An Interoperable Analysis of Building Information Modeling for Structural Design Purposes

The main objective of the research was to explore the ways and methods for integration of information in the context of processes based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies and to investigate the main issues underlying the inadequate interoperability between applications used for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects with special emphasis on architectural and structural design. For identifying various interoperability issues, different parametric models were created in the chosen software. In the first part of the interoperability experiments of the research, simple self-tests were performed to verify support of software applications for IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and interpret internal mapping mechanism of these software resulting from exporting of model in IFC format. The information exchange was analyzed using direct link through API and indirect link through open universal standard IFC as it severs the purpose of openBIM. After the comprehensive analysis of data sharing among most commonly used BIM authoring tools in architectural and structural domains, it was realized that interfaces for the exchange differed significantly between the software tools. The results demonstrate that interoperability issues commonly arise, such as the increasing file-size, inconsistent object types, geometric misrepresentation, different colours, loss of properties and relations. Interoperability issues such as data loss and misrepresentation do exist, when software tools import IFC models created by other software tools. The comparative study indicates that BIM workflow is not yet fully competent to fulfill the inter domain information exchange process because many drawbacks. The integration of all the project data from various disciplines enhances coordination, transparency, prevents loss of information, design conflicts, duplication of work resulting in better project management.