Building Information Modeling Standards Research Articles

Augmenting materials passports to support disassembly planning based on building information modelling standards

Selective disassembly planning and materials passports are precursor technologies to support the retrieval of reusable building components efficiently. Selective disassembly relies on information about the recovery capacity of the components, while materials passports can be used to keep track of the disassembly information along the component's life cycles. However, the required information for selective disassembly is not represented in materials passports. Therefore, we developed a research approach to augment materials passports by integrating the information related to the components recovery capacity using a BIM-based Semantic Enrichment Engine for Disassembly Planning (SEEDP). First, we investigated the required information for selective disassembly and we proposed a characterization schema for disassembly models. Then, we developed the semantic enriching engine, SEEDP, as a comprehensive solution to automate three crucial steps: data pre-processing, production of materials passports for components, and assessment of disassembly models. Finally, we implemented the approach for two case studies as a functional demonstration.

Sustainability factors of building information modeling (BIM) for a successful construction project management life cycle in Indonesia

Building information modeling (BIM) is an important asset in construction projects from conceptual planning to the preconstruction and operation stages. While many construction projects in developed countries are gradually implementing BIM, the development of this technology in developing countries is still lagging. Some research shows that the application of BIM for certain uses can improve the performance of construction projects, but in Indonesia, its use is still very low. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that can answer the challenges in the sustainability of BIM implementation in construction projects in Indonesia for success in its life cycle. Data were obtained from 44 respondents who answered the questionnaire questions, including owners, supervisory consultants, and contractors representing construction parties in Indonesia. Empirical analysis using multiple linear regression states that there are five factors that, if used to sustainably support the application of BIM, will affect the success of construction project management in its life cycle. The five factors rank as follows based on the results of the analysis: Understanding and Awareness of the importance of BIM; Establishment of BIM standards, codes, rules, and regulations; Competencies and Skills; Commitment and Consistency; and Monitoring and Evaluation. The development of BIM has resulted in new work processes and new ways to interact in construction projects throughout their life cycles.

Perspectives of 3D Probabilistic Subsoil Modeling for BIM

Building information modeling (BIM) in the planning and construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, tunnels, and excavations, requires the generation of comprehensive 3D subsoil models that encompass relevant geological and geotechnical information. Presently, this process relies on the deterministic interpolation of discrete data points obtained from exploratory boreholes and soundings, resulting in a single deterministic prediction. Commonly employed interpolation methods for this purpose include radial basis function and kriging. This contribution introduces probabilistic methods for quantifying prediction uncertainty. The proposed modeling approach is illustrated using simple examples, demonstrating how to use sequential Gaussian and Indicator Simulation techniques to model sedimentary processes such as erosion and lenticular bedding. Subsequently, a site in Munich serves as a case study. The widely used industry foundation classes (IFC) schema allows the integration of the model into the BIM environment. A mapping procedure allows transferring voxel models to the IFC schema. This article discusses the significance of incorporating uncertainty quantification into subsoil modeling and shows its integration into the BIM framework. The proposed approach and its efficient integration with evolving BIM standards and methodologies provides valuable insights for the planning and construction of infrastructure projects.

Machine-readable documents in building information modeling standards

Introduction. Since 2021, adoption of building information modeling technologies has become mandatory in constructing objects using information modeling technologies. Processes of constructing buildings and structures have remained unchanged over the past two years. The time-saving effect of digitalization in construction has not been achieved, and the need to develop information models of capital construction objects resulted in additional costs for manual identification of data in the array of regulatory documents and in ignoring most of the existing requirements. Standard technical documents, even if they are written for automation purposes, do not provide for possible automated data isolation when working with them.Aim: to develop methods for translating standard technical documents into a machine-readable format based on marking up documents with codes of a building information classifier.Materials and methods. The methodology involved analyzing the schemes of documents posted on the website of the Ministry of Construction, which have been issued after the requirements on mandatory use of the classification systems in the development of building information models were included into the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation. The analysis provided for possible unambiguous identification of data between various XML schemes of documents and the availability of a building information classifier for interfacing with the graphic part of the design documentation made in the format of the information model of the capital construction object.Results. The author proposes rules for constructing text and tabular documents with the inclusion of codes of the building information classifier for the development of XML-schemes. Allocation and markup of the tabular part serve for separating the structured and unstructured parts of the document. The marked tabular part can be exported to CAD systems and can serve a source of software settings. Tables, information about the structured coded tables, and a section of terms and definitions that are used to form the machine-readable data are subject to coding.Conclusion. Machine-readable documents can be generated both at the level of national standard technical documents and at the level of company standards reflecting the current configuration of the software adopted for capital construction projects. A set of structured tables exported from the company standards and national standard technical documents can be adopted to replace the established approach to the formation of requirements for information exchange and project implementation plans using information modeling technologies.

A Functional Element-Naming Approach for BIM Elements in Building Envelope Systems

Building information modeling (BIM) is becoming a comprehensive, collaborative process in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM’s purpose is collaboration between project participants while integrating information and completing successful projects. Persistent and recognizable names are used as direct element identifiers in BIM. Currently, element names are manually keyed in by participants. Common data environments (CDE) are recommended by BIM standards for managing information. We discuss the collaborative environment framework in construction. Participants retrieve data using element names in data environments. To reduce manually naming BIM elements, we propose an approach that ensures a unique, recognizable name. The approach strategy is summarized in four points: (1) geometric forms are separated from geometric properties, (2) list data structures are utilized to store naming conventions, creating element names to link databases, (3) project data are distributed to participants in centralized and distributed data environments, and (4) the Grasshopper program is used to create unique element names, which are stored in a database. We present a case study of a physical curtain wall project for verification. A discussion and analysis of the five procedures, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, of our approach in diverse collaboration environments are explored.

Comparative Analysis of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Patterns and Trends in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Developed Countries

This research seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the current ecosystem of BIM technology and its utilization in the UAE. Since the UAE has been an early adopter of BIM, its utilization of BIM is now likely to reach that of developed nations. By adopting the BIM case study analysis framework, two sets of projects of similar categories in terms of functionality and typology were selected and mapped. One set represents projects within the UAE, and the second represents projects from developed nations utilizing BIM during the projects’ lifecycle (LC). Incorporating expert interviews to triangulate the results collected from the case study analysis will further contribute to developing a more in-depth comprehension of BIM use in the UAE. The three significant inferences can be drawn from the findings. Firstly, in the UAE, stakeholders utilize BIM fragmentarily in different stages. Secondly, the full extent of BIM utilization over the project’s LC is not pursued. Thirdly, no effective BIM standards or protocols exist. Even though international firms are the main drivers of UAE BIM adoption and utilization, UAE BIM is still in its infancy, necessitating a more collaborative effort to realize the holistic benefits of the BIM process. The findings could be utilized to identify industry standards and guiding principles for BIM implementation in the UAE and help identify areas for improvement. It also provides valuable insights into how BIM can be used more effectively in the country and how its use can be promoted. Additionally, it could be used as a guide for owners/asset managers and AEC professionals in the UAE looking to implement BIM in their projects.

An Exploratory Investigation of Implementation of Building Information Modeling in Nepalese Architecture–Engineering–Construction Industry

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has gained a lot of traction in Nepal lately due to many AEC firms’ desire to improve their productivity. This research explores the current state and potential of Building Information Modeling in the Nepalese context. The main objective of this research was to gain a holistic view of the digital design and construction approach in the AEC sectors and identify the current state of practice, future trends and opportunities, and challenges for the wider adoption of BIM in the AEC sector. A systematic survey was conducted among various AEC stakeholders; based on their responses, the status of BIM maturity is presented in this paper. We found that the lack of standards and guidelines slows stakeholders’ efforts to unify BIM implementation in projects. However, the survey results show that AEC stakeholders are eager to learn, explore, and implement BIM in their workflows of design and construction practices. The wider implementation of BIM can improve the productivity of design and construction in developing countries such as Nepal. The contributions of this research are methodological and practical. It is demonstrated in this study that qualitative and quantitative data can be integrated in different ways to allow for different avenues of analysis. The logistic regression model deployed in this study identifies the determinants of BIM use and the intensity of their effects on the future use of BIM in the Nepalese AEC industry. The findings of this study can help to formulate BIM standards and training materials that are specific to the Nepalese AEC industry.

EXPLORING THE IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES OF ADOPTING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM) IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Nigeria's construction industry is facing significant challenges such as low productivity, high costs, and poor quality of buildings, and adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) can address these issues, but its adoption has been very slow in Nigeria. This paper aimed at investigating the level of awareness and usage of BIM, factors affecting the adoption, socio-economic benefits of its adoption and barriers and challenges affecting the adoption of BIM in Abuja, Nigeria. 363 structured questionnaires were administered on civil, mechanical & electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and builders in Abuja, out of which 249 valid responses were received and the data obtained was carefully analyzed using descriptive analysis, relative importance index, and mean item score. While 87.95% of the respondents claim that they have heard the BIM concept before, only 19.27% rate their usage and knowledge of BIM as high or very high, this shows that most of the respondents currently do not use BIM in their day-to-day activities. The study shows that BIM education, affordability, ability to gain competitive edge, vision from management and ease of use as some of the most important factors affecting the adoption of BIM in Nigeria. It also highlighted the improvement of visualization & design review, reduction in risk level, improvement of quality, productivity, client satisfaction and project documentation as the most important benefits derivable from the use of BIM. The paper also shows that high cost of training, lack of government support, lack of education, information, investment, ICT infrastructure, power supply and demand from clients as the most important challenges hindering its adoption in Nigeria. The Nigerian construction industry may realize the benefits of BIM in terms of improved project outcomes, increased productivity, and increased efficiency by overcoming these barriers and encouraging a collaborative approach. Key suggestions for enhancing BIM adoption in Nigeria were made in this paper, including but not limited to incorporating BIM into curricula for the built environment, providing professionals with awareness programs and training and establishment of national BIM standards by the government.

Building Information Modelling in quantity surveying practices: current state and future challenges in Hong Kong

The use of building information modelling (BIM) in recent years has accelerated the performance and productivity of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM can promote lean management, with enhanced control over budget and cost. However, the application of BIM for quantity surveying (QS) practices has not been extensively explored. Thus, this study examined the current situation and future challenges of BIM adoption in QS practices in Hong Kong. Questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews were administered to obtain insights from AEC industry practitioners in Hong Kong. Sixty survey respondents and nine interviewees participated in this study. The participants were quantity surveyors from developers, consultancy firms, and contractor companies. Results suggest that quantity surveyors are increasingly adopting BIM in Hong Kong. However, the low quality of BIM models and improper implementation of BIM often limit BIM adoption in QS practices. Another critical challenge is the absence of well-recognised BIM standards. Moreover, the shortage of skilled BIM professionals jeopardises the development and adoption of BIM in QS practices. The findings highlight the current achievements and barriers associated with BIM adoption in QS practices in Hong Kong. Prerequisites for successfully applying BIM in QS practices are suggested herein.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Job Performance: An Empirical Analysis in Public Sector Project Management

The construction sector often faces various problems especially related to time, rising costs, project delays, waste and errors that can hinder the economic development. In order to overcome the problems, application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction project is actively implemented in improving work efficiency and performance among industry practitioners especially in developed countries. Nonetheless, the ability of BIM towards highlighting its productivity and performance cannot be seen in the construction industry in Malaysia and faces several challenges that affected the job performance. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between various critical success factors and job performance among professionals who have used BIM applications in construction of project management. The stratified sampling method with the population of 345 professionals who practice the use of BIM applications in construction project management are applied in the study. The total population was collected from a preliminary study of the number of pre-contract stages in PWDs that had implemented BIM. Two models were constructed to be analyzed for multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that four factors (collaborative synergy, ICT utilization, commitment and knowledge, culture orientation) have a significant positive relationship with job performance. While, external factor (collaborative synergy) has the most significant influence on job performance among those involved with the use of BIM applications. The findings of the study also have highlighted two major weaknesses that limit the effectiveness of the use of BIM applications are related to digital skills among staff and lack of support from management. These elements of weaknesses are seen to have affected the work performance in Malaysian construction sector. In the future research, to get more comprehensive view it is suggested several other factors especially external factors such as government policy and legislation, BIM guidelines and standards are to be considered in the study.

The Development of BIM-MyCREST Process Model for Concept Design of Green Buildings

The synergies of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process and green building assessment tools (GBATs) like the Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST) known as green BIM, ensure that information is accurately exchanged during the green building design (GBD) practices. However, the issue of poor Information Exchange synthesis persists due to the lack of a standard model for green BIM implementation. Therefore, this study aims to develop the BIM-MyCREST Process Model (BMPM) for the concept design of green buildings. To actualize the research aim, an in-depth interview was conducted with 10 construction experts. Using the narrative analysis technique, the interview data were analyzed to identify the incidents that take place during the BIM process execution in GBD practices. With reference to MyCREST Guide, BIM standards; and the use of Integrated DEFinition (IDEF) language (IDEF0 and IDEF3), the BMPM was explicitly coordinated following the narratives of the interviewees. The developed BMPM will enable the multi-disciplinary GBD team to use the diverse domain BIM software to exchange accurate information and make critical decisions during the design of green buildings; thereby developing a building with high sustainability performance and accomplishing the business and commercial objectives of the MyCREST rating.

Supporting construction stakeholders with the circular economy: A trans-scaler framework to understand the holistic approach

Although the construction sector is one of the least digitized sectors, the last decade has been a period that some qualify as the 4th industrial revolution, notably with the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, the construction industry is still one of the most resource-intensive sectors, generating Megatons of waste every year. To decrease the impact of the construction on the environment, authorities are getting interested in adopting a circular economy (CE) approach, including servitization. Although there is an emulsion around the circular economy approach, organisational tools to help construction practitioners to move to a CE approach are dramatically lacking. The purpose of the paper is to develop a BIM-based trans-scalar theoretical framework to support practitioners in their understanding and the implementation of the CE approach. The trans-scalar theoretical framework is established with data extracted from a research portfolio fuelled by three main databases, Scopus, RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Plan of Work and BIM standards. First, the RIBA framework and the information delivery cycle were adjusted to incorporate the sustainable end-of-life, as a phase in the CE context. Based on theoretical foundations, the main contribution of this paper is the trans-scalar theoretical framework developing and clarifying what are the main asset lifecycle phases (including the end-of-life), their related stakeholders, and the interplays between them, in the UK context. The paper also organizes holistically two scales, the asset lifecycle phases and the material flow, whether new or recovered, in the context of BIM and CE. Some future areas of research are presented, including how the BIM-based trans-scalar theoretical framework could be improved with inputs from construction experts.

Scanning Technologies to Building Information Modelling: A Review

Building information modelling (BIM) is evolving significantly in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. BIM involves various remote-sensing tools, procedures and standards that are useful for collating the semantic information required to produce 3D models. This is thanks to LiDAR technology, which has become one of the key elements in BIM, useful to capture a semantically rich geometric representation of 3D models in terms of 3D point clouds. This review paper explains the ‘Scan to BIM’ methodology in detail. The paper starts by summarising the 3D point clouds of LiDAR and photogrammetry. LiDAR systems based on different platforms, such as mobile, terrestrial, spaceborne and airborne, are outlined and compared. In addition, the importance of integrating multisource data is briefly discussed. Various methodologies involved in point-cloud processing such as sampling, registration and semantic segmentation are explained in detail. Furthermore, different open BIM standards are summarised and compared. Finally, current limitations and future directions are highlighted to provide useful solutions for efficient BIM models.

A Methodology for the Digitalization of the Residential Building Renovation Process through OpenBIM-Based Workflows

The European building industry is facing a strong increase in renovation processes, which are still non-cost-effective, involve unproperly coordinated stakeholders, are disturbing for the occupants, and cause important inefficiencies in the overall renovation process. In this context, digitalization and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as an enabler, is the key solution that may drive renovation interventions to ensure a more successful and leaner process, aiding the whole value chain of actors to achieve its full potential. This research describes the OpenBIM methodology applied in order to transform the implicit knowledge from the stakeholders involved in the building renovation process, not structured enough for automation, into an OpenBIM digital process based on the BIM standards. The outcomes of this research are the OpenBIM ready workflows that represent the renovation process and information requirements according to the involvement of different stakeholders rooted in the analysis of barriers, requirements, and needs. Those workflows are the basis for the future development of specific products and tools for boosting digitalization and interoperability in the renovation process.

Design and Research on the Intelligent System of Urban Rail Transit Project based on BIM+GIS

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has been widely used in the construction industry, especially in the field of civil construction. BIM standards, basic software and management platforms are relatively mature. The urban rail transit projects are linear projects, they not only span long lines, multiple regions, involve multiple disciplines, and are difficult to coordinate, but also have complex surrounding environments and high safety requirements. Therefore, their needs for integrated construction and operation applications are more concentrated. In order to solve the problems of data isolation, single display form, abnormal situation notification and delayed processing in urban rail transit construction monitoring, combined with GIS+BIM technology, a complete set of construction monitoring information management process and data organization plan is proposed, and the development is oriented. The construction monitoring system of project construction management focuses on solving the problems of the integration, display, early warning and secondary early warning of construction monitoring data. The system realizes the functions of input, storage, processing, three-dimensional display and early warning of measuring point information and daily measurement information. It is integrated with the GIS+BIM management and control platform, and the project is carried out in the construction project of Qingdao Rail Transit Line 8. Application, interact with functions such as model browsing, schedule control, engineering quantity management, video monitoring, etc., to improve the management efficiency and safety quality level of on-site construction.The mainstream GIS and BIM data based research on construction monitoring data standards promote the in-depth integration of construction monitoring data and improve the data entry and association efficiency.

Factors impacting BIM application in prefabricated buildings in China with DEMATEL-ISM

PurposeSome papers have investigated the complex factors impacting building information modeling (BIM) application in prefabricated buildings (PBs), but few paid attention to their interaction relationships. Ignoring the fact that different factors are not isolated may lead to some key factors being overlooked without appropriate improvement strategies being proposed. This paper aims to analyze those factors and their inter-relationships, with the view to identify the critical factors and their interaction relationships so as to derive constructive strategies that would effectively facilitate BIM adoption in Chinese prefabrication.Design/methodology/approachFirst, factors influencing BIM application in prefabrication are extracted and collated by literature review, expert interview and analysis of PBs characteristics. Thereafter, an evaluation laboratory (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) and interpretive structural modeling are used to explore the relationships and hierarchy among the factors. Based on the degree of cause and centrality, critical factors are extracted and the interaction relationship are investigated.FindingsThe results show that BIM policies and standards for PBs are the main causal factors. The maturity of BIM software and BIM data interface for PBs, willingness to share data, the strategic goals of the enterprise, BIM law and BIM input and benefit are the main transitional factors while BIM staff and workflow, enterprise attitude, distribution of BIM liability and cooperation of participants are the main direct factors.Originality/valueBased on the above findings, corresponding improvement strategies are proposed so as to promote BIM application in prefabrication and the rapid development of China’s PBs efficiently.

Requirements and process analysis for ports and waterways openBIM ISO standards development

PurposeDefining building information modelling (BIM) standards for the infrastructure domain is a central issue to the successful implementation of BIM in civil engineering domains. To this end, this paper aims to present a requirements and process analysis for the ports and waterways domain to address the lack of BIM standards development, using the information delivery manual (IDM) approach and the ethos of openBIM standards.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses the IDM approach. This involves the definition of use cases, process maps, exchange scenarios and subsequent exchange requirements. All these developments were sourced and validated by a series of international industry consultations.FindingsThe paper identifies 30 domain relevant use cases collated from existing sources and new cases. An overview and detailed ports and waterways process map (defining actors, activities and data exchanges). The process maps highlighted 38 exchange scenarios between various activities. Various exchange requirements were defined and are discussed in the context of the required information exchange model and the extensions required to fulfil the needs of the domain. The analysis provides the core information for the next steps of development for a substantial extension to the Industry Foundation Classes and the supporting data dictionary standards.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the international scope of the research, the outcomes can be applied by any stakeholders in the domain of ports and waterways. Therefore, some variation is expected at a national and organizational level. This research has the potential to accelerate the adoption of openBIM standards within the ports and waterways domain leading to increases in efficiency, collaborative working.Originality/valueThis paper reviews the requirements of an identified gap in the provision of openBIM standards relevant and applicable to the domain of ports and waterways.

Modelling and coordination of building design: an experience of BIM learning/upskilling

ABSTRACT The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry requires multidisciplinary teams equipped with new technical and managerial skills. Professionals that are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the BIM design process face difficulties in transposing complex concepts into BIM modelling and coordination practices, despite governments, industry bodies, and academia's efforts. With this issue in mind, this article's objective is to present the teaching-learning strategies and tools adopted in a practical case of modelling an existing building on a BIM platform. In terms of method, a phenomenological approach has been taken to report on an exploratory didactic experience. The Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) was used to assess learning based on the authors’ perceptions. The research has been structured into the following five stages: Literature Review; Analysis of Brazilian and International BIM Standards and Guides; Didactic exercise; Experience Assessment; and Conclusions. The results reveal aspects of BIM processes that can be widely investigated in an academic environment, such as the BIM design and coordination process model, which can be explored as a tool in the BIM teaching-learning process. Also, difficulties related to teaching BIM management processes were identified, thus calling for different didactic approaches. The contributions made by the research come from reporting and analysing the process of learning complex BIM content from the perspective of inexperienced professionals. The work also contributes to the field through the BIM learning assessment proposal and the BIM process model resulted from the authors’ practical experience.

A comparative analysis of BIM standards and guidelines between UK and USA

Architectural projects, carried out by the public sector in Iraq using traditional methods suffer from lots of problems such as the inaccurate estimation of time and cost, and the poor cooperation among project team members. To tackle these problems, it is important to benefit from the experiences of the pioneering countries in this field such as the UK and USA. These countries kept pace with digital development and established new systems in construction, namely Building Information Modelling (BIM). This paper investigates the similarities and differences between the BIM standards and guidelines in the UK and USA. The findings of this comparative analysis can build a knowledge base for establishing BIM standards in Iraq. The paper identified the similar aspects to be adopted in the Iraqi standard of BIM, such as the design techniques, the designers’ roles and responsibilities, and some aspects in the information management. In addition, their differences are distinguished, which indicate the specificity of BIM application in each country. For the different aspects, the Iraqi BIM standard can either adopt the descriptions of the UK or USA such as the method of structuring design data, or reflect the Iraqi specificity such as the national library of BIM.

A GLOBAL ANALYSIS OF BIM STANDARDS ACROSS THE GLOBE: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents a paradigm shift in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry as companies reposition themselves from a people, technology and process perspective to improve efficiency and quality. The aim of this paper is to identify and compare BIM standards, guidelines and templates from around the globe in order to provide an indicative central resource for BIM documentation and gaps in BIM standards. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research methodological approach was utilised, underpinned by document analysis of BIM standards developed in different countries across six continents. These findings are presented in tabular format along with illustrations to highlight documentation gaps, which form the basis of discussion. This research evaluates 13 countries’ BIM standards, guidelines and templates; the correlation of which presents relationships and synergy, including recommendations for the development of standards based on the gaps presented. Research findings provide a pivotal appreciation of the different levels of maturity – the discourse of which can act as a signpost for each countries reflection, viz: government, industry bodies or academic institution to help develop BIM standards to fill the gaps in contract, Employers Information Requirement (EIR), BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and design documentation.