Developing building information models (BIM) for building handover, operation and maintenance

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjan Sadeghi ◽  
Jonathan Weston Elliott ◽  
Nick Porro ◽  
Kelly Strong

PurposeThis paper aims to represent the results of a case study to establish a building information model (BIM)-enabled workflow to capture and retrieve facility information to deliver integrated handover deliverables.Design/methodology/approachThe Building Handover Information Model (BHIM) framework proposed herein is contextualized given the Construction Operation Information Exchange (COBie) and the level of development schema. The process uses Autodesk Revit as the primary BIM-authoring tool and Dynamo as an add-in for extending Revit’s parametric functionality, BHIM validation, information retrieval and documentation in generating operation and maintenance (O&M) deliverables in the end-user requested format.FindingsGiven the criticality of semantics for model elements in the BHIM and for appropriate interoperability in BIM collaboration, each discipline should establish model development and exchange protocols that define the elements, geometrical and non-geometrical information requirements and acceptable software applications early in the design phase. In this case study, five information categories (location, specifications, warranty, maintenance instructions and Construction Specifications Institute MasterFormat division) were identified as critical for model elements in the BHIM for handover purposes.Originality/valueDesign- and construction-purposed BIM is a standard platform in collaborative architecture, engineering and construction practice, and the models are available for many recently constructed facilities. However, interoperability issues drastically restrict implementation of these models in building information handover and O&M. This study provides essential input regarding BIM exchange protocols and collaborative BIM libraries for handover purposes in collaborative BIM development.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1820-1836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Abdirad ◽  
Carrie S. Dossick

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inquire into the reasons why Construction Operation Building Information Exchange (COBie) has not become mainstream across the construction industry despite the significant attempts to promote it. Design/methodology/approach This paper framed and compared the normative model of COBie to a descriptive model of COBie. The normative model was based on the assumptions and planned procedures outlined in the COBie documentation. The descriptive model was developed through a case study of COBie implementation, with ethnographic observations, interviews and artifact analysis as the data collection methods and thematic analysis as the data analysis method. Findings The comparative analysis of the normative and descriptive models showed that the underlying normative assumptions of COBie can be challenged in its implementation. In the case study, implementing COBie disrupted the conventional practice of few participating firms as the data requirements and the expected sequences and timelines of tasks were not aligned with the industry norms for exchanging data. Furthermore, the normative model of COBie could not account for the unanticipated variability in the internal routines of firms for submittal production. Practical implications COBie, as an instruction-based model, may not provide enough flexibility for some firms to adapt to its requirements such that COBie tasks become integrated with their existing workflows. COBie tasks may become additional efforts, and at times, conflict with the industry norms and firms’ routines, and therefore, disrupt the efficiency goals. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence to clarify why implementing COBie has not been as efficient for all industry players as expected.


Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Kumar ◽  
Evelyn Ai Lin Teo

Purpose Until now, the usage and usability factors of Construction Operation Building information exchange (COBie) datasheet have remained largely overlooked. This oversight may be the potential factor in the lower adoption rates as well as the effective usage of COBie datasheet in the architecture, engineering and construction-facilities management industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits and key issues associated with COBie datasheet handling and identify the key technological solutions, which can help in mitigating the identified issues. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to identify the key benefits of using COBie and issues, which are associated with COBie datasheet handling. This paper has also designed a questionnaire based on a literature review and surveyed professionals who are well versed with handling COBie datasheet. Using responses, the issues are analyzed and discussed using non-parametric statistical analysis. Findings A total of 9 key benefits and 24 key issues categorized under three groups of usability issues, technical issues and organizational/other issues were identified. The results from the survey agree with all the key issues associated with COBie datasheet handling (with 86 responses). This research also proposes key ideas, that can help in mitigating these issues. Originality/value There is a paucity in published literature, which discusses in detail about the various issues associated with COBie datasheet handling. This research study aims to address this gap by identifying key issues by looking at the entire COBie data-capturing process holistically. Finding from this study can help professionals to understand these issues and develop appropriate technological solutions, which can make COBie data capturing and understanding easier. The findings could also assist in increasing the adoption rate of COBie, which could be achieved through mitigation of identified issues.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1304-1322
Author(s):  
Sandra Matarneh ◽  
Mark Danso-Amoako ◽  
Salam Al-Bizri ◽  
Mark Gaterell ◽  
Rana Matarneh

Purpose The purpose of this study is to address challenges in the current information exchange process between building information modelling (BIM) and facilities management (FM) systems and to propose a workable solution. This study’s objective is to identify the information exchange requirements and to develop methods for seamless information flow between building information models and FM systems. Design/methodology/approach Data collection and analysis was based on an extensive literature review of similar studies followed by a questionnaire survey with a total of 112 participants and 2 focus groups with a total of 12 participants to validate the conceptual framework. The outputs of the survey analysis formed the background of the proposed framework to streamline information exchange process between building information models and FM systems. Findings The study findings form a foundation for enabling the integration of various data sources including building information models. Such integrated platforms will enable automated information exchange between the various data sources and FM systems. The study also provides key information requirements sources to complement the existing construction operations building information exchange information and to support standardization for information exchange process. Originality/value The contribution of this study is the identification of information exchange requirements and sources to enable seamless information flow between BIM and FM systems. The study findings will also lay the basis for research studies using the developed framework context to enable the identification of specific data outputs for FM systems inputs.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E.D. Love ◽  
Jingyang Zhou ◽  
Jane Matthews ◽  
Chun-Pong Sing ◽  
Brad Carey

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a systems information model (SIM) that is akin to a building information model (BIM) and can be used by asset managers and staff to make more informed and quicker decisions about maintenance. Design/methodology/approach – The problems associated with managing assets are examined alongside recent international efforts to standardize methods of data collection for meeting the objectives of owners. A case study in the domain of electrical, control and instrumentation (ECI) documentation is examined in detail, with particular reference to the amelioration of errors and omissions in “as built” drawings in order to provide the underlying foundation to support effective asset management (AM). Findings – The findings show that object oriented data models such as SIM provide a robust structure for effective and efficient AM and associated leverage of benefits throughout the entire facility lifecycle of a project. In particular object oriented data enables appropriate and reliable information to be created as a project progresses through its lifecycle, at little cost to the creators. Originality/value – The above special approach to enabling data collection at the point of creation is in alignment with recent Government initiatives such as Construction Operations Building Information Exchange, which are beginning to gather traction within the industry. While the potential benefits for AM of such systems are espoused throughout the industry, there are few successful examples in existence with measurable realization of benefits.


Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 378-394
Author(s):  
Sandra T. Matarneh ◽  
Mark Danso-Amoako ◽  
Salam Al-Bizri ◽  
Mark Gaterell ◽  
Rana T. Matarneh

Purpose This paper aims to identify a generic set of information requirements for facilities management (FM) systems, which should be included in BIM as-built models for efficient information exchange between BIM and FM systems, and to propose a process to identify, verify and collect the required information for use in FM systems during the project’s lifecycle. Design/methodology/approach Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied at different stages of the study’s sequential design. The collection and analysis of qualitative data was based on an extensive literature review of similar studies, standards, best practices and case study documentation. This was followed by a questionnaire survey of 191 FM practitioners in the UK. This formed the background of the third stage, which was the development of the information management process to streamline information exchange between building information models and FM systems. Findings The study identifies a generic list of information requirements of building information models to support FM systems. In addition, the study presents an information management process that generates a specific database for FM systems using an open data format. Originality/value The existing literature focuses on specific building types (educational buildings) or specific information requirements related to particular systems (mechanical systems). The existing standards, guidelines and best practices focus on the information requirements to support the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase in general. This study is different from previous studies because it develops a set of specific information requirements for building information models to support FM systems. FM organisations and owners can use the proposed list of information requirements as a base to generate specific data output for their FM systems’ input, to decrease the redundant activity of manual data entry and focus their efforts on key activities.


2013 ◽  
Vol 457-458 ◽  
pp. 1669-1672
Author(s):  
Qian Li ◽  
Han Yang Ke

Shanghai Disaster Tolerance Center (SDTC) is the first case led by owner to apply the building information model (BIM) technology in the life cycle engineering construction of the center. BIM technology is applied in construction, operation and maintenance of SDTC to guarantee the quality management performance of construction, improve the efficiency of design, construction, operation and maintenance of the SDTC.


Author(s):  
Karim Farghaly ◽  
Fonbeyin Henry Abanda ◽  
Christos Vidalakis ◽  
Graham Wood

This study aims to enhance the information exchange of assets that consume energy from the BIM systems to the AM systems. The research design employs a participatory action research (PAR) approach where focus group is utilised to develop the information delivery manual (IDM), and prototyping approach is utilised to develop the MVD and the plug-in. To achieve the research aim, firstly, an IDM has been elaborated through the engagement of industry experts with the research team. Based on the IDM, model view concepts are developed and mapped to the IFC standard for exchange of building information models between two software applications. In addition, a Revit plug-in has been developed to add, construct, and export the required assets and pertinent properties for the exchange. Finally, rule types and checking scenarios have been coded and applied on the top of developed MVD to validate the consistency and accuracy of extracted models. Furthermore, a case study is conducted to evaluate the validation logic rule types applied on the top of the developed MVD.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 751-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ketil Bråthen ◽  
Anita Moum

Purpose The majority of research on the implementation and use of Building Information Models (BIM) have focused on building design and pre-construction planning. There is only limited research on the usage of BIM in the construction phase, especially by site workers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of BIM by site workers through so-called “BIM-kiosks”. The kiosks allow workers to access BIM models on-site. The aim of this paper is to take a closer look on the introduction of BIM-kiosks and scrutinize how and for what purpose site workers use the kiosks. Design/methodology/approach This is a single case study of an ongoing real-world construction project. The case study is based on qualitative data which stems from observational studies, interviews as well as document studies. Findings Site workers find opportunities for 3D visualization useful and the BIM models are appraised for efficiently handling complex elements. The findings also indicate that the use of BIM-kiosks lead to a greater level of face-to-face collaboration between workers on-site. This may happen because workers meet, both planned and randomly, to discuss in front of the kiosks while using it for visualization. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to a single case. However, some of the recommendations may be relevant to other projects. In addition, the findings demonstrate some of the potential of using BIM on-site in upcoming construction projects. Originality/value Only a few studies have addressed the use of BIM among site workers. Thus, the findings provide practitioners and researchers insight into how current practices may be improved, as well as areas where more research is needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 923-940
Author(s):  
Abdul Rahman Ahsan Usmani ◽  
Abdalrahman Elshafey ◽  
Masoud Gheisari ◽  
Changsaar Chai ◽  
Eeydzah Binti Aminudin ◽  
...  

Purpose Three dimensional (3 D) laser scanner surveying is widely used in many fields, such as agriculture, mining and heritage documentation and can be of great benefit for as-built documentation in construction and facility management domains. However, there is lack of applied research and use cases integrating 3 D laser scanner surveying with building information modeling (BIM) for existing facilities in Malaysia. This study aims to develop a scan to as-built BIM workflow to use 3 D laser scanner surveying and create as-built building information models of an existing complex facility in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was followed to develop a scan to as-built BIM workflow through four main steps: 3 D laser scanning, data preprocessing, data registration and building information modeling. Findings This case study proposes a comprehensive scan to as-built BIM workflow which illustrates all the required steps to create a precise 3 D as-built building information model from scans. This workflow was successfully implemented to the Eco-Home facility at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Originality/value Scan to as-built BIM is a digital alternative to manual and tedious process of documentation of as-built condition of a facility and provides a detail process using laser scans to create as-built building information models of facilities.


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