Accurate and frequent construction progress tracking provides critical input data for project systems such as cost and schedule control as well as billing. Unfortunately, conventional progress tracking is labor intensive, sometimes subject to negotiation, and often driven by arcane rules. Attempts to improve progress tracking have recently focused mainly on automation, using technologies such as 3D imaging, Global Positioning System (GPS), Ultra Wide Band (UWB) indoor locating, hand-held computers, voice recognition, wireless networks, and other technologies in various combinations. Three dimensional (3D) imaging technologies, such as 3D laser scanners (LADARs) and photogrammetry have shown great potential for saving time and cost for recording project 3D status and thus to support some categories of progress tracking. Although laser scanners in particular and 3D imaging in general are being investigated and used in multiple applications in the construction industry, their full potential has not yet been achieved. The reason may be that commercial software packages are still too complicated and time consuming for processing scanned data. Methods have however been developed for the automated, efficient and effective recognition of project 3D BIM objects in site laser scans. This thesis presents a novel system that combines 3D object recognition technology with schedule information into a combined 4D object based construction progress tracking system. The performance of the system is investigated on a comprehensive field database acquired during the construction of a steel reinforced concrete structure, Engineering V Building at the University of Waterloo. It demonstrates a degree of accuracy that meets or exceeds typical manual performance. However, the earned value tracking is the most commonly used method in the industry. That is why the object based automated progress tracking system is further explored, and combined with earned value theory into an earned value based automated progress tracking system. Nevertheless, both of these systems are focused on permanent structure objects only, not secondary or temporary. In the last part of the thesis, several approaches are proposed for concrete construction secondary and temporary object tracking. It is concluded that accurate tracking of structural building project progress is possible by combining a-priori 4D project models with 3D object recognition using the algorithms developed and presented in this thesis.

Accurate and frequent construction progress tracking provides critical input data for project systems such as cost and schedule control as well as billing. Unfortunately, conventional progress tracking is labor intensive, sometimes subject to negotiation, and often driven by arcane rules. Attempts to improve progress tracking have recently focused mainly on automation, using technologies such as 3D imaging, Global Positioning System (GPS), Ultra Wide Band (UWB) indoor locating, hand-held computers, voice recognition, wireless networks, and other technologies in various combinations. Three dimensional (3D) imaging technologies, such as 3D laser scanners (LADARs) and photogrammetry have shown great potential for saving time and cost for recording project 3D status and thus to support some categories of progress tracking. Although laser scanners in particular and 3D imaging in general are being investigated and used in multiple applications in the construction industry, their full potential has not yet been achieved. The reason may be that commercial software packages are still too complicated and time consuming for processing scanned data. Methods have however been developed for the automated, efficient and effective recognition of project 3D BIM objects in site laser scans. This thesis presents a novel system that combines 3D object recognition technology with schedule information into a combined 4D object based construction progress tracking system. The performance of the system is investigated on a comprehensive field database acquired during the construction of a steel reinforced concrete structure, Engineering V Building at the University of Waterloo. It demonstrates a degree of accuracy that meets or exceeds typical manual performance. However, the earned value tracking is the most commonly used method in the industry. That is why the object based automated progress tracking system is further explored, and combined with earned value theory into an earned value based automated progress tracking system. Nevertheless, both of these systems are focused on permanent structure objects only, not secondary or temporary. In the last part of the thesis, several approaches are proposed for concrete construction secondary and temporary object tracking. It is concluded that accurate tracking of structural building project progress is possible by combining a-priori 4D project models with 3D object recognition using the algorithms developed and presented in this thesis.

With the growing number of complex requirements for building and facility projects, diverse domain experts iteratively exchange building design and product data during the design, construction, and facility management phases. Such data exchanges, however, frequently involve unintended geometric transformations, inaccurate project requirements, and insufficient syntactic and semantic elements in building model data. To ensure the interoperability of building information models, this dissertation includes an examination of rules categorized from the Precast Concrete Institute model views and a generalization of the rule logic and structures of each rule set. Moreover, rule logic is coded and implemented on modularized validation platforms of a validation tool referred to as the IfcDoc tool, an automated model view documentation and validation application. This dissertation is expected to help domain experts evaluate whether building design data fulfill the data exchange specifications of their domain and the objectives of a proposed project. Furthermore, to identify unreliable and inconsistent IFC mapping procedures of BIM authoring tools, software developers using the proposed approach would implement an automated debugging process in their IFC interfaces according to the specifications of a targeted model view.

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.

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.

Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) and Facilities Management (FM) involve domains that require a very diverse set of information and model exchanges to fully realize the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) provides a neutral and open schema for interoperability. Model View Definitions (MVD) provide a common subset for specifying the exchanges using IFC, but are expensive to build, test and maintain. A semantic analysis of IFC data schema illustrates the complexities of embedding semantics in model views. A software engineering methodology based on formal specification of shared resources, reusable components and standards that are applicable to the AEC-FM industry for development of a Semantic Exchange Module (SEM) structure for IFC schema is adopted for this research. This SEM structure is based on engineering ontologies that are capable of developing more consistent MVDs. In this regard, Ontology is considered as a machine-readable set of definitions that create a taxonomy of classes and subclasses, and relationships between them. Typically, the ontology contains the hierarchical description of important entities that are used in IFC, along with their properties and business rules. This model of an ontological framework, similar to that of Semantic Web, makes the IFC more formal and consistent as it is capable of providing precise definition of terms and vocabulary. The outcome of this research, a formal classification structure for IFC implementations for the domain of Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Industry, when implemented by software developers, provides the mechanism for applications such as modular MVDs, smart and complex querying of product models, and transaction based services, based on the idea of testable and reusable SEMs. It can be extended and also helps in consistent implementation of rule languages across different domains within AEC-FM, making data sharing across applications simpler with limited rework. This research is expected to impact the overall interoperability of applications in the BIM realm.

Navigation through large and unfamiliar facilities with labyrinths of corridors and rooms is difficult and often results in a person being lost. Additionally, locating a specific utility within a facility is often a tough task. The hypothesis tested in this research is that integrating real-time automated sensing technology and a Building Information Model will provide real time visualization that can assist in localization and navigation of a facility. The scope of this research is facility maintenance management during the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) phase of a facility. The thesis demonstrates how the integration of passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM) can assist in facilities maintenance management. The objectives of this research included 1) developing a framework that utilizes the integration of commercially-available RFID and a BIM model; 2) evaluating the framework for real-time resource location tracking within an indoor environment; and 3) developing an algorithm for real-time localization and visualization in a BIM model. A prototype application has been developed that simultaneously connects the RFID readers, a database, and a BIM model. The goal of this system is to have a real-time localization accuracy of 3 meters at 95% confidence. Testing was conducted in laboratory conditions, and the results show that the system error was within the 3 meters goal.

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.

Lately the construction industry has become more interested in designing and constructing environmentally friendly buildings (e.g. sustainable buildings) that can provide both high performance and monetary savings. Analyzing various parameters during sustainable design such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and energy consumption, lighting simulation, green building rating system criteria and associated cost of building components at the conceptual design stage is very useful for designers needing to make decisions related to the selection of optimum design alternatives. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers designers the ability to assess different design options and to select vital energy strategies and systems at the conceptual stage of proposed buildings. This thesis describes a methodology to implement sustainable design for proposed buildings at their conceptual stage. The proposed methodology is to be implemented through the design and development of a model that simplifies the process of designing sustainable buildings, evaluating their Environmental Impacts (EI), assessing their operational and embodied energy and listing their potential accumulated certification points in an integrated environment. Therefore, a Decision Support System (DSS) is developed by using Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to help design team decides and selects the best type of sustainable building components and design families for proposed projects based on three main criteria (i.e. Environmental, Economical factor «cost efficiency » and Social wellbeing) in an attempt to identify the influence of design variations on the sustainable performance of the whole building. The DSS outcomes are incorporated in an integrated model capable of guiding users when performing sustainable design for building projects. The proposed methodology contains five modules: 1) Database Management System (DBMS), 2) Energy and lighting analysis, 3) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), 4) LEED and 5) Life Cycle Cost (LCC). To improve the workability of the proposed model, a use case of abovementioned modules are going to be created as plug-ins in BIM tool. The successful implementation of such a methodology represents a significant advancement in the ability to attain sustainable design of a building during the early stages, to evaluate its EI, and to list its potentially earned certification points and associated soft costs.