BIM functions for optimized construction management in civil engineering

Purpose The aim of this study is to suggest configuration methodologies of active building information model (BIM) functions that enable to practically control limitations by optimizing schedule overlapping linked to its space models after analyzing workspace conflict analysis for a bridge model. This study also suggests development methodologies of active BIM-functions, linking an optimized method and improved strategies of future BIM-operation model through an analysis of limitations of a passive BIM-operation system for architectural projects. Method The existing BIM-system manually performed a simplified comparison review of 3D-shapes and its virtual reality (VR) analysis with visual manipulation of 3D-models in a virtual environment. Such BIM functions require a separate analysis process to organize BIM-output data as reprocessed business data. This has many limitations when directly utilizing the visual information produced by commercial BIM-systems as practical operation data. Accordingly, this study develops functions of an active BIM-system so that the managers can directly analyze practical requirements by integrating an optimized analysis algorithm with the BIM-system to improve the passive BIM operation environments. As a method of configuring the active BIM-functions, an optimized algorithm for establishing resolution strategies for workspace conflicts is constructed. As functions for supporting active BIM-operations, this study utilizes fuzzy and genetic algorithm (GA) approaches. These approaches will be used to develop visualized risk assessment model and workspace conflict optimization model based on active BIM. Results & Discussion By enhancing fragmentary analysis functions of simplified 3D-models with the development of an active BIM-system, the BIM-system can utilize output information derived from a process of analysis, evaluation and control of the BIM-models as a practical operation information model for both design and construction phase. Therefore, it is expected that an active BIM can simplify data analysis and the system operation process for managers with virtual object models and expand the active BIM-system to the life cycle of civil engineering projects.