Conceptualising the FinDD API plug-in: A study of BIM-FM integration

Abstract

This research paper reports upon a client driven approach to iteratively develop the FinDD application programming interface (API) plug-in. FinDD integrates building information modelling (BIM) and facilities management (FM) via the novel development and application of totems. Totems visualise rich semantic FM data in a 3D object to extend the use and application of COBie thereby minimising costs incurred by the FM team to update and maintain the as-built BIM. Participatory action research was used to develop the proof of concept and involved a study of two multi-storey, mixed-use educational buildings (with a contract value worth ≥ £150 million UK Sterling) located within Birmingham, UK. The lead researcher worked for the client's estates department and was instrumental in liaising with members of the project management team, synthesising their semantic data requirements and developing the FinDD API plug-in for Autodesk Revit. Research findings reveal that whilst FinDD was positively received as a bespoke extension of COBie (that was tailored to specifically meet client needs), further development is required to mitigate software inflexibility and augment automation of semantic data transfer, storage and analysis. Future work will validate the API plug-in via user experience and integrate additional databases such as post occupancy evaluations (POE).

Building information modeling for facilities management: A literature review and future research directions

“…Other studies focused on integrating different technological systems rather than integrating the required FM information, for instance, integrating BIM with RFID tags to capture lifecycle information (Motamedi and Hammad 2009); [31,32], applying machine learning concept and raw sensor data [33], 2D barcode and mobile devices [34], a BIM/GIS-based information extraction (Mignard and Nicolle 2014); [35]. Other works focused on FM required information and developed bespoke techniques to integrate heterogeneous data, including BIM, by introducing an application programming interface plug-in to extend COBie by synthesising semantic data requirements that explicitly meet the owner's needs [36] Edwards, 2017), and integration of BIM and BAS information through a developed middleware layer to support energy consumption benchmarking [37].…”

“…Ref. [36], and on integrating heterogeneous information sources by developing a middleware layer (e.g. Ref.…”

Utilizing a Building Information Modelling Environment to Communicate the Legal Ownership of Internet of Things-Generated Data in Multi-Owned Buildings

“…Integration of BIM and IoT has been adopted and used for various applications. These include construction operation and monitoring [15,16], health and safety management [17,18], construction logistics and management [19,20], facility management [21,22], energy management [23], and disaster and emergency response services [24,25]. Here, we will review the recent investigations and initiatives that studied the integration of IoT datasets and 3D BIM models for supporting smart building management in different application domains.…”

“…(1) Identification of building components and track them inside the BIM environment using RFID tags [38,39] (2) Defining linkages between physical assets and their digital counterparts through connecting building management systems (BMS) and BIM [21,22] (3) Retrieval of real-time data and visualizing facility management issues using portable devices equipped with BIM tools and augmented reality technology [40,41].…”

Exploring the Interplay between CAD and FreeFem++ as an Energy Decision-Making Tool for Architectural Design

“…Software suppliers have flooded the market with numerous BIM software packages dealing with different types of construction information throughout those years. This has led to end-users facing significant challenges as to which software systems to use, in which type of construction domains/activities, and how to effectively use the chosen software packages(s) [9,10]. Although the current plug-ins allow energy simulation to be integrated from the beginning of the design phase through the BIM model [11], the software package used is always located among the energy modelling systems commonly used.…”