Mapping actual thermal properties to building elements in gbXML-based BIM for reliable building energy performance modeling

The ability to import building geometric and construction thermal data from building information models (BIM) has significant potential to reduce the time and uncertainty in building energy modeling process. In today's BIM-based energy modeling practice, thermal properties are mainly derived from generic building construction types in BIM. However, for energy modeling of existing buildings, such assumptions are often inaccurate as they do not account for diminishing thermal resistances of building materials instigated by their deteriorations. To improve the reliability of BIM-based energy modeling, we present a system, together with new methods for automated association and updating of actual thermal property measurements with BIM elements in gbXML schema. By leveraging collections of digital and thermal images and based on environmental measurements, our system first produces a 3D thermal model for the building under inspection and then derives the actual thermal resistances of the building assemblies at the level of 3D vertexes. By associating these measurements with their corresponding elements in gbXML, thermal properties of the BIM elements are automatically updated. Our experiments in real-world residential and instructional buildings show how actual thermal properties can be automatically associated with BIM elements and updated in gbXML. The proposed method shortens the gap between architectural information in BIM and the actual data needed for energy performance simulation, and enables reliable BIM-based energy analysis for retro-commissioning, continuous commissioning, and retrofit.     

Developing a physical BIM library for building thermal energy simulation

Insufficient interoperability resulting from complex data exchange between architectural design and building energy simulation prevents the efficient use of energy performance analyses in the early design stage. This paper presents the development of a Modelica library for Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based building energy simulation (ModelicaBIM library) using an Object-Oriented Physical Modeling (OOPM) approach and Modelica, an equation-based OOPM language. By using the ModelicaBIM library, our project investigates system interfaces between BIM and energy simulation, which can perform semi-automatic translation from the building models in BIM to building energy modeling (BEM) using a BIM's authoring tool's Application Programming Interface (API).The ModelicaBIM library consists of OOPM-based BIM classes and OOPM-based BIM structure. OOPM-based BIM classes represent building component information. OOPM-based BIM structure consists of test case models that demonstrate (i) how building information in BIM can be transformed to OOPM and (ii) how design operations in BIM, such as changing a building geometry and editing building components, can be translated into BEM. A case study for simulation result comparisons has been conducted using (i) OOPM-based BIM models in the ModelicaBIM library and (ii) LBNL Modelica Buildings library (a Modelica-based building thermal simulation library developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory). Our implementation shows that the ModelicaBIM library enables (i) objects in BIM to be translated into the OOPM-based energy models and (ii) existing OOPM library to be utilized as a simulation solver for BIM-based energy simulation.     

Extending BIM interoperability to preconstruction operations using geospatial analyses and semantic web services

Since the early 2000s, building information modeling (BIM) has been used through the entire project life cycle to facilitate effective project collaboration and integration of data to support project activities. Despite the successful applications of BIM in the design and construction stages, the use of BIM for preconstruction planning has not gained wide acceptance as in other project phases. The integration of BIM and geospatial analyses can offer substantial benefits to manage the planning process during the design and preconstruction stages. However, this integration suffers from a lack of interoperability across the geospatial and BIM domains. Semantic web technology is used in this study to convey meaning, which is interpretable by both construction project participants as well as BIM and geographic information systems (GIS) applications processing the transferred data. To achieve this, we first translate building's elements and GIS data into a semantic web data format. Then we use a set of standardized ontologies for construction operations to integrate and query the heterogeneous spatial and temporal data. Finally, we use a query language to access and acquire the data in semantic web format. Through two scenario examples, the potential usefulness of the proposed methodology is validated.     

BIM在建筑节能改造可持续设计中的应用研究

随着全球气温变暖和可持续发展的标准日益严格,建筑节能改造项目大幅增加,在建筑改造项目中应遵循可持续性的理念.结合当前国际上可持续性决策方法及采用的环境计划认证标准(BREEAM和LEED)提出在改造项目中利用BIM可持续设计工具,建立建筑材料生命周期能量库,为改造项目的可持续性设计、评价提供可靠材料.     

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and priority setting in using the multi-attribute approach for assessing sustainable intelligent buildings

The main objectives of this paper are to: firstly, identify key issues related to sustainable intelligent buildings (environmental, social, economic and technological factors); develop a conceptual model for the selection of the appropriate KPIs; secondly, test critically stakeholder's perceptions and values of selected KPIs intelligent buildings; and thirdly develop a new model for measuring the level of sustainability for sustainable intelligent buildings. This paper uses a consensus-based model (Sustainable Built Environment Tool- SuBETool), which is analysed using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for multi-criteria decision-making. The use of the multi-attribute model for priority setting in the sustainability assessment of intelligent buildings is introduced. The paper commences by reviewing the literature on sustainable intelligent buildings research and presents a pilot-study investigating the problems of complexity and subjectivity. This study is based upon a survey perceptions held by selected stakeholders and the value they attribute to selected KPIs. It is argued that the benefit of the new proposed model (SuBETool) is a ‘tool’ for ‘comparative’ rather than an absolute measurement. It has the potential to provide useful lessons from current sustainability assessment methods for strategic future of sustainable intelligent buildings in order to improve a building's performance and to deliver objective outcomes. Findings of this survey enrich the field of intelligent buildings in two ways. Firstly, it gives a detailed insight into the selection of sustainable building indicators, as well as their degree of importance. Secondly, it tesst critically stakeholder's perceptions and values of selected KPIs intelligent buildings. It is concluded that the priority levels for selected criteria is largely dependent on the integrated design team, which includes the client, architects, engineers and facilities managers.     

Green building assessment tool (GBAT) for integrated BIM-based design decisions

The benefits of BIM such as effective decision making, improved analysis, easier access to information and simpler green building certification provide an optimised solution for sustainable design and construction. This study proposes an IFC-based framework within an integrated BIM and sustainable data model for the design stage of the building project life cycle. We present the green building assessment tool (GBAT), which implements the proposed model and aids the design team in the generation of documentation necessary for obtaining green building certification. It extracts the necessary data from BIM models for calculating the green rating and provides feedback for further evaluation. A sample project is run and a green rating score table for the BREEAM materials category is obtained for validation of the model. This tool serves as a proof of concept that green data relevant for BREEAM certification can be automatically processed and used to inform the design.     

Towards a New Relationship with Nature: Research and Regenerative Design in Architecture

Here Peter Busby, Michael Driedger and Max Richter of Perkins+Will Canada (P+W) describe the office's core focus on ‘regenerative design’: an approach where each operation in a building's construction is measured by its positive impact on human and natural systems. This is supported by an in-house research team of architects, engineers and sustainability strategists that concentrates on the advancement of sustainable building practices. They describe how this is played out in projects such as the Living with Lakes Centre at Laurentian University in Sudbury and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre, Vancouver. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The role of social sustainability in building assessment

ABSTRACT

Can social sustainability be built? What are the challenges and potential for incorporating the concept of social sustainability into the assessment of building projects? Theoretical approaches to social sustainability are examined for the ways it is applied in practice by building industry stakeholders. A fundamental question is whether and how social sustainability can be measured, assessed and certified in the construction or renewal of housing and neighbourhoods. In addition to physical and functional indicators, it is suggested that certification systems (e.g. the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen – DGNB) should also reward social initiatives. A framework was developed involving 12 indicators grouped three overarching themes: social cohesion; participatory processes; and accessibility to living opportunities. A collaborative case study project involving two Danish social housing neighbourhoods examines how social sustainability indicators could be integrated into the application of certification systems such as the DGNB and whether the certification system can be improved by integrating social and organizational aspects with the existing criteria for physical and functional layout. It is found that certifications must take the housing complex or neighbourhood's relationship with the surrounding city into account, as well as its development over time and flexibility towards future needs.     

Integrating building information modelling with sustainability to design building projects at the conceptual stage

Lately the construction industry has become more interested in designing and constructing environmentally friendly buildings (e.g. sustainable buildings) that can provide both high performance and monetary savings. In general, sustainability integrates the following three related components: (1) environmental, (2) economic, (3) social well-being. Incorporating these components at the conceptual stage is achieved by using sustainable design, through which designers must identify associated materials and systems based on any selected certification (rating) system. The use of building information modelling (BIM) concepts helps engineers design digital models that allow owners to visualize the building before the physical implementation takes place. To apply BIM concepts, designers use tools to create 3D models of buildings where the design materials and systems are selected from the built-in database of these tools. Designers will not be able to quantify the environmental impacts of these materials to support the decisions needed to design sustainable buildings due to the following reasons: (1) a lack of information about the sustainable materials that are stored in the database, (2) a lack of interoperability between the design and analysis tools that enable full life cycle assessments (LCAs) of buildings. This paper presents a methodology that integrates BIM and LCA tools with a database for designing sustainable building projects. The methodology describes the development and implementation of a model that incorporates a database in which information about sustainable materials is stored and linked to a BIM (3D) module along with an LCA module and a certification and cost module. The goal of this model is to simplify the process of creating sustainable designs and to evaluate the environmental impacts (EI) of newly designed buildings at the conceptual stage of their life. An actual building project is presented in order to illustrate the usefulness and capabilities of the developed model.     

BIM和可持续性一体化课程

绿色建筑和可持续性施工一直以来都被列入本科和研究生阶段的施工管理项目课程中。在这类课程中,能源与环境设计认证(LEED)绿色建筑评级系统是一项重要课题。大学中现有的LEED教学一般都仅限于教科书和参考书中的基础理论。由于缺乏实践经验,学生们通常都难以理解LEED系统的基本原理,因此也不能理解LEED项目是如何在工程领域中实现的。本文将探讨林克尔(Rinker)建筑学院通过整合BIM,研究实验出一种能够促进可持续性的创新教学方法。BIM-for-LEED教学模式以佛罗里达大学校园中已通过LEED认证的建筑为例,利用先进的BIM制作和分析工具来表达成功获得LEED认证的关键设计因素。这个教学重点强调了满足LEED认证所需的设计要素,以及满足这些要素所需的BIM解决方案中的功能性。教学中所设置的课程和实验,都是为了进一步扩展学生在计算机辅助的可持续性设计方面的知识,更重要的是,亲自参与建模实验可以了解满足LEED认证的设计流程的最基本元素。在学期结束时,学生们不仅对可持续性和LEED评级系统有了更深入的理解,同时还掌握了关于LEED认证建筑建模的扎实技能。利用校园中LEED项目的优势在于学生们可以随时看到这些建筑,并分辨出其设计和实际建成建筑之间的区别,从而丰富了他们对从设计阶段到施工阶段,乃至建筑运营和维护阶段的可持续性设计和LEED的理解。     

Integrated system for BIM-based collaborative design

For effective collaboration among construction project participants, the use of Building Information Model (BIM) has become more common throughout the building life cycle. However, due to the use of different BIM-based software among collaborators during the design, a variety of problems have occurred, including loss of data, difficulty in communication, and poor work efficiency. Hence, this study proposes an integrated design system for the improvement of BIM-based collaborative design. For this purpose, problems are derived based on an analysis of conventional BIM-based collaborative design. In addition, a concept for the development of the BIM-based integrated design system is established from integration methodologies. Based on ‘functional integration,’ ‘integrated information management’ and ‘integrated process support,’ the integrated design system is implemented through the combination of three modules: BIM Modeler, BIM Checker and BIM Server. To test the integrated design system, a case study on a hospital building design is reviewed, and improvements compared to the conventional system are examined. It appears that the proposed system can enhance design quality and productivity by providing necessary support for collaborative design in an integrated manner.     

Component based engineering of a mobile BIM-based augmented reality system

Over the last decade, building information models (BIM) have become increasingly popular. Yet their use on construction sites where the digital materializes, is limited. A technology that can bridge the gap between the digital and the real world is augmented reality (AR). We analyze this gap and the AR potential and present how the component based software engineering method can be used to efficiently implement a BIM-based AR system for construction. An architecture of the software system is proposed and verified by a prototype which was tested in a real construction project. We found out that the use of AR can significantly narrow the semantic gap between the digital model and the real world; that components for creating a BIM-based AR systems exist but currently do not scale well to large models; and that the use in AR applications creates additional requirements the for BIM models and tools, particularly related to the BIM's 4th dimension.     

基于BIM 的建设项目文档管理系统设计

建筑信息模型（BIM）在建设工程领域的作用愈来愈凸显,基于BIM 的信息集成管理将极大提高项目管理的效率。充分分析了传统建设项目文档管理系统在信息检索、知识重用方面的不足,同时对BIM 以及IFC 标准进行了详尽的阐述。在此基础上提出在BIM 环境下集成建设项目文档管理系统,并分别分析了系统的实施必要性及技术可行性,提出了系统框架。最后对文本信息集成方法进行了改进,提出适用于中文文本的BIM 环境下建设项目文档管理的实现框架及其支撑技术。研究为可以基于BIM 的建设项目文档管理提供参考。     

基于BIM的装配式建筑绿色施工流程研究

绿色施工作为落实建筑可持续发展的重要手段,在装配式建筑中的应用发展还存在绿色施工评价标准不明确,在施工流程中信息共享性不足,全流程纵向分割的问题。通过分析装配式建筑绿色施工流程中的主要影响因素,提出基于BIM技术的装配式建筑绿色施工流程,并从绿色施工评价标准中资源能源的节约与利用、绿色施工综合管理两个方面阐明BIM技术在装配式建筑绿色施工流程中的应用方法与优势。     

Grunderneuerung der Bahnsteighallen im Hauptbahnhof Frankfurt am Main – Ein Jahrhundertbauwerk aus Stahl und Glas erstrahlt in neuem Glanz

Full‐scale renovation for the platform halls at Frankfurt‐am‐Main central station – A hundred‐year‐old building made from steel and glass gleams brightly again. Retaining the elegance of an engineering masterpiece dating from Germany's period of rapid industrial expansion (1870–1914), while at the same time adapting a building's function to meet the requirements of the 21^st century and beyond – such a task demands approaches and solutions of a very special kind. MCE Industrietechnik Linz GmbH & Co, project leader for the Bahnsteighallen Hbf Frankfurt (M) consortium, faced up to the challenge and now after four years of building work, believes it has done full justice to this demanding assignment.     

BIM and ontology-based approach for building cost estimation

This research proposes an ontological inference process to automate the process of searching for the most appropriate work items, which is limited to tiling in this case study. The proposed ontological approach can help engineers to find work items with greater ease and consistency. Suggestions are also made for further research on ways of improving the accuracy of BIM-based quantity take-off, and developing a methodology to match between work items which are expressed as different terms; however, the proposed approach emphasizes the automation of searches using BIM data to find items suitable for building elements and materials. To enable automated inference, this study establishes (1) a work condition ontology that consists of the determinants required to select work items, (2) a work item ontology, which consists of the factors defining the tiling method, and (3) semantic reasoning rules. By conducting a case study to demonstrate the proposed ontological inference process in a real-world situation, we confirm that the proposed process can provide consistent results; however, since work items differ depending on construction type and technological advancement, the work item ontology should be continually revised and updated.The ontological inference process removes the need for the intervention of a cost estimator's subjectivity in searching for an appropriate work item. Also, if ontology is elaborately defined by the knowledge of experienced engineers, then accurate and consistent results can be obtained. In addition, the proposed process will assist cost estimators to use BIM data more easily, and it will help the expansion of BIM-based construction management.     

基于BIM的建筑单元被动式得热分析

建筑节能是当今社会高度关注的现实问题。整栋建筑节能目标的实现是以每一个建筑单元的节能达标为基础的,节能型建筑单元的提出即建筑节能分析的第一步。基于建筑信息模型(BIM)的节能建筑设计流程体现了节能与建筑信息化结合在建筑设计中的趋势。通过运用BIM技术对标准房间的被动式得热情况进行分析研究,模拟节能效应预评估过程,指出建筑节能被动式设计的重要性,也进一步确立了相关能耗函数与节能指标。     

Thermal and structural behaviour of a full-scale composite building subject to a severe compartment fire

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the thermal and structural results from a compartment fire test, conducted in January 2003 on the full-scale multi-storey composite building constructed at Cardington, United Kingdom, in 1994 for an original series of six tests during 1995–1996. The fire compartment's overall dimensions were 11 m×7 m with one edge at the building's perimeter, using largely unprotected steel downstand beams, and including within the compartment four steel columns protected with cementitious spray. The compartment was subjected to a natural fire of fire load 40 kg/m² of timber, in common with the original test series, but the composite slab forming its ceiling was subjected to a uniform applied load of 3.19 kN/m², which is higher than the original.     

Living buildings

This paper introduces a new approach to the structural design of buildings. The approach involves in‐depth and sophisticated structural engineering analyses that provide reliable estimates of building performance during future severe winds and earthquakes. Credible scenarios of future severe winds and earthquakes are considered, and analyses are performed to calculate the expected monetary damage to the structural system and the building contents during the building's life. In addition, the lateral force resisting system is designed with the expectation that it will be modified to satisfy future requirements. The resulting living building is one with a structural system that satisfies current minimum code design criteria, meets the designers' original vision, and provides the owner with an optimized structure that continues to fulfill his or her needs well into the future. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The advantages of information management through building information modelling

As building information modelling (BIM) is positioned by governments and construction professionals as a solution to the problems in the construction industry, research is needed into the benefits BIM actually confers. The focus here is on the effectiveness of BIM as a medium for communicating information within a construction team. A case study of an offsite precast concrete fabrication facility was conducted. At the time of the study, the facility was supplying precast units for four public sector projects, and using four information management systems: e-mail, a construction project extranet tool, an Enterprise Resource Planning system and a new BIM-based system. The flow of information through the four media was measured and visualized as the projects progressed. This quantitative measurement of information flow was combined with qualitative data from interviews with facility staff. It was found that the introduction of the BIM-based system diverted information flow through the building model and away from the extranet system. The use of e-mail was largely unaffected. BIM allowed considerably more accurate, on-time and appropriate exchange of information. It is concluded it is possible to quantify some of the benefits of BIM to information management. This research paves the way for future research into the management of more construction project information linked more closely to building models.