Three-Dimensional Information Retrieval (3DIR): exploiting 3D geometry and model topology in information retrieval from BIM environments

In building modelling environments, more and more information is being crammed into 2D/3D building and product models. This is particularly true given the rise of Building Information Modelling (BIM, Eastman et al., 2011). The Three-Dimensional Information Retrieval (3DIR) project investigates information retrieval from these environments, where information or documents are linked to a 3D building model. In these situations, the 3D visualization or 3D geometry of the building can be exploited when formulating information retrieval queries, computing the relevance of information items to the query, or visualizing search results. Managing such building information repositories in this way would take advantage of human strengths in vision, spatial cognition and visual memory (Lansdale and Edmonds, 1992; Robertson et al., 1998). Information retrieval is associated with documents, and a critic might argue that documents are relics from the pre-BIM age that are no longer relevant in the era of BIM. However, the challenge of information retrieval is pertinent whether we are dealing with documents which are coarse grains of information or building object parameters/attributes as finer grains of information. Demian and Fruchter (2005) demonstrated that traditional retrieval computations can be applied with good results to 3D building models where textual or symbolic data are treated as very short documents. In this sense, it is almost a question of semantics whether the information being retrieved comes from object properties embedded in the BIM, or from external documents linked to the BIM. The challenge remains of retrieving non-geometric or textual information. This paper describes the findings of the 3DIR project whose aim was to improve information retrieval when retrieving information or documents linked to a 3D artefact, or non-geometric information embedded in the model of the artefact. The central objective was to develop an information retrieval toolset for documents/information linked to 3D building models which exploits 3D geometry and model visualisation. Such a toolset is essentially a search engine for retrieving information with a BIM platform. As a further objective, the toolset should leverage topological relationships in the 3D model to enhance information retrieval

A grounded theory based framework for level of development implementation within the information delivery manual

The present study follows the progress of the level of development (LOD) specification from its inception in 2005 to its latest updates in 2018, a total of 42 guidelines from North America and Europe are reviewed. To organise the presented literature and to provide a comprehensive framework of LOD implementation within the information delivery manual (IDM), a LOD grounded theory-based taxonomy is introduced. The variables that constitute this taxonomy are BIM purpose, Stage, Role, Classification System, Attribute, Graphical information, Scale, LOD and Net benefits. The result of this exercise is a comprehensive view of the LOD construct impact on project performance which can be studied as a cumulative framework, where new research on the constructs can be added. Therefore, this allows a point towards the direction where further work is needed within the field of LOD-IDM implementation, such as the study of its use for data management among other uses

Development of OntEIR framework to support BIM clients in construction

This paper discusses an ongoing research that is conducted to develop a framework that will support employers in making informed and sound decision in defining their requirements. The aim of this research is to develop an ontology-based, BIM enabled framework for EIR (OntEIR), it will examine the ability of this framework in capturing, analysing, and translating these requirements based on an ontology model. This framework will enable the project team to capture requirements and convert them to constructional terms understood by all stakeholders. It is the contention of this research that this process will save time, effort and cost, and will provide an informed basis for delivering a successful project that satisfies both the employer and the supply chain

Problem-based learning: enhancing students learning of building information modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an innovative collaborative process underpinned by digital technologies introduced to improve project performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Growth in industry demands has necessitated BIM inclusion into the Higher Education (HE) curricula as both a pedagogic and practical objective to prepare and develop aspiring Built Environment (BE) professionals with the required competence for contemporary practice. However, comprehension of BIM concepts and developing the skill set required for its application can be overwhelming for students and crucial to mitigating this challenge is the adoption of appropriate learner-centred strategies. Problem-based Learning (PBL) is becoming a widespread strategy to address such concern. This paper evaluates the impact of PBL strategy on students accelerated learning of BIM based on a case study of an undergraduate BIM module. Findings from the study show PBL benefits on students’ knowledge acquisition (cognitive and affective) of BIM concept and development of transferable skills (academic and disciplinary) equipping them with capabilities to become BIM competent and workplace ready for the AEC industry

Construction site communication study using the RAM management system for BIM adaptation

The UK’s construction industry is witnessing an annual increase in costs due to a lack of communication between the different organizational operators on the construction site that often leads to construction defects. Meanwhile, a cost-reduction strategy plan using BIM has become a fundamental requirement for the government, aiming to keep costs under control. To facilitate BIM adoption in the industry, the BIM strategy was introduced in four phases, with each stage entailing a number of criteria. The industry has seen a global reaction to the Level 2 BIM program and a significant cost saving of 840M in 2013/14 in Europe. However, the industry is unable to match the level 3 BIM, where a collaborative model file server is required as a common sharable platform to achieve efficient communication. This study contributes toward formulating a communication framework in the UK industry to understand communication issues and manage defects. A survey was targeted at construction industry practitioners and academics, with a total number of 328 participants

DEVELOPMENT OF 3D WEB GIS APPLICATION WITH OPEN SOURCE LIBRARY

Today, thanks to the internet connection, the borders are disappearing and accessing information is more comfortable. Instead of desktop applications, number of web-based applications which can be seen instant changes by all users are increasing day by day. The diversity of web-based applications that are currently used in presenting spatial information to users is also spreading. Using open source libraries, developers can develop web applications for their own purposes. Three dimensional (3D) visualization on web is a commonly used approach in geographic information systems (GIS) applications. In this article, it is aimed to develop a 3D web application using open source library. Vector data layers containing attribute data on global, country and city levels are visualized on web application. The raster data layers produced in the most suitable site selection and mapping of land valuation process results are also visualized on the web application in three dimensional. It is pointed that the output products obtained from different studies can be accessed and visualized through the web browser without installing an additional program or add-ons on the users' computers

Drivers and Barriers to the Use of Building Information Modelling in India

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a remarkable development that has recently engulfed the construction sector globally. It has provided a catalytic means for “rethinking” the design, construction, and operation of our built environment. Fundamentally a technology driven concept, BIM when entwined with issues pertaining to people, processes and organizations has the potential to significantly impact the industry. Considering global adoption of BIM, a clear divide between developed economies and emerging economies can be seen. Significantly low adoption of BIM in the developing world has been reported. Paradoxically the need for BIM in the developing world is far more than the developed world. With this backdrop, this paper reports on the adoption of BIM in India. Finding the adoption rate in India low, this research aimed at finding out the drivers and barriers to the use of BIM. The research has been divided into two phases. The first phase involved interaction with industry professionals by conducting semi structured interviews so as to gather deeper and actual understanding of the subject under study. In the second phase, on the basis of this interaction and the literature review, a questionnaire was prepared and an online survey was conducted. As per the analysis of the collected data, it surfaced that the use of BIM is still in its nascent stage in India, although its adoption has seen an upward trend in the past three to four years. BIM adoption has still not reached a stage where the users can comment on the savings in cost due to BIM implementation as the majority of the respondents have not seen full cycle of successful implementation. Stakeholders remain sceptical about BIM adoption and its perceived benefits. However a majority of the users are intuitively convinced that there is savings in time and significant improvement in final quality. Moving forward a meaningful impact can be made on the state of education, research and practice pertaining to BIM in India via a meaningful collaboration between industry, government, and academia. Findings of this study can be compared and collated across other emerging economies to develop implementation strategies

Collaborative 3D Modeling: Conceptual and Technical Issues

peer reviewedThe need of 3D city models increases day by day. However, 3D modeling still faces some impediments to be generalized. Therefore, new solutions such as collaboration should be investigated. The paper presents a new vision of collaboration applied on 3D modeling through the definition of the concept of a 3D collaborative model. The paper highlights basic questions to be considered for the definition and the development of that model then argues the importance of reuse of 2D data as a promising solution to reconstruct 3D data and to upgrade to integrated 3D solutions in the future. This idea is supported by a case study, to demonstrate how 2D/2.5D data collected from different providers in Walloon region in Belgium can be integrated and reengineered to match the specifications of a 3D building model compatible with the CityGML standard