Unlike the widely used CAD technology, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is not a task that can be completed with a single software program. Currently, the leading BIM design software internationally includes Autodesk’s Revit series, Bentley’s Building series, and Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD. These BIM platforms are open systems with powerful secondary development capabilities, enabling professionals from various fields to customize the software according to specific needs. Although these foreign software solutions have entered the Chinese market, they still fall short of fully meeting the regulatory requirements of China.
These foreign software platforms serve as the foundation for advancing BIM technology. However, China also needs to develop its own BIM application software independently. In fact, China already has a solid base of application software across various construction project stages, with several professional applications enjoying significant market penetration. By leveraging the existing system architecture, professional functionality, integration of standards and specifications, user habits, and market patterns, these software packages can enhance their BIM capabilities and domain-specific functions. This approach will address the challenge of information exchange between different software and help create professional BIM software with independent intellectual property rights in China.
During the Eleventh Five-Year Plan, further research into BIM technology was conducted under the technology support program, led jointly by Tsinghua University, the China Academy of Building Research, and Beihang University. Their project titled “Research on Next Generation Building Engineering Application Software Based on BIM Technology” aimed to apply BIM technology and IFC standards across seven key areas: architectural design, cost forecasting, building energy efficiency, construction optimization, safety analysis, durability assessment, and information resource utilization.
Building on the advantages of BIM technology, Ji Jun and colleagues studied the integration of steel structure BIM 3D visualization, manufacturing industry data, and analysis information. Using Autodesk’s platform and ObjectARX technology, they developed BIM software tailored for light steel plants, heavy steel plant structures, and multi-story steel frame structures. This software established data interfaces between BIM and various phases of light and heavy steel plant and high-rise steel structure projects.
Liu Zhaoqiu and others developed an integrated information model framework covering mainly architectural and structural design stages. This system initially achieves integration between architectural and structural model information, providing a technical foundation for next-generation building engineering software based on BIM technology.
Ma Zhiliang conducted an in-depth analysis of the state of construction project budgeting software both domestically and internationally, proposing a framework for next-generation budgeting software in China based on BIM technology. His team also established a building energy-saving design information model compliant with IFC and IDF formats and implemented a conversion mechanism to generate IDF data from energy-saving IFC design data. This foundation supports the development of BIM-based building energy-saving design software in China, with Ma Zhiliang’s group creating an overall framework model and undertaking systematic development.
Lu Ning established a conceptual framework for utilizing information resources in construction enterprises, developing an information resource model based on the IFC standard. He successfully mapped IFC data into usable information resources and designed the construction enterprise information resource utilization system, InfoReuse.
Wei Zhenhua and Ma Zhiliang developed a 3D graphic interaction module, 3DGI, within a C++ development environment. This module can be flexibly integrated with BIM software and has been applied in practical projects.
Professor Zeng Xudong explored the application of BIM technology in building energy-saving design, proposing a novel approach that combines BIM with building energy analysis software.
Wang Lin and colleagues studied the development of next-generation building engineering application software by integrating BIM technology with mature object-oriented architectural design software ABD. Zhang Lei and his team used 3D data visualization technology to implement green building evaluation functions based on the “Green Building Evaluation Standards.”
Zhang Kun conducted preliminary research on BIM software integration from the perspective of architectural software development, identifying challenges related to interface and system integration. Gao Yonggang studied BIM-based visualization technologies and applied them in real engineering projects.
Ye Yinghua and Diao Bo applied BIM technology to the nonlinear analysis of concrete section aging, developing a Non Linear Analysis System (NLAS) based on BIM for this purpose.
Currently, Professor Zhang Jianping’s research team at Tsinghua University’s Department of Civil Engineering is focusing on 4D BIM research. Since 1991, the team has been committed to 3D visualization simulation and dynamic management of construction progress and site layout. In 1995, they developed the GCPSU system, which embodies the 4D concept for managing multi-story building construction progress and site utilization.
In 2000, Wang Qian proposed the 4D construction management model (4DSMM) based on the GCPSU system, linking construction objects, 3D site models, and project schedules. In 2002, Wang Hongjun introduced an extended version, 4DSMM++ (4D Site Management Model++).
Since 2002, continuous research and improvement have brought the 4D construction management system to practical application and international advanced levels. In December 2003, the 4D-GCPSU system based on 4DSMM++ was used for the Beijing Olympic National Stadium project. In 2005, the team developed the 4D Construction Management System for Building Engineering, achieving integrated management of unified and effective construction data.
In 2009, Zhang Jianping and colleagues proposed static and dynamic warning mechanisms based on a 4D information model to provide a unified information platform and address key technical challenges. They also researched integrated BIM modeling technology for the entire building lifecycle, developing the BIM Data Integration and Server Platform (BIMSDISP) and proposing a construction plan management and optimization method combining 4D technology with process simulation, along with a corresponding integrated system.
The application of BIM technology has also extended to property management. Zhang Jianping and his team developed a building property information model based on the IFC standard and an IFC data exchange interface, establishing an intelligent property management system to enable smart property management functions.
At the same time, several domestic software developers—such as Tianzheng, Guanglian Da, Luban Software, Lizheng, Hongye, and Bochao—have contributed to BIM software research and the promotion of BIM technology in China.
Overall, research and application of BIM software in China have achieved promising results in areas like architectural design, 3D visualization, cost forecasting, energy-saving design, construction management and optimization, performance testing and evaluation, and information resource utilization.
However, as Dana K. Smith, President of the buildingSMART Alliance in the United States, stated: “The era of relying on one software to solve all problems is gone forever.” BIM is a comprehensive technical system. To fully realize the benefits of BIM technology, related software must integrate all project information, enabling modeling, analysis, prediction, and guidance throughout every phase of construction.
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