BIM, short for Building Information Modeling, is a product model that originated in and is widely used across industries such as petrochemical, automotive, and shipbuilding. The initial concept of BIM was introduced by Dr. Chuck Eastman from the United States in the 1970s. Thanks to advancements in computer software and hardware, BIM has since been extensively researched and applied in both theoretical studies and practical engineering projects. Internationally, BIM is recognized as one of the most progressive directions in the construction industry. It is important to understand that BIM is neither just software nor a physical object; rather, it is a human-driven process that transforms design, construction, and facility management.
The lifecycle of green buildings generally involves several key stages: planning and design, construction, operation, demolition, and recycling. Due to the limited application and unclear value of BIM during the demolition and recycling phases, this study focuses on BIM’s full-process application within three main stages: planning and design, construction, and operation.
The planning and design phase itself is subdivided into conceptual planning and design, preliminary planning and design, and detailed planning and design. BIM’s full-process application aligns closely with the entire lifecycle of building products. Evaluating the functionalities of relevant BIM software provides valuable insight into how BIM supports these stages.
During the planning and design phase, BIM is used for structural modeling and analysis, equipment modeling, energy and lighting analyses, specification inspections, and detailed design work. In the construction phase, BIM applications focus on quality monitoring and collision detection through construction simulation. For the operation phase, BIM aids in facility and equipment management, emergency plan optimization, and operational planning.
While BIM’s application is most advanced during the planning and design stage, its integration during the operation phase is less developed. Overall, BIM implementation across all construction stages remains fragmented and has yet to be systematically and efficiently integrated throughout the building’s entire lifecycle.
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