Angelo Luigi Camillo Ciribini

Exploiting Internet of Things and building information modeling framework for management of cognitive buildings

Technologies for the acquisition, storage and mining of big data are increasingly affecting the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, modifying the way buildings are conceived and developed. Indeed, they will be no longer designed and managed only as financial products, but also as service providers to support the needs of the occupants. This is a great challenge in the building sector, that is experiencing a period of various (r)evolution concerning products, technologies and processes. This research defines a digitally enabled framework for operating cognitive buildings, presenting a case study by which it has been possible to analyze how information collected during operations could inform end-users (i.e. administrators, owners, facility managers and occupants) about the behavior of both buildings and occupants. Focusing on building in-use stages, advantages in tracking the behavior of occupants and in satisfying the needs of users should be derived through the availability of real-time information, i.e. collected by sensors. In this way, not only the behavior of users could be taken into account, but also predicted performance could be correlated with real measurement and, consequently, the building performance gap should be estimated and filled. A connection between as-designed virtual models (resulted from a BIM - Building Information Modeling - process) and as-delivered physical assets (monitored in real-time, i.e. through BMS - Building Management Systems) could be established to explore how BIM practices and technologies could improve a data-driven asset management, by enriching building information in operation. The results should allow pointing out how data and information gathered along building life cycle could provide services to users.

An Innovative Approach to e-public Tendering Based on Model Checking☆

Abstract The public construction sector has recently started to put more effort into cost savings and improvement of efficiency. Therefore, public clients have started to promote new strategies, embracing innovative approaches such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and e-Procurement. Tendering plays a key role for the success of the overall process; however, the selection of the best contractor is still a difficult task. The paper investigates how tendering can be integrated with Model Checking in order to control the compliance between the clients requirements and bidders’ offers within a digital environment. The research shows that, although the BIM is still not widely adopted in tendering procedures, Model Checking tools are already available to support the jury, as well as bidders. Moreover, even though BIM can be implemented in several procurement procedures, it is more effective if a collaborative and integrated behaviour is promoted. Results can help increase public clients’ awareness of the limits and potentials of an innovative approach and to set BIM requirements and guidelines.

BIM methodology as an integrated approach to heritage conservation management

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is enabling the dissemination and improvement of strategies for planned conservation. Through the implementation of BIM models in two case studies, different both in terms of size and scope of restoration and refurbishment, it was possible to assess the suitable ways for collecting and managing heterogeneous data generated by various disciplines. Furthermore, the collaboration amongst various stakeholders involved in the conservation process was investigated. Issues of integration and interoperability over the phases of the conservation process were analysed: starting from the architectural survey, carried out by laser scanning technology combined with the traditional survey, as far as the management of data as a function of future maintenance phase. Using these technologies, problems related to the building information model of the current condition of heritage buildings and the information exchange between different software environments were observed. Applying BIM workflows on restoration and refurbishment projects allowed to evaluate the potential of these technologies for different stages of the process: survey, design phase, monitoring work progress and evaluation of proposed amendments and changes. It was also possible to deal with safety management. Finally, the possibility of applying the 4D BIM technology, which combines the 3D BIM model to the construction work plan, has been analysed.

Information Technologies and Information Requirements: A BIM-Based Approach

The construction industry is currently facing important challenges: an imperative improvement of its productivity, higher performance targets and an increase of projects complexity. In order to overcome these challenges, a digital transition is on-going and has started with the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes. At the same time, digitisation of the construction industry requires a paradigm shift focused on collaborative workflows and user involvement, with the Client acting as driver for innovation. The proposed paper highlights the role of the Briefing process as project management tool of the demand side of construction. Information technologies for managing the bi-directional link between as-briefed and as-designed information requirements within a BIM environment are also investigated. These approaches are then compared with the ones of other industries and particularly with Systems Engineering methods. As a major Systems Engineering tool, the use of the SysML language in the construction industry is discussed. The comparison between the various data flows suggests further researches both in the application of Systems Engineering in the construction industry and in the development of requirements management tools for managing a BIM-based construction process. Finally, recommendations for the effective implementation of innovative processes and technologies are proposed.

GIS Based Approach for District Energy Retrofit Optioneering

Energy is a driver for buildingsO refurbishment. The EU energy policies defined some strategies for nearly zero energy buildings ranging from envelope retrofit to the system efficiency enhancement. A GIS based approach is proposed to introduce a district level strategy to enable energy quality in the cities empowered by digital and computational technologies. A case study demonstrates how to assess different retrofit solutions into a sample district. The idea is to use the different data sources and define a common data environment in which data could be used to endorse different analyses on the same knowledge basis. The first step was to understand the level of detail and information required to describe in an accurate and fast way the energy performance related to buildings geometry and age. Two data packages have been tested: retrofit options were computed considering the more reliable data package model. Plausible retrofit scenarios related to the most suitable strategies have been tested to define energy quality to trigger for the district. The energy evaluation have been carried out by standard calculations on GIS-based information. The energy mapping is used to communicate results and possibly outline zones of intervention that can be managed through smart construction sites.

Client and User Involvement Through BIM-Related Technologies

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is part of a wider digital innovation that has arrived as an epochal transition in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry. Although the benefits of BIM within the supply-side of the industry have been widely explored, its impact on the value for clients and end-users has been researched in a limited manner so far. The paper reviews some of the BIM-related technologies which could effectively support client and end-user involvement in the briefing process. Four main types of information technologies are considered and grouped as (1) rule-based validation tools (i.e. briefing software; rule-based model checking) and (2) simulation-based validation tools (i.e. gamification, immersive virtual environments). Those technologies are analysed and compared in order to identify what has already been done, possible future trends, evaluate their integration in the briefing process and, finally, take into account both their advantages and disadvantages in supporting the effective involvement of the demand-side of construction in digitally-enabled processes.

Integration of Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling in a Large Client Organization in Massachusetts.

Recently the construction industry has started to study and implement together Lean Construction (Lean) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to better manage projects. Previous research findings suggest that several changes in the work practice and business processes are needed to fully take advantage of BIM and Lean. Even if the clients role is very important to drive the entire process, the literature lacks of comprehensive examples of clients implementation. The paper shows how a large client organization is integrating Lean and BIM in real projects and how it is possible to measure it thanks to a Maturity Matrix. The research is based on a case study involving both active participation and interviews. The main results indicate that a) internal change is needed in the client organization; b) clients need to drive the process in order to maximise benefits; c) BIM does not fit in the traditional procurement process; and d) existing contracts need to be modified to support BIM and Lean. Research findings are useful for large client organizations that would like to integrate BIM and Lean in their operational strategy as well as for researchers. Further studies could be done to compare the work of different client organizations.

The Implementation of Building Information Modelling and Lean Construction in Design Firms in Massachusetts

It is not easy to evaluate Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean Construction (Lean) capabilities of design firms. The paper investigates the level of BIM and Lean implementation at representative design firms in Massachusetts. A survey was given to the principal design firms working for a large public client. First, answers were analysed and discussed. Second, results from the same design firm were compared to detect possible inconsistencies. Main results show that there is still not a clear definition of BIM and Lean; BIM training is not done consistently within design firms; and there is not a common understanding of BIM and Lean within each design firm, even though most designers affirmed that they have internal standards. Results of the survey could be useful for designers to develop internal standards and establish training courses for the design firm and clients to better understand designers’ approach to BIM and Lean.

Implementation of an Open and Interoperable Process to Optimise Design and Construction Phases of a Residential Building Project: A Case Study Using BIM in a Public Procurement

Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents a long-term investment that could allow reduction of time and cost control by optimising design and construction processes. It also ensures greater effectiveness of control systems. The paper is focused on a public procurement case study regarding the BIM-based validation and construction optimisation of an actual residential building designed in a compact urban context of Milan, in a confined construction site affected from lack of space and coordination problems. The scope is the implementation of an interoperable IFC-based process to perform advanced model and code checking and to effectively manage the construction phase through 4D modelling. Architectural, structural and MEP models were enriched with alphanumeric attributes as required for semiautomatic validation processes. Auto matching between BIM objects and construction activities was also achieved. The experimentation project showed the possibility of a rapid validation of the model and an advanced coordination between design disciplines. The construction site simulation allowed the comparison of different layout options and baseline schedules. The research also tested the joint use of model checking and 4D modelling tools to manage the percentage of completion of the construction progress and to support H&S management through the IFC export of a specific configuration of the plan of work directly from the 4D BIM software. The proposed process created an open, interoperable and multidisciplinary approach involving designers, project managers and construction companies.