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Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been employed in the AEC industry to provide the data repository for the various stakeholders of construction projects in past years. For example architects use it to streamline the information transition throughout the design phases of a project, structural and MEP engineers use BIM as the database for their design projects, and project engineers use it to automatically and dynamically perform quantity takeoffs. Although BIM has respectively contributed to different sectors in the AEC industry, it still hasn't been well exploited to offer an efficient information management solution for the construction phase of a project. This study develops an information integration sphere (IIS) based on the BIM technology to provide a more efficient and effective information integration

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To efficiently and effectively manage projects in the construction phase, project managers have to transfer information within the drawings to obtain a project schedule. However, practically, the result is usually arbitrary depending on the project scheduler's experiences. This research employs MD CAD objects as basic scheduling components to develop a model that can effectively generate a contract-driven schedule. Several principles are developed to obtain Object Relationship Matrix (ORM) and Object Similarity Matrix (OSM). Genetic algorithms are then used with ORM and OSM to generate the optimal sequence of constructing building components. Several constructive constraints, such as the resource limitation and the continuity of workflow, are also taken into consideration within the model development. And the Project Planning and Scheduling System (PPSS) is developed to enhance the practice of the proposed model. In addition, a case study is presented to examine the efficiency of PPSS. It is proved that the automated scheduling model is capable to generate an optimal contract-driven schedule, and provides multi-dimensional information for management.

The M/E/P (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) system of the building project has become more and more complex as the demand of the better living environment within the modern buildings increases. However, since the complexity and uniqueness involved within MEP trades, various fields of designers or contractors can hardly share their information with each other. This study employs BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology to assist the stakeholders of the construction projects to share and exchange information according to their needs. First, the process of different MEP disciplines will be systematically analyzed. Then the possible conflicts between trades will be identified. According to the study, necessary and important attributes required for the MEP BIM objects will be developed. Those developed BIM objects will later serve as the core of the communication platform, on which the project participants can easily access and share information. In addition, a better information integration mechanism for MEP systems will be developed throughout different phases of the project life cycle.