1,721,015 research outputs found
Digital information and hedonic models to improve decision making processes (BIM-GIS)
No full textThe main objective of this paper is to identify a methodology to improve decisionmaking
processes both in design and in construction phases. The research starts from
several studies (Feige et al., 2013; Fuerst & McAllister, 2011) developed in the
definition of correlations between the energy performance of a building and its selling
price on the real estate market. Developing further analysis we tried to set a different
interpretation of the results obtained. In the case study that we developed in the city of
Monza, we found a positive correlation between the energy class of buildings and their
price. To reach these results we applied the hedonic price methodology that allows
disrupting the whole market price of a building according to its characteristics. The
results obtained are perfectly in accordance with past studies but trough the specific
series of regression that we developed they could be read in a different way. This
allowed us defining a method to understand if a decision about a specific characteristic
in a building located in a specific area in the city could be profitable for the investment
in terms of revenue
Overcoming data island
No full textThe creation of several data silos without an idea about a whole picture at a system
level is a little evolution compared to the traditional storing system. Today, also in the
construction sector, the focus must be directed to the link between data in order to
extract from these new values for the entire community. The inherent structure of the
construction field characterized by a high fragmentation of subjects involved during
the lifecycle of a project needs efficient means to effectively share and manage
distributed information. Nowadays great efforts have been spent both in the research
and in the industry field in the development of effective means to allow affective
collaboration between different disciplines during the entire life cycle of a project.
However no steps have been defined in the development of a multi-project paradigm
that can give to costumers and in general to the construction industry a valuable
instrument for decision making and knowledge sharing processes. In each project we
may have different standards, different data fields, different rules of modeling,
different codes and it means that elements deriving from different projects cannot be
compared to each other. The information fields that are usually used to identify
elements in a project environment like names, codes, etc. are useless in a multi-project
environment. The objective of this paper is providing a general means to integrate
contents derived from different project realities. Our objective is to structure a process
that can guarantee good performances and at the same time allows the querying of
elements provided by multiple project environments. The conclusions reached are
about the identification of a possible path to follow in order to admit the integration of
data from different projects and from this, extract new knowledge that today cannot be
reached
IFC-based Cost Estimation: Application to A Structural Model
Full text linkAccurate cost estimation is an essential factor in the success of any construction project. Based on previous work, this study aims to use the IFC data model to support cost estimation processes and reduce human error. Through a code, developed in IfcOpenShell, a cost estimation has been made in IFC associating the new IfcCostItems with the IFC 3D model objects. The study was validated by applying the methodology to a real case of a structural model and defining a cost schedule for the structural project. Ultimately, this study seeks to support, verify, and improve public tenders quality of cost estimates
Enhancing accuracy in cost estimation: structured cost data integration and model validation
Full text linkCost estimation for tendering is one of the leading causes of legal disputes in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC/FM) industry. To date, there are no standardized procedures for verifying cost estimation accuracy. The association between cost data and geometric model objects is currently done manually, leading to time losses and inaccuracies in cost estimates. This study defines a new architecture for cost items within the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data model to ensure structured cost data, which is currently expressed in unstructured natural language. It encompasses the definition of a cost domain in IFC, potential relationships it may have with an IFC geometric information model, and the validation of these relationships through semi-automated verification procedures of structured data (geometric-cost). A specific case study, focused on a structural IFC model, is examined to assess current and future applications. Additionally, rules for BIM information requirements will be defined through the Information Delivery Specification (IDS) to ensure clear understanding for both humans and computers. This will specify which data must be included in the geometric model to ensure validation and verification of the uniqueness of associated cost data. The results demonstrate the feasibility of defining structured cost elements in IFC and verifying their association with geometric data to ensure coherence and uniqueness in cost estimation
Advancing Cost Estimation Through BIM Development: Focus on Energy-Related Data Associated with IFC Elements
Full text linkAchieving cost-effective energy performance while meeting sustainability goals is a challenge in retrofitting decisions within the construction industry. To enhance the decision-making process, this study introduces an IFC-based approach that integrates cost estimation and energy analysis directly within BIM. This approach supports more structured and data-informed retrofit planning by structuring cost and energy data within a semi-automated IFC-based workflow. The methodology follows a structured approach that includes three phases. The first focuses on developing a BIM model that captures the physical and semantic attributes of an existing building. This is followed by parametric energy simulations to evaluate retrofit scenarios, with cost data integrated and energy analysis reports linked to IFC elements. The final phase involves a post-retrofit cost assessment to identify the optimal scenario based on total cost, with potential for extension to other performance indicators. The framework was applied in a residential case study to evaluate the model’s functionality. The results show that IFC-based integration improves transparency, interoperability, and reliability in cost–energy assessments. By structuring data as linked IFC entities, the approach enhances BIM’s role as a decision-support tool for sustainable and economically efficient retrofitting
Innovative standardized cost data structure: application on price list document for estimating public tendering
Full text linkIn the construction industry, managing cost data represents a major challenge. One of the main issues is the inaccurate cost estimation of a project. This study, based on an innovative approach, standardizes and restructures unit cost items defining a new cost ontology starting from fundamental resources (materials, labor, and equipment) and then moving to construction work. A new methodology has been proposed to reduce errors, verify the uniqueness of the cost items, and ensure the correctness of cost estimates. This approach will allow, both humans and machines, to read and use information more easily and accurately. In conclusion, this new structure will provide a standardized and structured cost domain
Advancements and prospects in building information modeling (BIM) for construction: a review
No full textPurpose: The paper clarifies research gaps and future directions in building information modeling (BIM) research by analyzing research trends and publication patterns. It aims to (1) systematically categorize the vast array of BIM literature into coherent main topics, (2) identify the most and least explored areas and (3) propose directions for future research based on identified research gaps. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method to manage large datasets and uncover hidden patterns in academic journals and conference articles. To clarify the scholarly focus, the main topics in BIM research are categorized into three groups: (1) primary areas of focus, (2) moderately explored topics and (3) least investigated topics. Findings: The findings revealed 10 main topics (MTs) and 57 subtopics (STs), identifying key areas such as project design and management (20%), innovative construction technology (14%) and sustainable construction/life cycle management (14%). Conversely, it also highlighted underexplored areas like Facility/safety management and urban data development, suitable for future research. Research limitations/implications: While this work provides a structured overview of the BIM domain, it reveals opportunities for further exploring the complexity of the interrelation among interdisciplinary topics. Originality/value: The novelty of this study is its extensive scope, analyzing over fifteen thousand BIM articles from 2013 to 2023, which significantly expands the literature scale previously reviewed. This comprehensive approach maps BIM research trends and gaps and also shows the hierarchical trend line of publications in each main topic, setting a benchmark for future studies
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