The interoperability of building information models and document models in the Hong Kong construction industry

Abstract

Graphics and written documents are two major categorises of information in the construction industry. Although computer software packages have been widely adopted, the interoperability of geometrical and written information between different software packages is restricted by inconsistence of proprietary information standards. This problem exists even if the same software packages are used by one or more organisations owing to the non-standardised information structures. However, the advent of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is making a revolutionary change to the creation, storage, exchange and reuse of geometrical and written information. The Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) and extensible Markup Language (XML) further add the opportunity to facilitate the interoperability of BIM and document models over the internet. The main objectives of this PhD study are (i) to identify the enabling technologies for the interoperability of geometrical and written building information, (ii) to formulate a web-enabled Integrated BIM-Document Model (IBDM), (iii) to validate IBDM and (iv) to investigate the ways to increase the uptake of BIM and hence IBDM. The realisation of IBDM is based on a Constructive Interface approach, taking into account the process and workflow context of BIM implementation. IBDM was tested in a small scale project. The validation shows that the successful integration of BIM and document models is bounded by the capability of existing internet browsers in handling XML documents. The key problem lies with the fact that the file size expansion by a factor of 10 during the conversion of native BIM files into ifcXML files. Real project dynamics such as design changes and acceleration of works are other factors affecting the use of BIM and IBDM. The key findings of the questionnaire survey show that client's encouragement would be influential in the uptake of BEM. In the same vein, the involvement of other project team members in creating and utilising the models is crucial to the overall value of BIM and hence IBDM implementation. In addition to IFC, BIM software vendors are recommended to enable direct export of ifcXML to facilitate further research in the context of ifcXML-based interoperability. Data integrity during the conversion processes should also be enhanced. To speed up the move from 2D CAD to BIM, the Government could take a lead in adopting BIM and establishing the necessary BIM standards, work procedures and contract clauses. Priority should be given to equipping the practitioners and students with BIM skills. It is also recommended that the fee structures and services provided by different consultants need to be reviewed to suit the upfront resources requirements of the use of BIM and IBDM.