There is a body of evidence indicating that the implementation of current Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry business models and practices have caused negative impacts on global energy supply, ecosystems, and local or regional economies. In order to eliminate such negative impacts, AEC practitioners are seeking new business models in which the Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology can be considered an important technology driver. Despite the fact that the majority of AEC practitioners have used BIM tools for construction-level modeling purposes, some early adopters of BIM technology began to use BIM tools to better inform their design decisions. Corresponding to the increasing demand for decision support functionality, a number of studies showed that a part of BIM technology will be developed toward decision support and artificial intelligence domains. The use of computer-based systems to support decision making processes can usually be found in the business management field. In this field, decision support and business intelligence systems are widely used for improving the quality of managerial decisions. Because of its theories and principles, Decision Support Systems (DSS) can be considered as one of the potential information technologies that can be applied to enhance the quality of design decisions. The DSS also has the potential to be constructed as a system platform for implementing building information contained in BIM models associated with other databases, analytical models, and expert knowledge used by AEC practitioners. This study explores an opportunity to extend the capability of BIM technology toward the decision support and artificial intelligence domains by applying the theories and principles of DSS. This research comprises the development of a prototype BIM interoperable web-based DSS for vegetated roofing system selection. The prototype development can be considered a part of an ongoing research agenda focusing on the development of the integrated web-based DSS for holistic building design conducted within the College of Architecture and Urban Studies (CAUS), Virginia Tech. Through a post-use interview study, the developed prototype is used as a tool for evaluating the possibility for the DSS development and the usefulness of DSS in improving the quality of vegetated roofing system design decisions. The understanding gained from the post-use study is used to create a guideline for developing a fully functional DSS for holistic building design that will be developed in the future. / Ph. D.

Die Bachelorarbeit untersucht die praktische Umsetzung des buildingSMART-Klassenkatalogs „BIM-Klassen der Verkehrswege“ in der Software card_1 und dessen Exportmöglichkeiten im IFC-Format. Es wird gezeigt, wie ein fiktives Anschauungsmodell einer Kreuzungsszene erstellt und mithilfe des Klassenkatalogs klassifiziert wird. Zusätzlich wurde eine Kommandozeilenanwendung entwickelt, die die mit card_1 erstellten IFC-Dateien validiert, um die korrekte Zuordnung der Klassifikationen zu überprüfen. Der Modellierungsprozess wurde in einem Modellierungshandbuch dokumentiert, das die verwendeten Methoden und Werkzeuge detailliert beschreibt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass card_1 IFC-Exporte nach IFC 4 und IFC 4x1 unterstützt, jedoch nicht alle Objekte mit Geometrie versehen sind. Trotz der fehlenden Geometrie werden diese Objekte semantisch im IFC-Schema abgebildet.:1. Einleitung 2. Stand der Forschung und Technik 2.1. BIM 2.1.1. Ansätze 2.1.2. BIM im Infrastrukturbau 2.2. Klassenkatalog „BIM-Klassen der Verkehrswege 2.0“ 2.2.1. Anforderungen 2.2.2. Vorgehensweise der Ausarbeitung 2.2.3. Inhalt und Struktur 2.3. IFC 2.3.1. Aufbau und Struktur 2.3.2. Versionen 2.3.3. Attributierungs- und Klassifizierungsmöglichkeiten 2.4. Modellierungssoftware card_1 2.4.1. Programmphilosophie 2.4.2. Neuer Straßenentwurf (NSE) und Fachobjektstruktur 3. Methodik 3.1. Modellierungshandbuch 3.2. Modellierung mit card_1 3.2.1. Wissensbeschaffung 3.2.2. Auswahl der Klassen 3.2.3. Datenbeschaffung 3.2.4. Modellierungsvorlage 3.2.5. Modellierung 3.2.6. Attributierung 3.2.7. Verwendete Klassen 3.2.8. IFC Export 3.3. Programmierung 4. Praktische Umsetzung 4.1. Klassifizierung und Attributierung in card_1 4.2. IFC-Exportmöglichkeiten von card_1 5. Entwicklung der Kommandozeilenapplikation 5.1. Anforderungen 5.2. Programmierung und Implementierung 5.2.1. Modellstruktur des card_1 IFC Modells 5.2.2. Genutzte Bibliotheken 5.2.3. Programmablauf 6. Ergebnisse 6.1. Anschauungsmodell in card_1 6.2. Anschauungsmodell in IFC 6.3. Herausforderungen und Limitationen 6.4. Kommandozeilenapplikation 7. Zusammenfassung und Ausblick 7.1. card_1 7.2. card_1 Modell 7.3. Erweiterung der Kommandozeilenapplikation 7.4. Klassenkatalog 8. Fazit A. Anhang B. Verzeichnis der digitalen Anlagen / The bachelor thesis examines the practical implementation of the buildingSMART class catalog “BIM-Klassen der Verkehrswege” in the card_1 software and its export options to the IFC format. It is shown how a fictive model of an intersection scene is created and classified using the class catalog. In addition, a command line application was developed that validates the IFC files created with card_1 in order to check the correct assignment of the classifications. The modeling process was documented in a modeling guide that describes the methods and tools used in detail. The results show that card_1 supports IFC exports to IFC 4 and IFC 4x1, but not all objects are provided with geometry. Despite the lack of geometry, these objects are semantically mapped in the IFC schema.:1. Einleitung 2. Stand der Forschung und Technik 2.1. BIM 2.1.1. Ansätze 2.1.2. BIM im Infrastrukturbau 2.2. Klassenkatalog „BIM-Klassen der Verkehrswege 2.0“ 2.2.1. Anforderungen 2.2.2. Vorgehensweise der Ausarbeitung 2.2.3. Inhalt und Struktur 2.3. IFC 2.3.1. Aufbau und Struktur 2.3.2. Versionen 2.3.3. Attributierungs- und Klassifizierungsmöglichkeiten 2.4. Modellierungssoftware card_1 2.4.1. Programmphilosophie 2.4.2. Neuer Straßenentwurf (NSE) und Fachobjektstruktur 3. Methodik 3.1. Modellierungshandbuch 3.2. Modellierung mit card_1 3.2.1. Wissensbeschaffung 3.2.2. Auswahl der Klassen 3.2.3. Datenbeschaffung 3.2.4. Modellierungsvorlage 3.2.5. Modellierung 3.2.6. Attributierung 3.2.7. Verwendete Klassen 3.2.8. IFC Export 3.3. Programmierung 4. Praktische Umsetzung 4.1. Klassifizierung und Attributierung in card_1 4.2. IFC-Exportmöglichkeiten von card_1 5. Entwicklung der Kommandozeilenapplikation 5.1. Anforderungen 5.2. Programmierung und Implementierung 5.2.1. Modellstruktur des card_1 IFC Modells 5.2.2. Genutzte Bibliotheken 5.2.3. Programmablauf 6. Ergebnisse 6.1. Anschauungsmodell in card_1 6.2. Anschauungsmodell in IFC 6.3. Herausforderungen und Limitationen 6.4. Kommandozeilenapplikation 7. Zusammenfassung und Ausblick 7.1. card_1 7.2. card_1 Modell 7.3. Erweiterung der Kommandozeilenapplikation 7.4. Klassenkatalog 8. Fazit A. Anhang B. Verzeichnis der digitalen Anlagen

Syfte: Genom att förbättra kommunikationen och effektiviteten i produktionen på en arbetsplats kan stora besparingar göras. Målet med examensarbetet är därför att undersöka hur Dalux Field påverkar produktionen på en byggarbetsplats genom att besvara (1) Hur påverkar användningen av Dalux Field kommunkationen i produktionen på en byggarbetsplats? och (2) Hur påverkar användningen av Dalux Field effektiviteten i produktionen på en byggarbetsplats? Metod: Arbetet innefattar en litteraturstudie samt en fallstudie med intervjuer på NCC:s byggarbetsplats D1 Ryhov i Jönköping. Fyra Arbetsledare har intervjuats varav två använder programvaran och två inte gör det. Utöver dessa intervjuas tre ledande montörer som aktivt använder sig utav programvaran. Litteraturstudien används för att bekräfta eller motsäga den insamlade empirin. Resultat: Dalux Field minskar kommunikationen på byggarbetsplatsen då arbetsledaren och den ledande montören har tillgång till modellen ute på arbetsplatsen. Vid eventuella kollisioner kan beslut tas direkt eftersom att de kringliggande installationerna är synliga i modellen. Detta ökar i sin tur effektiviteten eftersom att mindre stopp förekommer i produktionen. Eftersom en byggnads olika objekt består av en stor del information används med fördel Dalux Field som ett komplement då all denna information inte kan redovisas på en 2D-ritning. Vidare anser respondenterna att Dalux Field med fördel även används som ett visuellt komplement för att ge en helhetsbild av slutprodukten. Konsekvenser: Vid bevarandet av frågeställningarna drogs slutsatserna att användandet av Dalux Field effektiviserar kommunikationen som i sin tur effektiviserar byggproduktionen. För att förbättra verktyget ytterligare rekommenderas funktioner som mätverktyg och höjdsättning att ses över. Om Dalux Field ska utnyttjas till sin fulla potential krävs även att samtliga parter på byggarbetsplatsen har tillgång till och använder programmet. Begränsningar: På referensprojektet användes i första hand en intern plattform som kommunikationsverktyg. Resultatets giltighet hade stärkts om Dalux Field används primärt på helt byggarbetsplatsen. Eftersom NCC är ett stort företag inom byggsektorn med stora projekt, resurser och tillgångar är en generalisering med hela byggbranschen vag. Resultatet går att generalisera med liknande stora byggföretag med liknande projektstorlek, resurser och tillgångar. Nyckelord: Byggnads Informations Modellering, Kommunikationsverktyg, Byggproduktion, Informationsöverföring, Kollisionshantering, Effektivitet, Kommunikation, Dalux Field. / Purpose: By improving the communication and the efficiency in construction site production large savings may emerge. The main intentions with this thesis are therefore to examine whether how Dalux Field affects the production phase in construction by answering (1) How the use of Dalux Field affects the communication in the production on a construction site? and (2) How the use of Dalux Field affects the efficiency in the production on a construction site? Method: The work includes a literature study and a case study with interviews on NCC:s construction site D1 Ryhov in Jönköping. Four foremen have been interviewed whereof two use the software and two did not. Beyond these, three leading installers who actively use the software have been interviewed. The literature study was used to either confirm or contradict the collected data. Findings: Dalux Field reduces the communication on a construction site since the foreman and the leading installer have access to the model on site. In the event of a collision, decisions can be made instantly because the surrounding installations are visible in the model. This increases the efficiency, since smaller stops occur in production. Since a building’s various objects consists of a great deal of information Dalux Field is advantageously used as a supplement since all this information cannot be reported on a 2D drawing. Furthermore, the respondents consider that Dalux Field is also advantageously used as a visual supplement to give a complete picture of the end product. Implications: When answering the questions at hand, the conclusions were that the use of Dalux Field makes the communication more effective, which in turn makes the production phase in construction more efficient. In order to further improve the tool, features such as the measuring tool and height recommended to be reviewed. If Dalux Field is to be utilized to its full potential, it is also required that all parties in the construction phase have access to and use the program. Limitations: On the reference project an internal platform for communication is used primarily. The validity of the result would be strengthened if Dalux Field was the primary communication tool. Since NCC is a big company in the sector with a big number of projects, resources and assets, a generalization with the whole sector is not possible. The result can be generalized with equal building companies with similar projects, resources and assets. Keywords: Building Information Modeling, Communication tool, Construction production, information transfer, collision, efficiency, communication, Dalux Field.

A construção industrializada se mostra como uma oportunidade para aperfeiçoar o processo de produção na construção civil, mas para sua efetiva aplicação é preciso estabelecer um processo de produção condizente com suas características. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar como cada uma das perspectivas da integração - contratual, organizacional e de tecnologia da informação - pode aperfeiçoar e ampliar o uso da construção industrializada. A integração do processo de produção é considerada como uma solução para aumentar a qualidade e produtividade na construção civil e suas características estão alinhados aos requisitos da industrialização, seja por meio do uso da pré-fabricação e/ou de técnicas de racionalização da construção. Na literatura afirma-se que, na construção em geral, só é possível alcançar a integração do processo com mudanças estruturais nas três perspectivas. Investigou-se, no caso da construção industrializada, se um alto nível de integração em uma ou duas dessas perspectivas pode compensar a menor ou a sua ausência em outra(s). Para tanto, criou-se um ordenamento do grau de integração relativo a cada perspectiva, pela análise em detalhe de suas características, com a ajuda de diagramas específicos. Também foi elaborada uma tabela geral, com as interdependências entre as três perspectivas dado a graduação em cada uma. Tal método serviu de base para a análise de cinco estudos de caso de construção industrializada. Observou-se que, características da integração organizacional são as que mais favorecem o uso da industrialização, estabelecendo uma visão sistêmica ao processo. É possível estabelecer o trabalho colaborativo sem que a integração esteja definida no modelo de contrato. A integração pela tecnologia da informação, especificamente por meio do BIM, ainda que não se tenha mostrado essencial, permite antecipar possíveis incompatibilidades entre os sistemas construtivos. / Industrialized construction is an opportunity to improve project delivery process; however, it is crucial to reorganize the methods of the process, for its successful use. The aim of this research is to analyze how each perspective of integration - contract, organization and information technology - can improve and expand the use of industrialized construction. Integration of the project process is assumed as a solution to increase quality and efficiency in construction and, its features are aligned with the requirements for industrialized construction, be it through prefabrication and/or rationalization of the construction. It has been stated that, for the general case in construction, its integration can only be achieved from structural changes in all three approaches. It was investigated if a high level of integration in one or two of these perspectives can compensate for lower or absent in the other(s). For that matter, an ordering of the relative degree of integration within each perspective, was derived from the analysis of their characteristics, through the use of specific diagrams. Also, a general table of the interdependencies among the three perspectives was built. This method was used to analyze five case studies of industrialized construction. It was realized that the features of organization integration are those that give better support to the use of industrialized construction. Also, that it is possible to achieve collaboration even when it is not ruled in the contracts. Integration by information technology, specifically through BIM, although not proved essential, allows for anticipation of possible incompatibilities between construction systems.

Au travers de l’ensemble de ces travaux, l’objectif principal consiste à valider la pertinence de la construction et de l’utilisation de modèles 3D géométriques ou paramétriques orientés BIM/hBIM pour des analyses numériques. Il s’agit notamment d’études structurales dans le cas de bâtiments historiques ainsi que la planification potentielle de travaux de restauration, rénovation énergétique et réhabilitation. Des travaux d’exploitation complémentaires des données et des nuages de points, pour la détection, la segmentation et l’extraction d’entités géométriques ont également été intégrés dans les travaux et la méthodologie proposée. Le processus de traitement des données, modélisation géométrique ou paramétrique et leur exploitation, proposé dans ces travaux, contribue à améliorer et mieux comprendre les contraintes et enjeux des différentes configurations et conditions liées aux cas d’études et aux contraintes spécifiques propres aux types de constructions. Les contributions proposées pour les différentes méthodes de modélisation géométriques et paramétriques à partir des nuages de points, sont abordées par la construction de modèles géométriques orientés BIM ou hBIM. De même, les processus de détection d’éléments surfaciques et d’extraction de données à partir de nuages de points mis en place sont présentés. La mise en application de ces méthodes de modélisation est systématiquement illustrée par différents cas d’étude, dont l’ensemble des travaux relatifs ont été effectués dans le cadre de cette thèse. Le but est dès lors de démontrer l’intérêt et la pertinence de ces méthodes numériques en fonction du contexte, des besoins et des études envisagées, par exemple avec la flèche de la cathédrale de Senlis (Oise) et le site de l’Hermitage (Oise). Des analyses numériques de type éléments finis permettent ensuite de valider la pertinence de telles démarches. / Throughout this work, the main objective is to validate the relevance of construction and use of geometric or parametric 3D models BIM or hBlM-oriented for numerical analyzes. These include structural studies in the case of historic buildings, as well as planning for restoration work, energy renovation and rehabilitation. Complementary data mining and use of point clouds for the detection, segmentation and extraction of geometric features have also been integrated into the work and proposed methodology. The process of data processing, geometric or parametric modeling and their exploitation, proposed in this work, contributes to improve and understand better the constraints and stakes of the different configurations and conditions related to the case studies and the specific constraints specific to the types of constructions. The contributions proposed for the different geometric and parametric modeling methods from point clouds are addressed by the construction of geometric models BIM or hBlM-oriented. Similarly, the process of surface detection, extraction of data and elements from point clouds are presented. The application of these modeling methods is systematically illustrated by different case studies, all of whose relative work has been carried out within the framework of this thesis. The goal is therefore to demonstrate the interest and relevance of these numerical methods according to the context, needs and studies envisaged, for example with the spire of the Senlis cathedral (Oise) and the Hermitage site (Oise). Numerical analyzes with finite element method are used to validate the relevance of these approaches.

Building Information Modeling (BIM), ou, no Brasil, Modelagem da Informação da Construção, auxilia em alguns dos principais desafios apresentados no cenário atual do mercado da construção civil nacional, como a redução de riscos e aumento da produtividade. Contudo, para que o BIM propicie esses benefícios, é necessário que existam padronizações e especificações de como sua utilização deve ser conduzida, quais são os usos esperados do modelo BIM, como as informações serão trocadas e quais informações os elementos do modelo devem conter. Para esta finalidade, são desenvolvidas diretrizes de contratação de empreendimentos em BIM, fundamentais para garantir o alinhamento entre contratante e contratadas em tudo o que tange à utilização do BIM no projeto. Utilizando-se a metodologia da pesquisa construtiva, foi realizada a análise bibliográfica de diretrizes de contratação BIM e a proposição de uma ferramenta de apoio à criação de diretrizes de contratação de empreendimentos em BIM para o mercado da construção civil nacional. A ferramenta proposta tem como principal objetivo facilitar a geração de diretrizes de contratação, usando como base referências difundidas para aplicação de processos BIM, mas também permitindo sua customização para melhor se adequar à realidade de cada contratante. Espera-se que a ferramenta apoie as empresas contratantes a vencer a barreira criada pela dificuldade de produzir sua própria diretriz, deixando mais claras as especificações para contratação, apoiando a implementação do BIM. Esta ferramenta foi avaliada em um caso teste, em duas rodadas, para avaliar sua aplicabilidade e aferir os resultados obtidos, tornando-a base para o desenvolvimento de outros documentos similares e para futuras pesquisas na área. A avaliação comprovou que a ferramenta foi capaz de operar dentre os limites de desempenho esperados, facilitando o processo de geração e consulta de uma diretriz, permitindo customização pelo usuário e alimentada por bases de conhecimento consolidadas. tratação em BIM, Normas BIM. / Building Information Modeling (BIM) may assist with some of the main challenges presented in the current state of the national civil construction industry, such as reducing risks and increasing productivity. However, for BIM to provide these benefits, the existence of standards and specifications is necessary, indicating what workflows should be followed, what are the expected uses, how the information will be exchanged and what properties should be included in the model. Therefore, contracting guidelines for BIM projects are developed, to ensure alignment between owner and providers in all matters related to the use of BIM in the project. Using the Constructive Research methodology, this research performed an analysis of BIM publications in countries with proven experience on successful project procurement and the proposition of a tool to support the creation of guidelines for the contracting of projects in BIM in the national civil construction market. The main objective of the proposed tool is to facilitate the generation of contracting guidelines, using well-known references on the application of BIM processes as basis, but also allowing their customization to better suit the reality of each contractor. It is expected that the tool supports contractors to overcome the barrier created by the difficulty of producing their own guideline, clarifying the specifications for contracting and supporting the implementation of BIM. This tool was evaluated in a test case, in two rounds, to assess its applicability and to gauge the obtained results, making it the basis for the development of other similar documents and for future research in the area. The evaluation proved that the tool was able to operate within the expected performance limits, facilitating the process of generation and consultation of a guideline, allowing customization by the user and fed by consolidated knowledge bases.

De nombreux bâtiments anciens sont à rénover pour diminuer leur consommation énergétique. Grâce à l'émergence d’outils numériques tels que la maquette numérique d'un bâtiment ou BIM (Building Information Modeling), des simulations énergétiques peuvent être réalisées. Or, pour la plupart des bâtiments, aucune information numérique n'est disponible. L'objectif de nos travaux est de développer une méthodologie pour générer des maquettes numériques de bâtiments existants à faible coût en limitant l'acquisition de données. Notre choix s'est porté sur l'utilisation de plan papier 2D scanné. Nous faisons l'hypothèse qu'un tel plan est presque toujours disponible pour un bâtiment même s’il n'est pas toujours à jour et que sa qualité influe sur celle de la reconstruction. La reconstruction automatique d'un BIM à partir d'une image se base sur la recherche et l'identification de 3 composantes: la géométrie (forme des éléments), la topologie (liens entre les éléments) et la sémantique (caractéristiques des éléments). Lors de cette phase, des ambiguïtés peuvent apparaître. Nous proposons un processus basé sur des interventions ponctuelles et guidées de l'utilisateur afin d'identifier les erreurs et proposer des choix de correction pour éviter leur propagation.Nous présentons la méthodologie développée pour proposer une reconstruction semi-automatique et une analyse des résultats obtenus sur une base de 90 plans. Les travaux ont ensuite porté sur une généralisation du processus afin d'en tester la robustesse, le passage à l'échelle et la gestion multi-niveaux. Le processus développé est flexible pour permettre l’ajout d'autres sources de données pour enrichir la maquette numérique. / Many buildings have to undergo major renovation to comply with regulations and environmental challenges. The BIM (Building Information Modeling) helps designers to make better-informed decisions, and results in more optimal energy-efficient designs. Such advanced design approaches require 3D digital models. However such models are not available for existing buildings. The aim of our work is to develop a method to generate 3D building models from existing buildings at low cost and in a reasonable time. We have chosen to work with 2D scanned plans. We assume that it is possible to find a paper plan for most buildings even if it is not always up-to-date and if the recognition quality is also dependent to the plan. The automatic reconstruction of a BIM from a paper plan is based on the extraction and identification of 3 main components: geometry (element shape), topology (links between elements) and semantics (object properties). During this process, some errors are generated which cannot be automatically corrected. This is why, we propose a novel approach based on punctual and guided human interventions to automatically identify and propose correction choices to the user to avoid error propagation.We describe the developed methodology to convert semi-automatically a 2D scanned plan into a BIM. A result analysis is done on 90 images. The following works is focused on the process genericity to test its robustness, the challenge of moving to scale and the multi-level management. The results highlight the pertinence of the error classification, identification and choices made to the user. The process is flexible in order to be completed by others data sources.

Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. This thesis represents an investigation into biomimicry and includes the development of a design method based on biomimetic principles that is applied to the design of curved building surfaces whose derived integral structure lends itself to ease of manufacture and construction. <br /><br /> Three design concepts are produced that utilize a selection of natural principles of design outlined in the initial biomimetic investigation. The first design visualizes the human genome as a template on which the process of architectural design and construction can be paralleled. This approach utilizes an organizational structure for design instructions, the adherence to an economy of means, and a holistic linking of all aspects of a design characteristic of the genetic parallel. The advancement of the first design concept is illustrated through the use of a particular form of parametric design software known as GenerativeComponents. The second design concept applies the biomimetic design approach outlined in concept one to the development of ruled surfaces with an integral structure in the form of developable flat sheets. The final concept documents the creation of arbitrary curved surfaces consisting of an integral reinforcing structure in the form of folded sheet chevrons.

Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. This thesis represents an investigation into biomimicry and includes the development of a design method based on biomimetic principles that is applied to the design of curved building surfaces whose derived integral structure lends itself to ease of manufacture and construction. <br /><br /> Three design concepts are produced that utilize a selection of natural principles of design outlined in the initial biomimetic investigation. The first design visualizes the human genome as a template on which the process of architectural design and construction can be paralleled. This approach utilizes an organizational structure for design instructions, the adherence to an economy of means, and a holistic linking of all aspects of a design characteristic of the genetic parallel. The advancement of the first design concept is illustrated through the use of a particular form of parametric design software known as GenerativeComponents. The second design concept applies the biomimetic design approach outlined in concept one to the development of ruled surfaces with an integral structure in the form of developable flat sheets. The final concept documents the creation of arbitrary curved surfaces consisting of an integral reinforcing structure in the form of folded sheet chevrons.

The building information model (BIM) is assumed to encompass all the required parameters, rules and attributes about a design product and process for Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) practitioners in a way that is comprehendible by all participants sharing the model and that communicates their needs and intentions. The socio-cognitive day-to-day interactions that occur in the workplace imply however that there are discrepancies between what is exchanged as design information when sharing a model and what is exchanged as goals, needs and possibly conflicting intentions and interests when sharing a common ill-structured problem. The findings of an ethnographic study are presented. The study investigates affordances and limitations in BIM-enabled practice regarding the communication of design intent among design teams in the context of an architectural project. Grounded theory coding was used as a basis for analytic induction through constant comparison and examination of data from field observation, interviews and design meetings, to identify emergent conceptual categories central to the research inquiry. A "thick description" was provided that took into account the dynamic interactions among teams, including interdisciplinary, intradisciplinary and non-disciplinary interaction. By dissecting hypothetical models of shared project information offered by BIM, the dissertation identified interfaces of information exchange, states of the BIM model as a boundary object, and emergent and overlapping communities of practice that delineate the degree of completeness and correctness of a BIM model and describe its effectiveness in capturing and conveying the intent of participants upon interaction. To draw parallels to other contexts, the assumptions central to the study were discussed in relation to a spectrum of possible scenarios within the larger population of AEC firms. In light of the findings and "persona" descriptions identified in the study, the dissertation examined and proposed amendments and richer descriptions to existing surveys and market reports that address the use and benefits of BIM in the AEC industry, including topics such as the internal business value of BIM, top ways to improve value of BIM, and impact of project factors on BIM value.