Building Information Modeling and Building Performance Simulation-Based Decision Support Systems for Improved Built Heritage Operation

Abstract

Adapting outdated building stocks’ operations to meet current environmental and economic demands poses significant challenges that, to be faced, require a shift toward digitalization in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation sectors. Digital tools capable of acquiring, structuring, sharing, processing, and visualizing built assets’ data in the form of knowledge need to be conceptualized and developed to inform asset managers in decision-making and strategic planning. This paper explores how building information modeling and building performance simulation technologies can be integrated into digital decision support systems (DSS) to make building data accessible and usable by non-digital expert operators through user-friendly services. The method followed to develop the digital DSS is illustrated and then demonstrated with a simulation-based application conducted on the heritage case study of the Faculty of Engineering in Bologna, Italy. The analysis allows insights into the building’s energy performance at the space and hour scale and explores its relationship with the planned occupancy through a data visualization approach. In addition, the conceptualization of the DSS within a digital twin vision lays the foundations for future extensions to other technologies and data, including, for example, live sensor measurements, occupant feedback, and forecasting algorithms.

An Integration of Business Processes and Information Management for Improving the Efficiency and Reliability of Infrastructure

“…Specifically, there are problems with adjusting processes and enforcing information requirements in order to produce good-quality information. As a result, it was important to (1) find out what type of information is currently produced on infrastructure projects, (2) analyse the information that is produced and the processes that were followed, (3) and finally provide a solution that would help with the specific issues that are faced during implementation.…”

“…This implementation has been mandated by the government and organisations. This drive for adoption has stemmed from the benefits of implementing digital construction processes and tools that can create efficiencies both during construction and operation for built assets [1]. There are multiple 'uses', such as scheduling, site monitoring, and safety management, that should encourage BIM adoption [2].…”