Browsing by Subject "BIM"
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Item A Case Study of the Use of BIM and Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) for Facility Management(2012-10-19) Jawadekar, SalilThis study investigates the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and COBie for Facility Management on three projects where these concepts were used. Factors which affect these concepts are identified through a literature review. The study is divided into the sections of Responsibility for database formulation, Characteristics of database, Technology and Effect on work order response times. A qualitative analysis is conducted to study the application of these concepts and identify any problems encountered. A case study is conducted on three projects where BIM and COBie were used for facility management. It is found that though the database generated by using these concepts is useful for preventive maintenance, the data gathering and formulation process needs to be started during the design and construction phase to make use of BIM for facility management functions like space allocation, 3D mapping, building automation etc. This study can be used as a reference for further research based on quantitative analysis of the factors studied in the case study.Item A Process Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Improving Self-Help Housing in Texas Colonias(2014-12-08) Yenerim, DuyguColonias, as an example of informal settlement development along north of U.S. ? Mexico Border, are comprised of low-cost, self-built and -managed houses with lack of access to basic services. These settlements often have four particular problems as a result of self-help construction of homes without expert consultation: (1) substandard and unsafe constructions that do not meet building standards, (2) higher than average cost for energy per unit area due to poor housing conditions and poor building performance, (3) poor access to capital due to incorrect valuation of their properties, and (4) inattention to best practices for sustainable community development. This research identifies a process for designing additions and improvements to the existing self-help structures in the colonias by utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and building simulation tools to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability. This study employs a mixed-method research by combining survey research (qualitative), quasi-experimental research, and model-based research strategies (quantitative). This research comprises (1) survey of the literature review to build a logical framework and constitute a theoretical foundation for the research, (2) data collection including (a) interviews with residents in colonias and field survey of their houses to document existing architectural patterns in the colonias, and (b) focus groups with experts to identify best practices and low-cost, sustainable strategies that are appropriate for colonias residents, (3) development of a Colonias BIM Toolkit (CBT) to aid in creation of BIM models and calculation of their building performance, and (4) testing the strategies suggested by experts on designing an addition to two test cases by utilizing CBT. This study is limited to 30 self-help homes selected from three colonias located north of Highway 359 in Laredo, Texas which are referred to as Green Colonia, Red I and Red II. Documentation of existing architectural design and construction patterns were used to develop a toolkit, CBT, to model existing colonias homes. The findings from the focus group comprise best practices and sustainable design strategies specific to colonias residents in Laredo, Texas. These are embedded in the CBT for best practices. CBT enables rapid modeling of the homes, and simulation of their building performance, to provide insights on energy use and cost while designing an addition to existing homes. Findings also show that the BIM models and simulation results of the 30 homes can be used to estimate the aggregate energy use of the three colonias. The most cost effective and energy efficient practices for two homes are identified. Based on these findings, the study confirms the benefits of utilizing BIM technology to model an informal settlement context to address sustainability and affordability.Item Adapting building information modeling (BIM) for affordable & sustainable housing(2010-05) Dowhower, Justin Firuz; Moore, Steven A., 1945-; Briscoe, Danelle; Levy, FrancoisThe purpose of this thesis is to determine if Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an effective means for encouraging stakeholder collaboration throughout the building design/construction process and improving upon affordable and sustainable strategies for infill housing development. The research methodology includes literature reviews, interviews, case studies, simulations, and experimentations. Literature reviews include documentation regarding BIM, housing affordability and policy, sustainable design strategies, and integrated design practice. I conducted interviews with local stakeholders who had participated in local affordable/sustainable housing projects. The primary case study was the Alley Flat Initiative (2003-2010) which I had the opportunity to be involved with in various capacities as a participant observer. Simulations were performed using a BIM software tool to ‘redesign’ the first Alley Flat Initiative prototype and compare design workflows. Finally, experimentation was done involving the instruction of BIM software and exploring its use within an academic design studio environment. The findings indicate four significant conclusions. First, the research suggests that inflated soft project costs (overhead, administration, and services) can be reduced if local city governments were to adopt BIM in conjunction with housing review and permitting processes. In addition, the city could use BIM data to quantify building impacts on energy and resources over time. Second, sustainability innovation can be easier to integrate within a BIM workflow due to the high-capacity of the software to exchange information with third-part analysis tools. One particular barrier that must be overcome, however, are financial barriers due to software and staff training costs associated with BIM technology. Third, BIM requires ‘front-loading’ projects with more information earlier in the design process, which encourages greater transparency and more direct collaboration between stakeholders. A fully leveraged BIM workflow may not be feasible beyond local small-scale architects and builders due to the relatively steep learning curve and higher software costs, but a hybrid approach might be possible depending on how residential construction practices and BIM software development evolves in the near future. And fourth, BIM can make project information centralized, accessible, and long-lasting – serving as a communication and learning tool across disciplines and between expert and non-expert participants. The product of this research includes recommendations for all stakeholder groups engaged in leveraging BIM for affordable and sustainable housing development. Additional related topics of inquiry which fell outside the scope of this research are also included for future investigation.Item Assessing the Potential of Developing a Tool for Residential Facility Management Using Building Information Modeling Software(2012-11-29) Madhani, Himanshu 1986-Building Information Modeling (BIM) has changed the ways buildings are designed and constructed. Along with design and construction, operation and maintenance of the built facility is also gaining importance in the Architecture-Engineering-Construction industry. Facility management (FM) is widely adopted by industrial, healthcare and other types of commercial facilities for better maintenance and management of assets. BIM is being adopted in the field of Facility management and has become one of the most important tools for better application of operation and maintenance. Facility management is performed by professionals with training and experience in the related fields of building operation, maintenance, upgrade and repair. BIM is a professional tool which requires intense training and knowledge. This tool cannot be used and is hard to understand for non-professionals and people who do not have training to use it. Management of residences is as important as management of commercial, industrial and healthcare facilities for the life and smooth running of such facilities. Residential facilities are properties with one or more residential units or buildings. These buildings could be low rise, high rise or individual units. This thesis will help in analyzing the scope of using BIM and Application Programming Interface (API) for management of maintenance in residences by the owner who are not professionally trained. The research analyzes a single, basic function of a BIM tool to determine the potential for such a tool to help non-expert, first time user to be able to understand their residential facilities maintenance requirements. It is an attempt to propose a system which provides alerts to the owners regarding required maintenance and which shows the location of the work in a 3D model. The system was designed and tested in Microsoft Windows 7 operating system by using Autodesk? Revit building information software to make the 3D model, a Revit API plug-in to craft the alerts and show the location of work and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) to export the model to a web browser. The system worked through Revit program, but the concept of applying the system to work through web browser failed.Item BIM deployment : a process to adopt and implement a disruptive technology(2012-05) Hamilton, Timothy Leighton; Lewis, Kyle, 1961-; Nichols, StevenThis thesis determines a process to adopt and implement the disruptive practice and technology of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within the architectural-engineering-construction (AEC) community. Specific areas to address include: 1. Define process, adoption and integration as related to BIM implementation 2. Describe why BIM is a disruptive technology today 3. Identify reactive and proactive BIM outcomes 4. Evaluate and select process options for a specific BIM project 5. Describe the roles and responsibilities of participants, or stakeholders, in the BIM process 6. Identify consistent factors that influence BIM return on investment (ROI) at the project and company levels 7. Communicate the BIM process to management, colleagues and project stakeholders 8. Outline a process for BIM adoption and implementation at the project and company levels. The research methodology includes literature reviews and case studies. This research extends key teachings of the University of Texas at Austin Executive Engineering Management curriculum and gives the reader insight into the adoption and implementation of disruptive technologies.Item BIM Principles to Practice: Using BIM to Create a New Model for Producing Animation(2012-02-14) Naugle, Nicholas D.Computer animation projects, specifically feature film productions, require large teams of artists to manage and coordinate the use of enormous amounts of data containing both aesthetic and technical information within a specific time frame and while using finite resources. Mismanagement through information loss or inefficiency can result in both a compromised artistic vision and a financial loss. This thesis presents the conceptualization of a work management system based upon a successful system used in architecture and construction called Building Information Modeling, or BIM. BIM principles are adapted for use in animation production through the use of images as containers of information. The thesis does not include implementation of the management system described but does predict, based upon comparisons with architecture and construction, that a significant level of information carry-through can be achieved from concept art to final frames and we expect a positive gains in the efficient use of production resources. Adoption of this proposed project management structure could reduce production budgets, improve the communication flow between directors and artists, and develop an empirical based record for predicting the resource usage requirements for proposed projects in the future.Item Building Information Modeling - A Minimum Mathematical Configuration(2012-10-19) Bhandare, RuchikaIn the current context, the standardization of building construction is not limited to a specific country or to a specific building code. Trade globalization has emphasized the need for standardization in the process of exchange of design information, whether it is in the form of drawings or documents. Building Information Modeling is the latest transformational technology that supports interactive development of design information for buildings. No single Building Information Modeling software package is used in the Architecture Engineering Construction and Facilities Management industries, which is strength as new ideas develop, but a hindrance as the new ideas flow at a different pace into the various programs. The standards divergence of various software results in a limited ability to exchange data between and within projects, especially one sees the difficulty in moving data from one program to another. The Document eXchange File format represents an early attempt to standardize the exchange of drawing information by Autodesk. However, the data was limited to geometric data required for the production of plotted drawings. Metadata in a Building Information Model provides a method to add information to the basic geometric configuration provided in a Document eXchange File. Building Information Model programs use data structures to define smart objects that encapsulate building data in a searchable and robust format. Due to the complexity of building designs eXtensible Markup Language schemas of three dimensional models are often large files that can contain considerable amounts of superfluous information. The aim of this research is to exclude all the superfluous information from the design information and determine the absolute minimum information required to execute the construction of a project. A plain concrete beam element was used as the case study for this research. The results show that a minimal information schema can be developed for a simple building element. Further research is required on more complex elements.Item Contemporary Strategies for Sustainable Design(2013-04-05) Farias, FranciscoThis exploratory research examined the degree of adoption and impact of the concepts of Building Information Model (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Integrated Design Process (IDP) and Building Energy Simulation (BES) on the design processes of advanced architectural firms when executing sustainable design. Six offices identified by the press for a strong commitment to sustainable design and influence in the design of high performance buildings were selected as cases. In semi-standardized interviews, these firms presented their perceptions of the influence of BIM, BES, and IPD/IDP. The results show that a generalization of sustainable design processes is possible. A design process for sustainability (DEPROSU) model was created by collecting best practices from data gathered from the interviews and the critical literature review. Secondary contributions show that BIM, IDP/IPD and BES have a synergistic effect in sustainable design methods, and that the human resource profile from these firms has evolved towards multi-skilled professionals knowledgeable in BES, BIM, parametric design, sustainability and construction processes. This research provides evidence of commonalities found in the design processes of the selected firms. These commonalities, which have been represented in the DEPROSU model, can potentially be validated as protocols or standards for sustainable design, providing architectural design practices with concrete patterns for improvement and or validation of their design methods.Item Empirical Study of MacroBIM and Conceptual Estimation(2011-08-08) Gajbhiye, Anand DhanrajBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) has set up a mark in the construction industry over a decade. In order to gain benefit of BIM in estimating the project cost at the early stage of construction with the limited data available, a new concept of MacroBIM has been introduced in the industry. However, limited amount of research has been implemented to determine how MacroBIM has been accepted in the construction industry. Most research was focused on the accuracy of the conceptual estimation. This research attempted to determine the effectiveness of MacroBIM process applied at early stages of construction for conceptual cost estimation. Experts from the discipline of architecture, contractor and owners were interviewed and their professional opinions on MacroBIM were analyzed using grounded theory. The results show that, compared to the traditional conceptual estimating process, MacroBIM is an effective method for 1) saving labor hours, 2) conveying assumptions with the help of its visualization capabilities, 3) enhancing the collaboration among the project participants, and 4) evaluating multiple design scenarios. However, fear of using MacroBIM and trust in its outcome existed among some contractors, architects, and owners because this technology has not matured yet. Moreover, the need of interoperability between the MacroBIM tools and MicroBIM tools, such as Revit, has also surfaced in the study.Item Heat shock-induced apoptosis(2013-12) Mahajan, Indra Maria; Wright, Casey Wyatt; Bratton, Shawn B.Apoptosis is a conserved program of cell death that promotes organism homeostasis in all stages of life. Two main pathways activate caspases, which are cysteinyl-aspartate proteases that execute apoptosis. The extrinsic pathway is initiated by cell surface death receptors, while the intrinsic pathway is initiated by intracellular signals that cause permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane (MOMP). The Bcl-2 protein family regulates MOMP, which causes the release of several pro-apoptotic proteins (such as cytochrome c, Smac) into the cytosol. Bcl-2 proteins share homology in up to four "BH" domains and are subdivided into three subgroups. Pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak catalyze pore formation in the mitochondria, while anti-apoptotic members (Bcl-2, Mcl-1) inhibit MOMP. The third subgroup, termed BH3-only, promotes MOMP by either antagonizing Bcl-2 proteins or by directly activating Bax/Bak, and initiate apoptosis in response to various stressors, including heat shock (HS). Hyperthermia or acute HS reportedly induces apoptosis through caspase-2-mediated cleavage of BID, engaging the intrinsic pathway. However, additional evidence suggests that this pathway could represent an amplification loop. Thus we hypothesized that during HS, another BH3-only protein such as BIM, that does not require cleavage, could engage MOMP. Herein, we report that BIM mediates an alternative HS-induced apoptosis pathway. Cells lacking BIM are resistant to HS and exhibit better short and long-term survival than either Bid[superscript -/-] or Bax[superscript -/-]Bak[superscript -/-]. Moreover, caspase-2 induces apoptosis in Bim[superscript -/-] but not Bid[superscript -/-] cells, implying that caspase-2 kills exclusively through BID. Interestingly, Bim[superscript -/-] and Bax[superscript -/-]Bak[superscript -/-] cells are entirely resistant to MOMP, but the Bax[superscript -/-]Bak[superscript -/-] cells still undergo caspase-3 activation and remain partially sensitive to HS, indicating that BIM triggers caspase-3 activation upstream of mitochondria. Thus, BIM plays an important role in HS-induced apoptosis. Hyperthermia has clinical applications for the treatment of solid tumors. Unfortunately, a practical limitation is the development of thermotolerance, which confers resistance not only to subsequent HS but also to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved both in heat-induced apoptosis and thermotolerance could lead to new therapeutic interventions. Here we also show evidence for a putative role for the stress kinase JNK signaling pathway in the regulation of thermotolerance.Item Immersive Representation of Building Information Model(2012-07-16) Nseir, HussamBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology that utilizes 3D graphical representations to improve communication, collaboration, and data exchange. Immersive Visualization Environment (IVE) is another promising technology that enhances the 3D graphical representation to achieve a higher level of a sense of presence. The connection between the BIM technology that utilizes the 3D graphical representation and the IVE technology that enhances the 3D graphical representation has led many professionals to visualize BIM in immersive environments. This study is an attempt to overcome a systematic issue presented by available immersive visualization systems. The problem is that in order to visualize an information-rich BIM model from a commercial BIM application in an immersive visualization environment, the BIM model needs to pass through a tough conversion process and loss a large amount of its information. This research study utilizes the Application Programming Interface (API) of a commercially available BIM application to develop an immersive visualization environment. This approach was applied on Autodesk Navisworks software by developing a software program that utilizes Navisworks' API to control Navisworks' camera angle and generate an immersive visualization environment. A prototype of the approach was built in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A & M University and named BIM CAVE Prototype. The overall goal of this research was to prove that it is possible to transform a commercial BIM application into an immersive visualization system. A phenomenological study was utilized by interviewing subject matter experts from the construction industry. The intent of this effort was to explore and develop a phenomenological understanding of how research participants perceived the BIM CAVE system. The results show that the BIM CAVE can be considered an immersive visualization environment because it contains a majority of the immersive visualization environment features. However, a variety of technical limitations must be overcome before it can be called a fully immersive and functional visualization environment. Moreover, even though this investigation was to some extent successful, this research approach needs to be tested on other commercially available BIM applications before generalizations are made.Item The impact of delivery methods on the profitibility of commercial construction(2011-12) Herndon, Michael Brett; Nichols, Steven Parks, 1950-; McCann, Robert B.According to September 2011 information from the U.S. Census Bureau, the construction industry in the United States is valued at nearly eight hundred billion dollars annually. A 2004 collaborative study by Construction Industry Institute and Lean Construction Institute suggests that as much as fifty seven percent of time, effort, and material investment in construction projects do not add value to the final product. When compared with twenty six percent wastes in the manufacturing industry, it becomes obvious that the construction industry has a problem. Construction projects that come in over budget and behind schedule have become the rule rather than the exception, leading to contentious business relationships and costly litigation. This study will strive to identify and analyze the primary sources of these problems. Research and industry experience point to a lack of communication and cooperation among the various entities required to complete a construction project as the leading causes of waste in the industry. Further analysis suggests that traditional forms of construction contracts encourage adversarial and non-cooperative behavior between parties. Additionally, poor communication between various contributors opens the door for additional wasted cost. Fortunately, the development of tools such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) present new options to construction professionals that are proving to help address some of the challenges the industry faces today. IPD as a project delivery method creates a culture of collaboration and teamwork, where a culture of risk avoidance and conflict once stood, while BIM provides a platform for better communication among parties. When used together, these tools can reduce or eliminate many of the major sources of waste within the industry. This thesis will provide descriptions, analysis, and case studies that demonstrate the use of these tools and the potential they have to make a positive impact on the construction industry.Item Speeding Up the Process of Modeling Temporary Structures in a Building Information Model Using Predefined Families(2012-02-14) Sabahi, ParsaIt has been less than a decade that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been used in construction industries. During this short period of time the application of this new modeling approach has increased significantly, but still the main users of such models are architects (for design purposes) and general contractors (for coordination purposes). Most of the BIM applications are developed to meet design and coordination requirements; yet sub-contractors face hassles when using this new technology to model their products, equipment and services in detail. The literature reveals that one of the reasons is they do not have access to the tools and objects they need to model their work within the BIM environment. Temporary structures, such as shoring systems and formworks, are good examples. Although these structures play a significant role in the logistics of the jobsite, there are neither a special tools nor predefined objects in BIM applications to help model these elements. In this case study a real building project has been used to model these temporary structures by two different methods: 1. Using ordinary tools in BIM application (Revit), and, 2. Using predefined parametric families of objects developed and customized for this project. During the modeling process, time has been recorded as well as other observations describing obstacles, advantages, and disadvantages of both methods. The results show that the usage of predefined parametric families speeds up the process of modeling and also helps to create a model which is more understandable and informative than 2D drawings that are currently being used by most of the sub contractors.Item Studio Education for Integrated Practice Using Building Information Modeling(2011-02-22) O?zener, Ozan O?zenerThis research study posits that an altered educational approach to design studio can produce future professionals who apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the context of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) to execute designs faster and produce designs that have demonstrably higher performance. The combination of new technologies and social/contractual constructs represents an alternative to the established order for how to design and how to teach designers. BIM emerges as the key technology for facilitating IPD by providing consistent, computable and interoperable information essential to all AEC teams. The increasing trend of BIM adoption is an opportunity for the profession to dramatically change its processes and may potentially impact patterns of responsibility and the paradigms of design. This study showcases a repeatable framework and a theoretical model for the integrated studio using BIM and provides answers to the pedagogical questions raised by BIM, integration, and performance-based design. Using a formative and exploratory action research design, the study proposes a comprehensive pedagogical framework using the established theories of design studio education, building integration, and BIM. The framework was refined and triangulated in a set of focus group studies that include academics, design firms and AEC industry representatives, as well as students. Instrumental case studies implementing the pedagogical framework were conducted as courses in a graduate architecture program. Students' design processes and collaboration schemes were observed using systematic methods that included a broad range of data in conformance with a multi-method research approach. Content analysis of the data provides qualitative evidence for the effectiveness and encountered challenges of BIM methods that is related to proposed studio framework. These findings are corroborated by descriptive statistics and numerical data from the surveys, simulations, reports, and BIM models. Findings of the study illustrate that a carefully designed set of course exercises that incorporate BIM can enhance design processes, increase the depth and the number of alternatives studied, catalyze an interoperable and integrated educational environment, and expand the scope of design learning. Case studies presented here suggest common patterns of collaboration between designers and consultants during the integrated design process using shared BIM models. The findings from the study are synthesized in two theoretical models for the BIM enabled integrated studio and collaborative processes.Item The Use of BIM in Construction for Decision Making: A Case of Irregular-Shaped Steel-Framed Building Construction Project in South Korea(2013-05-03) Yum, Sang GukBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) is the comprehensive process of developing a computer model of a building project in the phases of designing, analyzing, building, managing, refurbishing and even demolishing the building. Applying BIM to public construction has become an obligation in South Korea. According to the Public Procurement Service in South Korea, the use of BIM has been compulsory on all government projects over $44M since 2012. Moreover, from 2013, the application of BIM will be expanded to all public construction projects over $27.6M. Finally, beginning in 2016, all public construction projects will be required to use BIM. Most research on BIM in South Korea has been focused on developing regulations and policies, application of BIM, solving technical problems, and searching for the value of BIM. However, the use of BIM in Korea during construction for decision-making has not been thoroughly reported in Korea yet. One may be wondering then if BIM is indeed well utilized in Korea during construction for practical decision-making. The objective of this research centers on investigating how a construction company in South Korea is using BIM for its decision making process during ongoing construction phases. For this investigation, a case study method was used. The construction operations on a jobsite in South Korea were monitored June to August in 2012. Field notes were taken to document the decision-making process and information used during field coordination meetings. A total of 36 cases were monitored and recorded. The use of BIM on field was then compared to the industry expectations indicated in the literature. Specifically, the use of BIM for scheduling, estimating, coordination, review of drawings, and tracking for change orders were carefully monitored and compared with the industry expectations as they were addressed in the literature. The results of this research study were mixed. That is, there are not only similarities, but also differences between BIM?s role used for decision making at the construction site, and its expected role described in previous research. The similarities were regarded as minimizing reworking. This factor came to fruition at a construction site by minimizing error, omission in design phases, or congruence in design and construction tasks. These factors could have a positive effect on estimating and scheduling at a construction site. However, use of BIM at a construction site was still limited in reducing repetitive work when 2D drawings were not able to provide enough information to conduct construction. Additionally, even though this study was successful in revealing the connection between the decision making process and the application of BIM at a construction site, the results of the study may not be generalizable to the construction industry as a whole in South Korea. Therefore, further research is needed to ensure its applicability to other construction projects.