3D Building Information Modeling Research Articles

A Case Study of BIM Implementation in Rail Track Rehabilitation

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an Industry 4.0 methodology that is increasingly used in the domain of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). BIM emerges as a new methodology, one that is more collaborative and based on parametric three-Dimensional (3D) models, centralizing different types of information of a geometric, physical, and economic nature. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the application of the BIM methodology to a rail track rehabilitation case study using a geotextile and geogrid in the ballast layer base. The creation of the 3D and 4D BIM models was performed using various BIM-based tools, which made it possible to achieve the spatial and parametric representation of the rail track and the simulation of the main construction tasks. A new BIM object pertaining to the rail track was created. This paper describes the procedures applied in achieving the BIM models, the limitations involved, and the interoperability between the BIM tools. Additionally, the potential for information extraction with respect to the infrastructure design, construction, and operation, e.g., planning and scheduling, quantities, graphic outputs, and track geometry quality, was demonstrated. It was concluded that the BIM methodology was viable and could be implemented with benefits, despite certain difficulties and limitations, which emphasize the need for further developments.

5D BIM: an investigation into the integration of quantity surveyors within the BIM process

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the integration of a quantity surveyor (QS) role and practice within the building information modelling (BIM) process to enable better implementation of five-dimensional building information modelling (5D BIM) (D is a result of the data/information dimension integrated in a BIM model). It proposes the use of a “level of development and level of detail” to provide a structured approach for QSs’ integration within the BIM process for an improved implementation of 5D BIM.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses semi-structured interviews with QSs from academic and industry in the UK. A total of 20 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with two groups (industrial and academic) of ten participants from the West Midlands region in the UK. The interview questions have focussed on gaining perspectives on BIM, BIM and government protocols for the QS profession, expectations and challenges when implementing 5D BIM.FindingsThe findings show that BIM is perceived differently, and limitation of information obtained from the 3D models in BIM reduce the reliability of 5D BIM for QSs and implementing of 5D BIM needs an understanding of BIM workflow and information requirements.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the findings reveal many of the complexities that face QSs within the BIM process and the shortfalls of 5D BIM technology, the results may lack generalisation. Thus, future research seeks to test the proposed framework further.Practical implicationsThis paper elicits implications of shortfalls that impact the implementation of 5D BIM technology and the complexities that face QSs within the BIM process.Originality/valueThis paper reveals the need to understand the process of integrating stakeholders and their information requirements for better implementation of technologies within BIM.

GENERATION OF GIGAPIXEL ORTHOPHOTO FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF COMPLEX BUILDINGS. CHALLENGES AND LESSON LEARNT

Abstract. This study is part of the “Milan Cathedral Survey project”. It is a three years long research project with the aim of surveying the entire cathedral in 3D with different techniques (mainly photogrammetry and laser scanning). The goal is to renew the architectonic drawings (sections elevations and plans) to obtain new updated and certificated measurements of the cathedral, as requested by Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo, and to produce the basis on which to build a future 3D BIM (Building Information Model) system implementation. In this paper, we would like to examine in depth the survey process of the exterior elevations of the cathedral carried out using photogrammetry as the main survey technique for orthophotos production. The case studies here presented have the goal of underlying challenges, discussing decisions and approaches, describing the followed pipeline and of defining a standard method that can be followed to produce gigapixel orthophotos of complex cultural heritages.

The Fifth Dimension of BIM – Implementation Survey

In today’s digital age, the rate of process automation is increasing. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being used for this purpose. BIM is a smart, model-based process that provides construction professionals with an overview and tools for more efficient planning, designing of building solutions, facility management of buildings and infrastructure. Cost management represents a very important part of BIM technology. 5D-cost model in Building Information Modelling is used for budget monitoring and cost analysis. 5D-cost model allows to directly extract individual quantities and then assign unit costs to them. 5D-cost model increases level of safety and reduces or makes use of cost at all stages of the construction project more efficient. The paper discusses the issue of the fifth dimension of BIM. The main objective of survey was to create overview of 5D (BIM) implementation in selected countries and to bring comparison within this topic. Based on a thorough analysis of the sources, the overview and comparison was carried out. The main conclusion of the research suggested that the selected countries have a different degree of 5D BIM implementation.

Exact Overlap Rate Analysis and the Combination with 4D BIM of Time‐Cost Tradeoff Problem in Project Scheduling

Schedulers can compress the schedule of construction projects by overlapping design and construction activities. However, overlapping may induce increased total cost with the decrease of duration. To solve the concurrency‐based time‐cost tradeoff problem effectively, this paper demonstrates an overlapping optimization algorithm that identifies an optimal overlapping strategy with exact overlap rates and generates the required duration at the minimum cost. The method makes use of overlapping strategy matrix (OSM) to illustrate the dependency relationships between activities. This method then optimizes the genetic algorithm (GA) to compute an overlapping strategy with exact overlap rates by means of overlapping and crashing. This paper then proposes an integrated framework of genetic algorithm and building information modeling (BIM) to prove the practice feasibility of theoretical research. The study is valuable to practitioners because the method allows establishing a compressed schedule which meets the limited budget within the contract duration. This article is also significant to researchers because it can compute the optimal scheduling strategy with exact overlap rates, crashing degree, and resources expeditiously. The usability and validity of the optimized method are verified by a test case in this paper.

Integration of Earn Value Management into BIM Projects

This study presents a tool which aims to support construction managers, particularly by combining BIM technology and the Earned Value Management (EVM) technique to allow the visualization of cost and time performance of construction works at a given time in a 3D BIM model. The following research will expose concepts and tools of integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) system tools in construction projects; the proposed will be tested in a real-case project and all the different software tools that can be used for modeling and customize project information workflow. The research will demonstrate how to develop an Earned Value Management (EVM) technique based on the information from Autodesk Revit models; the research will explain how to extract data from the project and analyze all the earn value variables.

Risk Information Management for Bridges by Integrating Risk Breakdown Structure into 3D/4D BIM

With the growing use and rapid development of Building Information Modelling (BIM), an emerging research trend is to adopt BIM to improve construction risk management. However, very few studies exist that can explain how risk information can be managed effectively within 3D/4D BIM environment. To overcome this knowledge gap, this paper focuses on bridge projects, and proposes a new method for risk visualisation and information management through integrating the bridge project’s Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) into 3D/4D BIM and establishing a linkage between risk data and BIM. It introduces a new framework for the BIM based risk information management system and develops a prototype tool to support the implementation of the proposed approach. The prototype tool allows the identification and documentation of potential risks associated with their affected project construction activities within 3D BIM and the visualisation of identified risks in 4D BIM. A simulated case study taking a steel bridge as an example is provided to illustrate the implementation of the system. The results show that existing risk management techniques such as RBS can be integrated into BIM for risk identification, visualisation and information management and the proposed framework can support the development of BIM based risk management software.

BIM applications toward key performance indicators of construction projects in Iran

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has recently emerged as a novel technology worldwide however literature review reveals a salient gap in the identification of BIM capabilities in Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of construction projects in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify and prioritize the BIM applications toward KPIs in light of the construction stage of projects life cycle in Iran. To do this, a review of literature was performed on the KPIs and associated BIM contributions and the resultants were customized for Iranian context through a two-round Delphi study. An advanced Fuzzy-AHP approach was then applied in the prioritizations of KPIs and associated BIM capabilities via collecting data from construction practitioners. It was identified that quality improvement, sustainable construction and construction cost reduction are the top three KPIs that can be benefitted from BIM applications in the construction stage of building projects. It was also concluded that project coordination, clash detection, 4D and 5D BIM are the subsequent beneficial effects of BIM on the construction project KPIs in Iran. This study is a point of departure for BIM-based research and its managerial perspectives outlining an insight toward the application of BIM in the construction projects of Iran.

BIM-GIS ORIENTED INTELLIGENT KNOWLEDGE DISCOVERY

Abstract. Urban and population growth results in increasing pressure on the public utilities like transport, energy, healthcare services, crime management and emergency services in the realm of smart city management. Smart management of these services increases the necessity of dealing with big data which is come from different sources with various types and formats like 3D city information, GPS, traffic, mobile, Building Information Model (BIM), environmental, social activities and IoT stream data. Therefore, an approach to mine/analysis/interpret these data and extract useful knowledge from this diverse big data sources emerges in order to extract the hidden pattern of data using computational algorithms from statistics, machine learning and information theory. However, inconsistency, duplication and repetition and misconducting with the different type of discrete and continuous data can cause erroneous decision-making. This paper focuses on providing a rules extraction and supervised-decision making methods for facilitating the fusion of BIM and 2D and 3D GIS-based information coupling with IoT stream data residing in a spatial database and 3D BIM data. The proposed methods can be used in those applications like Emergency Response, Evacuation Planning, Occupancy Mapping, and Urban Monitoring to Smart Multi-Buildings so that their input data mostly come from 2D and 3D GIS, BIM and IoT stream. This research focus on proposing the unified rules extraction and decision engine to help smart citizens and managers using BIM and GIS data to make smart decision rather than focus on applications in certain field of BIM and GIS.

Modeling and analysis of the impact of BIM-based field data capturing technologies on automated construction progress monitoring

Leveraging automated field data capturing technologies and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for site status analysis would play a more significant role in advancing decision-making in construction projects if applied to the traditional progress control. Despite the numerous advances in project progress control technologies, 3D modeling, and BIM execution, there is still a lack of awareness regarding the impact of these technologies on the overall performance of the projects, leading to the use of time-consuming and ineffective monitoring processes by the companies. For this reason, this study proposes a model for BIM-based field data capturing technologies and analyses the impact of field data capturing technologies on automated project progress monitoring comparing 3D model and BIM workflows. The empirical data were collected through a computerized self-administered questionnaire (CSAQ) survey conducted to contracting and engineering consulting companies operating in the Middle East, Mid-Asia, Europe, North America, and the Far East. The structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to test the hypotheses and develop the skill model. The study confirms the importance of using field data capturing technologies with BIM in two main stages (modeling and execution) to enhance automated project progress monitoring performance. The study highlights the need for further exploration of the role of BIM-based field data capturing technologies in improving automated construction project progress monitoring.

Beyond the third dimension of BIM: A systematic review of literature and assessment of professional views

Across the world, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the three-dimensional (3D) model in projects are increasingly frequent for supporting design tasks. The digital data embodied in the BIM model is shared between the project stakeholders from the various disciplines. After giving an overview of the BIM 3D Model data used for planning (4D) and costing (5D), the study assesses the level of clarity or confusion on what the numbers of dimension refer to after the 5th dimension. A systematic review of the different BIM dimensions was conducted associated with an online questionnaire sent to various Architecture, Engineering and Construction stakeholders across Europe. The online questionnaire survey was limited to the 28 European Union (EU) countries. Each of the 28 EU countries was represented by at least one respondent. The research identified 52 papers considering BIM 4D Model, 15 considering 5D modelling, 6 considering the 6D Model and 2 considering the 7D. It was also identified a confusion between academics and practitioners for the 6D and 7D BIM dimensions. In fact, 86% of the professionals, actually using 6D, allocate Sustainability to 6D. Whereas 85% of the professionals using 7D allocate it to Facility Management.

Automated constructability rating framework for concrete formwork systems using building information modeling

The main objective of this research is to develop an automated constructability rating framework for different concrete formwork systems that are commonly used for the construction of reinforced concrete residential buildings. Initially, various constructability criteria (cost, time, quality, safety and environmental sustainability) that are analogous to the concrete formwork construction are rationally characterized through an intriguing data acquisition mechanism (a complete process involving the collection, recording and processing of data) known as constructability survey. Withal, an unified 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) Model (i.e., 3D Structural BIM Model and 3D BIM Formwork Family or Module) is developed to providence CONSTaFORM, an automated constructability assessment framework for concrete formwork systems. The CONSTaFORM is a supplementary Add-in for Autodesk Revit developed by a process called API-fication, i.e., customizing Revit API to provide additional functionalities and hence enhancing the capabilities of existing framework invariably. The optimal constructability scores of various concrete formwork systems obtained from the constructability survey are initially fed into their respective 3D BIM formwork families as shared parameters, which are later used for the computation of the overall constructability rating of the formwork systems involved in the entire project, using BIM via CONSTaFORM Add-in. To reinforce the profundity and advocacy of CONSTaFORM Add-in, a suitable case study is reported.

An Autonomous Ultra-Wide Band-Based Attitude and Position Determination Technique for Indoor Mobile Laser Scanning

Mobile laser scanning (MLS) has been widely used in three-dimensional (3D) city modelling data collection, such as Google cars for Google Map/Earth. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has recently emerged and become prominent. 3D models of buildings are essential for BIM. Static laser scanning is usually used to generate 3D models for BIM, but this method is inefficient if a building is very large, or it has many turns and narrow corridors. This paper proposes using MLS for BIM 3D data collection. The positions and attitudes of the mobile laser scanner are important for the correct georeferencing of the 3D models. This paper proposes using three high-precision ultra-wide band (UWB) tags to determine the positions and attitudes of the mobile laser scanner. The accuracy of UWB-based MLS 3D models is assessed by comparing the coordinates of target points, as measured by static laser scanning and a total station survey.

Occupant perceptions of building information model-based energy visualizations in eco-feedback systems

While technology advancements are improving the energy efficiency of buildings, occupant behavior remains a critical factor in ensuring the effectiveness of such enhancements. To this end, numerous eco-feedback systems have been developed to reduce building energy use through influencing occupants' behaviors during building operations. Information representation is a critical component in eco-feedback systems, affecting the users' interpretation, engagement, and motivation to reduce energy consumption. Many studies have focused on using different charts and technical units or abstract and artistic visualizations to represent energy consumption. However, the effectiveness of such techniques varies across studies. Recent research emphasizes the need to integrate information representation strategies that balance numeric and aesthetic appeal. Concurrently, studies have called for increased adoption of a Building Information Model (BIM) during a building's operations phase to improve facility management. In this paper, we introduce a new eco-feedback information representation method that combines numeric and aesthetic appeal through leveraging spatial and color-coding techniques in BIM. The BIM-integrated energy visualization approach developed in this paper uses the Revit Application Program Interface (API) and allows users to visualize and compare energy consumption values in 2D and 3D views of a multi-family building through a color-coding scheme in an as-built BIM. The method is validated through a user survey that quantitatively and qualitatively assesses the proposed 2D and 3D BIM eco-feedback compared to more traditional bar chart based eco-feedback. Our findings suggest that 2D spatial, color-coded eco-feedback provides the optimal information representation, as it is easy to understand, while evoking engaging and motivating responses from users. This study advances our understanding of eco-feedback information representation while expanding BIM applications during building operations. These are important steps to address the human dimension of energy efficiency in the built environment.

Automated optimization of steel reinforcement in RC building frames using building information modeling and hybrid genetic algorithm

Abstract Design of steel reinforcement is an important and necessary task for designing reinforced concrete (RC) building structures. Currently, steel reinforcement design is performed manually or semi-automatically using computer software such as ETABS, with reference to building codes. These approaches are time consuming and sometimes error-prone. Recent advances in building information modeling (BIM) technology allow digital 3D BIM models to be leveraged for supporting different types of engineering analyses such as structural engineering design. With the aid of BIM technology, steel reinforcement design could be automated for fast, economical and error-free procedures. This paper presents a BIM-based framework using the developed three-stage hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) for automated optimization of steel reinforcement in RC frames. The methodology framework determines the selection and alignment of steel reinforcement bars in an RC building frame for the minimum steel reinforcement area, considering longitudinal tensile, longitudinal compressive and shear steel reinforcement. The first two stages optimize the longitudinal tensile and longitudinal compressive steel reinforcement while the third stage optimizes the shear steel reinforcement. International design code (BS8110) and buildability constraints are considered in the developed optimization framework. A BIM model in Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is then automatically created to visualize the optimized steel reinforcement design results in 3D thereby facilitating design communication and generation of construction detailing drawings. A three-storey RC building frame is analyzed to check the applicability of the developed framework and its improvement over current design approaches. The results show that the developed methodology framework can minimize the steel reinforcement area quickly and accurately.

Dynamics of Design Collaboration: BIM Models as Intermediary Digital Objects

Engineering and architectural design research has studied the uses of various kinds of artefacts and visual representations like sketches, drawings and design plans. The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) creates a new constellation of instruments and calls for further reconceptualising of the collaborative design process. The paper presents analysis of BIM models as co-developed intermediary objects in the design. They function both as objects of joint problem solving and as a concrete but dynamic means for collaboration both virtually and in face-to-face meetings. We suggest that BIM models provide novel forms of ‘virtual materiality’: in design meetings BIM models provide a tangible means for designers’ collaboration. Versatile indexical use of 3D BIM models dominates discussion and problem solving in design meetings.

Developing a combined Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach for documentation and deformation assessment of Historical Buildings

Cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in preserving the collective memory of a nation. However, it is noted that many historical buildings suffer from serious deformation that may lead to deterioration or loss. In this paper, we propose an approach for documentation and deformation assessment of historical buildings based on the combination of Terrestrial Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) technology and Building Information Models (BIM). In order to digitally archive the current state of a historical building, classical surveying techniques (Traversing, Levelling and GPS) are integrated with Terrestrial Laser scanner (TLS). A Leica Scan Station C10 is used to accomplish the 3D point cloud acquisition. In addition, Leica GNSS Viva GS15 receivers, a Leica Total Station TCR 1201+ and a Leica Runner 24 are used for classical surveying. The result is a 3D point cloud with high resolution, which is referenced according to the local geodetic reference system Ain el Abd UTM 37N. This point cloud is then used to create a 3D BIM that represents the ideal condition of the building. This BIM also contains some important architectural components of the historical building. To detect and assess the deformation of building’s parts that require an urgent intervention, a comparison between the 3D point cloud and the 3D BIM is performed. To achieve this goal, the main parts of the building in the BIM model (such as ceilings and walls) are compared with the corresponding segments of the 3D point cloud according to the normal vectors of each part. A case study that corresponds to a historical building in Jeddah Historical City named ’Robat Banajah’ is presented to illustrate the proposed approach. This building was built to serve pilgrims that want to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. Then, it was endowed (waqf) as a charity housing for widows and disabled. The results of assessing deformations of the case study show that some rooms are in a degraded condition requiring urgent restoration (distortions reach up to 22 cm), while other building parts are in a non-critical condition.

Developing a combined Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach for documentation and deformation assessment of Historical Buildings

Cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in preserving the collective memory of a nation. However, it is noted that many historical buildings suffer from serious deformation that may lead to deterioration or loss. In this paper, we propose an approach for documentation and deformation assessment of historical buildings based on the combination of Terrestrial Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) technology and Building Information Models (BIM). In order to digitally archive the current state of a historical building, classical surveying techniques (Traversing, Levelling and GPS) are integrated with Terrestrial Laser scanner (TLS). A Leica Scan Station C10 is used to accomplish the 3D point cloud acquisition. In addition, Leica GNSS Viva GS15 receivers, a Leica Total Station TCR 1201+ and a Leica Runner 24 are used for classical surveying. The result is a 3D point cloud with high resolution, which is referenced according to the local geodetic reference system Ain el Abd UTM 37N. This point cloud is then used to create a 3D BIM that represents the ideal condition of the building. This BIM also contains some important architectural components of the historical building. To detect and assess the deformation of building’s parts that require an urgent intervention, a comparison between the 3D point cloud and the 3D BIM is performed. To achieve this goal, the main parts of the building in the BIM model (such as ceilings and walls) are compared with the corresponding segments of the 3D point cloud according to the normal vectors of each part. A case study that corresponds to a historical building in Jeddah Historical City named ’Robat Banajah’ is presented to illustrate the proposed approach. This building was built to serve pilgrims that want to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. Then, it was endowed (waqf) as a charity housing for widows and disabled. The results of assessing deformations of the case study show that some rooms are in a degraded condition requiring urgent restoration (distortions reach up to 22 cm), while other building parts are in a non-critical condition.

BIM (Building Information Modeling) Education Program in KSA: A Case Study of BIM program at Prince Sultan University

A variety of BIM education programs have been developed and strengthened for future architects and engineers around the world. BIM education curricula as architecture and civil engineering education programs have held an important position in the education institutes. The purpose of the study is to provide future architects and civil engineers with solid hand-on knowledge about BIM through the understanding of its theoretical and historical backgrounds as well as the practical exercise examples of the related various BIM methods, which also shows the benefits of various BIM processes and methods as used by all relevant stakeholders in the AEC industry, such as clients, design teams, construction manager, contractors and maintenance operators etc. Additionally, the paper introduces other related topics as follows through the case studies at PSU for BIM education program, 1) Create 3D BIM models that extract quantities for estimation purposes on the basis of input resources. 2) Operate construction schedule (4D simulation) for project planning. 3) Explore a virtual construction management process that integrated 3D BIM model with scheduling and costing, what is called, 5D simulation. Through the case study, the paper proposes a BIM education guideline appropriate for KSA.

A study on association between tilt angle, solar insolation exposure and output of solar PV panel using BIM 3D modelling

Solar PV has been used extensively in the construction industry as non-renewable energy is not environmentally friendly and is costly. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can incorporate the solar energy application to reduce the dependency of non-renewable energy. This study attempted to propose a model of solar analysis using BIM software on existing buildings at Padang Besar, in terms of best orientation and optimum tilt angle. The finding of July 2017 shows that the ideal orientation of solar panel installation for the building is tilted 10° North and 20° West. Analysis indicated that the higher solar irradiance harvested contributed towards higher generation of power. The use of BIM software incorporating fieldwork data proved to be more convenient compared to the conventional physical method in proposing options for solar panel installation. The finding from the solar analysis of the proposed model indicates that solar insolation exposure on the roof increased by 1.45% compared to the existing roof design. Therefore, it can increase the renewable energy potential in an effective way.