Integrating agent-based human behavior simulation with building information modeling for building design

Human behavior needs to be considered when designing buildings and infrastructures. In recent decades, building information modeling (BIM) has been increasingly adopted as a computer aided design methodology for architectural design, engineering design simulation and evaluation, and 4D constructability analysis. BIM models can be used to conduct engineering analyses while human behavior simulation using BIM models is still lacking. The research objective of this study is to connect BIM software with the human behavior simulation engine utilizing object-oriented computer programming language. A behavioral modeling engine is also developed in this study upon the agent-based modeling (ABM) approach. Finally, this paper presents a demonstrative example of four scenarios and the result proves that implementation of the occupant simulation help improve building design