BIM and GIS Applications in Bridge Projects: A Critical Review

Abstract

In recent years, interest in BIM and GIS applications in civil engineering has been growing. For bridge engineering, BIM/GIS applications such as simulation, visualization, and secondary development have been used to assist practitioners in managing bridge construction and decision-making, including selection of bridge location maintenance decisions. In situ 3D modelling of existing bridges with detailed images from UAV camera has allowed engineers to conduct remote condition assessments of bridges and decide on required maintenance actions. Several studies have investigated the applications of BIM/GIS technology on bridge projects. However, there has been limited focus on reviewing the outcomes of these studies to identify the limitations of BIM and GIS applications on bridge projects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the research on BIM/GIS technology applications in bridge projects over the last decade. Using a systematic review process, a total of 90 publications that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed in this study. The review identified the state-of-the-art methods of BIM and GIS applications, respectively, at the planning and design, construction, and operation and maintenance phases of bridge projects. However, the findings point to segregated application of BIM and GIS at all phases of bridge projects. The findings of this study will contribute to guiding practitioners in selecting appropriate BIM and GIS technologies for different aspects of bridge projects.

The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Dynamic Site Layout Planning in Large-Scale Construction Projects

“…Research using radio-frequency identification (RFID) and GPS brought interesting contributions to this area of knowledge [65]. However, in recent years, the use of BIM models associated with GIS witnessed a drastic increase in interest amongst scholars in the field, especially in the construction sector [66][67][68][69]. According to [70], the use of GIS allows the storage of location data referring to a region or facility that can be integrated with satellite images and digital elevation models (DEM), therefore enabling the analysis of the project's evolution over time [71,72].…”

“…Research using radio-frequency identification (RFID) and GPS brought interesting contributions to this area of knowledge [65]. However, in recent years, the use of BIM models associated with GIS witnessed a drastic increase in interest amongst scholars in the field, especially in the construction sector [66][67][68][69].…”

“…According to [70], the use of GIS allows the storage of location data referring to a region or facility that can be integrated with satellite images and digital elevation models (DEM), therefore enabling the analysis of the project's evolution over time [71,72]. Via use of GIS, planners have a tool that helps them in the process of automating the planning of the site layout, modelling their spatial relationships and geometric conditions [73], and contributing considerably to increasing efficiency of site layouts along with reducing construction costs [66].…”

Developing Building Management System Framework using Web-based-GIS and BIM Integration

“…However, GIS-BIM integration still faces many challenges [3]. It is necessary to know both standard data formats, such as .ifc in BIM and .shp in GIS, to understand their integration methods and data exchange mechanism [12]. The use of BIM and GIS commonly has focused on buildings (73.1%) rather than other infrastructure (12.2%).…”

Cross-sectional SWOT Analysis of BIM and GIS Integration

“…Articles usually focus on: one issue, analyzing the applicability of integration for a particular area, e.g. for bridges [6], describing one integration problem from one perspective, e.g. file georeferencing [7] or information exchange between technologies using characteristic formats [8], or need to be updated as a result of new solutions or reports from standardization bodies, such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization).…”