Building Information Modeling Methodology Research Articles

Application of Building Information Modelling in Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Systematic Review and Future Trends Supported by a Conceptual Framework

The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations industry faces an urgent need to enhance construction and demolition waste management in urban areas, driven by increasing demolition and construction activities and a desire to align with sustainable practices and the circular economy principles. To address this need, a systematic literature review on the building information modelling methodology was conducted, employing a structured protocol and specific tools for the analysis of academic studies, based on PRISMA guidelines and StArt software (version 3.4 BETA). Ninety relevant studies published between 1998 and 2024, were analysed and selected from the Web of Science, Scopus, and Engineering Village databases. Findings indicate that China leads in publications with 34%, followed by Brazil (8%) and the United Kingdom (7%). The analysis emphasises the use of drones and LiDAR scanners for precise spatial data, processed by 3D reconstruction tools like Pix4D and FARO As-Built. Revit excels in 3D modelling, providing a robust platform for visualisation and analysis. Visual programming tools such as Dynamo automate processes and optimise material reuse. The study presents a conceptual framework that integrates these technologies with the principles of the circular economy, clarifying the interactions and practical applications that promote the sustainable management of demolition waste from urban buildings and process efficiency. Although the approach promotes material reuse and sustainability, it still faces barriers such as the need for waste segregation at the source, the adaptation of innovative technologies, like the iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR and thermal cameras, as well as associated costs. These factors may limit its adoption in larger-scale projects, particularly due to the increased complexity of buildings.

Assessing the Quality of an Innovative Learning Path for BIM Education: The DIGITAL DECATHLON

The Erasmus+ funded project DIGITAL DECATHLON addresses the urgent need to modernize educational practices in the construction industry, especially in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM). This study investigates how interdisciplinary, international and game-based learning can improve the BIM skills of students from different academic backgrounds and institutions in Europe. The study investigates whether an immersive simulation game involving students from five universities in Germany, Finland, Italy and Poland can effectively develop BIM skills and promote international and intercultural collaboration. The research uses a mixed methods approach that includes observational analysis, expert evaluations and surveys to assess the effectiveness of learning methods used in the game, to exploit for the optimization of the second game experience foreseen by the project. The results show that the simulation successfully engages students and improves their practical BIM skills. Nevertheless, there are areas that need improvement. Key challenges include harmonizing disciplines, improving the understanding of project management and ensuring consistent and equal communication between teams. These findings emerge from both qualitative feedback and quantitative performance data. This makes it clear that the existing simulation game is well suited to teaching the basics of the BIM methodology, but that some improvements are still needed, which will be incorporated in a second run, again subject to evaluation for capitalization and future replication.

METODOLOGIA BIM NA GRADUAÇÃO DE ARQUITETURA E URBANISMO: UMA ANÁLISE DAS MATRIZES CURRICULARES DAS INSTITUIÇÕES PRESENCIAIS DE VITÓRIA DA CONQUISTA – BA

This study addresses the importance of introducing the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology into the Architecture and Urbanism undergraduate curriculum, considering the continuous transformations in the construction sector. Given the growing need for adaptation to new market demands, it is essential that future architects are qualified to integrate practices that promote greater agility and efficiency in project development. The research adopts a qualitative approach, using bibliographic, to demonstrate the relevance of teaching BIM from the academic stage. The study highlights how this innovative methodology not only prepares students for professional challenges but also significantly enhances their performance in the job market. The inclusion of BIM in the educational environment is identified as a competitive advantage, allowing for a deeper understanding of the design and execution phases, as well as fostering more efficient integration between the various actors involved in the construction process. Thus, this study reinforces the need for curricular reform that incorporates BIM as an essential component of the training of architects and urban planners.

Ensino do Building Information Modeling (BIM) em Instituições de Ensino Superior no Brasil

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a necessary tool in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations scenario, offering an innovative and integrated approach not only for project development, but also contributing to the construction management and maintenance of buildings. . In the Brazilian context, academia has dedicated special attention to BIM, reflected in the production of theses and dissertations carried out over the last few years. This research aimed to identify the main trends and pedagogical approaches used in the productions found, presenting their strengths and advances verified in the use of this methodology, as well as the weaknesses or limiting points, based on Brazilian academic production on teaching BIM in the period from 2013 to 2020, resulting from the analysis of theses and dissertations published in the CAPES Catalog of Theses and Dissertations, which address the topic of Construction Information Modeling or Building Information Modeling in the dimension of its teaching. classifies as applied, exploratory, with a qualitative approach, using the bibliographic research method and application of the content analysis technique. It is hoped that, through the results obtained, the adoption of the BIM methodology in undergraduate courses in architecture and urbanism and related areas can be encouraged in the country.

Digitalization and tender evaluation in construction projects: a BIM-integrated MCDA approach supported by Macbeth

The tender evaluation process in the procurement for construction works, aligned with regulations such as the European Directive 2014/24/EU, faces various constraints, increasingly acknowledging the impact of digitalization, particularly through Building Information Modeling (BIM). Therefore, a thorough BIM-integrated multi-criteria decision analysis approach is vital to fairly select the best contractor for the job and ensure project success. Despite its significance, the literature remains scarce, particularly in addressing BIM-related and value-focused constraints for construction tender evaluation. This research introduces a comprehensive and value-focused method integrating BIM criteria through Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) supported by the Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH), which is applicable to both the public and private sectors, serving as a reference guide for contracting authorities to assess and select the best tender for BIM-based construction works contracts. For this purpose, the following methodology was adopted: 1) conducting an extensive literature review; 2) carrying out interviews with construction experts to identify BIM-integrated evaluation criteria and performance descriptors; 3) creating an adapted MCDA construction tender evaluation framework supported by MACBETH; 4) performing a real-world case study to demonstrate the proposed evaluation framework; 5) discussing its application and limitations, along with considerations for future research. The study demonstrated the practicality of the proposed framework through a case study, showing that a value-based approach can significantly improve project outcomes compared to traditional methods. While acknowledging the potential of the BIM methodology, the impact of BIM-specific criteria on contractor selection was found to be less significant than expected. In conclusion, this work addresses current limitations, such as the absence of BIM-integrated assessment guidelines in the European Directive 2014/24/EU and ISO 19650. It outlines a value-focused MCDA approach for evaluating tenders for construction works contracts, supported by MACBETH for structuring the decision problem and building the evaluation model. The contribution to the body of knowledge lies in providing a robust framework that enhances the evaluation process in BIM-based construction works contracts and offers practical insights for contracting authorities.

Advanced Energy Performance Modelling: Case Study of an Engineering and Technology Precinct

The global demand for energy is significantly impacted by the consumption patterns within the building sector. As such, the importance of energy simulation and prediction is growing exponentially. This research leverages Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodologies, creating a synergy between traditional software methods and algorithm-driven approaches for comprehensive energy analysis. The study also proposes a method for monitoring select energy management factors, a step that could potentially pave the way for the integration of digital twins in energy management systems. The research is grounded in a case study of a newly constructed educational building in New South Wales, Australia. The digital physical model of the building was created using Autodesk Revit, a conventional software for BIM methodology. EnergyPlus, facilitated by OpenStudio, was employed for the traditional software-based energy analysis. The energy analysis output was then used to develop preliminary algorithm models using regression strategies in Python. In this regression analysis, the temperature and relative humidity of each energy unit were used as independent variables, with their energy consumption being the dependent variable. The sigmoid algorithm model, known for its accuracy and interpretability, was employed for advanced energy simulation. This was combined with sensor data for real-time energy prediction. A basic digital twin (DT) example was created to simulate the dynamic control of air conditioning and lighting, showcasing the adaptability and effectiveness of the system. The study also explores the potential of machine learning, specifically reinforcement learning, in optimizing energy management in response to environmental changes and usage conditions. Despite the current limitations, the study identifies potential future research directions. These include enhancing model accuracy and developing complex algorithms to boost energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management

This technical report discusses the significance of using building information modelling (BIM) in project management as a tool to enhance cost reduction based on the simulation of computational models. The methodology employed was the case study of a software solution that makes its product libraries available in BIM format, intended for the simulation of computational models of a multinational company. Data were collected through document analysis and interviews with specialists from the Siemens company. The conclusion of the data analysis of this study resulted in a better understanding of the issues that the simulation of computational models idealised by BIM methodology and their data proposes to solve. The findings show that the simulation of computational models contributes to decision-making in civil construction, whether in the design of new buildings or modernization processes. The contribution of this work is strengthened by presenting a benefits proposal for the use of computational modelling in the context of civil construction using good design practices.

Digitization of AEC Industries Based on BIM and 4.0 Technologies

BIM and 4.0 technologies are currently the leading branches of digitization in construction. The aim of this article is to confront theses on building information modeling (BIM) and coexisting technologies, and to present an analysis along with conclusions regarding the digitization process of AEC industries using BIM methodology and advanced digital technologies within the scope of 4.0 technologies. Key aspects of BIM and 4.0 technology integration were discussed, including artificial intelligence (AI) or big data and data science analytics. The impact of these fields on design processes, as well as on data management, monitoring of design and construction progress, and overall efficiency of AEC industries, was analyzed. The article pays particular attention to the synergy between BIM and 4.0 technology, identifying benefits, challenges, and development perspectives. Conclusions indicate the growing importance of interdisciplinarity for improving AEC industry processes and the need to adapt to the changing digital landscape in the field of design and construction. A survey was conducted, where respondents’ answers were presented in the form of charts. Questions focused on the issue of the use of BIM methodology along with coexisting technologies in the design process by the Polish engineering staff. The research results indicate that the use of the latest technological solutions in Poland is still rare, and the digital potential of these solutions is not fully utilized. The article can make a significant contribution to the discussion on technological evolution in AEC industries, identifying development directions in the context of digitization and the use of the latest achievements of 4.0 technology. Previous research has not included such a wide spectrum of BIM use in Poland. An analysis was conducted comparing Poland in a global context with other countries in BIM adoption.

Blockchain technology applications in maintaining heritage buildings

Preservation of cultural heritage in the face of human and natural disasters, as well as improper maintenance practices, is a crucial endeavor that must be undertaken throughout the lifespan of heritage buildings. In order to maximize the value derived from these assets and strike a harmonious balance between accurate documentation and performance optimization, asset management strategies have been employed. In recent years, the advent of innovative methodologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and laser scanning has opened new possibilities for their application in various contexts. However, successful implementation of these methodologies faces a range of challenges, including limited knowledge, inexperienced teams, and reluctance to embrace change on the part of administrators. To address these obstacles and enhance asset management practices, the integration of BIM, Chatbot, and Blockchain methodology has emerged as a viable solution. This methodology not only facilitates the improvement of data security and user data capture but also streamlines the process of updating BIM models. In this research, we propose a data-driven Chatbot framework based on Blockchain, specifically designed to manage maintenance activities through the utilization of BIM. The proposed framework serves as a valuable tool for government authorities and asset managers seeking to adopt BIM for the preservation of heritage buildings. Comprising three key components – the BIM model, the Blockchain model, and the Chatbot model – the framework offers comprehensive support. The BIM model encompasses all relevant information pertaining to the management of the heritage building, while the Chatbot model replicates human interaction through text-based communication. Users can access up-to-date BIM data by posing predefined questions to the Chatbot. On the other hand, the Blockchain model serves as a secure and immutable record-keeping system, validating and verifying user updates, thereby fostering trust among stakeholders. This proposed model empowers asset stakeholders to request and update asset information via a trusted and reliable channel. To showcase the capabilities of the framework, we present a real-world case study centered on the Omar Toson Palace in Cairo, Egypt. Through this case study, we demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of our proposed framework in meeting the challenges associated with heritage building preservation.

Energy Transition: Semi-Automatic BIM Tool Approach for Elevating Sustainability in the Maputo Natural History Museum

Mozambique is experiencing the consequences of a severe energy crisis with economic and social impacts. Its strict dependence on hydroelectric sources is being severely tested by recent droughts that have drastically reduced water levels in dams. However, Mozambique is addressing energy poverty by exploring renewable energy sources thanks to investments in the sector by the European Union. The research concerns an energy analysis profile of the country and the penetration of renewable energy, presenting an energy upgrading scope through a semi-automatic calculation methodology in a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. The building under study, located in Maputo, is the Natural History Museum, which plays an important role in biodiversity conservation. Therefore, this paper proposes a BIM methodology for sizing an environmental control system tailored to serve the museum. The proposed system replaces the previous one and includes a photovoltaic system that not only meets the museum’s load but also supplies electricity to the surrounding area. Energy production from renewable sources with a surplus of 30% has been achieved. The proposed digital methodology has identified a maximum gap of 1.5% between the dimensions of the BIM duct and those of a traditional plant design, meeting ASHRAE requirements for environmental control.

Energy consumption and carbon emission of conventional and green buildings using building information modelling (BIM)

PurposeUsing building information modelling (BIM) technology, a conventional structure in this study was converted into a green building to measure its energy usage and CO2 emissions.Design/methodology/approachDigital images of the existing building conditions were captured using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and were fed into Meshroom to generate the building’s geometry for 3D parametric model development. The model for the existing conventional building was created and converted to an energy model and exported to gbXML in Autodesk Revit for a whole building analysis which was carried out in the Green Building Studio (GBS). In the GBS, the conventional building was retrofitted into a green building to explore their energy consumption and CO2 emission.FindingsBy comparing the green building model to the conventional building model, the research found that the green building model saved 25% more energy while emitting 46.8% less CO2.Practical implicationsThe study concluded that green building reduces energy consumption, thereby reducing the emission of CO2 into the environment. It is recommended that buildings should be simulated at the design stage to know their energy consumption and carbon emission performance before construction.Social implicationsOccupant satisfaction, operation cost and environmental safety are essential for sustainable or green buildings. Green buildings increase the standard of living and enhance indoor air quality.Originality/valueThis investigation aided in a pool of information on how to use BIM methodology to retrofit existing conventional buildings into green buildings, showing how green buildings save the environment as compared to conventional buildings.

BIM multitask project manager: responsibility, organization and interoperability

Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology has been supporting the construction activity in all sectors involved: multidisciplinary designs development; construction planning and monitoring; building management and maintenance. A BIM environment aggregates several specialties and related professionals and in order to control and improve the quality of a BIM project, a BIM manager is required. The BIM manager has the responsibility to coordinate all tasks involved in a building design and in the associated activities that are usually workout over the project documents. A BIM platform can be considered as a useful resource for multidisciplinary coordination, extending the BIM 3D modelling scope into the construction planning and after, in the operation and maintenance stages. A BIM manager is then required: to incentive the collaboration at work and to control responsibility given to each professional involved; to guaranty the correction of the amount and quality of the information, included in each BIM model step, and transferred between tasks; to coordinate all designs and the distinct mandatory activities (conflict detection, cost estimation or energetic simulation). The topic of the present study is illustrated with three building cases were distinct specific projects, disciplines and tasks were developed: structural analyses and reinforcement details; quantity take-off of materials and cost estimation; construction scheduling and simulation. The study presents the relevance of a correct coordination within the development of building projects. Although there are limitations in the implementation of BIM methodology in all sectors or activities within the construction industry, BIM has been bringing an important improvement in the quality of a building design, reflected in the quality of the final product. BIM methodology is a current demand in the construction industry supported on advanced technology and in an adequate management of projects.

The Status of Building Information Modeling Adoption in Slovakia

Building information modeling (BIM) is a key approach for the digitization of the sector. Therefore, states worldwide put BIM at the center of their construction digitalization strategies. However, strategies vary significantly, and so does BIM implementation and its adoption over time, thus making the comparison between countries considerably challenging. Therefore, the first part of this article provides a comprehensive review of available publications in the field of BIM adoption at the national and international level. BIM adoption in Slovakia is systematically analyzed based on an anonymous online BIM survey that focuses on various areas of BIM. The focus of the BIM survey was on the assessment of the readiness of experts who work with BIM methodology, their maturity, skillsets, and BIM adoption motivation, along with the means of communication and collaboration using Common Data Environment (CDE). Furthermore, we focused on the project management perspective, which covers the existence and compliance with BIM execution plan (BEP) evaluation. In the concluding part, requirements, barriers, and future developments are discussed in detail. The BIM survey provides an insight in the current state of the art of BIM in the industry that allows for a better understanding of its potential and a more informed development and implementation of BIM strategies. This study is an important contribution to BIM and digitalization benchmarking that provides valuable information to digitalization policy makers at the governmental and business levels.

Integration of Immersive Approaches for Collaborative Processes with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Methodology for the AEC Industry: An Analysis of the Current State and Future Challenges

This study aims to identify and analyze existing gaps in the integration of immersive approaches for collaborative processes with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Using a systematic approach that includes metadata analysis and review procedures, we have formulated specific research questions aimed at guiding future investigations into these gaps. Additionally, the analysis generates insights that could guide future research directions and improvements in the field. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of the literature, focusing on the interaction between immersiveness, BIM methodology, and collaborative processes. Data from 2010 to 2023 have been analyzed to ensure relevance and completeness. Our findings reveal current limitations in the field, such as the need for fully integrated prototypes and the execution of empirical studies to clarify operational processes. These limitations serve as the basis for our research questions. The study offers actionable insights that could guide future research and improvements in the AEC sector, particularly in the adoption of immersive technologies. The research underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to facilitate ongoing development and greater adoption of immersive technologies in the AEC sector.

BIM—A new paradigm for building and maintaining a manufacturer‐architect relationship

AbstractThe adoption of BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology significantly impacts the ways, in which the building industry operates. This technology not only provides all industry participants with numerous advantages, but also brings new types of relationships and ways in which it can be utilized. Taking into account the fact that many companies have incorporated relationship marketing into their strategies, manufacturers of building materials should look to ways of digitalization to shape collaboration with architects most of all. It seems inevitable when considering that relationship marketing paves the way to competitive value creation. In addition, relationships equip marketers with data and knowledge, which could play a significant role in developing markets and new products, as well as supporting sales departments by providing solid leads. The aim of this paper was to indicate what kind of role BIM methodology could have in establishing long‐term relationships in the manufacturer‐architect line. In research, we focus on the manufacturer's perspective and show possibilities for long‐term cooperation with architects. In this research, a mixed methodology approach has been used, in which a systematic review of the literature, an own survey on a group of architects, and a case study based on a solution used by one of the clients of the BIM ALLY. The possibilities of using BIM as a marketing communication channel, sales channel, and channel for obtaining key data and information about the users of digital models were proven and indicated.

BIM methodology for cost analysis, sustainability, and management of steel structures with reconfigurable joints for industrial structures

One of the main objectives set for future factories, and for Industry 4.0, is to reduce the CO2 footprint of industrial plants and their buildings as much as possible. This objective must be compatible with economic savings, an essential requirement for investments in industrial production plants and their buildings. Industrial structures represent an important part of investments in industrial facilities and equipment. In order to achieve the objectives mentioned above, it is necessary to use fully reconfigurable and reusable structures. This work aims to propose and apply a methodology using BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology that allows for the analysis, control, and monitoring of economic profitability and sustainability ratios over time (for structures with reconfigurable joints compared to those with welded joints). The proposed methodology was applied to three different case studies, where various reconfigurations of the structures were done over time, obtaining the structure's economic profitability with reconfigurable joints from the third reconfiguration and environmental sustainability from the second reconfiguration. The results demonstrate that the BIM methodology presented in this work and applied to industrial structures is a fully adequate tool for analyzing the structures' costs and sustainability and controlling for monitoring these structures throughout the different reconfigurations.

IDM for the Conceptual Evaluation Process of Industrialized Timber Projects

Interest in industrialized timber construction systems, in particular light-frame systems, has increased worldwide due to its various benefits. However, it is very important for projects executed under the off-site construction system to consider the different manufacture and assembly requirements in their design, following the design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) concept. It is fundamental that these requirements and assumptions for manufacture and assembly be considered in a conceptual evaluation during the early stages of the project, as these have an impact on stakeholder decision making, detailed design, production, and sourcing strategies. To accomplish this, the use of building information modeling (BIM) has simplified the different processes and tasks required in the development of these projects, in addition to the synergy between both methodologies. However, it is vital to be clear about the information requirements of each process to properly use the BIM methodology. This paper presents the proposal of a BIM standard, the information delivery manual (IDM), which identifies the associated process map and the information parameters required for early evaluation, which were validated with local prefabrication companies as well as compared to the property sets present in the IFC standard.

Improving Project Performance Based on Building Information Modelling 6D & LCCA in High-Rise Office Building

Of the total 5.9 million existing buildings, the Office occupies the 2nd position of the most types of buildings with 16% of the Total Total. The least used aspect of BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the ability to obtain building energy models using the 6D BIM methodology. This digital information model is to simulate building energy and improve building energy systems. In this way, 6D BIM simulation allows us to make building design and operational decisions. In the case of increased energy, which leads to greater quality and comfort in the sustainable use of buildings. This issue has a special relationship in public buildings. Where energy efficiency and comfort are two fundamental criteria that are highly valued by society. Once the building's energy model is prepared, it will study and identify possible ones to improve energy efficiency, as well as analyze the incorporation of other, more efficient forms of renewable energy such as the use of natural light. From this research, "10 factors that affect cost performance in Office Building Projects" Maintenance costs, Use of Photovoltaic Solar Panel Materia, Model Obyetifiability, Office Equipment (TV, Computer, Printer etc.), Use of refrigen without ODP, Use of Elevators, Initial cost of retrofit, Materia Façade, Environmentally friendly materials.

A Review on the Implementation of the BIM Methodology in the Operation Maintenance and Transport Infrastructure

There has been a significant increase in studies related to Industry 4.0 alongside the development of new technologies, devices and software, becoming one of the most relevant topics for years within the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The Architecture, Engineering and Construction sector (AEC) sector is one step behind other engineering fields in productivity, and digitalisation can help reduce this gap. Building Information Modelling (BIM) implementation in various project phases with other technologies such as the Internet of Things, Big Data, Blockchain or Geographic Information System (GIS) are the main drivers of Smart Construction. This paper provides an updated state-of-art of the BIM applications through different civil engineering projects and towards the use of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Hence, the integration of BIM in the Facility Management through ICTs allows decision making based on data analysis and the optimization of available resources.

BIM & Road safety – Applications of digitals models from in-built safety evaluations to asset management

The usage of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology in complex infrastructure projects has been discussed in the scientific literature for many years and most of the applications lays on plan and design activities. However, BIM methodology is an innovative approach, and it could be used also in other thematic areas such as road safety. There are no well-known applications of BIM in road safety so one of the first steps of this work is to demonstrate that BIM can be used in road safety projects, especially the ones that use proactive approaches like International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) methodology. The good results of this initial analysis have led to a structured methodology.The core assumption of the methodology is to use the survey data for the creation of digital models useful for road safety projects and subsequent dynamic checks on the evolution of safety up to asset management and base starting point for further applications.The “multi-level” characteristic of the methodology assumes that BIM models Level of Development (LOD) is not a constraint. The methodology is fully efficient both with simplified models and as-built ones.All the phases of the methodology are linked: surveys are oriented to collect data for BIM models which contain road safety information; BIM models will be used to automate the iRAP coding by automating the input of infrastructure data and producing dynamic iRAP star ratings; the road safety countermeasures design will be based on the existing models which are continuously updated. Due to the survey results, all the models are also an advanced base for asset management and monitoring actions.An application was conducted on more than 50 km of roads of different typologies and results have shown the possibility to build a federated BIM model used by all the stakeholders involved in road safety, road assets management and road maintenance.