Building Information Modeling Simulation Research Articles

Numerical Simulation and Application of Radial Steel Gate Structure Based on Building Information Modeling under Different Opening Degrees

The safe and stable operation of the radial gate is highly essential for hydropower stations. As the dynamic load of gate, water flow generally causes the irregular distribution of strength, stiffness, and the stability of the gate structure. Traditional simulation technology is usually used to investigate the impact of water flow on gate structure; however, there is a lack of integration and interaction of building information modeling (BIM) and numerical simulation technology to study this issue. Therefore, this paper proposed a computational framework combing BIM and numerical simulation to calculate and analyze the large complex hydraulic radial steel structure. Firstly, the 3D model of the radial gate was established by MicroStation2020, then, the finite element model was output by using it. Secondly, the change laws of strength, stiffness, and stability of the radial gate were analyzed by Ansys-Workbench2020R2 under different opening degrees. The numerical simulation results show that the maximum equivalent stress value was 142.19 MPa, which occurred at the joint between the lower longitudinal beam and the door blade. The maximum deformation was 3.446 mm, which occurred at two longitudinal beams’ middle in the lower part of the panel. When the opening degree is 0.0 m–9.0 m, the natural vibration frequency increases irregularly with the increase in the opening of the gate. Three main vibration modes of the gate vibration were obtained. It proves that it is feasible to analyze the structural performance of radial gates by using BIM and numerical simulation. Finally, the BIM and numerical simulation information management process was established to make the simulation results more valuable. This study expands the application value of BIM and provides a new research idea for large complex hydraulic steel structural analysis. The information management process described in this research can serve as a guide for gate operation and maintenance management.

EXPLORING 4D AND 5D ANALYSIS IN BIM ENVIRONMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURES: A CASE STUDY

Abstract. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a focal point in the construction industry, garnering substantial attention due to its capacity to elevate product quality, facilitate accurate quantity determination, and enhance scheduling efficiency. The inherent complexity of construction projects necessitates the integration of BIM models endowed with automation functionalities for schedules and cost estimation. This integration ensures that updates seamlessly occur throughout the construction process, thereby mitigating project uncertainties and reducing overall costs. While the potential benefits of BIM are recognized, a substantial challenge persists in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) field defining workflows for the automated generation of optimized 4D/5D BIM simulation and analysis. The effective utilization of BIM as a transformative tool requires addressing this challenge to unlock its full potential in project management. BIM serves as a pivotal conduit for project data, providing a structured approach to elevate overall product quality, streamline processes, and minimize contingencies and costs associated with construction projects. Consequently, the successful implementation of BIM with automated 4D/5D simulation and analysis stands as a critical milestone in advancing the capabilities of the AEC industry, ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in construction projects. According to these aspects, the time-cost analysis (4D/5D) of a project for the North-South railway station in Riyadh, designed by Architect Engineer Dia Hilal, was investigated.

Green Retrofitting of Building using BIM-based Sustainability Optimization

The construction industry consumes around 55 percent of Pakistan’s annual energy and is the country’s most energy-intensive sector. It is, therefore, significant to devise a novel and effective model of green retrofitting of current buildings based on Building Information Modelling (BIM) which aims to reduce building energy consumption to effectively meet diversified climatic concerns and to promote sustainable structures. This research aims to reform the existing building by modifying the design parameters for an inefficient building envelope based on BIM simulation and data optimization results to optimize the overall energy consumption. BIM tools, such as Autodesk Revit and DesignBuilder have been used for the evaluation of the optimized energy-efficient design by comparing different design alternatives. After a detailed analysis, this research has concluded that the existing building is consuming a high amount of annual energy. With the help of BIM tools, which possess advanced algorithms for an effective optimization process, a list of ‘green’ solutions i.e., optimal designs has been generated, out of which the optimal and cost-effective design saved 46% of energy in total. In this study, the design variables selection has been fulfilled according to the local environmental sustainability.

TunGPR: Enhancing data-driven maintenance for tunnel linings through synthetic datasets, deep learning and BIM

Non-destructive Testing (NDT) techniques and data-driven technologies are increasingly applied in underground infrastructure maintenance, which can facilitate predictive monitoring for informed decision-making. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is extensively utilised in rapid condition assessment of tunnel linings, particularly for detecting defects that lead to unforeseen changes of dielectric properties of materials. In this paper, a prototyped framework is proposed, namely TunGPR, for GPR-based tunnel lining assessment by incorporating Building Information Modelling (BIM), synthetic database and deep learning-enabled interpretation. The first module integrates laser-scanned point clouds and GPR Scan-to-BIM of tunnel lining with geological model. Subsequently, interoperability is achieved between the geo-integrated BIM and GPR simulation software. From the dielectric model retrieved from the BIM model, a database is established, considering a variety of condition combinations (i.e., voids, cavities, delamination, and water intrusion) leveraging domain randomisation and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) modelling, as well as monitored field data. The dataset is then fed into the diagnostic module underpinned by a dual-rotational Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) that is customised to enhance accuracy and automation of hyperbola detection. Lastly, a preliminary risk assessment matrix is implemented into the BIM model for data management and action prioritisation. These efforts serve as an initial step to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the GPR-enabled data-driven maintenance for tunnel linings in a BIM-centred framework.

Using building information modelling to optimise design quality of natural lighting in Iraqi school buildings

Abstract One of the most important aspects directly affecting a building’s performance is the design quality of the natural day-lighting. The present research evaluates the effectiveness of daylight in school buildings in the city of Baghdad. It aims to ascertain how the characteristics of building windows affect the quality of day-lighting, the objective of this exercise being to improve educational processes in schools by making improvements in relation to the aspect of provision of satisfactory day-lighting levels. A building simulation approach was adopted, and using Autodesk Revit 2018 (Insight plug-in), a daylight analysis was conducted under the aegis of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology. For the case study, we selected the modern design of a 24-classrooms school building, which is part of a plan for the construction of 1,000 Iraqi schools. Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED v4) simulation was conducted on the school building design to provide the results, which were measured and analysed according to LEED v4 standards. The results demonstrated that opening dimensions and direction have an essential impact on natural day-lighting. The research concluded that using BIM simulation tools enhances the design quality of the natural lighting in such a way that compliance with LEED v4 requirements is achieved. The present study will assist in identification and assessment of the problems concerned with natural lighting levels in Iraqi school buildings as well as resolving these at an early design stage.

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.

Fire Protection and Evacuation Analysis in Underground Interchange Tunnels by Integrating BIM and Numerical Simulation

Rescue and evacuation of underground interchange tunnels after a fire are challenging. Therefore, a method of integrating building information modeling (BIM) and a fire dynamic simulator (FDS) was proposed to analyze fire characteristics and personnel escapes in underground interchange tunnels. A BIM model of underground interchange tunnels was built, and then different formats (DXF and CAD) were generated and imported into Pyrosim software and Pathfinder software. With an increase in ventilation velocity, the CO concentration and temperature downstream of the fire source increased, and visibility decreased, according to simulation results. The critical ventilation velocity was 3.6 m/s at 30 MW. Evacuation simulation results suggested that the congestion of the transverse passage was very unfavorable for personnel escape: the escape time increased by 14.9% and 20% when the interior and entrance of the transverse passage were severely congested, while a 2.5 m wide transverse passage effectively reduced the escape time. Visibility was the first indicator that it did not meet the safety of the escape. After the tunnel’s personnel have been evacuated, the air supply or exhaust system should be started, and smoke should be expelled at a higher velocity. It is necessary to clear the passageway quickly or increase the automatic firefighting facilities when congestion is severe.

How BIM Contributes to a Building’s Energy Efficiency throughout Its Whole Life Cycle: Systematic Mapping

This paper presents a systematic mapping (SM) study with the aim to determine how Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodologies and technologies contribute to energy-related analyses over the course of the entire building life cycle. The method adopted in the study is based on a set of seven research questions. We used a mixed technique combining co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling in order to analyze the publications’ datasets for the period 2010–2020. The main advantage and novelty of this study are that the joint dataset from the Scopus and Web of Science databases was used to develop the keyword map. The main findings of this study indicate that many BIM-based applications can be used to analyze the building energy performance at all stages of the building life cycle. However, the applications of BIM in conjunction with other information technologies are limited and are still in the initial stage. In the future, the main improvements should be focused on process, model, system, tool, use and information modeling. The most promising long-term solution is an open BIM framework based on open standards, which allows the integration of BIM and energy simulation tools and satisfies specific data exchange requirements.

BIM-based traffic analysis and simulation at road intersection design

Traffic analysis at road intersections is an important activity in the project design and planning phases because it allows selecting the most suitable traffic requirements and site characteristics. Therefore, traffic simulation models are indispensable and useful tools to support collaborative decision-making. The building information modeling (BIM) approach shows great potential to contribute to the traffic analysis and road design improvement; however, BIM has been adopted mainly in the building sector, rather than road infrastructure projects. Therefore, this paper presents a BIM-based methodological framework for traffic analysis and simulation of road intersection design. The proposed framework has five main steps: 1) BIM models and traffic information collection; 2) BIM model configuration; 3) BIM simulation, analysis, and calibration; 4) BIM cost analysis and documentation; and 5) alternatives comparison and recommendations. The application of the proposed framework to a case study shows several BIM implementation benefits in the traffic analysis at road intersections. Some of the most prominent BIM benefits observed in the case study are a better understanding of design, improved project quality, more efficient communications, scope clarification, and speed up the design process.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OPTIMIZATION TOOL FOR PROTOTYPICAL BUILDINGS IN HOT ARID CLIMATE USING ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS

New Building Information Modelling (BIM) – enabled performance metrics are gaining importance in Building Performance Simulation (BPS). However, scarce work was published featuring holistic metricsfor prototypical designs in hot arid climate. Thus, this research presents a BIM-enabled sustainable early-design decision support tool, whose optimizationvariables are building orientation and Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR). The mode’s objective is reaching optimum building Sustainability Combined Score (SCS); the holistic value of performance parameters considered by the user. To demonstrate the methodology, the daylighting and thermal comfort metrics areconsidered: (1) Day-Lit Area (DLA); (2) Daylight Autonomy (DA); (3) Mean Daylight Factor (µDF); (4) Useful Daylight Index (UDI); (5) Temperature Discomfort Hours (TDH); and (6) Humidity Discomfort Hours (HDH).BIM simulation is carried out for various combinations of building orientations and WWR, metrics are converted into percentages then into criteria scores based upon expert-determined criteria rating scales. Next, using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Criteria Relative Weights (CRW’s) are determined, using a Pairwise Comparison Matrix (PCM). SCS’s are computed for each scenario, as a function of criteria scores and CRW’s. The verification of the AHP Module is done arithmetically using consistency indices. After screening all valid scenarios considering site constraints, accessibility and design codes, the scenario with optimum SCS is obtained. Three cases of prototypical designs, comprising a school building, a civil defense facility and a congregational building are presented. All cases are located in the hot desert climate ofQatar. The validation of the SCS Module output is carried out using expert survey. اکتسب قياس معدلات أداء المنشآت باستخدام نمذجة معلومات البناء زخما کبيرا في کل من التصميم المعماري المستدام ومحاکاة البناء، وبالرغم من ذلک، قلما نشر من أبحاث تتناول معدلات مجمعة لقياس أداء المنشآت، ولاسيما فيما يتعلق بالتصميمات النمطية في المناطق ذات المناخ الصحراوي الجاف، ومن هذا المنطلق، يقدم هذا البحث أداة مبتکرة لدعم اتخاذ القرار ,والوصول لأفضل المعدلات أثناء مرحلة التصميم المبدئي، حيث تتماشى تلک الأداة المقترحة مع نظم نمذجة معلومات البناء، کما تعتمد تلک الأطروحة على تحليلالحالات الممکنة للمتغيرين:زاوية توجيه المنشأ ونسبة النوافذ إلى الحوائط، بهدف التوصل إلى أفضل قيمة للدرجة الکلية للاستدامة، والتي تمثل قيمة موحدة لکافة مؤشرات الأداء المختارة من قبل المستخدم. وبغرض عرض تلک الأطروحة، تم الاعتماد على هذه المجموعة من مؤشرات أداء الإضاءة الطبيعية والراحة الحرارية: (1) المساحة المضاءة طبيعيا، (2) متوسط معامل الإضاءة الطبيعية ، (3) استقلالية الإضاءة الطبيعية، (4) مؤشر الإضاءة الطبيعية، (5) ساعات درجة الحرارة السنوية غير المستوفاة، (6) ساعات الرطوبة النسبية غير المستوفاة. يتم إذا القيام بالمحاکاة المعتمدة على نمذجة معلومات البناء لکل من السيناريوهات الممکنة لزاوية توجيه المبنى مع نسبة النوافذ إلى الحوائط، ويتم تحويل مخرجات تلک الخطوة، وهي القياسات المنفصلة، إلى نسب مئوية، يتم تحويلها بدروها إلى درجات قياسية استنادا إلى مقياس تم تحديده بواسطة ورشة عمل ضمت مجموعة من الخبراء، وهکذا فإنه باستخدام طريقة التحليل الهرمي يتم التوصل إلى الأوزان النسبية لمعدلات الأداء المختارة، وذلک بتطبيق مصفوفة المقارنة الثنائية على تلک المعدلات، وبناء على ذلک يتم تقدير القيم الخاصة بالدرجة الکلية للاستدامة، والتي تعتمد بالأساس على الدرجات القياسية والأوزان النسبيةلمعدلات الأداء، کما يتم التحقق من منظومة التحليل الهرمي رياضيا باستخدام مؤشرات الاتساق، وبالإضافة إلى ذلک، فبعد إتمام عملية التدقيق لکل سيناريو مقترح - من حيث زاوية التوجيه ونسبة النوافذ إلى الحوائط- في ضوءطبيعة الموقع وأکواد البناء المحلية وغيرها من خصائص المشروع، وقد تم تناول ثلاثة مشروعات ذات تصميمات نمطية، تشمل مبنى تعليميا ومنشأة للدفاع المدني ودارا للعبادة، کأمثلة لتطبيق الأداة المقترحة، تقع کلها في المنطقة المناخية الصحراوية الحارة بدولةقطر، مع عرض النتائج التي تم التوصل إليها، وقد تم التحقق من المنظومة الخاصة بدرجة الاستدامة الکلية بواسطة استقصاء موجه إلى نخبة من المعماريين المتخصصين في مجال الاستدامة ونمذجة معلومات البناء، وتم التوصل بالأخير إلى أن المنشآت ذات المساحات الکبيرة عکست دقة أکثر في عملية محاکاة مؤشرات الاستدامة، وأظهرت قدرا أکبر من التأثر بالتغيير في القيم المدخلة من زاوية توجيه المنشأ أو نسبة النوافذ إلى الحوائط، مقارنة بالمنشآت الأصغر مساحة التي لم تتأثر نتائجهابنفس عند تغيير قيم المتغيرات.

Role of BIM and energy simulation tools in designing zero-net energy homes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to design a zero-energy home, which is known to be capable of balancing its own energy production and consumption close to zero. Development of low-energy homes and zero-net energy houses (ZEHs) is vital to move toward energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environment. To achieve zero or low energy targets in homes, it is essential to use the design process that minimizes the need for active mechanical systems. Design/methodology/approach The methodology discussed in this paper consists of an interfacing building information modeling (BIM) tool and a simulation software to determine the potential influence of phase change materials on designing zero-net energy homes. Findings BIM plays a key role in advancing methods for architects and designers to communicate through a common software platform, analyze energy performance through all stages of the design and construction process and make decisions for improving energy efficiency in the built environment. Originality/value This paper reviews the literature relevant to the role of BIM in helping energy simulation for the performance of residential homes to more advanced levels and in modeling the integrated design process of ZEHs.

Building Information Modelling and Energy Simulation for Architecture Design

Over the years, building information modelling (BIM) has undergone a significant increase, both in terms of functions and use. This tool can almost completely manage the entire process of design, construction, and management of a building internally. However, it is not able to fully integrate the functions and especially the information needed to conduct a complex energy analysis. Indeed, even if the energy analysis has been integrated into the BIM environment, it still fails to make the most of all the potential offered by building information modelling. The main goals of this study are the analysis of the interaction between BIM and energy simulation, through a review of the main existing commercial tools (available and user-friendly), and the identification and the application of a methodology in a BIM environment by using Graphisoft’s BIM software Archicad and the plug-in for dynamic energy simulation EcoDesigner STAR. The application on a case study gave the possibility to explore the advantages and the limits of these commercial tools and, consequently, to provide some possible improvements. The results of the analysis, satisfactory from a quantitative and qualitative point of view, validated the methodology proposed in this study and highlighted some limitations of the tools used, in particular for the aspects concerning the personalization of heating systems.

Increasing production efficiency through the reduction of transportation activities and time using 4D BIM simulations

PurposeThis paper proposes to apply the lean philosophy principle of minimizing or eliminating non-value adding activities combined with 4D building information modeling (BIM) simulations to reduce transportation waste in construction production processes.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts design science research (DSR) because of its prescriptive character to produce innovative constructions (artifacts) to solve real-world problems. The artifact proposed is a set of constructs for evaluating the utility of 4D BIM simulations for transportation waste reduction. The authors performed two learning cycles using empirical studies in projects A, B and C. The construction process of cast-in-place (CIP) reinforcement concrete (RC) was selected to demonstrate and evaluate 4D BIM's utility. The empirical studies focused on understanding the current transportation waste, collecting actual performance data during job site visits and demonstrating the usage of 4D BIM.FindingsIn the first cycle, 4D BIM successfully allowed users to understand the CIP-RC process's transportation activities, which were modeled. In the second cycle, 4D BIM enabled better decision-making processes concerning the definitions of strategies for placing reusable formworks for CIP concrete walls by planning transportation activities.Practical implicationsIn Cycle 2, three different scenarios were simulated to identify the most suitable formwork assembly planning, and the results were compared to the real situations identified during the job site visits. The scenario chosen demonstrated that the 4D BIM simulation yielded an 18.75% cycle time reduction. In addition, the simulation contributed to a decrease in transportation waste that was previously identified.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this paper is the use of 4D BIM simulation for managing non-value adding activities to reduce transportation waste. The utility of 4D BIM for the reduction of those conflicts considered three constructs: (1) the capacity to improve transportation activity efficiency, (2) the capacity to improve construction production efficiency and (3) the capacity to reduce transportation waste consequences.

Guidelines for analysing the building energy efficiency using BIM

IntroductionThe benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the construction industry are already known and proved. One of the applications of BIM is to estimate buildings energy demand and foster the introduction of more efficient design alternatives. BIM creates information to support designers’ decision-making and to allow them to compare and select the best options, enhancing buildings energy efficiency. With the increasing use of BIM and energy simulation tools, there is a need to establish a common and valid procedure for buildings energy assessment.Material and MethodsBy carrying out a building simulation with BIM, this paper identifies and describes the fundamental stages and requirements to perform a reliable, concise and fast energy assessment. These guidelines will consider Autodesk Revit as a BIM platform to create and prepare the building 3D model.ResultsThe proposed guidelines cover all the required tasks for a BIM energy assessment, as the building modulation details and requirements, the software interoperability modes and restrictions and the comparison and selection of improvement measures. Inputs and advice are given regarding the use of some of the existing energy simulation BIM tools.ConclusionsWith the increasing number of studies addressing energy simulations with BIM, it is essential to define a set of requisites to precisely perform them. By identifying the minimum requirements and tasks, the proposed guidelines will support future studies in achieving more reliable and comparable results.The possibility to estimate and improve the energy demand of a building during the initial project stages allows for the opportunity to build high performance and more sustainable buildings. BIM capabilities might be an essential support to effectively improve the built environment energy efficiency and accomplish environmental goals.Grant SupportThe authors acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology for its financial support for this study (Reference SFRH/BD/145735/2019).

Exploring and verifying BIM-based energy simulation for building operations

PurposeThe operational phase of a building's lifecycle is receiving increasing attention, as it consumes an enormous amount of energy and results in tremendous detrimental impacts on the environment. While energy simulation can be applied as a tool to evaluate the energy performance of a building in operation, the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is expected to facilitate the evaluation process with predefined and enriched building information. However, such an approach has been confronted by the challenge of interoperability issues among the related application software, including the BIM tools and energy simulation tools, and the results of simulation have been seldom verified due to the unavailability of corresponding experimental data. This study aims to explore the interoperability between the commonly used energy simulation and BIM tools and verifies the simulation approach by undertaking a case study.Design/methodology/approachWith Autodesk Revit and EnergyPlus selected as the commonly used BIM and energy simulation tools, respectively, a valid technical framework of transferring building information between two tools is proposed, and the interoperability issues that occur during the data transfer are studied. The proposed framework is then employed to simulate the energy consumption of a single-family house, and sensitivity analysis and analysis on such parameters as schedule are conducted for building operations to showcase its applicability.FindingsThe simulation results are compared with monitored data and the results from another simulation tool, HOT2000; the comparison reveals that EnergyPlus and HOT2000 predict the total energy consumption with a difference from the monitoring data of 8.0 and 7.1%, respectively.Practical implicationsThis research shows how to efficiently use BIM to support building energy simulation. Relevant stakeholders can learn from this research to avoid data loss during BIM model transformation.Originality/valueThis research explores the application of BIM for building energy simulation, compares the simulation results among different tools and validates simulation results using monitored data.

Improving Effectiveness of Safety Training at Construction Worksite Using 3D BIM Simulation

Construction worker safety and safety training continue to be the main issues in the construction industry. As a means of improving construction worker safety, this study focuses on safety training at an actual construction worksite. In order to promote safety awareness among workers, it is imperative to develop more effective safety training. This study examined safety training as a method of improving construction worker safety, focusing on the effectiveness of the instructional delivery method. Effectiveness pertains to level of understanding of instruction and can be enhanced through improving instructional delivery method. This study aims to examine two different types of safety training methods: (1) the conventional lecture method and (2) innovative method using the 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) simulation, reflecting the hazard condition of the actual site. An experiment is conducted, in which the two types of training are implemented and assessed through testing trainees’ understanding. The workers trained via BIM simulation showed a higher level of understanding than the group of workers who were trained conventionally. Also, a survey was conducted targeting safety managers, in which the workers evaluated lifelike quality of the training, active learning and enjoyment that each of the training methods can promote. This research will provide implications that an innovative method using the virtual reality is more effective than the conventional lecture method.

O uso do BIM para avaliação do desempenho dos edifícios

O objetivo do presente estudo é estabelecer uma conexão entre o BIM e o desempenho das edificações, sua busca e sua avaliação, por meio de uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL). Foram utilizadas duas bases de dados eletrônicas (Science Direct e Scopus), e foram incluídos artigos de periódicos e congressos escritos em inglês. A RSL resultou na inclusão de 79 artigos, publicados de 2006 a 2017, usados na construção do panorama BIM – desempenho. De acordo com a análise bibliométrica, o assunto em discussão vem crescendo desde 2014. Por meio da leitura dos artigos percebeu-se que existem quatro abordagens principais em que o BIM foi usado na análise de características do desempenho das edificações: um grupo de publicações utilizou as ferramentas BIM em conjunto com as ferramentas de simulações de desempenho; outros artigos discutiram sobre a interoperabilidade de ferramentas BIM e ferramentas de simulação; um terceiro grupo buscou integrar o BIM com dados de sensores; e o último grupo identificado discutiu a integração de ferramentas BIM com sistemas de classificação de construção sustentável. As quatro abordagens foram discutidas o que mostrou que o BIM está sendo usado na busca por um melhor desempenho das edificações e também na investigação do desempenho real das edificações. A primeira abordagem contou com mais da metade das publicações identificadas. Não foi possível identificar uma ferramenta de simulação predominante, seja globalmente seja por tipo de simulação de desempenho. Por outro lado, a ferramenta BIM mais utilizada, independentemente da proposta da publicação, foi a Autodesk Revit.

UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEIVED VALUE OF USING BIM FOR ENERGY SIMULATION

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Energy Simulation have both become increasingly important tools in the building sector. The potential exists to achieve a synergistic relationship between BIM and energy simulation software programs by leveraging information stored within BIM models to inform energy models to save time and improve a design's performance. This study seeks to understand the perceptions of green design stakeholders with regard to the value of BIM-based energy simulation as well as associated barriers and benefits. To do so, an e-survey was used to collect data. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Cronbach's Alpha coefficients, Spearman correlations, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results suggest that little to no correlation exists between green design stakeholders' perceptions regarding the value of using information from BIMs to inform energy simulation, and their engagement level with BIM and/or energy simulation. While this study has been limited by its sample size and location of participants, the results help identify different user groups' perceptions and receptiveness to using BIM-based energy simulation tools, which are advancing and transforming the AEC industry. Studies, such as this, emphasize the need for further research on understanding the modeling processes related to energy simulation and BIM models.

Delivering value for money with BIM-embedded housing refurbishment

PurposeThe aim of this research is to examine if building information modelling (BIM) is feasible as an information management platform to determine a financially and environmentally affordable housing refurbishment solution based on the life cycle cost (LCC) and LCC calculation.Design/methodology/approachA case study in conjunction with BIM simulation approach using BIM tools (Autodesk Revit and IES VE/IMPACT) was adopted to identify the feasibility of BIM for the simultaneous formulation of LCC and life cycle assessment in housing refurbishment.FindingsThis research reveals that BIM is a suitable for the information management platform to enable construction professionals to consider trade-off relationship between LCC and life cycle assessment simultaneously, and determine the most financially and environmentally affordable refurbishment solution. The interoperability issues in data exchange among different BIM tools and unstandardized BIM object libraries with incomplete data sets of construction materials are recognised as the major shortcomings in a BIM system. Essential remedial actions to overcome the shortcomings in the current BIM tools are identified.Research limitations/implicationsActual housing information and various refurbishment materials for the BIM simulation are limited.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to supporting construction professionals to prepare practical BIM adoption for the integration of the LCC and life cycle assessment that can significantly improve early decision-makings on sustainable housing refurbishment.Originality/valueThis research will contribute to providing proper remedial actions to overcome the shortcomings in the current BIM tools, and insights for construction professionals to understand the implication of BIM-embedded housing refurbishment.

Project-based pedagogy in interdisciplinary building design adopting BIM

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a pedagogical practice in the project-based assessment of architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) students’ interdisciplinary building design work adopting BIM. This pedagogical practice emphasizes the impacts of BIM, as the digital collaboration platform, on the cross-disciplinary teamwork design through information sharing. This study also focuses on collecting students’ perceptions of building information modeling (BIM) effects in integrated project design. Challenges in BIM adoption from AEC students’ perspective were identified and discussed, and could spark further research needs.Design/methodology/approachBased on a thorough review of previous pedagogical practices of applying BIM in multiple AEC disciplines, this study adopted a case study of the Solar Decathlon (SD) residential building design as the group project for AEC students to deliver the design work and construction planning. In total 13 different teams within the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, each group consisting of final year undergraduate students with backgrounds in architecture, civil engineering, and architectural environmental engineering, worked to deliver the detailed design of the solar-powered residential house meeting pre-specified project objectives in terms of architectural esthetics, structural integrity, energy efficiency, prefabrication construction techniques and other issues such as budget and scheduling. Each team presented the cross-disciplinary design plan with cost estimate and construction scheduling together within group reports. This pedagogical study collected students’ reflective thinking on how BIM affected their design work, and compared their feedback on BIM to that from AEC industry professionals in previous studies.FindingsThe case study of the SD building project showed the capacity of BIM in enabling interdisciplinary collaboration through information exchange and in enhancing communication across different AEC fields. More sustainable design options were considered in the early architectural design stages through the cross-disciplinary cooperation between architecture and building services engineering. BIM motivated AEC student teams to have a more comprehensive design and construction plan by considering multiple criteria including energy efficiency, budget, and construction activities. Students’ reflections indicated both positive effects of BIM (e.g. facilitating information sharing) as well as challenges for further BIM implementation, for example, such as some architecture students’ resistance to BIM, and the lack of existing family types in the BIM library, etc.Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations of the current BIM pedagogy were identified through the student group work. For example, students revealed the problem of interoperability between BIM (i.e. Autodesk Revit) and building energy simulation tools. To further integrate the university education and AEC industry practice, future BIM pedagogical work could recruit professionals and project stakeholders in the adopted case studies, for the purpose of providing professional advice on improving the constructability of the BIM-based design from student work.Practical implicationsTo further integrate the university education and AEC industry practice, future BIM pedagogical work could recruit professionals and project stakeholders in the adopted case study, for the purpose of providing professional advice in improving the constructability of the BIM-based design from student work.Originality/valueThis work provides insights into the information technology applied in the AEC interdisciplinary pedagogy. Students gained the experience of a project-based collaboration and were equipped with BIM capabilities for future employment within the AEC job market. The integrated design approach was embedded throughout the team project process. Overall, this BIM pedagogical practice emphasized the link between academic activities and real-world industrial practice. The pedagogical experience gained in this BIM course could be expanded to future BIM education and research in other themes such as interoperability of building information exchange among different digital tools.