planning checks for building permits

Francesca Noardo,Teng Wu,Ken Arroyo Ohori,Thomas Krijnen,Jantien Stoter

doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2021.104097

Abstract

To support building permit issuing with automatic digital tools, the reuse of models produced by designers would make the process quicker and more objective. However, current studies and pilots often leave a gap with respect to the models as actually provided by architects, having varying quality and content. In this study, rather than taking a top down approach, we started from the available data and made the necessary inferences, which gave the opportunity to tackle basic and common issues often preventing smooth automatic processing. Specific characteristics of the IFC models were outlined and a tool was developed to extract the necessary information from them to check representative regulations. While the case study is specific in location, regulations and input models, the type of issues encountered are a generally applicable example for automated code compliance checking. This represents a solid base for future works towards the automation of building permits issuing.

Highlights

Digitalization of administration data and procedures is of current interest all over the world [1], in order to increase efficiency in bureaucratic procedures and reduce inaccuracies, irregularities and ambiguities, besides reducing the use of resources for more sustainable practices [2]
The outlined issues are common to most of building information models (BIMs) gener ated in practice and solving them is the necessary starting point for the development of powerful and scalable methodologies, guidelines and tools supporting digital building permit
In the case we considered, an Information Delivery Manual (IDM),28 which is the method provided by buildingSMART to define the necessary data requirements for specific data exchanges, or proper data re quirements in another format were not provided to designers

Summary

Introduction

Digitalization of administration data and procedures is of current interest all over the world [1], in order to increase efficiency in bureaucratic procedures and reduce inaccuracies, irregularities and ambiguities, besides reducing the use of resources for more sustainable practices [2]. The European Directive 2014/24/EU6 strongly encourages the use of BIM for public projects Big cities, such as Rotter dam in the Netherlands, report a high number of requested permits and often have to deal with complex situations that could benefit from a (semi-)automatic tool to at least solve the most straightforward checks. This would allow the municipality officers to focus better on cases of non-straightforward compliance and possible exemptions, besides reducing the time and resources necessary for each building permit procedure and have advantage of more objective checking systems, not biased by human judgment and personal interpretations

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion