Francois Grobler

A development framework for data models for computer-integrated facilities management

Open computer-integrated facilities management systems hold the promise to improve facilities management practice, but they require extensive underlying technical foundations: particularly standardized data models to enable information sharing among computer applications. The International Alliance for Interoperability is developing Industry Foundation Classes to provide this type of support for all architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management industries. Facilities Management Classes are a similar effort in advance of, and in extension to, the Industry Foundation Classes for facilities management. This paper presents a framework for the development of Facilities Management Classes and computer-integrated facilities management systems, including objectives, methodologies, implementation issues, etc.

Design Coordination in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Using Ontological Consistency Checking

This paper reports on research of utilizing ontological consistency checking in the design process for identifying potential conflicts and improving coordination and communication. Ontological consistency checking is based on the notion that an ontology could be used to conceptualize and represent the constraints and requirements of the building design. The paper describes how potential conflicts might be detected through an ontological consistency checking system and repair or modification of the inconsistencies can be accomplished. The implementation of the case study revealed guidelines for modeling an ontological representation and automatically identifying problems and conflicts in the design process of BIM (Building Information Modeling).

Integration of knowledge-based and generative systems for building characterization and prediction

Abstract This paper discusses the integration of knowledge bases and shape grammars for the generation of building models, covering interaction, system, and implementation. Knowledge-based and generative systems are combined to construct a method for characterizing existing buildings, in particular, their interior layouts based on exterior features and certain other parameters such as location and real dimensions. The knowledge-based model contains information about spatial use, organization, elements, and contextual information, with the shape grammar principally containing style rules. Buildings are analyzed and layouts are generated through communication and interaction between these two systems. The benefit of using an interactive system is that the complementary properties of the two schemes are employed to strengthen the overall process. Ontologies capture knowledge relating to architectural design principles, building anatomy, structure, and systems. Shape grammar rules embody change through geometric manipulation and transformation. Existing buildings are analyzed using this approach, and three-dimensional models are automatically generated. Two particular building types, the vernacular rowhouse and high-rise apartment building, both from Baltimore, Maryland, are presented to illustrate the process and for comparing the utilized methodologies.

Ontologies and Shape Grammars: Communication between Knowledge-Based and Generative Systems

This paper discusses information flow between knowledge-based models and shape grammars for generation of building designs, explaining the interaction, sys-tem and implementation. The benefit for using the interactive system is that the complementary properties of the two schemes are used to strengthen the overall process. Shape grammar contains rules about the geometric organization, while knowledge-based model supports the contextual information.

Preparing a Construction Cash Flow Analysis Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology

Abstract: Construction is a competitive industry and successful contractors must be able to win bids to obtain projects. Cash flow analysis not only determines actual profit at the end of the project, but also estimates required cash resources or cash ballances at the end of every month. Cash flow analysis is important in managing a construction project; however, it requires extensive information that is not immediately available to the general contractor. Before contractors can perform cash flow analysis, they must first complete a series of pre-requisites such as the quantity take off, scheduling, and cost estimating, followed by accurate assessments of project costs incurred and billable progress made. Consequently, cash flow analysis is currently a lengthy, uncertain process. This paper suggests improved cash flow analysis can be developed using data extraction in Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM models contain a wealth of information and tools have been developed to automate a series of process such as quantity takeoff, scheduling, and estimating. This paper describes a prototype tool to support BIM-based, automated cash flow analysis Keywords: Building Information Modeling, cash flow analysis, ifcXML, planning