Code Checking using BIM for Digital Building Permit: a case study in a Brazilian municipality

Abstract

There is a growing interest from municipalities around the world in digitizing the building permit process using building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) for automated code checking. However, technical, political, and commercial barriers still prevent digitization from becoming a reality and being widely implemented and locally adapted. The main objective of this research is to analyse best practices and lessons learned by a Brazilian municipality for BIM-based electronic system implementation. The adopted methodology included a comprehensive literature review of existing international initiatives in America, Europe, and Asia. Data collection occurred in a case study in a Brazilian municipality implementing BIM to digitize the different types of existing permits. The results indicate the leading practices and lessons learned by the municipality in their internal stage for developing the automated code checking system and promoting changes in processes, policies, and organizational culture. The findings also highlight best practices and promising international experiences, a comparative analysis with the Brazilian municipal context. The main contribution of this study is to provide a greater understanding of the required practices and the BIM/GIS role in the digital building permit process. As a practical contribution, the experiences in the Brazilian context provide valuable inputs for the journey of smart cities.