Building Information Modelling Management Research Articles

Developing a Blockchain-Based Framework for Digital Archiving of BIM Using Axiomatic Design

Building information modeling (BIM) has been attracting increasing attention in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in recent years. The wide spread of BIM marks the transition from 2D and paper-based archiving to 3D and digital archiving of project information. However, the commonly used centralized managing approaches for BIM data have high risks of data loss and data tampering. With cryptographic algorithms and distributed databases, blockchain has the potential to address the limitations of data loss and trust in conventional BIM management methods. Therefore, this paper proposes a blockchain-based framework for digital archiving of BIM data. In this paper, the axiomatic design approach is utilized to design the archiving framework in order to systematically map the design parameters with the functional requirements and minimize the information contents. The proposed framework contains five modules, including the BIM module, building plan approval (BPA) module, building data simplification (BDS) module, distributed data storage (DDS) module, and digital document verification (DDV) module. Hyperledger Fabric is utilized to develop the blockchain system based on the proposed framework. In the end, a simple BIM model with 240 components and around 11,000 lines of content in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file is taken as an illustrative example to validate the proposed blockchain approach. By storing the BIM model on to the developed blockchain, it is found that each transaction of a blockchain can store over 5000 lines of IFC contents with 0.09 s of uploading latency. The results show that the proposed blockchain-based approach can effectively and securely archive BIM data.

BIM-Supporting System by Integrating Risk Management and Value Management

Construction projects are of great importance because of their large financial allocations in the federal budgets of countries. This study used risk management and value management as an integrative model with Building Information Modeling (BIM). Risk management techniques were used to identify risks and quantify their impact on cost, and value management was used to identify effective mitigation measures for each risk factor. This study developed software to support BIM and risk management, including measures to assess risks and their impact on the cost estimation process, to be part of the information flowing to the project parties. The total number of risks was 52 with multiple mitigation measures for each determined using brainstorming. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchal Process (FAHP) was used to determine the relative importance of risk and the cost range of the selected items.

Potentials of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Managing Variations

As property development and information technologies are going rapid in these few decades, information construction becomes necessarily as a management tool. Changes and variations in construction projects are common and inevitable. This paper aims to study potentials of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in managing variations. The research objective is to identify the potentials of BIM in managing variations. Qualitative method was adopted for this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the respondents to collect data. Twelve respondents were chosen based on the following criteria: (a) involved in BIM projects and (b) experts with BIM knowledge. The respondents involved in the interviews are BIM software providers, BIM software resellers, BIM consultants, main contractors and government personnel in Malaysia. From the interview findings, the potentials of BIM in managing variations are to reduce the variations due to design-related changes, material-related changes, information discrepancies and construction method. Resolving design-related changes includes better visualisation, design coordination, clash detection, better decision making and minimised uncertainties. Managing material-related changes involves automated quantity taking-off, detailed plan for visualisation and material purchase plan. Reducing information discrepancies involves data digitalisation, communication and collaboration, real-time tracking changes as well as improved on request for information (RFI) process. Minimising variations due to construction method includes simulation, better site management and prefabrication with BIM. This research proves that it is necessary to promote BIM management approach in managing variations.

Factors influencing BIM use in green building construction project management in the UK and China

ABSTRACT Decentralization and a lack of integration in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry are some of the main challenges for project management in green building construction. To address this problem, many construction companies have attempted to use building information modelling (BIM) to coordinate and optimize the management of green building projects. However, the research on successfully adopting and using BIM in interdisciplinary teams working on green building projects is limited; moreover, comprehensive comparisons across different countries and regions are lacking. Therefore, this study conducts a novel investigation of the key factors affecting the use of BIM in project management for green building construction through case studies in the UK and China. This study uses semi-structured interviews, Python-based term frequency analysis and thematic analysis to identify five key themes, namely, communication, data environment, motivation, project members and policy, which influence the adoption and implementation of BIM. In addition, based on gained insights, the impacts of different green building certification levels on BIM project management during the construction phase must be fully considered. These findings provide practical recommendations for BIM management in green building construction projects and contribute to the field of construction management.

An analysis of BIM-related job requirements based on text mining in China

Purpose Although building information modeling (BIM) has brought competitive advantages and many new jobs, the BIM-related job market is still confusing in China, which will undermine the adoption of BIM. This paper aims to show what kinds of BIM-related jobs are there in China, what employers require and whether all BIM engineers are the same kind. Design/methodology/approach A text mining approach, structural topic model, was used to process the job descriptions of 1,221 BIM-related online job advertisements in China, followed by a cluster analysis based on it. Findings First, 10 topics of requirements with the impact of experience and educational background to them were found, namely, rendering software, international project, design, management, personal quality, experience, modeling, relation and certificate. Then, six types were clustered, namely, BIM modeler, BIM application engineer, BIM consultant, BIM manager, BIM developer and BIM designer. Finally, different kinds of BIM engineers proved this title was an expediency leading to confusion. Originality/value This paper can provide a clear and insightful look into the confusing and unheeded BIM-related job market in China and might help to cope with the abuse of job titles. It could also benefit both employers and candidates in their recruitment for better matching.

Experiential learning in the context of BIM

<abstract> <p>BIM (Building Information Modeling) is conceived and understood differently depending on the profession and industry. As a technology, process or methodology, it is becoming an everyday part of the work of many engineers who deal with space. Hundreds of thousands of current and future representatives of the broadly defined construction industry (AECOO - Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owner Operator), which accounts for about 1/10 of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of almost every country (including Poland), are educated in the formal education process in full-time, part-time, postgraduate or doctoral programs. BIM-related knowledge is imparted in various fields of study. Many publications mention the topic of BIM in education. However, they focus their attention on what to teach. This is undoubtedly very important, yet it is often forgotten how important it is to convey this knowledge.</p> <p>I conducted an in-depth literature review of the content of teaching BIM theory and practice and the ways in which they are taught. My aim was to synthesize the latest trends in BIM didactics, present the latest methods and techniques for experiential learning and propose a conceptual framework for BIM education. The good practices presented in the paper can be used by a wide spectrum of teachers: university teachers, trainers or BIM managers. The previous form of monologue lectures must be abandoned in favor of interactive lectures that formulate problems. Labs or projects, on the other hand, should become a place for problem-solving and transcending the limitations posed by the maturity of BIM to date. The presenter should create a friendly learning space which, combined with skillful facilitation, will lead to creative concept generation, discovery or breaking through existing dogmas.</p> </abstract>

ANALYSIS OF BIM MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION PROCESSES IN SLOVAKIA

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the main tools of digitization and enables the achievement of higher process efficiency, introducing new procedures to which companies on the market must adapt. There is a need for new professions that will ensure correct procedures and control mechanisms within the scope of defining, executing, and handing over BIM projects. This article focuses on the analysis of the rate of BIM adoption in Slovakia, especially in the field of BIM management and coordination in order to monitor the situation regarding the operation of specialized positions such as BIM managers and coordinators, based on data from industry research performed in the form of anonymous on-line survey.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Basic Competency Training to improve Building Construction Service Design Products in Banyumas Regency

Background: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology in the field of Architecture, Engineering and Construction that is capable of simulating all information in a development project into a three-dimensional (3D) model. One of the government's efforts in dealing with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 is implementing the use of BIM, and construction technology innovations in each project cycle. By applying the BIM method, both managers, consultants and contractors are able to save processing time, costs incurred and the required workforce. The application of BIM technology can minimize the impact of work delays, increased costs, and construction failures. Contribution: The results of the analysis of the needs of partners show that not all construction service businesses, especially in Banyumas, know and implement BIM. This community service activity is intended to provide basic training to construction service businesses regarding the operation of BIM using Tekla Structures. Method: The method used is a partner needs analysis survey, lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and mentoring. Results: The results of this dedication show that as many as 81% of participants understand the BIM concept after participating in this activity. Conclusion: The holding of this training will provide an overview, improve skills for construction services in Banyumas. Furthermore, it can be applied to the construction process (planning, implementation and maintenance), so that it will produce competitive construction service design products

BIM and ontology-based knowledge management for dam safety monitoring

Dam Safety Monitoring Systems (DSMSs) are crucial in evaluating the operational state of dams. However, heterogeneous monitoring data distributed from multiple sources during the dam operation lacks a unified data integration method and prohibits knowledge extraction and intelligent analysis, which currently poses a labor-intensive task. To address this issue, a solution relying on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and domain ontologies is proposed. Specifically, a DSMS domain ontology (OntoDSMS) is developed by comprehensively collecting domain knowledge and extracting context information from the dam information model. Furthermore, a rule-based reasoner and SPARQL queries are implemented. The proposed approach facilitates the effective integration of dam safety monitoring information while reducing retrieval time effectively compared with traditional databases. A case is illustrated to demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed approach.

Building information modelling execution plans: a global review

A building information modelling (BIM) execution plan is a process-management document that includes the standards, responsibilities and protocols used as a basis for a BIM project. Despite the increased interest in BIM implementation, there are a few studies in the literature specifically tailored to the development of an execution plan. A study was undertaken to review and analyse the literature and synthesise existing knowledge relevant to the topic. A thematic framework of content aspects and trends was developed to define grounds for developing execution plans by examining 36 publications from different organisations worldwide. Based on the framework, this research analysed a total of 29 topics classified into functional, informational, organisational and legal issues and identified their influential relationships where applicable. The study highlighted the current state of BIM management platforms and redefined the connection between BIM contracts, execution plans and model data. The paper has practical implications for defining project-specific execution plans and highlighting the research gaps. It also provides recommendations for future development of execution plans, to be used both as an instrument for advancing the use of BIM and as a regulator of the digitalised and collaborative practices.

Integrating knowledge management and BIM for safety risk identification of deep foundation pit construction

PurposeThe outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has posed severe challenges to infrastructure construction in China. Particularly, the complex technology and high process uncertainty of deep foundation pit construction make its safety risk identification a challenging issue of general concern. To address these challenges, Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be used as an important tool to enhance communication and decision-making among stakeholders during the pandemic. The purpose of this study is to propose a knowledge management and BIM-integrated safety risk identification method for deep foundation pit construction to improve the management efficiency of project participants.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a risk identification method that integrates BIM and knowledge management for deep foundation pit construction. In the framework of knowledge management, the topological relationships between objects in BIM are extracted and visualized in the form of knowledge mapping. After that, formal expressions of codes are established to realize the structured processing of specification provisions and special construction requirements. A comprehensive plug-in for deep foundation pit construction is designed based on the BIM software.FindingsThe proposed method was verified by taking a sub-project in deep foundation pit project construction as an example. The result showed the new method can make full use of the existing specification and special engineering requirements knowledge. In addition, the developed visual BIM plug-in proves the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method, which can help to increase the risk identification efficiency and refinement.Originality/valueThe deep foundation pit safety risk identification is challenged by the confusion of deep foundation pit construction safety knowledge and the complexity of the BIM model. By establishing the standardized expression of normative knowledge and special construction requirements, the efficiency and refinement of risk identification are improved while ensuring the comprehensiveness of results. Moreover, the topology-based risk identification method focuses on the project objects and their relations in the way of network, eliminating the problem of low efficiency from the direct BIM-based risk identification method due to massive data.

Enhancing the MEP Coordination Process with BIM Technology and Management Strategies

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been increasingly used in coordinating the different mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services in the construction industries. As the construction industries are slowly adapting to BIM, the use of 2D software may become obsolete in the future as MEP services are technically more complicated to coordinate, due to respective services’ codes of practice to follow and limit ceiling height. The 3D MEP designs are easy to visualize before installing the respective MEP services on the construction site to prevent delay in the construction process. The aid of current advanced technology has brought BIM to the next level to reduce manual work through automation. Combining both innovative technology and suitable management methods not only improves the workflow in design coordination, but also decreases conflict on the construction site and lowers labor costs. Therefore, this paper tries to explore possible advance technology in BIM and management strategies that could help MEP services to increase productivity, accuracy, and efficiency with a lower cost of finalizing the design of the building. This will assist the contractors to complete construction works before the targeted schedule and meet the client’s expectations.

BIM Model Management for BIM-Based Facility Management in Buildings

Building information modeling (BIM) has recently gained popularity in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Specifically, BIM has been applied in facilities management (FM). However, FM-integrated BIM and MM-integrated BIM are likely to fail when BIM-FM models are not effectively updated or maintained. Thus, it is critical to focus on the management of BIM-FM models during the operation stage of buildings. While several researchers have examined BIM applications and system developments in the context of FM, there is a dearth of research on BIM management, particularly in the operation stage of sustainable buildings. Thus, an approach for BIM-FM models management is herein proposed for building projects. A BIM-FM models management (BFMM) system for owners during the operation stage was developed to ensure effective implementation for the management of BIM-FM models. Using a building in Taiwan as a case study, this study discussed and evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed BFMM system. The results reveal that the BFMM system significantly increases the efficiency of BIM-FM model management. The results of this study can provide a useful reference for those interested in adopting BIM to manage building project facilities. This study concludes by presenting the advantages and limitations of BIM-FM models as well as suggestions for future applications.

Traffic Planning as a Preliminary Tool in Project Documentation for BIM

The paper presents a view on the possibilities of using big data in traffic planning and traffic engineering, which are used in the urban and spatial planning of cities. The question is whether the method of this design activity—especially in feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, or documentation for land-use decisions—can be part of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The result of this engineering activity could at the same time be linked to the documentation for building permits, where a number of professional civil engineers are already making full use of the BIM management system. The problem of traffic engineering and traffic planning is related to the need for extensive data, which are usually not available and, if they are, are from different database sources. Very often, however, engineers have to carry these tasks out with traffic surveys. Most often, these data are from transport centres, or from spatial databases of Geographical Information System (GIS) of cities or regions. In addition, in developed cities, detailed data from specialised strategic materials are available from municipal databases at various levels, in addition to the land-use plan that is the guarantor of the city’s development. Based on empirical experience from the creation of the new city centre of Bratislava, the authors present, from more than six years of engineering activity, what different data traffic engineers and planners need, which can be processed and unified to be part of the management system in the future and, thus, assist in the development of linear construction using BIM tools.

BIM and Asset Management (AM) Interoperability Towards the Adoption of Digital Twins

Digital Twin (DT) is seen as the new shift paradigm for digital transformation in the post-pandemic-built environment sector. Learning from the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Asset Management (AM), there are recurring themes that the interoperability challenge is the key barrier to firstly overcome. The absence of a critical overview of issues and research related to BIM-AM interoperability, is hindering the achievement of sustainable and effective integration between the two systems. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review and analyse the trends and overview of the BIM-AM interoperability publications, identifies and classifies the major research topics on BIM-AM interoperability and finally, proposes future research interoperability directions for DT initiative adoption. To achieve the research aim, a systematic review of the work done to achieve interoperability using a wide range of digital technologies published between 2010 and 2020 related to the interoperability challenges between BIM, and AM and real-time data sources was conducted.

A Review of Advancements in Robotic and Sensor-based Technologies in Construction Sector

The study explores recent innovations in robotic and sensor-based technologies that are spearheading advancements in the construction sector to achieve improvements in construction quality, efficiency, and safety. Automation in construction, although coined as a concept in 1980s, has witnessed minimal progress in the level of application. The study attempts to identify issues constraining adoption of automation in the sector, the recent developments in technologies and their scope in construction, their applications and impacts, and way forward. The role of robotics in various stages of construction and its impact on a wider scale has been identified and discussed. The evolution of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transitioned it into being an efficient mediator in the construction process with novel concepts such as 4D and 5D BIM and Building Knowledge Management. Various sensor technologies, functioning at diverse scales, have found wide-ranging applications on construction sites ranging from high-accuracy positioning to slow-tracking of personnel and materials, as well as, in progress monitoring and quality control. Information Technology has a major role in binding the sensor technology with on-site requirements to create positive results. A study was done to identify such technological interventions and various software utilities which integrate BIM and sensor technology with tools such as GIS. The factors which restrained developments in automation in construction sector were identified in the course of study. Various global examples of advanced automated construction technologies with applications in various stages of construction were discussed. The review successfully identifies the nascent technological innovations and their productive usage in relevant areas of construction sector.

The Development of a BIM-Based Interoperable Toolkit for Efficient Renovation in Buildings: From BIM to Digital Twin

Nowadays, buildings renovation is a subject of special interest since the building and construction sector is the main body responsible for energy consumption and emissions. Hence, it is necessary to concentrate on refurbishment to achieve Europe’s climate neutrality by 2050 according to European Agenda goals. The BIM4EEB Project, a BIM-based fast toolkit for the efficient renovation of residential buildings, directs the attention toward developing an exhaustive toolkit based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) to be adopted in the renovation of existing residential buildings, to make the flow of information efficient, decreasing intervention working time while improving building performances, quality, and comfort for inhabitants. BIM4EEB is developing a BIM management system connected to an operational and multifunctional toolkit for various architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) stakeholders, integrating a set of tools for improving BIM adoption in renovation environments based on an interoperable flow of information. This paper presents the Horizon2020 Project and the framework used to develop the toolkit. In addition, the first outcomes of the toolkit development are outlined. The validation procedure in real environments has started to demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of the methodology and tools. Although the project is still in progress, benefits connected to the framework and the BIM-based toolkit result in an enhanced building renovation process.

DIGITAL TWIN FOR INDOOR DISASTER IN SMART CITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract. Technology has advanced and progressed tremendously, and the term city is being elevated to a new level where the smart city has been introduced globally. Recent developments in the concept of smart city have led to a renewed interest in Digital Twin. Using precise Building Information Modelling (BIM) consolidated with big data and sensors, several attempts have been made to establish digital twin smart cities. In recent years, several researchers have sought to determine the capability of smart city and digital twin for various taxonomies such as development and urban planning purposes, built environment, manufacturing, environmental, disaster management, and healthcare. Despite being beneficial in many disciplines, especially in manufacturing, built environment, and urban planning, these existing studies have shown a lack of aspect in terms of emergency or disaster-related as opposed to the elements mentioned above. This is because the researcher has not treated emergencies or disasters in much detail. Therefore, an extensive review on smart city, digital twin, BIM and disaster management and technology that revolves around these terms were summarised. In general, 39 articles from prominent multidisciplinary databases were retrieved over the last two decades based on the suggested PRISMA workflow. These final articles were analysed and categorised into four themes based on the research content, gist, and keywords. Based on the review of 39 articles related to smart city, digital twin and BIM, a workflow for the smart city digital twin and the conceptual framework for indoor disaster management was proposed accordingly. The establishment of smart city digital twins solely for an indoor emergency can be beneficial to urbanites, and it could provide numerous benefits for enhanced situation assessment, decision making, coordination, and resource allocation.

Value Proposition for Enabling Construction Project Innovation by Applying Building Information Modeling.

Building information modeling (BIM) is evolving as a digital infrastructure model for innovation in the construction field. The innovation-enabling potential of BIM has been highly neglected in the literature. This study explores the innovative potential of BIM, specifically its value in enabling construction innovation (CI). Through reflective research and a literature review, the relationship between BIM and CI is redefined, BIM-CI's value spectrum and underlying mechanisms are mapped and their required resources and activities are illustrated. The results indicate that different BIM applications provide various proinnovation environments wherein CI may flourish. Extra attention should be paid to BIM-enabled systematic collaborative innovation and digital innovation ecosystems with BIM as the core infrastructure that integrates the physical space with cyberspace to accelerate radical innovation. This study extends BIM management research by considering digital innovation and providing a new perspective for CI management theory and practice. The results will provide academics with a solid point of departure for developing relevant research and serve as a reference for practitioners who intend to utilize BIM for efficient innovation in construction projects.

The use of BIM to automated construction and demolition waste management: A literature review from 2009 to 2020

The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is increasingly improving techniques and tools to reduce impacts of activities in the environment and to minimize construction and demolition waste (CDW). One of these innovations is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which can automate construction and waste management throughout the lifecycle. A literature review at a scientific database was realized considering the period from 2009 to 2020 to verify the application of BIM in waste management at construction sites. The results reveal that most of the publications are from the United Kingdom, the United States, and China. The literature review showed that the main application of BIM to CDW management is at the design stage however, BIM can engage team participation and coordination of activities at all stages of the construction life cycle. Although the use of BIM in CDW allows better control of materials, the studies reveal the necessity to develop better indicators to represent real situations at construction sites and incorporate sustainability practices in the building model. The results also showed that the main barrier to integrate BIM and CDW management is the interoperability between BIM tools, which is an opportunity for future research in this area of study.