Structure Monitoring with BIM and IoT: The Case Study of a Bridge Beam Model

Abstract

The diffusion of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a reference methodology, applied to the world of construction, leads to important changes in the design and the management of big constructions and infrastructures. However, although the BIM approach is necessary for managing the entire life cycle of a construction, today, this methodology is still rarely adopted beyond the design phase. This represents a major flaw because the management of every phase of the life cycle of buildings needs accurate preliminary planning. Certainly, one of the most complex and important phases of the life cycle of a construction is the monitoring phase, which represents a fundamental aspect for the maintenance and the safe fruition of buildings or civil constructions. Considering this, the multidisciplinary approach of merging BIM methodology with real-time monitoring, using low-cost IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, seems to be an interesting topic to develop. In this paper, we will propose an example of a connection between an IoT system and a BIM model for monitoring the deflection of a bridge beam at the centerline using a schematic scale model reproduced in the laboratory and modelled in BIM. The developed system allows the real-time connection between the real model and its digital twin through the use of a relational database management system (RDBMS), to which the data detected by the sensor are transmitted, allowing the risk assessment of the real structure. This solution gives the possibility to remotely monitor, in real time, the behaviour of the structure visualised in the BIM model.

BIM Use to Support the Technical Tasks in Construction Projects: A Case Study

“…BIM has proved to be an effective tool for architectural design [6,7]; design-related analysis, such as energy saving [8], solar radiation and reduction [9], daylighting and illumination [10], acoustics [11], and orientation [12]; construction monitoring and management [13]; procurement [14]; project management [15]; facility management [16,17]; coordination between building service systems of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) models [18]; working/detail drawings [19,20]; and bills of quantities (BoQs) [21].…”

Case Study of Remodelling the As-Built Documentation of a Railway Construction into the BIM and GIS Environment

“…Another topic of using BIM is for building monitoring. In paper [19] a human-machine interface is proposed for this activity, in publication [20] the use of IoT and in [21] a special monitoring system is proposed. The case study [22] deals with the issue of CDE (Common Data Environment) and BIM model management in the design and construction of selected large public construction projects.…”

Application of Fuzzy-ISM-MICMAC in the Risk Analysis Affecting Swivel Bridge Construction Spanning Existing Railway Lines: A Case Study

“…Using BIM technology to simulate the dynamics of the continuous beam structure and construction conditions maximizes pre-warning before construction when operations are conducted at critical points along operational lines, ensuring construction safety and efficiency [60]. Through BIM + drones + three-dimensional scanning technology, threedimensional arrangements of the construction site have been completed [61], verifying the spatial relationships of construction operations and simulating collision tests, closure construction and project quantity verification [62]. It provides proactive predictions and guidance for the standard construction of a bridge without affecting railway traffic [63].…”