Bridging The Performance Gap: Information Delivery Manual Framework To Improve Life-Cycle Information Availability

Buildings account up to one-third of all global energy, and it will more than double in th e next 50 years. In order to accurately predict the energy performance of buildings and improve the analysis methodologies, researchers have developed hundreds of algorithms to simplify or semi-automate the analysis process. However, there is significant evidence to suggest that buildings do not perform as well in practice as was anticipated at the design stage. Findings from a number of existing studies revealed that actual energy consumption is often twice as much as predicted. The major contributors to the performance gap are lack of available information that exists at different stages of the formal building life cycle and delivery process. This paper proposes a framework to develop an integrated and seamless Information Delivery Manual (IDM) by extending the existing IDM approaches to identify and document the information required for building performance analysis

Exchange requirement-based delivery method of structural design information for collaborative design using industry foundation classes

In Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) collaboration, exchange requirements (ERs) vary in different projects with different platforms. In order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data sharing and exchange for structural engineering in collaborative design, an ER-based delivery method was proposed to improve the delivery of structural design information. First, a process map of structural design was developed based on Information Delivery Manual (IDM). Within this process map, an ER Matrix of structural design was proposed to define information required by other disciplines at different stages. This matrix was composed of a set of required structural objects and their attributes, which were mapped to related Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data. The mapping between the ER Matrix and IFC-based structural model data was implemented by an exchange model generation algorithm. Furthermore, a delivery tool was developed to define the ER Matrix in two ways, including user interface and XML-based language. A practical project was used to illustrate the utility of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method using IFC is beneficial for structural information delivery

A checking approach for distributed building data

Since the early 2000s, the building industry has been steadily embracing the concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Currently, the BIM focus lies on file-based collaboration, although with the rise of semantic web technologies, the benefits of web- and data-based collaboration for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry come within reach. A web-based AEC industry that relies on Linked Data can provide various advantages compared to ‘classic’ BIM practice, e.g. regarding interdisciplinarity, linking across domains and logical reasoning. In this paper, we investigate Linked Data rule checking mechanisms on decentralised building datasets. The recent Semantic Web standard Shapes Constraint Language (SHACL) is used to check a Linked Data building model that is hosted on multiple data pods. After a short introduction to Linked Building Data and rule checking approaches, a minimal distributed building model will be checked with basic SHACL patterns, generating a report to inform both end users and tools. In this case study, we make use of the Social Linked Data (Solid) ecosystem, a set of conventions and tools for creating decentralised applications

Model-driven software engineering for construction engineering: Quo vadis?

Models are an inherent part of the construction industry, which leverages from the steady advancements in information and communication technology. One of these advancements is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which denotes the move from 2D drawings to having semantically rich models of the objects subject to construction. Additionally, the way stakeholders collaborate in construction projects and their organization is revisited. This is commonly denoted as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Both BIM and IPD originate from the basic principles of Lean Construction, the vision to minimize waste, increase value, and continuous improvement. The application of Model-driven Software Engineering (MDSE) to BIM is a natural choice. Although several approaches utilizing MDSE for BIM have been proposed, so far no structured overview of the current state of the art has been conducted. Such an overview is vitally needed, because the existing literature is fragmented among multiple research areas. Consequently, in this paper, we present a systematic literature review on the application of MDSE to BIM, IPD and Lean Construction resulting in a systematically derived taxonomy, which we used to classify 97 papers published between 2008 and 2018. Based on the taxonomy, we provide an analysis of the classified research showing (a) where the discourse on model-driven construction engineering currently is, (b) the state of the art of model-driven techniques in construction engineering and (c) open research challenges

An investigation of concepts for the specification of graphical exchange information requirements in building information modelling

Previous studies have investigated frameworks for the specification of Exchange Information Requirements (EIRs). So far, these efforts have concentrated on the specification of non-geometrical data. Graphical information specification is often carried out through the application of subjective criteria. Moreover, the definition of variables used in existing specification frameworks has acquired various meanings among practitioners and organisations. To address this gap, this study's aim is to identify and analyse the concepts that influence the specification of the graphical data in BIM-enabled projects. The BIM literature tends to consider problems from a technological standpoint. The current dichotomy in the BIM body of knowledge demands research that account for the context of industry practices and organisations in which the specification of graphical data is performed. To address its aim, this study adopts a qualitative strategy, employing a cross-sectional design and a grounded theory approach for data collection and analysis. The iterative nature of the grounded theory approach, particularly of its theoretical sampling feature, was addressed by dividing data collection and analysis into two stages. In exploring the concepts that define the specification of graphical data in EIRs, six main themes were identified: model use, project stage, project actors, processes and objects definitions, graphical granularity, and model attribute. Moreover, the findings support the suggestion that contextual factors play a role in the implementation of these variables and associated processes. There is a suggestion that practices at the industry and organisational context level, such as the existence of mandates, could be influencing the way practitioners specify information. These results can be employed to extend the understanding of the considerations made in the definition of graphical information in EIRs documentation. Moreover, this work could inform the activity of practitioners and the development of new technologies focused on the automation of information specification

Sandpile-simulation-based graph data model for MVD generative design of shield tunnel lining using information entropy

BIM standard development is central to the performance and behavior of BIM model application across transmission, visualization, and information management perspectives. Tremendous effort has been made to ease the implementation of IFC data model in practice. Yet, the complexity of IFC data model hurdles the implementation of the import and export functionality by software vendors. To overcome this, buildingSMART introduced the concept of Model View Definitions to define which parts of an IFC data model need to be implemented for a specific data exchange scenario. With such, the certification of compatibility for software products with the IFC standard is formed. The Model View Definition is use case orientated to determine whether the specific information should be included in an IFC partial model. With the creation of ad-hoc, project-specific Exchange Requirements increasing, associated MVD development requires much more work to incorporate standard development. To resolve this issue, this paper attempts to exploit the potential of information entropy which has proven itself extremely crucial in many other industries in terms of information management, and then integrates it with sandpile simulation to propose a Top-down hierarchy to structure as well as interpret IFC partial model via Model View Definition. The proposed information entropy shifted MVD development approach would manage to unify the MVD development process that enables the reduction on confusion for various end users, specific organization, or project needs. Moreover, to better translate the BIM standard topology into sandpile simulations, a new notion system is proposed. Sandpile simulations are further implemented to prove their applicability, during the simulation, self-organized criticality is identified, and the existence of chaos is observed

A theoretical holistic decision-making framework supporting collaborative design based on common data analysis (CDA) method

The enormous expansion of information, which is assembled from various design tools, has caused challenges in data exchange and compelled companies to find various solutions to improve collaboration. Data exchange within Building Information Modelling (BIM) context has been mainly focused on individual disciplines. Even though several attempts have been made to develop data exchange requirements for BIM models, there is still a lack of homogeneity since no method for classifying and sharing those requirements is clearly outlined. A clearly defined “single truth of information” is still not acknowledged yet. Software tools require unambiguous clarity of the semantics, which can help various stakeholders to proceed with their design tasks. However, there is still a lack of multi-dimensional knowledgebase for holistic decision-making within a BIM workflow. Therefore, this paper presents a common data analysis (CDA) referencing various concepts such as the standardised Information Delivery Manual (IDM) method, model view definition (MVD) and the concept of semantic intersection to conclude “single truth of information” and “partial truth of information” data sets that form the basis for a theoretical holistic decision-making framework to support collaborative design. The information defined in this research was validated based on existing resources and literature. Following the concluded data sets, a model can be transformed automatically at the minimum commonality level, creating a starting point for other professions. Following the analysis, a theoretical holistic decision-making framework was proposed. The innovation of the proposed framework lies in providing a holistic decision-making system that combines both data extraction using the concluded data sets and semantic web technology to eliminate inefficiencies in data sharing and improve the decision-making process in the early design stage by providing the stakeholders with rational solutions with less effort and time. This paper provides the essential requirement for a holistic decision framework from a data processing perspective

Information modeling of earthquake-damaged reinforced concrete structures

Accurate and reliable information about buildings can greatly improve post-earthquake responses, such as search and rescue, repair and recovery. Building Information Modeling (BIM), rapid scanning and other assessment technologies offer the opportunity not only to retrieve as-built information but also to compile as-damaged models. This research proposes an information model to facilitate the data flow for post-earthquake assessment of reinforced concrete structures. The schema development was based on typical damage modes and the existing Industry Foundation Class (IFC) schema. Two examples of damaged structures from recent earthquake events, compiled using an experimental damage modeling software, illustrate the use of the data model. The model introduces two new classes, one to represent segments of building elements and the other to model the relationships between segments and cracks. A unique feature is the ability to model the process of damage with a binary tree structure. Methods for exporting as-damaged instance models using IFC are also discussed