Building Information Modeling Comprehensive Overview

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1 Building Information Modeling Comprehensive Overview Sergey Kalinichuk Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic DOI: /jsi.v6i3.235 Abstract: The article is addressed to provide a comprehensive review on recently accelerated development of the Information Technology within project market such as industrial, engineering, procurement and construction. Author s aim is to cover the last decades of the growth of the Information and Communication Technology in construction industry in particular Building Information Modeling and testifies that the problem of a choice of the effective project realization method not only has not lost its urgency, but has also transformed into one of the major condition of the intensive technology development. All of it has created a great impulse on shortening the project duration and has led to the development of various schedule compression techniques what becomes a focus of modern construction. Key words: Design; Construction; Project Management; Project Delivery Method; Information and Communication Technology; Building Information Modeling. 1. Main Concepts of Building Information Modeling - BIM Fields Currently, BIM is the most common designation for a new way of approaching the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. Several literature sources describes this term using the following definition: "BIM is a set of interacting policies, processes and technologies generating a methodology to manage the essential building design and project data in digital format throughout the building's lifecycle" (Succar, B., 2009). The context of BIM covers a wide range of different arias such as interacting policies, processes, and technologies used to modeling, visualization, analyses, simulation, and documentation. Based on a literature review, as well as the developed models, the whole concept of Building Information Modeling can be divided into three interlocking BIM Fields of activity: The Process Field, The Technology Field, The Policy Field, with two sub-fields each: players and deliverable. This concept was originally proposed by (Succar, B. 2009; Eastman, B. 2008) and presented in Fig. 1. Fig. 1: BIM Fields. Source: Succar (2009) JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3 25

2 SERGEY KALINICHUK Accordingly described above, all the current state of knowledge and literature review research can be categorized into the three following groups: The Process Field was covered by researches of several authors where there were proposed approaches to extract information from complex BIM models and examined how information is exchanged between different areas (Zhang, L. 2012; Nepal, M., 2012; Jiao, Y. 2012; Prasad, M. 2012; Jeong, Y. 2009; Redmond, A. 2012). The Technology Field is very fast developing and wide knowledge field, it was covered by many researches with many particular specialties. The majority of studied literature explains and promotes the idea of the need for a universal data schema and format for the exchange of information such as the Industry Foundation Class (IFC); others literature sources describes the process of developing individual technological areas designed to be combined with BIM to assist in quality inspection, data acquisition and other functions (Eastman, M. 2012; Pazlar, T. 2008; Laakso, M. 2012). The Policy Field have the greatest interest for this research since this field is covered by works on the evaluation of the benefits, identify the challenges of BIM and develop a BIM framework for different purposes (Barlish, K. 2012; Khanzode, A. 2008; Hassan Ibrahim, N. 2013; Watson, A. 2011; Jung, Y. 2010; Jung, Y. 2011; Cerovsek, T. 2011; Porwal, A. 2013). The high interest to BIM on the part of the building industry is warmed up by the results of such early researches that contain obvious economic gains. One of the most earliest BIM studies made by Stanford University s Center which quotes specific numbers and based on several major projects attribute several savings to the use of BIM (CIFE 2007): Up to 40% elimination of unbudgeted change Cost estimation accuracy within 3% Up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate A savings of up to 10% of the contract value through clash detections Up to 7% reduction in project time An increase in field productivity in the range of 20 30% A tenfold or greater reduction in requests for information (RFIs) and change orders Later in the article, the term Building Information Model will be understood as: well coordinated, agreed upon and interconnected, ready for calculations and analysis, having a geometrical binding, suitable to the computer usage, allowing the necessary update of numerical information concerning a projected or already existing object that can be used for (Fig. 2: BIM Basic Concept): 1. Accepting a concrete design choice; 2. Creating of high-quality design documentation; 3. Predicting of a functional performance of an object; 4. Estimating and making building plans; 5. Ordering and manufacturing of materials and equipment; 6. Controlling of a building erection; 7. Controlling of maintenance of the building and means of technical accessories during all life cycle; 8. Controlling of a building as an object of commercial activity; 9. Projecting and controlling of reconstruction or repairing of a building; 10. Pulling down and utilizing of a building; 11. Other purposes connected with a building. 26 JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3

3 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW 2. The BIM Process Field The Process Field includes the BIM model and a group of players who procure, design, construct, manufacture, use, manage and maintain BIM model and the field structures. The collaboration process becomes even more important if you consider that in reality the BIM model includes some AECO models from various professional areas which can possess some identical or related parts, or, in certain cases, the use of the results of analyses of each other. Fig. 2: BIM Basic Concept. Source: Own elaborations The main practical use of the BIM technologies is the possibility to project in three-dimensional (3D) space, use the real models of the existing objects which comprise the full technical information necessary for the calculation of the system and unequivocal identification of the objects. Thus, the BIM model possesses the following characteristics (Eastman C. 2011): Building components that are represented with digital representations (objects) that carry computable graphic and data attributes that identify them to software applications, as well as parametric rules that allow them to be manipulated in an intelligent fashion. Components that include data that describe how they behave, as needed for analyses and work processes, for example, takeoff, specification, and energy analysis. Consistent and no redundant data such that changes to component data are represented in all views of the component and the assemblies of which it is a part. Coordinated data such that all views of a model are represented in a coordinated way. Fig. 3: Building Information Model Structure. Source: Own elaborations JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3 27

4 SERGEY KALINICHUK In the cases of designing of the complex of buildings and constructions with all their highly complex connections and utility lines, the total information model of the complex project comprises the constituent parts (Fig. 3: Building Information Model Structure): 1. Models of each separate building; 2. Models of general engineering systems of all groups of buildings (the sum of the separate models on various technological mission and organizational subordination); 3. Models of a district with the relief, utility lines (overland and subterranean) and a territory accomplishment. The concept of parametric objects is the key one in understanding of BIM and its differences from the traditional 3D objects. The distinctions between the traditional 3D object and the parametric BIM objects are defined by the following parameters presented in Tab. 1. Tab. 1: Difference between a traditional 3D object and parametric object. Source: Own elaboration Characteristic 3D geometric definitions of object parameters (length, width, height) Traditional 3D object Yes Parametric object Yes 3D geometric definitions of object location Yes Yes 3D geometric location relative to other objects Yes Yes Geometric definitions of object surface (thickness, volume, etc.) No Yes Additional object related information No Yes Interaction between objects (links between objects) No Yes Support of parametric rules and behavior No Yes Ability to link to or receive, broadcast, or export sets of attributes No Yes Using global or external parameters to control the layout or selection of objects No Yes 28 JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3

5 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW Fig. 4: BIM Model Components. Source: Own elaborations BIM models can be classified into several categories (Fig. 4): 3D based models, 4D (3D models plus schedule) based models, 5D (3D models plus schedule plus cost), etc. Such division can be explained by the fact that 4D models are needed to depict, visualize and analyze the changing variables that arise during the construction phase. BIM-based 4D models that can support construction scheduling and are considered as one of the most popular uses of BIM (Eastman C. 2011; CIC 2011). Despite such popularity, some studies have shown weaknesses of current 4D models. The first of the two major indentified weaknesses is the inability of current 4D models includes the details of the construction site and the procedures taking place there. The second major weakness of BIM is that the 4D CAD does not realize the visualization of construction operations in a manner that shows the dynamic interaction between the various components as during construction phase (Tanyer, M. 2005; Lu, M. 2009). 3. BIM Development Team The successful project management leans against the access to the information and its appropriate management. One of the main advantages of the BIM is that now all information connected with the project can contain or be linked to the BIM. The BIM supports the revaluation of the IT usage in the creation and the management of life cycle of buildings and constructions. Stakeholders includes real estate; ownership; finance; all areas of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC); manufacturing and fabrication; facility maintenance, operations, and planning; regulatory compliance; management; sustainment; and disposal within the facility lifecycle. Fig. 5: BIM Model Stakeholders. Source: Own elaborations JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3 29

6 SERGEY KALINICHUK The basic groups of experts (rather integrated), directly connected with the BIM and participating both in the model creation and its use, are shown in the given scheme (Fig. 5). On the left the groups of the experts connected with the initial designing of a building and possible further remaking, reconstruction and restorations. The lower group of experts in Fig. 5 is directly connected with the realization and building equipment. They use almost all information from the created information model. In its right part the experts who are not directly connected with the realization of the building, but have been working in it for the rest part of its existence are specified. They practically use almost all information from the BIM. 4. BIM Project Management Technical fields of BIM were studied by many independent scientists and scientific groups (Maunula, M. 2008; Succar, B. 2009; Fu, C. 2006; Aouad, G. 2006; Lee, C. 2008; Park, C. 2012); by professional teams (BSI, 2010; Beard, J. 2005; McGraw-Hill, 2008; McGraw-Hill, 2009; McGraw-Hill, 2010); and, naturally, by software vendors (Autodesk, 2007; Bentley, 2003) but much less of the literature focuses on BIM from the PM point of view. These exceptional researches (Fu, C. 2006; Aouad, G. 2006; Lee, C., 2008; Allison, H. 2010; Harris, F. 2013) indentified multidimensional capacity of BIM and termed it as "nd" modeling, because possibility to add almost infinite number of dimensions to the Building Model. Described above 5D BIM is traditionally understood as BIM, which includes, in addition to the 3D model, scheduling information (the 4th D) and information for the project cost estimating from the model (the 5th D). These literature sources states that BIM has the potential to be a catalyst for Project Managers to reengineer their processes to better integrate the different stakeholders, involved in modern construction projects. Time, cost and quality have been the basic criteria for project success while safety and environmental impact gained a lot of concerns in recent years (Albert, P. 2004; Harris, F. 2013). In some research, quality, safety and environmental impact are proposed to be important aspects in construction management as establishing a risk free work place and reducing environmental pollution are vital for a successful project (Koehn, E. 2003). For the scheduling and cost management domains, it is easy to retrieve and compare the actual data to the planned schedule and project budget, and managers are constantly updated with this information. However, because of continuously changing conditions, the standards or decision making rules, for evaluating whether an individual component is considered good quality or whether a construction site is safe, vary as the construction progresses. In addition, another reason might be that the main purpose, for the stakeholders of a construction project, is to gain economic profits. Speeding up the progress and saving costs are the most important issues for them. Therefore, establishing the 4D/5D models to manage scheduling and costs was the first developmental priority. The opposite of the potential benefits of BIM to project difficulties are associated with major changes that need to be overcome in the effective multi-disciplinary collaborative teams. With regard to the use of BIM, the general issues that either enhance or diminish the positive changes that this technology offers depends on how well and at what stage the project team works collaboratively on one or more digital models. First of all changes will affect the functions of key stakeholders such as clients, architects, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers, the new contractual relationships and the reengineered collaborative processes (Sebastian, R. 2011). One of the key roles, which must be reviewed during the BIM implementation, is the project manager. Increased technology use on the day-to-day activities of the project manager and maximum impact has not been fully studied the effect of this on the project outputs and outcome (Aranda-Mena, G. 2009). No every project delivery approach is good for implementing BIM. The traditional project delivery as Design-Bid-Build (DBB) increases the greatest challenge to the use of BIM because the contractor does not participate in the design process and thus must build a new building model after design is completed. Other procurement approaches can also benefit from the use of BIM but may achieve only partial benefits, particularly if BIM technology is not used collaboratively during the design phase. For example Design-Build (DB) approach may provide an excellent opportunity to exploit BIM technology, because a single entity is responsible for design and construction. The second benefit of DB when it relates to BIM implementation is that this approach allows early involvement of the constructor in the design process which increases the benefit of using BIM and other collaboration tools. Various forms of integrated project delivery and Lean processes are being used to maximize the benefits of BIM, but most of them such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) still became challenging. 30 JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3

7 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW 5. The BIM Technology Field The research focus in the given work is displaced from the technical aspects to the realization of the information modeling. The given chapter will contain only general information concerning the technical issues. The Technology Field includes Architectural Engineering Construction/Operational (AEC/O) modeling tools and a group of players who specializes in developing software, hardware, equipment and networking systems necessary to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability of AECO sectors (Succar, B. 2009). Some authors described AEC/O modeling tool, as BIM tool which allow creation and manipulation of BIM models. A typical commercial BIM tool, according to them, has two important features: (1) the modeling constructs are parametric 3D digital objects that represent realworld (physical) components with relationships and non-geometric metadata; and (2) different model views are integrated through a single data source that enables constant synchronization of model views, so that a change in one model view is instantly reflected in others (i.e., floor plans, sections, 3D views, schedules, bills of quantities) (Cerovsek, T. 2011). The purpose of the AEC/O BIM tool is a model sharing opportunity to exchange and use of model data outside the native modeling environment (this is software where the model was originally created and format in which it was stored for later use). Model may be exchanged at different granularities, ranging from the entire model, model view, its parts, individual components to a single name-value pair. Despite on this software companies which develops BIM software solutions and equipment of direct and indirect applicability to the design, construction and operation of facilities, creates their very special product. That is, each particular BIM tool describes a building model in its own language, that does not necessarily acceptable for another BIM tools because tools used modeling constructs and features to create, manipulate, and physically store digital models in native file formats. There are two main approaches to overcome such problems: (1) to use one software vendor s products or (2) to use various software vendors s products but exchange data using industry supported standards. The first approach is simpler, but creates barriers for potential project team players, and limits the freedom of choice of the actual project team participants. Second approach uses either proprietary or open-source (publicly available and supported standards) to define building objects (Industry Foundation Classes, or IFCs). These standards may provide a mechanism for interoperability among applications with different internal formats. Thus, open-source formats for example IFC, provides to project participants more freedom of choice, but it has some drawbacks during the export of data from one software environment to another, at that points in their works. Despite the fact that IFC data structure is still in the conceptual stage, it was accepted as a standard information model in many commercial building design systems for data management (Laakso, M. 2012; Fu, C. 2006; Vanlande, R. 2008; Kiviniemi, A. 2006; Kiviniemi, A. 2005; Howard, R. 2007). 6. The BIM Policy Field The successful cooperation under the projects strongly depends on the information which should be shared between the project team. The specifying such things as the location, time, personnel, processes is absolutely required, but in the means of communication it's need to be considered that the participating in the work team players have different characters and potential for cooperation. The uninterrupted interaction can be probably provided by means of the BIM policies. Naturally such policies are intended not only for the use inside the company but also at the state and international level. Based on the policy notion it is written principles or rules to guide decision-making (Succar, B. 2009). The Policy Field joins a group of players focused on preparing practitioners, delivering research, distributing benefits, allocating risks and minimizing conflicts within the AECO industry. These players do not generate any construction products but are specialized organizations like insurance companies, research centers, educational institutions and regulatory bodies which play a pivotal preparatory, regulatory and contractual roles in the design, construction and operations process. The result of the work of groups of researchers and professionals is the developed BIM guidelines and reports for direct introduction into practice or in already carried out projects. Such guidelines are another proof of the fact that more and more professionals recognize the value-adding potential of the BIM. JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3 31

8 SERGEY KALINICHUK 7. Conclusion The literature offers some variants of the solving of current weaknesses in construction, but the majority of the authors agree that the answer to the increasing complexity of projects is the Information and Communication Technology. The fast rate of development of ICT, as a consequence of its efficiency, is confirmed in many researches. The need to embrace lean concepts, standardization and pre-assembly methods as well as new technology such as 3D object-orientated modeling and global positioning systems was identified. During the last decade, a major shift in ICT for the construction industry was done by the wide implementation of Building Information Modeling. And this technology is considered by the majority of industrial professionals and academic researches as the biggest paradigm shift after Computer Aided Design. Obviously Building Information Modeling should have big impact on any branch of construction industry, but despite the considerable number of projects which have been realized on the basis of the BIM, this technology nevertheless remains new and all theoretical potential has not been realized in the industry yet. This situation can t be explained only by prevalence of BIM weaknesses under benefits, or absence necessary conditions and implementation barriers. The strong desire to adopt on the construction site the world experience in the sphere of the BIM which is currently practically absent. The objective and subjective factors are the reason. In addition to it, it is possible to say that the implementation of new technologies requires except the favorable conditions also the convincing forcing motives, first of all in the form of rigid competition and legislative "recommendations". As an example of both conditions we can draw attention to the USA where the competition is high and the state entered the "recommendatory" measures, within last few years of crisis the share of introduction of the BIM essentially increased. In the Czech Republic, the minimum necessary conditions for the successful application of the BIM exist and continue to be created, however the mass introduction of it is not observed because of lack of triggering legislative recommendations. Literature Albert P.C. Chan, Ada P.L. Chan, 2004: Key performance indicators for measuring construction success, Benchmarking: Int. J. 11 (2), pp Allison, H., 2010: 10 Reasons Why Project Managers should Champion 5D BIM software. VICO Software. [Online] Available at: blogger/tabid/88454/bid/27701/10-reasons-why-project-managers-should-champion-5d-bim- Software.aspx [Accessed 26th November 2010] Aouad, G., Lee, A., Wu, S., 2006: Constructing the Future: nd Modeling. Taylor and Francis, London Aranda-Mena, G., Crawford, J., Chevez, A., Froese, T., 2009: Building information modelling demystified: does it make business sense to adopt BIM? International Journal of Management Projects in Business 2 (3), pp Autodesk, 2007: BIM and cost estimating. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 18th November 2010] Barlish, K., Sullivan, K., 2012: How to measure the benefits of BIM a case study approach, Automation Construction 24, pp Beard, J., Loulakis, M., Wundram, E., 2005: Design-Build: Planning Through Development, McGraw- Hill Professional Bentley, 2003: Does the Building Industry Really Need to Start Over?. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 18th November 2010] BSI, 2010: Constructing the Business Case: Building Information Modelling. British Standards Institution and BuildingSMART Buildoffsite, 2011: Building Information Modelling (BIM) Seminar. Buildoffsite, London Cerovsek, T., 2011: A review and outlook for a Building Information Model (BIM): A multi-standpoint framework for technological development, Advanced Engineering Informatics 25, pp CIC, 2011: Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) Research Program, BIM Project Execution Planning Guide Version 2.1, Pennsylvania State University 32 JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3

9 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW Eastman C., Teicholz P., Sacks R., Liston K., 2011: BIM handbook: a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors (2nd. ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Froese, M., 2010: The impact of emerging information technology on project management for construction. Automation in Construction 19 (5), pp Fu, C., Aouad, G., Lee, A., Mashall-Ponting, A., Wu, S., 2006: IFC model viewer to support nd model application, Automation in Construction 15 (6), pp Grilo, A., Jardim-Goncalves, R., 2010: Value proposition on interoperability of BIM and collaborative working environments. Automation in Construction 19 (5), pp Harris, F., McCaffer, R., 2013: Modern Construction Management, Wiley Hassan Ibrahim, N., 2013: Reviewing the evidence: use of digital collaboration technologies in major building and infrastructure projects, Journal of Information Technology in Construction 18, pp Howard, R., Bjork, B.C., 2007: Building information models experts views on BIM/IFC developments, In: Proceedings of the 24th CIB-W78 Conference, Maribor, Slovenia Jeong, Y., Eastman, C., Sacks, R., Kaner, I., 2009: Benchmark tests for BIM data exchanges of precast concrete, Automation in Construction 18 (4), pp Jiao, Y., Zhang, S., Li,Y., Wang, Y., Yang, B., 2012: Towards cloud augmented reality for construction application by BIM and SNS integration, Automation in Construction 29 (9), (Available online) Jung, Y., Joo, M., 2010: Building information modelling (BIM) framework for practical implementation. Automation in Construction 20 (2), pp Jung, Y., Joo, M., 2011: Building information modelling (BIM) framework for practical implementation, Automation in Construction 20 (1), pp Khanzode, A., Fischer, M., Reed, D., 2008: Benefits and lessons learned of implementing building virtual design and construction (VDC) technologies for coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems on a large healthcare project, Journal of Information Technology in Construction 13, pp Kiviniemi, A., 2006: Ten years of IFC development why are we not yet there? in: Keynote Presentation at the ICCCBE Conference, Montreal, Canada Kiviniemi, A., Fischer, M., Bazjanac, V., 2005: Integration of multiple product models: IFC model servers as a potential solution, In: Proceedings of the 22nd CIB-W78 Conference on Information Technology in Construction, Dresden, Germany Koehn, E., Datta, N., 2003: Quality, environmental, and health and safety management systems for construction engineering, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 129 (5), pp Laakso, M., Kiviniemi, A., 2012: The IFC standard a review of history, development, and standardization, Journal of Information Technology in Construction 17, pp Lee, C., 2008: BIM: Changing the AEC Industry. PMI Global Congress Project Management Institute Lu, M., Zhang, Y., Zhang, J., Hu, Z.Z., Li, J.L., 2009: Integration of four-dimensional computer-aided design modeling and three-dimensional animation of operations simulation for visualizing construction of the main stadium for the Beijing 2008 Olympic games, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering 36 (3), pp Maunula, B., 2008: The Implementation of Building Information Modeling A Process Perspective. Report 23. In: SimLab Publications, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland McGraw-Hill, 2008: Building Information Modelling (BIM). Transforming Design and Construction to Achieve Greater Industry Productivity. [Online] Available at: [Accessed on 18th November 2010] JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3 33

10 SERGEY KALINICHUK McGraw-Hill, 2009: The Business Value of BIM. Getting Building Information Modeling to the Bottom Line. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 26th November 2010] McGraw-Hill, 2010a: The Business Value of BIM in Europe. Getting Building Information Modelling to the Bottom Line in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. [Online] Available at: [Accessed on 18th November 2010] McGraw-Hill, 2010b: Green BIM. How Building Information modeling is contributing to green design and construction. [Online] Available at: Green BIM. How Building Information modeling is contributing to green design and construction [Accessed on 26th November 2010] Nepal, M., Staub-French, S., Pottinger, R., Zhang, J., 2012: Ontology-based feature modeling for construction information extraction from a building information model, Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 14 (8), pp Nyvlt V., 2014: Metadata and their impact on processes in Building Information Modeling. Journal of Systems Integration, Vol 5, No 2, pp Park, C.S., Lee, D.Y., Kwon, O.S., Wang, X., 2012: A framework for proactive construction defect management using BIM, augmented reality and ontology-based data collection template, Automation in Construction 22 (9), pp Pazlar, T., Turk, Z., 2008: Interoperability in practice: geometric data exchance using the IFC standard, Journal of Information Technology in Construction 13, pp Porwal, A., Hewage, K., 2013: Building information modeling (BIM) partnering framework for public construction projects, Automation in Construction 31 (5), pp Prasad Nepal, M., Staub-French, S., Pottinger, R., Webster, A., 2012: Querying a building information model for construction-specific spatial information, Advanced Engineering Informatics 26 (4), pp Redmond, A., Hore, A., Alshawi, M., West, R., 2012: Exploring how information exchanges can be enhanced through Cloud BIM, Automation in Construction 24 (3), pp Schade, J., Olofsson, T., Schreyer, M., 2011: Decision-making in a modelbased design process. Construction Management and Economics 29 (4), pp Sebastian, R., 2011: Changing roles of the clients, architects and contractors through BIM. Engineering Construction and Architectural Management 18 (2), pp Succar, B., 2009: Building information modelling framework: a research and delivery foundation for industry stakeholders. Automation in Construction 18 (3), pp Tanyer, A., Aouad, G., 2005: Moving beyond the fourth dimension with an IFC-based single project, Automation in Construction 14 (1), pp Vanlande, R., Nicolle, C., Cruz, C., 2008: IFC and building lifecycle management, Automation in Construction 18 (8), pp Venugopal, M., Eastman, C., Sacks, R., Teizer, J., 2012: Semantics of model views for information exchanges using the industry foundation class schema, Advanced Engineering Informatics 26 (2), pp Watson, A., 2011: Digital buildings challenges and opportunities, Advanced Engineering Informatics 25 (4), pp Zhang, L., Issa, R., 2012: Ontology-based partial building information model extraction, Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering 27 (6), pp JEL Classification: M11,O14, O32 34 JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 2015/3