Ajayi, S; Saad, A; Oyegoke, A and Alaka, H (2024) Enhancing productivity and sustainability through BIM-based plugins: A case study of AutoBIM carbon diagnostics system. In: Thomson, C (ed.) Proceedings of 40th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2024, London South Bank University, UK.
Abstract
To address the multifaceted challenges facing the construction industry, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been envisioned as a transformative approach. In line with this development, the paper presents a development and implementation of a BIM-based plugin, AutoBIM Carbon Calculator, which is integrated with the Revit software, with a functionality that supports the estimation and management of embodied carbon in construction projects. The paper outlines the AutoBIM design and development methodology, which is based on participatory quasi-experimental setup approach, involving automated approach for data extraction from BIM models, and carbon calculation algorithm that is integrated with carbon convention factor library. Based on a case study, evidence shows the ability of the AutoBIM calculator in precisely reducing time spent on carbon calculation while also automatically identifying carbon hotspot to facilitate design optioneering for carbon effectiveness. In addition, a case study project demonstrates 14% carbon reduction by supporting alternative design decision making. AutoBIM calculator, as a BIM-based plugin serves as a promising example of how custom-built solutions could address challenges facing the industry by highlighting the potential of BIM-based plugins to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; plugins; carbon calculator; sustainable construction; autobim |
| Index terms: | effectiveness, evidence, methodology, construction project, design decision, construction industry, implementation, case study, design and development, sustainable construction, carbon reduction, efficiency, embodied carbon, building information modelling, carbon hotspot, estimation, productivity, functionality |
| Subjects: | information systems, industry analysis, research methods, performance management, management, design practice, design process, sustainable construction, production management, design features, financial and cost management, contractual arrangements, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods, climate science, environmental impact |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Research Practice, Project Management, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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