A semi-automated approach to generate 4D/5D BIM models for evaluating different offshore oil and gas platform decommissioning options

Abstract

Background: Offshore oil and gas platforms generally have a lifetime of 30 to 40 years, and platform decommissioning is a major issue because many of the existing offshore oil and gas platforms are reaching the end of their service life. There are many possible options for decommissioning offshore oil and gas platforms, and each decommissioning option can be implemented using different methods and technologies. Therefore, it is necessary to have a clear understanding and in-depth evaluation of each decommissioning option before commencing platform decommissioning. 4D and 5D building information modeling (BIM) has been commonly used in the building industry to analyze constructability and to evaluate different construction or demolition plans. However, application of BIM in the oil and gas industry, especially for the platform decommissioning process, is still limited. Methods: This paper suggests and demonstrates the application of 4D and 5D BIM technology to simulate various methodologies to realize various selected offshore platform decommissioning options, thereby visualizing and evaluating different options, considering both the time and resources required for decommissioning process. One hundred and seventy-seven offshore platform decommissioning options are summarized in this paper. A new approach to create multiple 4D/5D BIM models in a semi-automated manner for evaluating various scenario options of OOGP decommissioning was proposed to reduce the model creation time as current way of 4D/5D BIM model creation for each OOGP decommissioning option is time consuming. Results: In the proposed approach, an OOGP BIM model relationship database that contains possible 4D/5D BIM model relationships (i.e. schedules for different decommissioning methods) for different parts of an OOGP was generated. Different OOGP decommissioning options can be simulated and visualized with 4D/5D BIM models created by automatically matching schedules, resources, cost information and 3D BIM models. This paper also presents an illustrative example of the proposed approach, which simulates and evaluates two decommissioning options of a fixed jacket platform, namely Rig-to-Reef and Removal-to-Shore. As compared to the traditional approach of 4D/5D BIM model generation, the proposed semi-automated approach reduces the model generation time by 58.8% in the illustrative example.

BIM's Contribution as A Sustainable Construction Accelerator

“…The use of 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM in construction today is extremely beneficial to consultants/contractors in terms of reducing claims to service providers. Previous research by the researchers have revealed relevant findings (Noviani et al, 2022;J. C. P. Cheng et al, 2017).…”

Method for automating the processes of generating and using 4D BIM models integrated with location-based planning and Last Planner® System

“…For that, a coding system is required (Gledson and Greenwood, 2016). The connection between BIM and planning can be automated using the following methods: create a consistent coding system between activities and BIM elements: consists of creating code-based matching rules, 3D model elements and planning activities are generally coded with a Common Unique Identifier (Cheng et al , 2017); and create a consistent language system between activities and BIM elements: consists of creating language-based matching rules that match 3D model elements to activities by their names (Cheng et al , 2017). …”

“…create a consistent coding system between activities and BIM elements: consists of creating code-based matching rules, 3D model elements and planning activities are generally coded with a Common Unique Identifier (Cheng et al , 2017); and…”

“…create a consistent language system between activities and BIM elements: consists of creating language-based matching rules that match 3D model elements to activities by their names (Cheng et al , 2017).…”

A Stepwise Risk Assessment for Explosion Events considering Probability Distribution of Explosion Load Parameters

“…As a result of increasing energy demand, the offshore oil and gas industry is using the advanced technologies to explore more remote, deeper, and harsh environments [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Thus, hazard for accidental loads and the related engineering problems are increasing and both the risk management for such an issue and technical design method for getting a resistance against the potential incidents are becoming more challenging [7].…”