A New Modular Paradigm in Building Information Modeling

[email protected] Abstract — As powerful as Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools are in modeling the built environment, current BIM strategies limit the size of facilities that can be modeled while increasing the time needed for modeling and the quality of BIM models produced. In the same way that prefabricated modular construction techniques are improving the speed and quality of construction delivery, a modular approach to BIM modeling substantially increases the scale of facilities that can be modeled while decreasing modeling time and increasing model quality. As a case study of this new approach we will look at Bechtel Civil’s Project Planning and Development (PPD) design for a new community in Angondje, Libreville, Gabon where 6,000 dwelling units using 21 different building types for a population of 30,000 people were produced.