Automating Bridge Construction Scheduling Data with BIM and Machine Learning

Building information modeling (BIM) has become an integral part of commercial construction processes in recent years. This article summarizes a research study undertaken to explore the frequency of BIM application, the advantages and effects of using BIM, and various other methods associated with developing and using BIM models in commercial construction. Executive, mid-management, and BIM practitioner-level employees from eighteen leading commercial general contracting firms (with regard to BIM use) were surveyed to determine how their companies utilized BIM. Thirty-two different applications of BIM use were identified for commercial construction, and those most commonly utilized included clash detection, 3-D modeling, team collaboration, constructability issues of design, and sales. Communication, scheduling, coordination, visualization, and clash detection were identified as the top advantages of using BIM. Regarding the effects of using BIM, companies reported a positive impact on profitability, time of construction, and marketing. Finally, this article discusses various processes for using BIM, how models were used internally and with trade partners, and the decisions affecting BIM use by leading commercial contractors.

Abstract. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a highly advanced spatial modeling method that is fully incorporated in the building lifecycle. With the support of Information Technologies, the use of BIM has become common in building management such as energy efficiency, indoor navigation and emergency evacuation simulations. This study focuses on emergency evacuation simulations since, integrating BIM and Spatial Information Science, could mitigate casualties in emergencies. Traditional evacuation management methods are generally inadequate since they are based on 2D evacuation plans, they are static and do not consider the characteristics/interactions of the people in the building. This study aims to integrate BIM and Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) for emergency evacuation simulations, where characteristics of the building and the users are incorporated. Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Civil Engineering was selected as study area and the BIM model was created by using the CAD drawings of the floor plans. The users of the Faculty building such as students, academicians, administrative staff and visitors are considered for simulations. The BIM model was transferred to the ABM environment, and the routes used during the fire evacuation were generated. Fire evacuation simulations were performed, where agents having different characteristics evacuate the building according to the rules predefined. Three different scenarios were tested. Major conclusion of this study is that, via integrating BIM and ABM, it is possible to model people’s behavior within a three-dimensional digital environment, where decision-makers could be performing simulations such as fire evacuation supported by dynamic, realistic and accurate information.

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced billions of people into lockdown; foregrounding the important relationship between architecture and health. In this context, there is heightened urgency for the construction sector to improve the healthiness of buildings. Accordingly, the research identifies the feasibility of measuring various building health indicators (BHIs) through the use of a building information management (BIM) model. The research seeks to find optimal strategies for integrating the near ubiquitous use of BIM with a range of health indicators related to building design.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was undertaken to identify potential BHIs for use in BIM models. The research then undertook a Delphi technique in order to test the hypothesis. In total, three rounds of questionnaire-based surveys were undertaken with expert participants.FindingsThe research identifies three different levels of BIM complexity in order to achieve the integration of health indicators. The most simple strategy suggests BHI can be directly measured using existing BIM models; the next level of sophistication requires “plug-in” software to BIM models; the final level would require additional sensors and detectors in a “smart” building.Practical implicationsThe research is significant for users of BIM, building designers, public health advisors, construction professionals, healthcare providers, social prescribers, architects and clients.Originality/valueThe integration of BHI into the architectural design process is an important step towards the construction sector improving health and well-being. The research provides for the first time a rigorous identification of the most viable mechanisms through which BIM may be used to measure the healthiness of a building.

This study demonstrates the research and development of a visualization method called thermal performance simulation. The objective of this study is providing the results of thermal performance simulation results into building information modeling (BIM) models, displaying a series of thermal performance results, and enabling stakeholders to use the BIM tool as a common user interface in the early design stage. This method utilizes a combination of object-oriented physical modeling (OOPM) and BIM. To implement the suggested method, a specific BIM authoring tool called the application programming interface (API) was adopted, as well as an external database to maintain the thermal energy performance results from the OOPM tool. Based on this method, this study created a prototype called the thermal energy performance visualization (TEPV). The TEPV translates the information from the external database to the thermal energy performance indicator (TEPI) parameter in the BIM tool. In the TEPI, whenever BIM models are generated for building design, the thermal energy performance results are visualized by color-coding the building components in the BIM models. Visualization of thermal energy performance results enables non-engineers such as architects to explicitly inspect the simulation results. Moreover, the TEPV facilitates architects using BIM as an interface in building design to visualize building thermal energy performance, enhancing their design production at the early design stages.

Cost overruns and schedule delays are persistent challenges in the construction phase. Developing a feasible and optimized construction plan is essential for efficient resource allocation and reliable cost estimation. Despite technological advances, many planning, inspection, and progress control processes remain manual and time-consuming. Although scheduling tools like the Critical Path Method (CPM) are common, key inputs such as task durations, sequences, and resource needs are still manually determined, with limited integration into 3D models and minimal automation. Although 4D Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers significant potential, its adoption remains limited, particularly in some developing countries, due to high initial costs and implementation challenges. This paper proposes a framework that automates the development of optimized construction methods for reinforced concrete buildings. Using 3D BIM data, the framework generates a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), produces detailed schedules, and links them with the BIM model to simulate progress, plan daily resource use, and minimize consumption. By integrating 4D BIM, the system enables the visualization of construction sequences, the evaluation of alternative methods, and the comparison of multiple execution scenarios based on time and resource constraints. The framework supports early decision-making, reduces planning time, and improves project delivery outcomes.

The brief representation of the whole article which contains the context of the problem (background), purpose of the research, the principal methods, the results and major conclusion (contribution). An abstract is often presented separately from the article, so it must be able to stand-alone. Thus, the reference must be avoided. Abtract must be written in Arial 9pt, with no more than 300 words in one paragraph. Conventional construction work has many weaknesses, so it takes the role of technology in the construction sector to make it more effective and efficient. This research focuses on implementing a management method in the construction industry, namely Building Information Modeling (BIM). Where this study aims to determine the volume of work (Quantity Take Off) of the structure, the duration of the 3D simulation of the work (Time Schedule), and the estimated budget. This study uses the simulation method (simulation research), where direct modeling is carried out using Autodesk Revit 2023 software for 3D and 5D BIM, as well as 4D scheduling using Microsoft Project 2020 and Autodesk Naviswork 2023 software. In the analysis process, this research requires detailed engineering design drawings, time schedules, and work unit prices. The results of this study indicate that the volume of concrete work is 4898.71m³ with an estimated cost of IDR 7,172,372,614.68 and for reinforcement volume of 1136750.2 kg with an estimated cost of IDR 18,615,421,275.20 with a total estimated structure work of IDR 25,787,793,889.88. The duration of the work obtained on the 4D BIM model is 289 days. The use of BIM can be said to be more effective and efficient because it can simulate and calculate work volumes in more difficult geometrical conditions in detail, and can visualize 3D models so that it can detect and control planning errors from the start.

Brownfield site development refers to the process of redeveloping previously used or contaminated land for new construction or renovation projects. These sites often present unique challenges due to their historical use and potential environmental hazards. Despite the benefits accruable from the use of BIM and the steep rise its adoption, the literature shows dearth and lack of the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in brownfield site development Therefore, this research project attempts to take the advantage of the growing development of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to bridge the above gaps, where BIM can play a significant role in this process by providing a virtual representation of the impact of the site on buildings and its potential hazards. By incorporating data from environmental assessments, such as soil and groundwater contamination, into the BIM model, project teams can visualise and analyse the risks associated with the site. This allows for better planning and decision-making in terms of hazard mitigation strategies. This study seeks to develop a clear and comprehensive conceptual framework to guide research in this field and shape the innovative system that integrates design decision tasks throughout project lifecycle with BIM processes. It will assist designers to reflect on the safety implications of their design decisions. The fundamental concern of the system is the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of potential hazard at the design stage of brownfield site development. The proposed system will add a new sort of functionality to common BIM tools such as Autodesk REVIT.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology increasingly used in the modern construction industry, particularly to improve communication efficiency and collaboration between stakeholders. This technology enables the integration of project data and information into a comprehensive digital model, allowing all involved parties to access, verify, and update information in real time. This study aims to evaluate the strategic role of BIM as a communication medium in the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach, focusing on the planning stage involving the disciplines of architecture, structure, and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. The IPD approach emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration from the early stages of a project to optimize outcomes, reduce risks, and accelerate completion. The research methods used are literature review and case study analysis of various projects that have implemented BIM within the IPD framework. The data analyzed include the effectiveness of information exchange, inter-team coordination, and early identification of design conflicts. The study results show that BIM significantly improves information transparency among stakeholders, minimizes the risk of miscommunication, and accelerates the decision-making process through accurate and integrated data visualization. BIM models also facilitate the detection of potential conflicts, such as clashes between structural and MEP elements, before entering the physical construction phase, thereby reducing repair costs and delays. Furthermore, the use of BIM in IPD fosters a more collaborative work culture, where architects, engineers, and contractors can work together to solve problems quickly and effectively. Thus, BIM has proven to play a crucial role as a primary communication tool in IPD implementation, while also serving as a crucial foundation for achieving efficient, integrated, and high-quality construction project management.

WBS-based dynamic multi-dimensional BIM database for total construction as-built documentation

Exploring the rate of adoption and implementation depth of building information modeling (BIM): A case of Kuwait

Building information modeling (BIM) aims to facilitate information management and collaboration among stakeholders in different domains over the building life cycle. BIM models are increasingly used as an object-based information hub for storing, integrating and managing building information in different aspects. Over the building life cycle, stakeholders like the owner, designers and subcontractors keep reviewing and commenting on different building components, but these social interactions are often not recorded and managed in a structured manner. This paper presents a distributed cloud-based BIM framework that was designed to support collaboration among project participants and information sharing. The framework, namely BIMCloud, was developed based on Apache Cassandra which can be deployed on public cloud servers like Amazon EC2 or private cloud servers hosted in own infrastructures. A schematic data structure was also developed to capture the building component-based social interactions, which could be used for mining and post-processing to generate knowledge in the future. The BIMCloud framework stores BIM models based on the IFC schema and the developed schema for Social BIM. Therefore, people can make changes to the BIM models in the BIMCloud framework by transferring only a partial BIM model. An example scenario is presented in this paper.

The increasing complexity of construction projects, especially in maritime infrastructure. Private Port Terminal / Terminal Untuk Kepentingan Sendiri (TUKS), demands innovative approaches to enhance efficiency, coordination, and accuracy. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative technology in addressing these challenges by integrating multidisciplinary data into a centralized digital environment. This study investigates the implementation of BIM in the planning and execution phases of a coal terminal jetty project located in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The primary aim is to evaluate BIM’s contribution to clash detection, cost estimation, and construction scheduling, using Autodesk Revit for 3D modeling and Navisworks for 4D simulation and clash analysis. Methodologically, the research adopts a case study approach involving comprehensive data collection from technical drawings, schedules, and cost estimates, followed by BIM modeling and analysis. The findings reveal that the application of BIM significantly improves design coordination through early identification and resolution of spatial conflicts, reducing hard clashes by over 70% after model revision. Furthermore, quantity takeoffs derived from the BIM model provide more precise cost estimations, while 4D simulation enhances construction timeline accuracy, mitigating the risk of delays and cost overruns. Comparative analysis shows that BIM-based planning reduces total construction costs by approximately 8.6% and project duration by 12.3% compared to conventional methods. The study contributes to the field by offering empirical evidence of BIM’s effectiveness in maritime infrastructure projects, highlighting its potential in improving decision-making, minimizing rework, and optimizing resource allocation. Practical implications include guiding stakeholders in adopting BIM for similar projects, while social implications involve promoting transparency and accountability in construction. Future research should explore automated clash categorization and lifecycle integration for long-term asset management using BIM.

The design of the civil engineering works in High Speed Two (HS2) is a good example of what can be achieved when the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process is embraced. Central to the BIM process is a three-dimensional (3D) model that communicates the civil design to enable construction, asset management, operation and maintenance in a fully collaborative and coordinated multi-disciplinary environment. Software developers of leading BIM packages have responded to the requirements of HS2 and similar projects by delivering feature-rich applications to enable design and BIM to go hand-in-hand. HS2, however, is under a tight programme to deliver a 3D model with a Level of Detail (LOD) beyond what has been required on most projects to date, and this has resulted in exhaustive testing of the software. Such requirements have identified gaps in the BIM software tools for drainage designers. Drainage designers utilise hydraulic modelling software to design and test their designs. This software must be efficient, reliable and, most importantly, have all the design tools necessary to design and test a drainage network to meet the client’s requirements. HS2 Ltd’s requirements under the Asset Data Dictionary Definition Document (AD4) are to provide spatially accurate 3D models along with detailed and relevant asset data. The integrated project team delivering the HS2 Area North works opted to achieve this by delivering fully attributed BIM models. However, software developers of leading drainage design packages do not have the BIM capabilities required to provide a BIM model with the LOD required in HS2 on their own. They must be integrated with a BIM software. This leaves drainage designers using two separate systems with a requirement to integrate two software packages to work seamlessly together in a BIM environment. To overcome this, a suite of tools was developed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to convert from MicroDrainage (a drainage design tool) to Bentley OpenRoads Designer (a BIM package) and fully attribute the BIM models. The tools have been developed specifically for HS2 feature definitions and requirements, however, with further development, they could be customisable for use on other projects thus improving the level of detail, accuracy and efficiency future deliverables on future projects.

More and more mega-complex bridge projects are being or will be built worldwide. At the same time, the design and construction of such projects involve more and more challenges, e.g., complex structural designs, complicated construction environments, etc. This research study aims to apply BIM (Building Information Modelling) to bridge projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of design and construction. Through the analysis of the characteristics of bridge projects and relevant, associated problems, a BIM-based solution to improving design and construction is developed, including conceptual design optimization, detailed design optimization, the optimization of construction sequences, construction scheduling, construction management, and construction process monitoring. Furthermore, a real-life bridge project is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the BIM-aided approach to design and construction. It is shown that BIM has the potential to improve the design and construction of bridge projects. It is expected that this research could contribute to the extensive application of BIM in mega-complex bridge projects to aid in design and construction in the future.

Building maintenance is the responsibility of its owner which must use, whenever appropriate, a technician to perform the inspection. A good maintenance depends on the analysis of the anomalies detected during the inspection of the site. Building Information Models (BIM) have revealed themselves as a good tool when it comes to supporting maintenance actions, due to their ability to store enough information in one digital model. The aim of the proposed work was to implement the benefits provided by BIM on a software tool used as support to maintenance of buildings. During an inspection activity for maintenance purposes, the implemented application, containing a rigorous database, allows the user to identify each anomaly present in building components, directly onto the BIM model, automatically associating them with probable causes, repair methods and a photograph of the anomaly uploaded at the site. Therefore, gains in productivity and a decrease in the error probability can be achieved. The inspection data is stored in the BIM model, making it suitable for consultation when planning maintenance. Additionally, it was case study the interoperability between BIM modeling and visualizing software, regarding the preservation of information, especially in the standard format Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). This work contributed to demonstrate, not only that there are still problems concerning the interoperability between BIM software, but also the advantages of employing BIM for building maintenance purposes.