As-is facility management approach using LiDAR-based building information modelling: a case study in Egypt

Abstract

Purpose Current research efforts exhibit a surge imperative for a building information modelling (BIM) approach that embodies a repository of all relevant data of existing building components while monitoring and consistently recording numerous components’ functions throughout its lifecycle, especially in Egypt. This research paper aims to develop an integrated as-is BIM-facility management (FM) information model for the existing building’s components via a case study, depicting a repository for historical data and knowledge amassed from inspections and conveying maintenance decisions automatically during the FM practices. Design/methodology/approach The developed approach pursues four successive steps: data acquisition and processing of building components; components recognition from point clouds; modelling scanned point clouds; and quick response code information transfer to BIM components. Findings The proposed approach incorporates the as-is BIM with the building components’ as-is FM information to portray a repository for historical data and knowledge collected from inspections to proactively benefit facility managers in simplifying, expediting and enhancing maintenance decisions automatically during FM practices. Originality/value This paper presents a digital alternative to manual maintenance recordkeeping concerning building components to retrieve their as-is and historical data using a case study in Egypt. This paper proposes a broad scan to as-is information BIM approach for the existing building’s components to condone maintenance interventions using a versatile, affordable, readily available and multi-functional method for scanning the building’s components using a handheld tool.

Building Information Modelling Facility Management (BIM-FM)

“…These can be summarised as follows: Consequently, attempts have been made within the research community to reduce the cost of model creation. Gouda Mohamed and Mousa [56] attempted to reduce costs associated with the laser scanning equipment by utilising the LiDAR scanner incorporated into the iPhone 12 Pro. However, if this was carried out as a handheld procedure, it would not be unreasonable to assume that inaccuracies may have occurred due to the intrinsic operator movement during the scans.…”

“…However, if this was carried out as a handheld procedure, it would not be unreasonable to assume that inaccuracies may have occurred due to the intrinsic operator movement during the scans. Although Gouda Mohamed and Mousa [56] successfully built a model, neither the level of accuracy obtained, nor how, or if, these potential inaccuracies were accounted for is discussed. Solutions to training barriers have been considered less within the literature, with Pinti et al [24], who were researching the integration of BIM-FM in the public domain, further commenting on the barrier of training, asking "how can training be achieved at such a large sector and who receives training first?".…”

“…One simple approach for locating corresponding BIM objects in the field involves the use of physical markers like QR codes [41], a tool already utilised by FM practitioners. Gouda Mohamed and Mousa [56] incorporated pre-existing QR asset tags within Navisworks to set up a BIM for an Egyptian University building. The QR codes allowed pre-existing information associated with a specific object, stored in an Excel format, to be automatically populated within the corresponding BIM object.…”

“…Insufficient data exchange formats[5,10,54];• A lack of standards including defined information requirements and required level of development[8,11,24,41,44,49,51,52,55];•High costs for both the software and staff training[14,46,47,50,[55][56][57][58][59].…”