Building Information Modeling Research Articles

Integrating Building Information Modelling and Artificial Intelligence in Construction Projects: A Review of Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and decision support systems, can deploy complex algorithms to learn sufficiently from the large corpus of building information modelling (BIM) data. An integrated BIM-AI system can leverage the insights to make smart and informed decisions. Hence, the integration of BIM-AI offers vast opportunities to extend the possibilities of innovations in the design and construction of projects. However, this synergy suffers unprecedented challenges. This study conducted a systematic literature review of the challenges and constraints to BIM-AI integration in the construction industry and categorise them into different taxonomies. It used 64 articles, retrieved from the Scopus database using the PRISMA protocol, that were published between 2015 and July 2024. The findings revealed thirty-nine (39) challenges clustered into six taxonomies: technical, knowledge, data, organisational, managerial, and financial. The mean index score analysis revealed financial (µ = 30.50) challenges are the most significant, followed by organisational (µ = 23.86), and technical (µ = 22.29) challenges. Using Pareto analysis, the study highlighted the twenty (20) most important BIM-AI integration challenges. The study further developed strategic mitigation maps containing strategies and targeted interventions to address the identified challenges to the BIM-AI integration. The findings provide insights into the competing issues stifling BIM-AI integration in construction and provide targeted interventions to improve synergy.

METROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE ARRANGEMENT OF MODELS ON THE 3D PRINTER PLATFORM ON THE DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY OF MODELS MANUFACTURED USING PHOTO-CURING TECHNOLOGY - PJM

The paper presents the results of metrological tests and measurements of dimensional accuracy of models manufactured using the photo-curing additive technology of POLYJET MATRIX - PJM. The material from which the samples were manufactured was a liquid polymer resin with the commercial name MED610, which is characterized by a high degree of biocompatibility, which increases the validity of the research in medical and dental applications. The key parameter considered was the location of digital CAD models in selected places of the virtual building platform and it influence of dimensional accuracy. The research results showed a clear impact of the arrangement of models on the building platform on the accuracy of the produced models, both in terms of external and internal diameters.

BIM-based optimization approach to reduce life cycle costs by focusing on the integration of construction and operation phases in office-commercial buildings

This study investigates the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to reduce life cycle costs (LCC) by addressing critical nonconformances encountered during the construction and operational phases of buildings. The primary aim is to identify nonconformances that escalate operational costs and to evaluate how BIM can effectively reduce these costs. The research begins with a comprehensive review of existing literature and utilizes the Delphi method to identify four key nonconformances that most significantly impact operational expenses. To further analyze these issues, semi-structured interviews and the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) are employed to determine the cost ranges of components associated with these nonconformances in both the construction and operational phases. The study finds that BIM-based optimization can lead to substantial cost reductions, although there are limitations due to the lack of precise data on the operational phase of low-cost equipment. The key contribution of this research is the development of a framework that helps designers create more effective BIM models, enhancing facilities management (FM) and reducing LCC. The originality of this study lies in its integrated approach, combining BIM and optimization techniques to directly address operational cost issues, which provides a novel perspective on improving life cycle cost management in buildings. Future research should expand the dataset and explore a broader range of nonconformances to refine and extend the framework's applicability.

Utilizing building information modeling (BIM) in the operation phase of civil infrastructure to analyze reinforcement corrosion induced by carbonation

Utilizing building information modeling (BIM) in the operation phase of civil infrastructure to analyze reinforcement corrosion induced by carbonation

Depth-informed point cloud-to-BIM registration for construction inspection using augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being used to assist construction inspection onsite. Underpinning this AR-assisted inspection is a technique called registration, which aims to align the physical world with a digital building information model (BIM) so that the as-built can be intuitively compared with the as-designed. Despite its importance, how to precisely and efficiently register BIM to the physical world still remains a challenge. This paper contributes to tackling the challenge by proposing a novel depth-informed point cloud-to-BIM registration (D-PC2BIM) algorithm. The idea is to enhance registration performance by estimating the depth of a sparse point cloud to inform interpolation of the missing points and to extract the endpoints that matter most in a registration. A novel integration algorithm is proposed to improve the success rate of final registration. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which outperformed existing approaches with higher accuracy and faster speed. The contribution of the study resides in the development of the D-PC2BIM algorithm and a demonstration of its applicability in enabling construction inspection using AR.

Federating cross-domain BIM-based knowledge graph

Despite decades of the digitization of the construction industry, interoperability challenges prevail. One of which is the lack of sufficient integration between domain-specific BIM models. Therefore, the paper proposes a novel methodology for federating cross-domain BIM-based knowledge graphs. The approach leverages the integration of multiple models into a single knowledge graph, aiming to bridge the existing gaps in data exchange and enhance the semantic richness of building information models. Through a detailed exploration of existing data exchange mechanisms, popular ontologies, and schema limitations, this research addresses the interoperability dilemma. A practical demonstration, encapsulated in the “LBD-Online-Merge” demo application, validates the methodology’s efficacy in real-world scenarios, illustrating its potential to revolutionize building operations management and data preparation for the operational phase of a building’s lifecycle. This study significantly contributes to the academic and practical discourse by providing a robust framework for achieving a more integrated, intelligent building information management ecosystem, setting a new benchmark for future research and applications in constructing semantically rich digital twins of the built environment.

Multi-objective optimization of building energy consumption and thermal comfort based on SVR-NSGA-II

It is necessary to reduce the huge energy consumption of buildings while ensuring indoor thermal comfort. The building envelope design notably affects the energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort. This study proposes a framework of support vector regression non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (SVR-NSGA-II) to study the multi-objective optimization of buildings and discover the best building envelope design. First, the data are obtained by OpenStudio 1.1.0 simulation. Then SVR is used to describe the relationships between the parameters and the two objectives. Using SVR models as the objective functions, NSGA-II is applied to optimize the objectives. Finally, taking a proposed office building as an example, the developed framework is applied, verifying its feasibility and effectiveness. The optimized parameters of the building envelope are as follows: the exterior wall U-value, roof U-value, exterior wall U-value, solar heat gain coefficient value (SHGC), and south, north, east, west window-to-wall ratios are respectively equal to 0.664 , 0.393 , 1 , 0.381, 0.697, 0.7, 0.273, and 0.254. The design of the proposed building can be modified to provide a more energy efficient and comfortable building. The proposed model saves time and simplifies operation compared with traditional building information modeling methods.

A status digital twin approach for physically monitoring over-and-under excavation in large tunnels

Accurate assessments of over-and-under-excavation volumes during tunnel construction are critical for stability and structural safety. Over-and-under-excavation assessment is typically time-consuming as it is undertaken manually and is prone to inaccuracies that adversely impact quality, safety, and costs. To overcome this problem, a status digital twin (to monitor physical conditions) is developed to assess over-and-under excavation during tunneling, enabling a robust and automated assessment of volumes of earth to be determined. The development of the status digital twin comprises three stages: (1) creating an as-designed building information model and as-built point cloud model; (2) producing an automated status update with newly added data; and (3) calculating the of over-and-under excavation volume by building a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN). The status digital twin is tested in a large-scale tunnel project to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness. The average over-and-under excavation thickness is 0.05 m, and the mean error of volume calculation is 4.54 %. The results demonstrate that the status digital twin can accurately assess over-and-under excavation during the construction of large-scale tunnel projects by providing instant feedback concerning over/under excavation, thus enabling quality to be effectively managed and costs to be controlled.

Integrating Gamification with BIM for Enhancing Participatory Design

The combination of gamification and Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be described to support user participation, decision-making, and collaboration in design contexts. Within this aim, this paper presents a literature review on the potential of using gamification in the BIM framework to create immersive participatory design environments. Active involvement of stakeholders by the corporation of gamified components such as challenges and interactive simulations into the design process enables better decisions and enhances user experience. Further, gamification integrated into BIM brings the potential to improve user behavior and decision-making at all stages of the design lifecycle but also the limitations and challenges. It can encourage stakeholder interaction and provide real-time input allowing various stakeholders to make meaningful contributions towards sustainability goals. This study examines recent developments and trends in extended reality (XR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). These advances significantly enhance gamified Building Information Modeling (BIM) environments as being immersive. In addition, it points out some challenges, and ethical concerns encountered with these technologies. Furthermore, this paper highlights some tools and their advantages, disadvantages, pricing, and key elements. Designers can create interactive experiences by combining these technologies with virtual and physical environments. BIM environments powered by gamification can be used in BIM workflows to reach their full potential in shaping future design practices. These include ways to advance cooperative design processes by creating immersive spaces for different stakeholders’ interests and keeping up with emergent technology.

BIM IMPLEMENTATION FOR HERITAGE RENOVATION THROUGHOUT PROJECT LIFECYCLE: CURRENT USE, BENEFITS, AND BARRIERS

Introduction: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has garnered significant attention due to advancements in sophisticated technologies and methods. However, a comprehensive review of the existing literature indicates a lack of research exploring the application of BIM in managing the entire intervention design and renovation processes from a broader system perspective. The purpose of the study was to fill this gap by identifying and evaluating the current utilization, benefits, and barriers associated with implementing BIM in the lifecycle of renovation projects. The study methodology is based on conducting 31 structured interviews with experienced professionals who have employed BIM in their project deliveries. The results reveal that the primary benefits of BIM adoption, in descending order of importance, pertain to improved collective understanding of design intent, lower risk and better predictability of outcomes, better-designed and performing buildings, more accurate project documentation, and increased accuracy of the cost estimate. However, there are several prominent barriers: project budget, complexity of modeling historic structures, cost to hire BIM professionals, and the lack of BIM knowledge. The findings will advance BIM adoption for heritage renovation and enable project stakeholders to focus on realizing the benefits and potential uses of lifecycle BIM, while also addressing the critical challenges discussed in this study.

Use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to Improve Construction Management in the USA

The construction industry in the United States faces ongoing challenges related to cost overruns, project delays, and inefficiencies in project management. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to address these issues by enhancing the precision, collaboration, and decision-making processes in construction management. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the application of BIM in the U.S. construction sector, with a focus on its impact on improving construction management practices. The review explores the specific ways in which BIM contributes to project success, including its ability to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and facilitate real-time collaboration among stakeholders. Through an in-depth analysis of current literature, this paper highlights the specialized functions of BIM that are particularly beneficial for construction management in the U.S., such as clash detection, 4D scheduling, and cost estimation. The paper also examines case studies that demonstrate the successful integration of BIM in large-scale projects across the country, showcasing tangible improvements in project outcomes, including reduced project timelines and enhanced cost efficiency. Additionally, the paper delves into the challenges associated with BIM adoption in the U.S., including the need for skilled personnel, the integration of BIM with existing project management systems, and the legal and contractual implications of BIM-based collaboration. These challenges are discussed alongside strategies for overcoming them, emphasizing the importance of training, standardization, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The findings of this review suggest that the widespread adoption of BIM in the U.S. construction industry holds significant promise for enhancing project management efficiency, improving stakeholder communication, and ultimately contributing to more successful project outcomes. The paper concludes by proposing best practices for BIM implementation in construction management, aiming to guide industry professionals in leveraging this technology to its fullest potential.

Optimalisasi Desain Struktur Gedung Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) – Fakultas Teknik Universitas Indonesia dengan Memanfaatkan BIM (Building Information Modelling)

Project design is a step in the construction process that determines the technical requirements to be applied when the project is constructed. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a form of technological innovation used in project design. BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become the main factor for increasing efficiency and accuracy; using BIM, everything related to design, construction, scheduling, and costs can be integrated into one digital platform that all stakeholders can access. In this paper, the structural planning optimization of the Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) Building - Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, will be carried out. This building planning refers to (SNI-2847-2019) concerning Structural Concrete Requirements for Buildings and (SNI-1726-2019) concerning Procedures for Planning for Earthquake Resistance of Structures. Outputs are generated through superstructure and substructure plans, the design of foundation structures, columns, beams, and plates, 2D Detail Engineering Design (DED), 3D modeling, and construction management plans in the form of Budget Plans and scheduling.

The Relationship between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Precast Concrete Structures

Due to the fact that a major part of the financial resources of each country is spent in the construction industry of that country, the effectiveness of governments from this industry, especially in developing countries, is very high. In recent years, it has been noticed in the world. Among the advantages of using the prefabricated industry, we can mention the production of parts in a short period of time, low cost and high quality. Currently, many projects undergo such changes that it is necessary to reduce the negative effects imposed on projects by using management techniques and tactics as well as the use of modern technologies. Among the negative effects imposed, we can mention things such as capital wastage (increase in cost), increase in construction time, and at the same time decrease in quality. At the same time, all construction management activities, based on the contract documents, depend on the two categories of plans and project specifications. In the traditional methods of construction management, various executive plans such as structural, architectural and facility plans are prepared separately but in coordination with each other. These maps are two-dimensional and even if three-dimensional maps are prepared from them, the system will not be able to identify mistakes, interferences and changes. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between building information modeling and precast concrete structures and the implementation of that system in precast concrete structures.

Perencanaan Ulang Bangunan Gedung Dormitory Kawasan Sains dan Teknologi (KST) Nuklir Yogyakarta Berbasis Building Information Modelling (BIM) 5D

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a method of processing data during the life cycle of a construction project that uses three-dimensional, real-time, and dynamic building modeling software, thereby creating a complete model related to project data from the planning to the construction phase of the project. In the re-planning of the Yogyakarta Nuclear Science and Technology (KST) Dormitory Building based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) 5D, a special moment resisting frame system (SRPMK) structure was used. The planned building consists of 7 floors, including the lower structure consisting of a 50x50 square pile foundation and five types of pile cap, the upper structure consisting of columns, beams, and floor plates. The quality of concrete in the structure used is fc' 40 Mpa and 35 Mpa with reinforcing steel quality fy 420B. In this planning, 2D and 3D modeling was carried out. Structural analysis was carried out using the SAP2000 application, which was then continued with 2D 3D modeling and Quantity take-off results using Revit and Scheduling using Ms. Projects. The Draft Budget (RAB) results for this planning are Rp. 37,691,368,000.00. The planned duration of work is 26 weeks. The results of the scheduling and RAB are then integrated using the Naviswork software so that the simulation results of the work to be planned can be seen.

Adopting integrated project delivery (IPD) in oil and gas construction projects

This review explores the adoption of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in oil and gas construction projects, focusing on the potential benefits, challenges, and strategies for successful implementation. IPD is a collaborative project delivery method that brings together the owner, designer, contractor, and other key stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance communication. In the oil and gas sector, where projects are often complex, capital-intensive, and high-risk, adopting IPD can lead to significant improvements in project outcomes. The review highlights the core principles of IPD, including shared risk and reward, early involvement of key stakeholders, and the use of collaborative tools and technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). These elements of IPD can help to streamline decision-making processes, improve cost management, and reduce the likelihood of disputes. Furthermore, the integration of IPD with advanced technologies, such as digital twins and AI-driven analytics, can enhance real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, leading to better project performance. However, the review also discusses the challenges of adopting IPD in the oil and gas industry, including resistance to change, the need for cultural shifts within organizations, and the complexity of aligning multiple parties with differing interests. It suggests strategies for overcoming these challenges, such as providing training on IPD principles, fostering a culture of collaboration, and developing clear contractual frameworks that support IPD objectives. The review concludes by emphasizing the potential of IPD to transform oil and gas construction projects, leading to more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable project outcomes. It calls for industry-wide efforts to embrace IPD as a standard practice, supported by appropriate policies and guidelines that facilitate its adoption and implementation.

Driving Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism in China through Heritage Building Information Modeling

In recent years, applying building information modeling (BIM) digital technologies to cultural heritage management, monitoring, restoration, with the objective of advancing the sustainable development of both cultural heritage protection and tourism in China, has become a prominent research focus. However, there are a few studies that comprehensively investigate the relationship between BIM, Chinese cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism development. In order to explore the application of BIM in the protection and inheritance of Chinese cultural heritage, as well as its potential in promoting the sustainable development of cultural heritage tourism, this paper adopts the quantitative research method of bibliometrics to explore the research hotspots, development background, and evolution trends of BIM-driven sustainable development in Chinese cultural heritage tourism. By using data obtained from the China Knowledge Network database, multi-level bibliometrics analysis has been conducted through visualized knowledge graphs. The results suggest that the popular research keywords for driving sustainable cultural heritage tourism in China through BIM since year 2000 (23 years) include heritage tourism, heritage protection, building heritage, digital technology, and tourism development. Three research hotspots have been identified, which are cultural heritage protection, cultural heritage tourism development, and cultural heritage tourism management. In terms of tourism development and management, building virtual interactive scenes of cultural heritage facilitated by BIM to enhance tourism experience of tourists, using BIM to assist in efficient management, intelligent decision-making, and personalized services of cultural heritage tourism, assist in better promoting the sustainable development of cultural heritage tourism. In terms of coordinating and managing stakeholders in cultural heritage tourism, BIM technology provides technical support to the government, industry managers, and community residents in information communication, and industry management by constructing a digital model of cultural heritage to better balance the rights and interests of stakeholders.

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

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

Application of Blockchain in Procurement and Management of Building Services: A Critical and Systematic Review

Building services systems are essential for creating a comfortable and safe living environment in buildings. These are complex systems with high stakeholder involvement, a lengthy lifecycle, and high financial costs. This leads to building services systems having complex procurement and management (P&M) requirements which create a multitude of challenges. Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary digital technology under “Procurement 4.0”. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of blockchain technology for systematic procurement and management of building services. The science mapping method was used to systematically and quantitatively analyse 102 publications related to bibliographic records retrieved from Scopus and the Web of Science databases. This includes content analysis of the existing issues, current trends of technologies, and applicability of blockchain in the P&M of building services. The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that publications had grown significantly faster in 2021 related to the P&M of building services with new technologies while there is a minimal collaboration of countries, organisations and authors in publishing research in this area. Further, it is observed that Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the main technology utilised in general P&M. As a result of content analysis, a total of 28 issues that affect the performance of procurement and management of building services are identified. The paper critically evaluates blockchain technology in terms of peer-to-peer networks, hashing algorithms, public key cryptography, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and distributed ledger. It indicates that blockchain provides a perfect match for resolving these issues. The findings of the research will open a path to apply blockchain technology in building services. The study offers a readily available point of reference for practitioners, policymakers and research and development bodies.

METHODOLOGY OF BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING OF URBAN STREETS AND ROADS

Problem statement. New challenges in road construction require the application of modern and globally recognized best practices in the design and management of road infrastructure construction processes, involving the use of the latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies. The implementation of BIM technologies necessitates conducting research to systematize information, forecast and evaluate outcomes, and develop a modeling methodology. The purpose of the article is to develop a methodology for Building Information Modeling of urban streets and roads. Research Results. The proposed methodology for Building Information Modeling is demonstrated using sections of the street and road network in the city of Dnipro. Digital terrain and site models were created in the InfraWorks software based on geospatial data from remote sensing. Conceptual models of urban streets and roads were developed. The conceptual models were exported to Civil 3D, where the terrain model was refined using ground survey data, analyzed, and used to develop route plans, longitudinal and cross profiles of streets and roads. The detailed and coordinated road design solutions in Civil 3D were exported to InfraWorks to build an integrated road infrastructure. An analysis of the spatial smoothness of routes and sight distances on roads was conducted using the building information model. Models of an overpass and bridge developed in Revit were exported to the road infrastructure model. Traffic management measures were modeled. Using the “Traffic Simulation” tools in InfraWorks, vehicle traffic flows on roads and interchanges of the studied street and road network were simulated, taking into account the actual traffic intensity. The building information models were checked for structural deficiencies using Navisworks software. Conclusion. The proposed methodology for designing urban streets and roads using BIM technology involves the step-by-step development of a digital model utilizing software for the automated design of road infrastructure with the required level of detail at each stage of the design process.

Digital Technology Applications in Construction Education: A Systematic Review of Methodological Pluralism

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic analysis of the nexus of methodological pluralism and digital technology pedagogies in construction education literature. Recent technological advancements transform the built-environment-related fields rapidly, and this transformation has the potential to improve productivity and efficiency in the industry. Alongside this transformation, the future workforce should be equipped with skills to accelerate the adoption of evolving technologies. Considering these, this study systematically reviewed over 100 papers in the construction education literature with a qualitative analysis. The majority of the reviewed studies use quasi-experimental design, and several technological advancements are utilized in teaching core construction concepts, mainly building information modeling (BIM) and extended reality (XR). With the applied nature of the construction domain, various studies utilized technology to introduce virtual site visits, quantity take-off and estimating, visualization, scheduling, surveying, and communication. Together with these, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by revealing methodological approaches commonly used by researchers to help spur the growth of research efforts in digital technology utilization in construction, with its significant potential to be one of the reference guides in the construction education literature.