Leveraging BIM for Automated Fault Detection in Operational Buildings

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an increasingly popular method for generating and managing facility information during the life cycle of a building, ranging from facility conceptualization, through design, construction and its operational life. Organizations involved in Facility Management (FM) have the opportunity to use BIM as a knowledge repository to document evolving facility information and to support decisions made by the facility managers during the operational life of a facility. This paper demonstrates the potential of using BIM to develop algorithms that automate decision making for FM applications. The potential of utilizing BIM as an analysis tool is demonstrated through the scenario of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system failure in an operating facility. In case of a typical HVAC malfunction today, facility occupants record complaints in a ticketing database maintained by the FM organization. Upon receiving notification of HVAC system failure, facility inspectors visit the location to confirm the reported failure. Upon confirmation, facility managers review building plans and specifications to develop a detailed plan of action to repair any HVAC components suspected of damage. Based on the plan of action, inspectors visit the facility to inspect and, in case of damage, repair the appropriate HVAC system components. These FM practices -as currently implemented across the industry -are labor intensive, time consuming, and often rely on unreliable and outdated information. To address these shortcomings, the authors propose an alternative methodology of HVAC fault detection in operational buildings. The authors implement an algorithm that leverages complaint ticket data and automates BIM to determine potentially damaged HVAC system components. Based on the list of HVAC components suspected of damage, the algorithm develops a plan of action for the facility inspectors. Finally, the authors discuss the advantages of the proposed method as well as the challenges of implementing automated BIM-enabled decision making processes in the FM industry.

Application of Building Information Modeling in Facility Management: A Case Study of a Commercial Project

“…[3] For example, intelligent algorithms could be created to automate decision making for FM applications that have never been possible before the addition of digital data. [23] Another important BIM in FM applications outlined literature is in space management, emergency management, energy control, and monitoring and personnel training and development ([24] [25] [19] [26] [22]). There are also suggestions that adopting BIM in FM will facilitate the future involvement of facility managers at a much earlier design stage, in order to convey their input and influence on the design and construction of a building.…”

Investigating the effects of building information modeling capabilities on knowledge management areas in the construction industry

“…data). Such data can be analyzed, and made available to the people who benefit from them when required (Young, et al, 2009;Golabchi et al, 2013).…”

Supporting Post-Occupant Evaluation Through Work Order Evaluation and Visualization in FM-BIM

“…People spend 80% of their lives indoors, where indoor environmental quality has significant effects on occupant comfort, productivity, and well-being. At the same time, buildings use approximately 40% of total energy globally, with the majority of this use -and associated costassociated with day-to-day operations [1]. Within this context, Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POEs) are increasingly recognized as providing significant value to both increase occupant comfort and decrease energy and operations costs.…”