Building information modelling (BIM) software interoperability: A review of the construction sector

Yousefzadeh, S; Spillane, J P; Lamont, L; McFadden, J and Lim, J P B (2015) Building information modelling (BIM) software interoperability: A review of the construction sector. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 31st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2015, Lincoln, UK.

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is continuing to evolve and develop as the construction industry progresses towards level 2 maturity. However, one of the core barriers in this progression is the aspect of interoperability between software packages. This research and paper stems from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) where both industry and academia come together to address this shortcoming within the sector. One of the core objectives of this partnership and the aim of this study is investigating potential solutions to this barrier, while also developing best working practices to be applied in industry. Using one of the case studies from this partnership (a temporary steel structure), this paper demonstrates a potential solution to addressing interoperability within structural analysis and detailing packages, MasterSeries and Revit respectively. The findings of the research indicate that a process based approach rather than that of additional software coding as being the preferred solution. The results of this preliminary research will aid in the development of the topic of interoperability within the sector, while also developing the knowledge and competencies of the parties within the KTP. The findings are explored further, by providing an overview of the resolution process adopted in this case study, in overcoming the interoperability that arose as the project progressed. It is envisaged that this study will assist the construction sector and its adoption of BIM technologies, while also addressing the critical aspect of operability between software.

Item Type: Conference Paper (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords: building information modelling; BIM; interoperability; knowledge transfer partnership; structural analysis
Index terms: building information modelling, structural analysis, package, case study, working practice, partnership, software package, knowledge transfer, academia, construction sector, resolution, construction industry, steel structure, interoperability
Subjects: software systems, specialized materials and systems, management, structural engineering, information systems, systems and processes, industry analysis, educational institutions, partnership management, conflict resolution, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, contractual arrangements
Topics: Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Education, Research Practice, Construction Materials, Engineering Principles, Stakeholder Management, Procurement
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTE

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here