Building Information Modeling Methodology Research Articles

Structure Monitoring with BIM and IoT: The Case Study of a Bridge Beam Model

The diffusion of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a reference methodology, applied to the world of construction, leads to important changes in the design and the management of big constructions and infrastructures. However, although the BIM approach is necessary for managing the entire life cycle of a construction, today, this methodology is still rarely adopted beyond the design phase. This represents a major flaw because the management of every phase of the life cycle of buildings needs accurate preliminary planning. Certainly, one of the most complex and important phases of the life cycle of a construction is the monitoring phase, which represents a fundamental aspect for the maintenance and the safe fruition of buildings or civil constructions. Considering this, the multidisciplinary approach of merging BIM methodology with real-time monitoring, using low-cost IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, seems to be an interesting topic to develop. In this paper, we will propose an example of a connection between an IoT system and a BIM model for monitoring the deflection of a bridge beam at the centerline using a schematic scale model reproduced in the laboratory and modelled in BIM. The developed system allows the real-time connection between the real model and its digital twin through the use of a relational database management system (RDBMS), to which the data detected by the sensor are transmitted, allowing the risk assessment of the real structure. This solution gives the possibility to remotely monitor, in real time, the behaviour of the structure visualised in the BIM model.

Clash Cost Analysis in Electrical Installations Based on BIM Technologies

One of the core features of delivering a Building Information Modelling (BIM) project is design coordination and clash detection. In the traditional way of conducting investments, the design process consists in the separate work of individual industry specialists on an individual part of the project and checking its compliance with coordination checkpoints. Building information modelling/management is emerging as an innovative way to virtually design and manage projects. Clashes are one of the most problematic elements in construction. They can interfere in the decision-making process by generating unexpected costs of additional materials, work and actions. The purpose of the following paper is to analyze the impact of BIM on limiting cost of clashes and also to check how clashes affect the unforeseen costs of a construction investment and how the BIM methodology can help to reduce them, especially in electrical installations. Basic construction collisions with algorithms of their solutions were presented. The possible financial benefits associated with the use of the BIM approach have been described using mathematical relationships.

IFC DATA MAPPING BASED ON A PARAMETRIC BIM CODING FOR AN EFFICIENT WORKFLOW IN THE QUANTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION COSTS

Abstract. In recent years there has been a great effort by the agents of the AECO sector aimed at an efficient use of data interoperability between the participating disciplines and the applicability in the specific software. In this context, the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology, moves in a collaborative data management environment to monitor and control the design, planning, cost control, construction processes. and building maintenance. But to enjoy the benefits of BIM in its fifth dimension (5D), cost and time savings, it is essential to properly plan each phase of the project and manage the information effectively within the same team.Therefore, this research aims to validate an effective method for the creation of the information of a constructive entity using codes, disaggregated by budget line items, necessary for the mapping of data in the structure of the IFC file (Industry Foundation Classes) and the confrontation with the filtering rules in quantification programs, in 1 to 1 relationship. Under normal conditions, the item to be measured would have a quality or parameter that distinguishes it from another item. All elements are mapped following an IFC structure using the eCOB standard. This information will be collected in the quantification program to compare it with the information established in the rule corresponding to each item.The analyzed and tested method, based on a proper structuring and classification of data of the elements that make up the BIM model, has been productive and efficient in avoiding random decision-making by the operator who analyzes the quantifications and that may lead to errors or inaccuracies when applying the metric. The result of the study shows that the combinations of parameters, influences by the possible variables of the constructive element, can be considerably reduced. The percentage of rules would decrease by a ratio of 17/120 in the IFC information mapping process to be validated in quantification and valuation software, improving data exchange and interoperability in an international environment.

New Use of BIM-Origami-Based Techniques for Energy Optimisation of Buildings

Outstanding properties and advanced functionalities of thermal–regulatory by origami-based architecture materials have been shown at various scales. However, in order to model and manage its programmable mechanical properties by Building Information Modelling (BIM) for use in a covering structure is not a simple task. The aim of this study was to model an element that forms a dynamic shell that prevents or allows the perpendicular incidence of the sun into the infrastructure. Parametric modelling of such complex structures was performed by Grasshopper and Rhinoceros 3D and were rendered by using the V-ray’s plugin. The elements followed the principles of origami to readjust its geometry considering the sun position, changing the shadow in real time depending on the momentary interest. The results of the project show that quadrangular was the most suitable Origami shape for façade elements. In addition, a BIM-based automated system capable of modifying façade elements considering the sun position was performed. The significance of this research relies on the first implementation and design of an Origami constructive element using BIM methodology, showing its viability and opening outstanding future research lines in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency.

BIM Approach in Construction Safety—A Case Study on Preventing Falls from Height

The construction industry has one of the highest occupational accident incidence rates among all economic sectors. Currently, building information modelling (BIM) appears to be a valuable tool for analysing occupational safety issues throughout the construction life cycle of projects, helping to avoid hazards and risks and, consequently, increasing safety. This work investigates BIM methodology and the application of related technologies for building safety planning and demonstrates the potential of this technology for the integrated implementation of safety measures during the design phase and construction site management. The first step consisted of a literature review on applying BIM-related technologies for safety in the design and planning phases. Following this, to show the potentialities of construction simulation, a case study based on BIM 4D to prevent falls from height was developed. With BIM 4D, it is possible to follow the construction process over time, giving the construction safety technicians, designers, supervisors and managers the capability to analyse, in each phase, the potential risks and identify which safety measures should be implemented. BIM can effectively integrate safety measures from the design phase to the construction and use phase and enable integrated safety planning within construction planning, leading to reliable safety management throughout the construction process.

Changing Design Cognition

<p>Building Information Modeling methodology is the current interest for many didactic programs around the world. May be the Master program can be an opportunity to understand the whole BIM concept in the AEC industry. In the Master BIM in Pisa, Italy we are teaching an approach that is not only “tech”. In the Building Information Modeling methodology, the digital representation receives a new strategic task in the world of construction: reducing the gap between the “res aedificanda” and its simulation via object-oriented graphics. Developing research on this way means to offer new powerful opportunities to re-think the link between “the fact” and “its representation”. There is a strong link between graphics approach and cognitive paradigms in design architecture. If the Building Information Modeling could be an answer for the actual needs of the world of AEC, digital design in BIM becomes the way to think the whole project “as one”. In the BIM graphics environment, the digital drawing changes the sign in ontology. To sum up, we are moving beyond vision to "experience" the design before it is built: we design the constructive ontology according to our experience of the “fabrica”. Modeling the interaction means represent the process through the time.</p>

Implementing BIM for conventional tunnels - a proposed methodology and case study

The topic of Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption by public organizations has become a central subject of research, and a significant amount of BIM documents, guidelines, and standards have been created to meet different organizational purposes. Compared to the building industry, the application of BIM tools for tunnel project management is lagging far behind. This paper proposes a methodology for integrating BIM tools for conventional tunnelling. A fundamental distinction is made between the tunnel internal architectural domain and the external structural domain. For the former, BIM methodology can be applied similarly to the building industry. For the latter, it is suggested that a BIM model be built according to the essential information generated during tunnelling excavation. The proposed methodology was put to test for an actual tunneling project. A routine was established where the supervisor on behalf of the owner was responsible for gathering and reporting essential data in tabular form. Via REVIT's Application Programming Interface (API), a code was developed so that a BIM model was built and updated automatic to data insertion. Ultimately, the final BIM model allows managing up-to-date qualitative and quantitative information visually. Thus, human understanding and interpretation are enhanced for future uses, such as maintenance, future renovations and project post-analysis.

Quantity surveying and BIM 5D. Its implementation and analysis based on a case study approach in Spain

There is ample evidence to show that in the Spanish architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector, implementation is underway of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology, which is changing the way architectural projects are designed and managed in all their phases. This paper focuses on the quantity surveying practice, carried out in Spain using the newly available digital tools. Through a review of the existing literature and the qualitative analysis of four case studies (CS), it aims to define the key points related to the new processes, roles and skills required by quantity surveyors in this new paradigm of BIM methodology. The information collected from different sources was coded for its qualitative analysis. The findings from the research show that having a rich database and all the available information to design a three dimensional (3D) model are vital for enhancing the quality of the quantity take-off and a project’s cost estimate. From the findings, a new role emerges for the quantity surveyor as a cross-disciplinary profile needed to improve the process. In Spain, there is still a shortfall in knowledge levels of cost management software and the implementation of BIM, which differs in direct relation to company size and type.

Using Building Information & Energy Modelling for Energy Efficient Designs

The construction industry has a huge impact on the environment in terms of noise, water and land pollution, traffic congestion and waste disposal. Another aspect of the construction industry impact on the environment is the increasing energy consumption. According to published research, buildings energy use is expected to increase by 32% by the year 2040. As a result, efforts have been directed toward improving green building awareness and the application of sustainability concepts in the design, construction and building management processes. In this research, using extensive simulations, the integration between Building Information Modeling methodology (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM) methodologies in order to effectively minimize the overall energy consumption of a residential building in the UAE is investigated by studying several design factors including: building orientation and windows type, size and distribution on the overall building energy consumption. Results show that to increase the modelled building’s energy and financial efficiency, recommended changes to the initial design have to be done including changing the distribution of the southern façade and the type of windows glazing used. More specifically, there was a peak energy reduction of: 8% with a 180 degrees building orientation angle, 2% with a window to wall ratio of 15%, and 2% when double glazing windows were used. This work validates that the combination of BIM and BEM allows to enhance the overall building energy consumption efficiency and to further establish the needed sustainability goals through a generated 3D model.

Introducing BIM in Curricular Programs of Civil Engineering

Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables the Civil engineers professional to accomplish the digital requiremnts and also the integration and collaboration on the elaboration of projects and maintenance of buildings. BIM methodology is currently the main subject of investigation and application in the construction industry and the education have been exploring the introduction of this issue in curricular programs. The students of civil engineering and architecture, as future professionals, must updated their skills with the most recent innovative technology and knowledge. Several academies better classified within the architecture and engineer sector, were selected and its curricular programs were analyzed: the didactic strategies of inserting BIM teachings are similar in the main concept and practice, but depending of the expertize of the school, the aspects related to architecture, structures, construction or planning are deeper taught; the level cycles of introduction BIM (bachelor, master or postgraduate), the professional courses offered to architects and engineeres and the main subjects were discussed. The principal aim of the curricular research is the characterization of BIM education in distinct academies. A resume of actions and organization of topics that promotes an adequate updating of the students skills was achived, helping BIM educators in their activity.

A Systematic Review of Current Strategies and Methods for BIM Implementation in the Academic Field

Since the international governmental institutions required and/or recommended (according to the regulations of each country and continent) all public works to be certified in the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology, public and private institutions and universities have sought to integrate BIM into their production and educational processes. This requires the university academic environment to focus its efforts on training students in this methodology, as they will need to apply it in any future work activities related to architecture and construction. This article seeks to analyze which methods are being used by higher education institutions around the world to integrate BIM implementation in AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) degrees and to determine if a set of regulatory guidelines exists that could serve as a common foundation for institutions to improve this integration process. To this end, a systematic literature review was carried out on WOS and SCOPUS by applying the PRISMA statement methodology. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected based on keywords, abstracts, and full content of the articles. In the end, 23 articles were thoroughly studied, the integration and evaluation methods analyzed, and results obtained. The analysis shows a consensus on the need to develop common academic guidelines across university centers that define a strategy for curriculum modifications and teaching and learning strategies. Finally, future lines of research are identified.

A BIM-based decision-making framework for optimal seismic retrofit of existing buildings

The selection of the most suitable seismic retrofit strategy for an existing building may represent a challenging task, due to the multitude of technical solutions available, as well as to conflicting criteria involved in the decision-making process. Such an assessment encompasses several steps in which considerable data sets need to be gathered, stored, managed and exchanged between different project stakeholders, in order to provide a clear understanding of the as-built conditions along with the specific design options. In this context, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods represent a viable decision support system when different alternatives need to be evaluated according to a group of criteria, whereas the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology is a consolidated collaboration tool for data management and visualisation for construction projects. In this work, an integrated framework is proposed to increase the level of awareness of the Decision Maker (DM) in taking decisions exploiting the capabilities offered by BIM methodology integrated within a MCDM approach. First, the MCDM-BIM framework is presented and the potential benefits due to BIM in MCDM problems for seismic retrofit are highlighted. Then the idea is applied to a RC-frame building case study, modelled in a BIM environment. Three decision-making scenarios are simulated by considering different DM profiles and retrofit strategies. The alternative interventions are evaluated according to a set of criteria by employing data retrieved from the BIM model. Finally, the optimal solution is assessed for each decision-making scenario.

BIM and IoT Sensors Integration: A Framework for Consumption and Indoor Conditions Data Monitoring of Existing Buildings

The low accessibility to the information regarding buildings current performances causes deep difficulties in planning appropriate interventions. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors make available a high quantity of data on energy consumptions and indoor conditions of an existing building that can drive the choice of energy retrofit interventions. Moreover, the current developments in the topic of the digital twin are leading the diffusion of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methods and tools that can provide valid support to manage all data and information for the retrofit process. This paper shows the aim and the findings of research focused on testing the integrated use of BIM methodology and IoT systems. A common data platform for the visualization of building indoor conditions (e.g., temperature, luminance etc.) and of energy consumption parameters was carried out. This platform, tested on a case study located in Italy, is developed with the integration of low-cost IoT sensors and the Revit model. To obtain a dynamic and automated exchange of data between the sensors and the BIM model, the Revit software was integrated with the Dynamo visual programming platform and with a specific Application Programming Interface (API). It is an easy and straightforward tool that can provide building managers with real-time data and information about the energy consumption and the indoor conditions of buildings, but also allows for viewing of the historical sensor data table and creating graphical historical sensor data. Furthermore, the BIM model allows the management of other useful information about the building, such as dimensional data, functions, characteristics of the components of the building, maintenance status etc., which are essential for a much more conscious, effective and accurate management of the building and for defining the most suitable retrofit scenarios.

RELATIONAL CONTRACTING AND ITS COMBINATION WITH THE BIM METHODOLOGY IN MITIGATING ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION PROBLEMS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Project management in the construction sector is a complex and uncertain process and companies tend to look for the lowest value in the procurement of services and materials. However, contractors do not share the necessary information with the contracted parties and thus give rise to the asymmetric information (AI) phenomenon. The aim of this study is to perform an analysis of the determining factors in the adoption of relational contracting (RC) in combination with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to reduce AI. The results of a questionnaire survey, which was e-mailed to 14 specialists with solid experience (over twenty years) and knowledge in construction projects, revealed that the probability of the AI phenomenon occurring in Portugal is very high, and its impact on construction projects is equally high. The results also show that RC in combination with the BIM methodology contributes very positively to the mitigation of AI problems in construction projects in Portugal. Approximately 85% of respondents consider that the government should seek to reduce AI in the public works sector through the use of RC and its combination with the BIM methodology in the Portuguese Public Contracts Code.

Analysis of BIM Methodology Applied to Practical Cases in the Preservation of Heritage Buildings

The methodology and technology associated with building information modeling (BIM) provide architects, engineers, and historians with concepts and tools that support the development of heritage projects. However, this specific form of BIM orientated towards buildings of patrimonial value—known as historic building information modeling (HBIM)—requires a distinct and additional view, accounting for aspects which are normally not attended to on projects involving new buildings. In an HBIM context, the parametric modeling process, the basis of any BIM procedure, involves the study of shapes, patterns, or standards for the establishment of particular collections of parametric objects, as well as the record of the available technology used to capture digital geometric data. In addition, all the information collected and generated through an HBIM process must be adequately managed, maintained, and archived. In the present study, we intend to list the most recent features of HBIM, based on a bibliographic review, encompassing distinct building situations (preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and structural assessment); different technical equipment (drones, scanners, and photogrammetry); as well as diverse forms of geometric characterization (patterns, geometric rules, or curve generation) and ways of archiving data (stratigraphy, old drawings folders, or as-built models). With the aim of identifying, as an overview, we have presented the principal modeling strategies, technologic devices, and archive procedures, as a contribution to systematizing and organizing the dispersed practical and theorical studies related with HBIM.

ASSESSMENT OF LIMITATIONS OF BIM IMPLEMENTATION IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly being implemented both in the World and in Lithuania. The benefits provided by BIM promise a much more efficient and smoother construction process and suggest that the construction market of the future will continue to develop based on the BIM methodology. However, both the implementation and development of BIM can face some challenges, obstacles and limitations for construction market participants that occur with the use of BIM and that can slow down the smooth implementation of a project. This paper examines the difficulties of BIM in the implementation and use phase. During the research, the literature sources were analysed describing the implementation of BIM in the development of residential and other projects. The advantages and challenges of BIM described by the authors were analysed, and the emerging problems were highlighted. The literature sources analysed and found BIM limitations were grouped according to the most frequently mentioned.Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly being implemented both in the World and in Lithuania. The benefits provided by BIM promise a much more efficient and smoother construction process and suggest that the construction market of the future will continue to develop based on the BIM methodology. However, both the implementation and development of BIM can face some challenges, obstacles and limitations for construction market participants that occur with the use of BIM and that can slow down the smooth implementation of a project. This paper examines the difficulties of BIM in the implementation and use phase. During the research, the literature sources were analysed describing the implementation of BIM in the development of residential and other projects. The advantages and challenges of BIM described by the authors were analysed, and the emerging problems were highlighted. The literature sources analysed and found BIM limitations were grouped according to the most frequently mentioned.

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM)

Cultural heritage conservation and restoration work is a complex process that includes documentation, data collection, interpretation and production. By integrating the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology into this process, the concept of HBIM (Historic Building Information Modeling) has been formed. In this article, the progress of this process with the HBIM methodology in the restoration, protection and management studies of cultural heritage buildings and sites requiring collective and holistic work, the evaluation of access to the information obtained, and the provision of interdisciplinary information exchange were analyzed. By using the SWOT analysis method, the opportunities and threats offered by using the HBIM working methodology were evaluated and the strengths and weaknesses of the HBIM technology were determined. As a result of the SWOT analysis, it has been determined that the HBIM application will positively contribute to the heritage structures and increase in the direction of potential opportunities by eliminating the weaknesses.

Assessing the performance of the BIM implementation process: a case study

The article proposes a system of indicators to measure the performance of BIM (Building Information Modelling) projects. Proposed indicators divided into two groups: quantitative (cost and time related numerical values) and qualitative (verbally expressed measures recalculated to scores according to proposed four-point rating scale). The metrics include the calculation of time and cost variations, the assessment of the organizational scale of BIM deployment, BIM competency granularity level, BIM capability level, BIM maturity level. In the case study, the proposed indicators applied for the evaluation of the results of the real construction project. The limitations and difficulties faced up during the project implementation discussed, and the benefits of the application of the BIM methodology revealed. The application of the proposed methodology is useful in assessing, at which level the BIM applied in construction projects and measuring the progress towards achieving project goals. The proposed methodology may also be useful for constant monitoring of the BIM implementation in construction projects.

BIM Methodology Applied in Structural Design: Analysis of Interoperability in ArchiCAD/ETABS Process

The Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology considers the representation of the building as a virtual BIM model and its main concept is to centralize all the information generated throughout the development of the project. Structural design involves a set of tasks, namely, structure definition, structural analyses, and after the generation of drawings and technical documentation. In all processes, it is required confidence in data transferred between the BIM systems used, and to support this, a high level of interoperability is claimed. The present study aims to evaluate the degree of interoperability between the BIM-based platforms, ArchiCAD (Graphisoft), Revit (Autodesk), and ETABS (CSI). Two-way data flows between these systems were explored using distinct transfer strategies: add-in applications; Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard data format. The research made allows identifying the most appropriate procedure to be adopted by structural engineers, given the interoperability limitations verified, enabling the establishment of a practical guide of sequential procedures on the development of structural designs using BIM tools.

Estándares y trabajo colaborativo como parte de la enseñanza BIM en educación superior

El documento se propone determinar la importancia de los espacios de colaboración en entornos BIM (Building Information Modeling) como fundamento del cambio de paradigma que vive hoy la educación superior, frente a la formación de profesionales con las competencias necesarias para responder a los requerimientos actuales y futuros de la industria AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction). Para lograrlo, se revisarán los aspectos más relevantes a considerar para generar un cambio en la forma de enseñar, enfocándose en incentivar el uso de espacios de colaboración como parte de un proceso de trabajo multidisciplinario. En este sentido, la importancia de potenciar la enseñanza de la metodología BIM radica en su base de procesos y tecnologías colaborativas para aumentar la eficiencia en la ejecución de proyectos de la industria de la construcción. De esta forma se buscar fortalecer la respuesta académica a la disponibilidad de profesionales con las competencias exigidas en el mercado actual y presentar nuevas formas de hacer educación frente a una acelerada transformación digital. Además, se abordan los distintos estándares de la industria de la construcción, y en especial los que dan sustento a la metodología BIM, y que posibilitan mantener consistencia y trazabilidad de la información en todo el ciclo de vida de un proyecto, sin importar en número de participantes de distintas disciplinas que se involucren en él. Detalles del artículo