Automation in Construction 97 (2019) 164–180

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Automation in Construction
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/autcon

Review

Review of BIM's application in energy simulation: Tools, issues, and T

solutions
Ehsan Kamela, , Ali M. Memarib,c
⁎

a
Department of Energy Management, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, USA
b
Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University, 222 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 1680, USA
c
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University, 222 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 1680, USA

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Keywords: Building Information Modeling (BIM) initially emerged as a capability to transfer information and allow in-
Building Information Modeling teraction or interoperability of various software tools used for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical
BIM design, and building construction. Its application from developing 3D models, structural analysis, cost estima-
gbXML tion, and mechanical analysis has now expanded to other applications such as energy simulation. Multiple
Building energy simulation
computer-aided design (CAD) tools work as BIM authoring tools to generate BIM files in different formats
Revit
containing various types of building information. In addition, there are various building energy modeling (BEM)
OpenStudio
Green Building Studio tools capable of importing these BIM files to perform energy simulation. However, such tools have various
GBS capabilities and limitations and need to be investigated and categorized in order to facilitate choosing a proper
EnergyPlus tool for design professionals in different phases of project and purposes. In addition, interoperability and data
exchange issues between BIM and BEM tools should be understood in order to find solutions such as developing
proper corrective middleware tools to rectify them.
This paper reviews the challenges, issues, and shortcomings in BIM-to-BEM interoperability process (BBIP) by
proposing a detailed classification for these issues and studying the available solutions. The paper also explains
how a corrective middleware, which is developed by the authors using Python, can be utilized to modify a
gbXML file prior to adoption in energy simulation to resolve the issues related to building envelope in BBIP. To
do so, initially a review is presented on research studies focused on different types of BIM schemas such as IFC
and gbXML and energy simulation tools capable of reading these files such as Green Building Studio (GBS),
DesignBuilder, Integrated Environmental Solutions-Virtual Environment (IES), and OpenStudio. In addition,
some of the challenges in the application of BIM for energy simulation such as interoperability issues, lack of
standards, and lack of easy solutions for extending existing BIM schemas and available corresponding solutions
are also reviewed. With the focus on building envelope in mind, three case studies are discussed to observe the
challenges and issues with respect to BBIP using Revit, GBS, and OpenStudio. Moreover, these case studies
provide an opportunity to investigate the application of corrective middleware tools similar to what is developed
in the study presented.

1. Introduction keywords that represent the topics discussed under Sections 1 through 4.

In order to study the shortcomings in BIM-to-BEM interoperability 1.1. Definition of BIM

process (BBIP), it is important to understand the components con-
tributing to the process. BIM tools, BIM files, and BEM tools are among Definition of Building Information Modeling (BIM) could be dif-
the major components in the process. This section introduces these ferent depending on the content of the model. For example, an in-
components, reviews different applications of BIM in engineering, dis- formation model could include information about the building geo-
cusses the benefits of application of BIM in BEM, and previews the main metry, envelope components, materials, costs, HVAC system, electrical
topics discussed in each section of the paper. To facilitate navigating systems, and thermal properties of materials. The U.S. national BIM
through the paper, Fig. 1 illustrates a flowchart outline indicating the standard (NBIMS-US) defines BIM as “the act of creating an electronic

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: [email protected] (E. Kamel), [email protected] (A.M. Memari).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.11.008
Received 5 June 2017; Received in revised form 27 October 2018; Accepted 8 November 2018
0926-5805/ © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
E. Kamel, A.M. Memari Automation in Construction 97 (2019) 164–180

Fig. 1. The flowchart outline of materials presented in Sections 1 through 4 in this paper.

model of a facility for the purpose of visualization, engineering analysis,

Automation of
conflict analysis, code criteria checking, cost engineering, as-built
energy modeling
product, budgeting, and many other purposes” [1]. Krygiel and Nies
define BIM as “information about the entire building and a complete set
of design documents stored in an integrated database” [2]. BIM is also
defined by Smith and Tardif as “a mechanism to transfer from data into
information to gain the knowledge that allows us to act with wisdom” Storing & organizing Better presentation
[3].
building's data(e.g., BIM of energy-related
outputs
real-time data)

1.2. Applications of BIM

Enhancing exisitng libriaries
(e.g., adding extra attributes
Application of BIM in different area is expanding, as researchers to materials)
realize the potential values BIM can offer. While application of BIM for
Structural and energy analysis is reported with a frequently of 27% and Fig. 2. Major contributions of BIM in building energy management.
25%, respectively, its major use still seems to be for faster development
of 3D geometric models and 3D coordination with a use frequency of
60% [4]. Application of BIM is not limited to architects and engineers. 1.2.1. Application of BIM in BEM
There are also motives for homeowners, facility managers, contractors, Application of BIM in BEM offers multiple benefits as illustrated in
and fabricators to use BIM [5]. Most of the important factors that lead Fig. 2. Contributions of BIM in energy-related modeling, simulations,
to adopting BIM in a project are focused on automation in modeling and information is mainly about the ease of handling data, which can
process, improving the accuracy of construction documents, improving lead to automation in energy modeling, better presentation of output,
the communication among parties in design and construction process, capability of storing and organizing new building data especially the
automatic reflection of changes in all views after modifying one view, real-time information to have an up-to-date energy model, and en-
and reducing the field coordination problems [5–8]. While most of the hancing existing libraries by adding new attributes to the normal en-
BIM application cases are dedicated to building design, equivalent ergy simulation process. The explanation of these contributions is
emphasis has not been placed on some other areas such as use of BIM in provided here in more details.
energy modeling, which can be referred to as BBIP. A relatively com- Automation of modeling process is one of the major benefits of
prehensive literature review on BIM and its applications shows that application of BIM in energy simulation of buildings [8,12] that could
most resources are mainly focused on planning, design, construction, save time, lower cost, and reduce human error compared to the con-
operation, and energy consumption, with archival publication focusing ventional energy modeling process, which includes developing a gra-
more on design and energy consumption [9]. A similar trend is also phical model in a BEM tool using data related to geometry, material
noted by researchers from different countries, meaning that although properties, equipment, and schedules. For example, adding an add-on
the construction companies are already using energy simulation tools, to an energy simulation tool such as OpenStudio offers such an op-
there is a void in the integration of BIM and BEM in a single tool, which portunity where it connects a BIMserver to energy simulation tool to
can help avoid reentering of all the data that already exist in other import the data related to the geometry, materials, window types, and
models developed for the project [10,11]. thermal properties from IFC file [8].

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The second major contribution of BIM in energy modeling is facil- the results back to the GUI are among the steps where some of the issues
itating the output presentation in energy management systems [13,14], related to BBIP occur.
especially when it comes to computer tools without a GUI. For example,
Jen and Vernatha [13] studied a conceptual framework for a BIM-based 1.3.1. BEM interface vs. simulation engine
Energy Management Support System (BIM-EMSS), which uses BIM There is a difference between energy simulation GUI and energy
models developed by Revit to perform a real-time energy simulation simulation engine. As shown in Fig. 4, Energy simulation interfaces
using eQuest by adoption of sensors and smart meters. The output can only facilitate the energy modeling process by providing more graphical
be visualized using the geometric data available in the BIM model, interfaces for inputs and outputs, including developing the geometric
which allows the user to monitor real-time energy performance of dif- model of the building or detailed graphs on energy consumption data.
ferent zones in a building [13]. These interfaces such as OpenStudio, DesignBuilder, BEopt, or eQuest
Another major benefit for application of BIM is storing and orga- do not perform the simulation inherently, and there is the need for
nizing the energy-related building information. For example, real-time integration of energy simulation engines such as EnergyPlus or DOE2,
energy monitoring systems generate information with regards to the which perform the analysis based on different mathematical tools and
home energy consumption, temperature, and occupancy where such thermodynamic equations. Other tools such as eQuest or TRNSYS are
information need to be stored in an organized way under proper also categorized under energy simulation engines. Currently, none of
thermal zone, equipment, and building components. An example of the major energy simulation engines such as EnergyPlus and DOE2 is
adoption of BIM models in real-time energy monitoring systems is capable of direct import of BIM files such as gbXML and IFC directly
discussed by Alahmad et al. proposing a system that is a combination of from CAD tools. However, there are energy simulation GUIs that have
a hardware component called Real-Time Power Monitoring (RTPM) the capability of using BIM files such as OpenStudio, IES-VE, GBS, IDA
system and a software system called Real-Time Electrical BIM Model ICE, RIUSKA, and Ecotect, where the last one is actually discontinued.
(RE-BIM Model) [15]. Integration of BIM within a building energy There are also file generators such as Space Boundary Tool (SBT) that
model could also contribute to real-time monitoring of changes in oc- imports a BIM file and generates a text file, which is a suitable format
cupancy, facility upgrades, and energy management strategies [6], to for energy simulation engines such as EnergyPlus [24,25]. GUIs have
store their up-to-date and real-time data. For example, Woo et al. report built-in functions that could be coded in different languages such as C+
application of BIM in a building equipped with sensors whose data are + and Ruby, which perform the file conversion from BIM files to other
linked to a BIM model using SensorML, which is a standard schema to file formats suitable for energy simulation. Table 1 shows how common
facilitate processing the data related to sensors and actuators [6,16]. energy simulation tools are aggregated under either energy simulation
BIM can also help enhancing the existing libraries concerning ma- GUI or simulation engine.
terial properties, which is used in energy modeling. For example, ex- Multiple energy simulation tools discussed subsequently to various
isting libraries could provide thermal properties such as thermal con- degree are shown in Table 1. GBS that only needs costless activation of
ductivity of a material. However, certain projects might need further Autodesk ID is a cloud-based energy simulation tool integrated with
investigations about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a building. BIM Revit through Autodesk to facilitate energy modeling in this CAD tool
could be incorporated for use as a middleware in between the CAD tool [26]. GBS uses DOE2 for energy analysis and the outputs can be de-
and energy simulation tool to add extra attributes required for LCA, tailed to present annual heat transfer through building components
which might not be available in libraries of either the CAD tool or such as walls and roofs. Moreover, depending on type of the model
energy simulation tool. For example, the materials and systems that can (architectural model or MEP model) the export category can be set to
be used in building envelope or sizing the HVAC system can be eval- rooms or spaces, respectively [26]. An example for application of such
uated in advance to optimize the design and facilitate the process of energy simulation tools is a case study reported by Krygiel and Nies [2],
assessing different design alternatives [17]. which shows application of gbXML file generated by Revit in per-
forming an energy analysis to evaluate two façade systems. Four dif-
1.3. Major components in BBIP ferent energy simulation tools are reviewed in their study, including
Ecotect, IES-VE, eQuest, and GBS to calculate the energy loads and
Different components contribute to BBIP and studying each com- assess different designs [2].
ponent separately could lead to a better understanding of challenges, Modelica is another language that can be used for building thermal
issues, and corresponding solutions. The overview of BBIP illustrated in analysis capable of being integrated with BIM for energy simulation and
Fig. 3 shows three major components involved in the process. The importing required data. Researchers have developed libraries called
discussion presented in this paper is focused more on the second and ModelicaBIM library for use in Modelica for BIM-based energy analysis
third links of the chain shown in Fig. 3, illustrated as BIM files and BEM [27,28]. Kim et al. [27] developed a library for Modelica to facilitate
tools. the BBIP, and its performance is compared with LBNL Modelica
BEM tools could be comprised of two components including a buildings library developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a simulation engine. GUIs such as The BIM library used in their study could also perform a component-
OpenStudio, BEopt, DesignBuilder, and eQuest facilitate the energy level energy simulation to present heat transfer through envelope
modeling process by providing graphical interface for users. However, components such as walls, roof, and floor. The outcomes show the
the second component, that is the energy simulation engines such as feasibility and capability of using BIM and Modelica in automatic BEM
EnergyPlus and DOE2, works behind these tools. These two components using BIM, especially in design stage of buildings [27].
as well as reported tools that have used such tools in a BBIP are re- In general, an energy simulation tool requires information on
viewed and summarized in the next section. Mapping building in- building structure (e.g., geometry, construction materials, and thermal
formation to energy simulation tool and the reverse process of mapping zones), HVAC systems (e.g., heating, cooling, and ventilation system),

Fig. 3. Overview of BBIP.

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Fig. 4. Interoperation between energy simulation interface and its simulation engine.

weather data, and simulation properties (e.g., run period). Other stu- mapping data from BIM file into a proper format. For example, in
dies use different categories for energy simulation including loads, OpenStudio source code, there is a module developed in C++ dedi-
meters, pumps, circulation loops, plant equipment, air systems, zones, cated to translating BIM files to OSM file, which is the format for
additional systems and zones, economic, and reports [29]. Other major OpenStudio files. These functions should perform properly in order to
categories including building geometry, weather condition, HVAC be able to read all the required data from BIM files and map them
system, internal loads, and operating strategies and schedules are also properly to the BEM tool file format. Next section will discuss the
introduced by other researchers [24], which suggest the general need properties and attributes within BIM files to have a better under-
for BIM models to consider addressing all such data in future efforts. standing of the type of data provided by BIM files.
There are alternative methods used in BBIP and a CAD tool is not the
only option adopted by researchers. Other BIM generating tools or
2. Types of BIM file schemas and their properties
middleware have also been developed that interoperate between CAD
and BEM tools by converting a BIM file in a format such as Industry
BIM file schemas are the second link of the chain shown in Fig. 3.
Foundation Class (IFC) exported from ArchiCAD 13 to Input Data File
Two of the most prevalent types are IFC and gbXML files, which could
(IDF), which is an input file for EnergyPlus in order to automate the
include information on different aspects of buildings. Different BIM file
energy modeling process [34]. One may use more innovative methods
schemas have been developed that can be used in BIM authoring tools
to generate a BIM file such as image processing or laser scanning point
such as CAD tools. However, two prevalent third generation models are
clouds, which are automatically textured with thermographic and RGB
actually used more often for energy simulation purposes. The Industry
images [35] to generate a thermographically textured as-built Green
Foundation Class (IFC) and Green Building XML (gbXML) deployed by
Building XML (gbXML) BIM file automatically. The 3-D thermography-
BuildingSmart and Green Building Studio Inc., respectively, are two of
based method can also be adopted for updating the thermal properties
the most comprehensive BIM file formats, each with its own features.
of building components in order to use the as-is properties such as R-
Both of these schemas are capable of providing parts of the required
value of insulation material, which could be changed due to degrada-
information needed for energy simulation. The IFC is developed by an
tion over time. The results can be mapped into the BIM file (e.g., gbXML
international organization formerly known as the International Alliance
file) to update the old attribute within the file [36].
for Interoperability (IAI) that was renamed to BuildingSmart in 2005.
As shown in Fig. 5 that expands on Fig. 4, the difference between a
The current version IFC4 was released by BuildingSmart in 2013, while
regular BEM tool and a BEM tool with the capability of reading a BIM
IFC5 is the upcoming release, still in the planning phase. Two additional
file is the extra step shown as mapping BIM file data to a readable file
addenda were released in July 2015 and 2016 with improvement in
for BEM tool. There are built-in codes in BEM tools that perform
multiple areas. One of the improvements is related to energy and

Table 1
Categories of energy simulation tools [5,24,25,27,31–33].
Independent energy simulaon
Energy simulaon GUI only Energy simulaon engine
engine with graphical interface
OpenStudio Ecotect
DesignBuilder TRNSYS
Hevacomp EnergyPlus IDA ICE
Simergy ApacheSim (used in IES VE)
BEopt EDSL Tas
GBS Modelica language (can be used with
eQuest DOE2 graphical interfaces such as Dymola)
RIUSKA

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Fig. 5. Additional step added to integrate BIM in BEM process.

performance analysis focused on space boundaries, adding spatial the data structure and attributes within gbXML file in more details. The
zones, external spaces, and shading devices [37,38]. These third gen- shortcomings of data exchange using gbXML file in energy simulation
eration models can provide information during design, construction, will also be discussed later through case studies.
and operation time span of a building as opposed to the second and first For different software or particular stages of a project, there are
generation models that could only provide data on geometry or a lim- certain sets of data within a BIM model that need to be extracted as
ited domain such as lighting or building's LCA [39]. The gbXML format opposed to the whole BIM file data. The subset could include the re-
can include information on building, zones, surfaces, construction quired information for energy simulation, including HVAC system,
types, fenestrations, and the environment around the building, which is operation schedules, and control parameters (e.g., supply air tempera-
a comprehensive coverage of information [40]. However, it has been ture and air volume flow rate). IFC BIM schema has this capability to
noted that not many simulation tools can comprehend the data related extract a subset of information for a particular application by using IDM
to HVAC systems provided by gbXML [41]. and MVD [25]. There are also standards for minimum content of a
model in BIM such as model view definition (MVD) standards for IFC
2.1. Comparison between gbXML and IFC file that defines the minimum required information for different uses
[42]. There are still missing pieces of information for particular simu-
The differences between capabilities of two formats of major BIM lations that should be added to the existing standard for their extension;
schemas, i.e., IFC and gbXML, in terms of both general properties and this can be done, for example, by using IDM and MVD for IFC BIM
data related to energy simulation are summarized in Table 2. The standard [40]. The International Energy Agency in Buildings and
current versions of both file formats use XML but with different ap- Communities programme (IEA-EBC) Annex 60 project reports on an
proaches. Top-down and bottom-up data structure approaches are used MVD proposed by Pinheiro et al. [25] to facilitate integration of BIM
for gbXML and IFC, respectively. Both provide material properties, models and energy simulation. The energy simulation tool used in that
limited data for HVAC systems, and thermal zone data; however, the project is Modelica, which is an object-oriented language to model
data related to locations are only provided in gbXML file format. One of systems with multiple components such as mechanical, electrical,
the features of IFC file format is the capability of defining Information thermal, and control systems [25,44]. The development of MVDs fo-
Delivery Manual (IDM) and Model View Definition (MVD) as subsets of cused on energy simulation is an international effort led by initiatives
IFC file targeting specific areas of a project such as structural design or such as Architectural Design to Building Energy Analysis (in the United
energy analysis. The case studies discussed in this paper will investigate States) and Nordic Energy Analysis (in Norway) [45].

Table 2
Comparison between gbXML and IFC based on literature review [8,17,19,25,31,39,40,48].
Characteristics gbXML IFC

Presentation of building's geometry Only rectangular geometry Any geometry

Data structure XML (eXtensible Markup Language) IFC, PKZIP, and XML
Data structure approach Top-down approach with relatively more complex Bottom-up approach with relatively more straight forward
representation representation
Domain of application Mostly energy simulation domain Different domains such as building construction to
building operation
Capability of defining thermal zones Yes Yes
Location Yes No
Standard for minimum content for a certain type of model No Yes – there is MVD standard for IFC and IDM capabilities
and using subsets
Material thickness Yes Yes
Limited data related to HVAC system Yes Yes

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Fig. 6. Partial presentation of a gbXML file containing information for energy simulation.

The two main data structure approaches used in prevalent BIM open and proprietary. EXPRESS data language and eXtensible Markup
schemas are explained as top-down and bottom-up approaches for IFC Language (XML) can be used to develop these formats. Data formats
and gbXML by Jalaei and Jrade [17]. The “top-down” approach is de- such as STEP, CIS/2, and earlier versions of IFC are EXPRESS-based. On
fined as a relative complex schema with large file size that is hard to the other hand, CityGML, landXML, gbXML, aecXML, and ifcXML are
program and used in software application; however, it can trace back among the XML-based data formats. Examples of proprietary BIM data
the semantic changes in a value within the schema. On the other hand, formats could be RVT (Revit), DWG (AutoCAD), DGN (Bentley Sys-
the “bottom-up” approach is flexible, open source, and has a relatively tems), and DXF [40].
straightforward data schema [17]. Jalaei and Jrade [17] also note that BIM file standard should be capable of defining proper attributes for
some of the data might not be transferred through an IFC BIM model each required data such as schedules, material properties, and buil-
such as location, construction assignments, assumptions for lighting, ding's geometry. Then, the generated BIM file shown in Fig. 5 could be
equipment and people loads, airflow data, and units. It could be ex- used directly in the BBIP. Figs. 6 and 7 show how different attributes
plained due to limitations in tools, which read the BIM file as opposed are defined, respectively, in gbXML and IFC file standards. Fig. 6 par-
to shortcomings in BIM files. Otherwise, the IFC schema might have the tially shows an example of gbXML file containing information con-
capabilities of transferring these types of data [17,43]. In their parti- cerning units, location, building types, and different surface properties.
cular research, the gbXML could transfer data related to shape, areas, Fig. 7 shows the data structure in an IFC file and different glass and
volumes, location, construction assignments, building type (e.g., re- wood materials are defined for a door component. Based on the studies
sidential or commercial), and building services [17]. reviewed in this paper, it seems there is still a need for comprehensive
Besides the most prevalent BIM standards discussed above, re- research on capabilities of these BIM file standards and their inter-
searchers can employ other BIM exchange data formats. El Asmi et al. operability properties with different BIM and BEM tools in order to
[40] categorized the available data formats into two major groups of identify all the potential shortcomings.

Fig. 7. IFC standard's data structure.

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Fig. 8. Overview of BBIP and the potential sources of issues.

3. BBIP challenges and solutions Fig. 8 illustrates as component #1 several tools referred to as BIM
CAD programs, including Allplan (by Nemetchek), ArchiCAD (by Gra-
In order to have a better understanding of challenges and issues in phisoft), Microstation (by Bentley Systems), Revit (by Autodesk), and
the BBIP, a classification of different components in this process is Vectorworks (by Nemetchek). For example, in one case study to use
suggested as shown in Fig. 8. The interaction between these compo- BIM for energy modeling, ArchiCAD has been adopted using IFC and
nents could also contribute to issues and challenges, as well as potential EnergyBuild as the energy simulation engine [51].
sources, all numbered in the figure and explained as follows: #1: BIM Two of the most prevalent issues associated with components #2
tools such as Revit and ArchiCAD; #2: the process of mapping building and #3 shown in Fig. 8 could be categorized as file-related issues. Ac-
information to a BIM file; #3: BIM file under a certain file standard such cording to [52], the file-related BIM interoperability issues can be
as gbXML or IFC; #4: GUI in the BEM tool such as OpenStudio and studied under three different categories including file and syntax level,
DesignBuilder; #5: the process of mapping data from BIM file to a visualization level, and semantic level. Integration of BIM and energy
readable file for BEM tool; and #6: the process of mapping data from simulation tools can include all three levels of interoperability issues.
GUI to a readable file for simulation engine such as EnergyPlus or For example, in a CAD tool, it is important to visualize and illustrate the
DOE2. The interoperability issues are typically due to the components thickness of a wall, while the energy simulation tool needs the thermal
numbered as 2, 5, and 6, which are also identified by other researchers properties of a wall component and only use the centerline, which can
[9,24,31,32,49,50]. cause a gap between two different components at intersections [52]. It
explains one of the issues identified by researchers, which is the dif-
ference between the structural volume and the analytical volume need
3.1. Challenges and issues in BBIP for energy simulation. For example, IES-VE requires two different vo-
lumes of the building in order to perform energy simulation and air
Some issues and challenges have been reported at different steps of circulation computations. For air circulation, IES uses inner volume,
BBIP [18–22]. For example, Smith and Tardif [3] have reviewed gen- while for energy and thermal evaluation of the building the analytical
eral challenges in broader point of view in BIM exchange including volume bounded by the center plane of building envelope components
managing, provenance, required quality, detail, reliability, transpar- is needed [19]. The information provided in BIM schemas can be highly
ency, security, and accessibility of information. Satisfying different comprehensive and make the energy or structural modeling a rigorous
views of stakeholders and interoperability between different tools re- process, which could be considered as another challenge in working
viewed in their book are two of the BIM exchange challenges discussed with BIM files shown as #3 in Fig. 8.
in other studies as well [3]. Although there are examples of building Energy simulation tools shown as #4 in Fig. 8 could be a separate
information exchange standards such as agcXML or Construction Op- source of issues and inaccuracies. Energy simulation tools can lead to
erations Building Information Exchange (COBIE), some researchers still different major outputs such as heating and cooling loads due to the
point out to insufficiency of a standard for data exchange process difference in calculation methods [29]; for example, Ecotect uses worst
[3,25].

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design annual load, while IES uses the worst monthly cases [17]. These 3.2. Review of identified solutions adopted by researchers related to BBIP
differences could exist in component #4 shown in Fig. 8 and cause
errors in the BBIP. Besides multiple sources and types of challenges and issues related
Besides energy simulation engine, there are built-in codes within to BBIP discussed, one needs also explore solutions such as developing
such tools that work behind the GUI and are responsible for interpreting middleware works between BIM and BEM tool, manually adding
the imported BIM files, as illustrated by #5 and #6 in Fig. 8. The ability missing data, extending the model, and semantic enrichment of BIM
of an energy simulation tool in importing a BIM file could be a chal- schema. This section reviews literature that suggests some solutions as
lenge since some attributes in a single BIM file might not be supported summarized in Table 3.
by a certain energy simulation tool. For example, Attributes such as To address the challenges related to mapping data to a certain BIM
material and window type are available in gbXML format; however, file format (#2) and other issues related to the BIM file itself (#3),
unlike the material attribute, the latter (window type) might not be methods have been suggested [20] to enable revising such information
compatible with EnergyPlus [50] or IES-VE, which does not import the prior to end use, an example being Interpreted Information Exchange
construction material or mechanical data exported by Revit [43]. (IIE) that is focused on revising IFC models for structural analysis tool.
Losing data through information exchange between tools is one of In general, it is important to keep the original and initial information
the most reported potential problems [53,54]. Accordingly, not all the intact through transferring data back and forth between different soft-
required data can be transferred through BIM model to energy simu- ware packages while using BIM, which has led to the emergence of the
lation tools; therefore, missing data should either be added manually or concept of “seamless data exchange” during the data transfer [19].
be automatically generated by simulation tools used. It could be caused Developing a middleware that works between the BIM tool and BIM file
by different components shown in Fig. 8 including the BIM tool cap- is another solution to resolve the issues illustrated as #2 in Fig. 8. There
abilities in exporting building information (#1). It could also be due to are ongoing efforts toward interoperability of different CAD tools and
the issues in mapping process (#2), which means the data might be energy simulation tools such as Revit and OpenStudio. In order to
available but not transferred to the BIM file properly. Moreover, the overcome the existing issues of the process, a middleware has been
BIM file might not be able to save the data (#3) nor define any attribute developed to read the IFC file from Revit and use the BIMserver and
for a specific piece of information. The same issue could also happen Query Generator to retrieve the data and extract the required in-
during mapping data within BEM tool, illustrated as #5 and #6. formation, respectively. The main purpose is to resolve the issues with
Therefore, almost all the components in BBIP could be involved in data building's geometry data and provide a corrected file for energy simu-
loss. Some studies on interoperability between other BIM models such lation in OpenStudio [22]. As an example for the BBIP, Salakij et al.
as IFC and energy simulations tools such as DOE2 show possible lack of developed an energy simulation tool using Matlab called Building En-
information on the run period and building schedule [29]. Lack of re- ergy Analysis Model (BEAM) capable of reading gbXML BIM file; it is
quired data is another challenge that is similar to data loss; however, it reported that BEAM could lead to less data loss compared to IDF file
is easier to handle as long as all the required data are identified and used for simulation tools such as EnergyPlus [21]. Modeling uncommon
provided by the initial BIM tool. For example, the model suggested in a surfaces (e.g., curved) and components in a building and transferring
study that covers data related to multiple areas is called energy-ex- related information through a BIM model could be another challenge in
tended BIM (eeBIM), which could be a link between a simple CAD file application of BIM in energy modeling. Therefore, some studies have
and an energy simulation engine such as EnergyPlus [55] to add the suggested using middleware tools, which use methods such as mesh
required data, which are either missing or have not been developed in planarization algorithms to transfer information from a CAD tool to
the first place such as schedules. EnergyPlus [23].
Even after performing the energy simulation using BIM, there will To resolve the issues related to BIM files (#3), a general solution is
still be challenges concerning storing and presenting the data to benefit addressed by El Asmi et al. [40], who identified two major methods
from BIM such as storing the generated data in the BIM file, updating including model extension and semantic enrichment. Model extension
them after conducting a new simulation (e.g., energy simulation), and could be burdensome because new concepts, attributes, and relations
visualizing the outputs [15,56]. Sanguinetti et al. [67] reviewed a case need to be added to the model to be able to add a new element.
study using IFC and IDF files, where energy performance outputs are However, using prebuilt extension capabilities in subclasses such as
visualized using automated generation of thermal zones in Revit pro- IfcPropertySet, IfcProxy, IfcRelationship seems to offer a less effort in-
viding detailed thermal flows of building envelope components. Two tensive approach for model extension. As an alternative approach, one
challenges were identified including lack of data for energy simulation may use semantic enrichment such as International Framework for
at the initial design stages and quantifying the performance and pro- Dictionaries (IDF) and Web Ontology Language (OWL). IDF helps the
viding feedbacks [57]. interpretation of information within an IFC model and OWL, which is a
The summary of the reviewed research studies on application of BIM set of languages for authoring ontologies, helps the semantic enrich-
in energy simulation is presented in Table 3. It can be observed that ment of IFC. There are also already developed open source converters,
ArchiCAD and Revit are the most common BIM authoring tools used in which convert XML schema to RDF and OWL [40]. Extending the cur-
these studies, and depending on the research topic, either IFC or gbXML rent IFC schema in order to include detailed information about the
BIM file schemas are adopted. While conventional energy tools in the required data for an energy simulation might be a solution for issues
U.S. include OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, GBS, and eQuest, some interna- related to lack of data in HVAC systems and internal loads in a BIM file
tional tools such as Modelica, COMETH, and EnergyBuild may also be format such as IFC [18].
available. It is also observed that most of the identified challenges and In order to reduce the risk for issues associated with data exchange
issues occur during the mapping process, which could be categorized between BIM files and energy simulation tools, which typically happen
under interoperability issues. As examples of such challenges, the fol- during the process #5 shown in Fig. 8, some studies propose using BIM
lowing may be noted: the BIM tool might not transfer all the informa- application program interface (API) method instead of using conven-
tion in a model, the BIM file might not be able to save all the in- tional BIM schemas. The BIM API method that could be a rigorous
formation properly, the BEM tool might not be able to read all the process can be defined as developing an independent BIM file directly
information from BIM file, and finally the information might not be from BIM tools such as Revit, ArchiCAD, or Bentley using API [27,28].
mapped and transferred properly to the BEM and energy simulation This solution is provided in order to resolve the issues concerning BIM
engine's file format. However, mapping data to energy simulation en- files shown in Fig. 8 as #3.
gine shown as #6 in Fig. 8 is not discussed properly in the literature and Missing data could occur at any step through the BBIP shown in
can be an area in need of more research. Fig. 8. A semi-automated energy modeling process suggested by

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Table 3
Summary of research studies on using BIM in energy simulation.
Reference BIM CAD tool BIM file schema Energy tool Description of the study and adopted solutions

Epstein [51] ArchiCAD IFC EnergyBuild A case study in Greece adopted BIM to BEM process as part of the project
Ramaji et al. [8] – IFC OpenStudio Development of an add-on to import the data related to geometry, materials, windows types, and thermal properties
from IFC file.
Yu [22] Revit IFC OpenStudio Development of a middleware, which use BIMserver and Query Generator to extract required data from IFC file.
Users add missing data manually and a python script convert the file to a proper format for CONTAM for air
distribution analysis.
Salakij et al. [21] – gbXML Building Energy Analysis Model (BEAM) Developed an energy simulation tool using Matlab, which is capable of reading gbXML file to perform the energy
developed by Matlab analysis.
Krygiel and Nies [2] Revit gbXML GBS Energy analysis using BIM is performed to evaluate two façade systems.
Kim et al. [27] & Jeong et al. [28] – – Modelica The study is based on integration of Modelica to perform energy analysis, ModelicaBIM library to provide required
data needed from BIM file, and using BIM API to retrieve data from conventional BIM tools such as Revit and
ArchiCAD.

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O'Donnell et al. [41] & Bazjanac ArchiCAD IFC EnergyPlus A semi-automated method is adopted to add the required data for energy simulation to the IDF file generated from
[59] IFC file, prior to the energy analysis in EnergyPlus.
El Asmi et al. [40] – IFC COMETH The study is focused on application of MVD in obtaining the required data for energy simulation (e.g., HVAC system
data), which are missing through the process and using IfcPropertySet to add the data to the IFC file
Santos et al. [23] – – EnergyPlus Adopting mesh planarization algorithm to divide the curved surfaces into flat panels and exporting the required
data from CAD tool to EnergyPlus.
Karen and Douglas [57] Revit IFC EnergyPlus Generation of thermal zones is automated using the data obtained from Revit, provided in IFC file and the outputs
obtained from EnergyPlus are visualized.
Dimitriou et al. [60] Revit gbXML EnergyPlus Development of a gbXML editing tool to provide the data, which lacks for energy simulation in EnergyPlus prior to
generating the IDF file.
Garcia and Zhu [61] – gbXML eQuest Development of a corrective tool for modifying the gbXML file and converting it to DOE-INP file for use in eQuest.
Egwunatum et al. [14] – IFC IES VE A case study to review the feasibility of optimization in design by linking BIM to energy simulation tool. Faster,
more accurate, and detailed outputs concerning energy consumption, airflow analysis, visualization, and daylight
analysis were among the benefits observed in the study.
Somboonwit et al. [12] Revit & Dynamo gbXML GBS, DOE2, eQuest Automation of Building Performance Simulation (BPS) is studied using different tools in order to investigate the
interoperability between them. Kinetic PV façade (KPVF) is modeled and issues such as misplaced and distorted
geometry are observed.
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E. Kamel, A.M. Memari Automation in Construction 97 (2019) 164–180

Fig. 9. An overview of the process adopted

in case studies.

Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBNL) is an example of between a CAD tool and multiple energy simulation tools to study the
adopting BIM IFC schema to develop a proper output for EnergyPlus. interoperability issues and recommend solutions for each case. Revit,
However, it is not fully automated because it does not include all the GBS, OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, and gbXML files are among the compo-
required information such as data related to HVAC, which should be nents in the BBIP reviewed in the literature, as reflected in Table 3,
added manually or using other tools. ArchiCAD is used to develop the which is used in these case studies to identify the common issues in the
IFC file. The IDF file for EnergyPlus is converted to DXF format only for BBIP. Energy simulation tools such as GBS and OpenStudio are also
prior inspection, and then the building energy modeling is performed responsible for some additional tasks including conversion of file from
based on the model that was obtained from tools such as BIM for pro- gbXML to IDF. Such file conversions are needed to map the data within
viding the required data related to other areas such as mechanical gbXML file (generated by Revit) to IDF file. IDF includes all the required
systems and schedules [58,59]. Other solutions are adopted to resolve information needed for energy simulation in EnergyPlus. Other BIM file
the issue concerning missing HVAC system data in a BIM model. For formats such as IFC have also been studied by researchers in relation to
example, El Asmi et al. [40] developed a middleware between IFC BIM the development of IFC to IDF convertors in order to resolve the in-
model and COMETH simulation engine, which is a tool developed by teroperability issues and improve the BIM-to-BEM automated inter-
the French Scientific and Technical Center for Building. El Asmi et al. operability process [62]. Some of these research studies are not limited
used the Model View Definition (MVD) approach to extract the required to IFC file conversion. They also integrate the convertor with the energy
data from IFC model; then to provide the missing data related to the simulator (e.g., EnergyPlus) and use the outputs to visualize the results
HVAC system, they used IfcPropertySet, which is the prebuilt extension [63].
capability of IFC model [40]. Different tools in the BIM–to-BEM inter- The first case study uses GBS within Revit. GBS gives rough results
operability process might develop proper error messages according to for building's energy consumption using DOE2 and requires activating a
the corresponding missing piece of information; but that is not the case free Autodesk account. GBS is more beneficial in design phase of the
in all simulation tools and proper warnings and error messages might building in order to come up with efficient design and construction
not be developed [22]. methods and materials in terms of energy consumption. Therefore, the
This section reviewed the adopted and proposed solutions by other needed input data are not as detailed as other energy simulation GUIs
researchers related to BBIP issues and challenges, as reflected in such as OpenStudio.
Table 3. The methods summarized in this table include developing a In the second case study, the gbXML file is exported from Revit to be
middleware, manually adding the missing information, extending the used in OpenStudio, which is then used as a GUI to read the BIM file
existing models to include the missing data, and semantic enrichment of and convert it to IDF. The final energy simulation is performed by
BIM schemas. EnergyPlus as the energy simulation engine within OpenStudio.
In the third case study, the IDF file is generated using GBS to be used
directly in EnergyPlus. Case study #3 is based on three different tools
4. Review of three case studies in BBIP including a BIM tool (Revit) and two energy simulation tools (GBS and
EnergyPlus), as illustrated in Fig. 10. Revit produces an energy model
For a better understanding of BIM files and BEM tools reviewed (first conversion) for GBS and a gbXML file, and then converts it to an
including their file formats, and to identify the interoperability issues in IDF file for EnergyPlus. These file transfers between multiple tools
more details, a residential building was modeled in Revit to obtain the provide a good opportunity to study interoperability issues in BBIP.
energy analysis results through three different ways. Such case studies
can provide an opportunity to explain the application of a middleware
corrective tool developed using Python, which resolves the issues re- 4.1. Modeling process in Revit for three case studies
lated to building envelope in gbXML file format. Multiple areas in the
BBIP shown in Fig. 8 have the potential for challenges. In particular, the Fig. 11 illustrates the plan and the 3D view of the Revit building
stage of mapping data to simulation engine that is illustrated in Fig. 8 as model, and all the energy simulation data are presented in Table 4,
#6 needs more in-depth study. These case studies also provide an op- which shows the properties of HVAC and building envelope system.
portunity to review such issues and challenges. The overview of the Four separate spaces are assigned to the living room and three bed-
whole process used in these case studies is shown in Fig. 9. rooms. A space is defined as any enclosed area bounded in at least six
Fig. 10 shows the schematic process of these three case studies se- surfaces. OpenStudio and accordingly EnergyPlus look for six surfaces
parately, which provides a good opportunity to observe data exchange for each space and will generate a warning if there are less than six

Fig. 10. Process of three different approaches.

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Fig. 11. Plan view (left) and 3D view (right) of building modeled in Revit (roof is not shown).

Table 4
Properties of the building modeled in Revit.
Building component Properties

Construction Bedrooms 3
Living room 1
Square footage 1098 SF
Exterior wall Brick/air/rigid insulation/vapor barrier/CMU/metal furring/gypsum board (R-32)
Interior wall Gypsum board/metal stud/gypsum board (R-21)
Roof Asphalt shingle/plywood/wood joist (R-58)
Ceiling Acoustic ceiling tile (R-1.6)
Windows Double hung with trim (36″ × 48″) (SHGC = 0.78) (R-1.5)
Spaces 4 spaces
Zones 4 thermal zones
Energy settings Location Boston, MA
Building type Single family
Building operating schedule Default
HVAC system Residential 17 SEER/9.6 HSPF Split HP < 5.5 ton
Outdoor air per person 15 CFM
Export category Spaces
Project phase New construction
Building service VAV-single duct
Building infiltration class Medium
Export default values Yes

surfaces. While such warnings do not stop the simulation process, it heat, and density. Schedule elements include the schedule-related data
shows there is an issue with reading the BIM file and surfaces defined in that directly affect the energy consumption outputs. The top-down
it. In order to have separate thermal zones, four separate zones are also structure of gbXML schema could be seen in this figure. The properties
assigned to these areas. Zones are related to the HVAC system and are assigned to the biggest components such as spaces and it goes down
define how the mechanical system is distributed and whether or not the to surfaces, layers, and materials. Each attribute is linked to the higher
area is heated/cooled. Therefore, both zones and spaces are assigned to component in this hierarchy as a parent-child relationship using multi-
these areas to make sure the outputs are as detailed as possible. Spaces digit codes (e.g., aim####, in which the # is a single digit), which was
in Revit also include different attributes, which are needed for energy also shown earlier in Fig. 6.
simulation such as number of people, lighting load, and occupancy
schedule. Other than architectural components and properties related 4.2. Results of the BBIP Case Studies, observed issues, and suggested
to each space, it is needed to define other components such as HVAC solutions
system [64]. For these three case studies, the gbXML file is exported
based on “room/space volumes” shown in Fig. 12. File-related issues in this case study could be related to gbXML file
The BIM file schema used in these case studies is gbXML. For ex- generated by Revit, OSM file converted from gbXML by built-in codes in
ample, for case study #2, the gbXML file exported from Revit under OpenStudio, or IDF file converted from OSM in OpenStudio generated
“room/space volumes” is version 0.37 and includes elements and at- for EnergyPlus. Interoperability issues in this case study could occur
tributes demonstrated in Fig. 13. Space element includes all four spaces between Revit and GBS, Revit and OpenStudio, OpenStudio and
defined in Revit and consists of multiple components such as number of EnergyPlus, and GBS and EnergyPlus. Table 5 summarizes the data
people per unit of area, people heat gain, area, volume, and coordina- transfer issues in each case study and provides a comparison. Tables 6
tion data. Surface provides the information for all surfaces such as ex- and 7 explain the adopted solutions for each challenge. One of these
terior walls, interior walls, roof, and floor. Construction defines multiple solutions for example is the developed correction tool to automatically
building component systems (e.g., wall system, which is brick on CMU) resolve the issues related to the building envelope, e.g., the error re-
and their thermal properties such as U-value and absorptance. A layer is lated to similar adjacent spaces with the same name, which is illu-
assigned to each envelope component and the materials used in each strated in Fig. 14. Other issues were resolved through either manual
layer are defined under layer element. Material element includes all the corrections such as adding missing data in BIM or IDF files manually or
required properties such as R-value, thickness, conductivity, specific adoption of default values in GBS and EnergyPlus.

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Fig. 12. Two methods in Revit for exporting data to gbXML file.

Another challenge experienced in these case studies is related to

defaults values and assumptions in different tools. As it can be seen in
Table 5, some of the transferred data in BBIP are based on the template
and predefined data within different tools. For example, GBS generates
missing data related to HVAC system based on built-in ASHRAE stan-
dards, if it is not defined by user. These assumptions are not necessarily
similar to what is automatically generated by other tools. EnergyPlus
also uses default values when there is no value assigned to certain
components by users such as thermostat set points related to thermal
zones. Although, this capability is defined to facilitate energy simula-
tion, users should make sure these values are compatible between dif-
ferent tools. In case study #2, the default values such as ground tem-
perature are generated by EnergyPlus and added to the IDF. In addition,
in case study #3, many of the required data for energy simulation are
not defined in Revit; therefore, GBS generates them based on its in-
ternal default values. These default values are not necessarily similar to
what is generated by EnergyPlus in case study #2. Full attention is
required, since such differences could cause errors in projects using
multiple design and analysis tools. Other researchers have addressed
similar issues that involve tools such as DesignBuilder, Ecotect, En-
ergyPlus, and eQuest, and two BIM file formats including gbXML and
IFC [65,66]. It is therefore recommended that the user double-check the
information in BIM files with exact modeling data to ensure accuracy
and avoid use of default values without inspection.
Fig. 13. Major elements of gbXML file exported from Revit. The result of these issues and inaccuracies could also be reflected in
the outputs. In case study #1, the rough estimation predicts 70 kBtu/sf/
yr energy consumption for 1098 square feet of floor area. It was noted
Issues such as generation of extra subsurface, missing data, un- that the data related to HVAC, schedules, and loads were not presented
desirable merging of thermal zones, issues with data exchange related in detail in outputs, which was expected, since the GBS is not meant to
to HVAC systems due to its complexity, generation of redundant data perform a detailed energy analysis. Case study #2, on the other hand,
such as shading elements, inconsistency in area calculations, and lack of adopts OpenStudio, which is capable of performing detailed energy
layer information are all observed through the BBIP in different BIM analysis and the outputs show about 103 kBtu/sf/yr of energy con-
and energy simulation tools [65,66]. sumption and 1120 ft2 of conditioned area. The difference between case
Because of incapability of Revit in generating a gbXML file that study #1 and #2 is due to multiple factors including the difference
includes all the information, there will be the issue of missing data, between the data manually added such as HVAC system, schedules,
which is also shown in Table 5 as “missing data”. It should be noted that loads, and thermostat data. Case study # 3 shows about 99 kBtu/sf/yr
according to the case studies discussed in this paper, gbXML file schema of energy consumption and 1097 ft2 of conditioned area, which results
is capable of transferring these information; however, the tools gen- in approximately close energy consumption compared to case study #2.
erating or reading the BIM files sometimes are not capable of mapping Although the outputs might be close between case studies #2 and #3,
or reading them properly. For example, data related to schedules are the automatically generated data based on template values according to
properly mapped to the gbXML file; however, OpenStudio could not ASHRAE standards concerning the HVAC system, loads, and thermostat
read these data properly and its GUI does not show this information. set points are not similar and could be different from the original
This is a good example of items #2 and #5, respectively, shown in model, necessitating verification of the information at each stage.
Fig. 8. In the study presented here, the missing data such as HVAC Moreover, there are still missing data especially on HVAC system that
system, schedules, and loads are added manually to OpenStudio in case need to be added manually unless there is already a middleware de-
study #2 as it is presented in Tables 6 and 7. Such issues are also veloped. There are also differences in conditioned floor area that may
identified by other researchers and need to be addressed in future be explained by the difference between the analytical model and ar-
versions of BIM tools [41,53–55,59]. chitectural model used for energy simulation and construction

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drawings, respectively. Either the centerline or outer surface of wall

Complete transfer. GBS divides surfaces to sub-surfaces based on the

system can be considered as the borders of the energy analytical model,

Transfers – Thermostat set points based on default values

which can cause a difference in final calculated floor area.
Tables 5 and 6 also show any potential issues that can occur during

Transfers
the BBIP and how different actions can be taken to resolve them in-
cluding the manual data input or modifying the source code of BIM
authoring tools or BEM tools. In addition to such options, this paper
energy analytical model
GBS to IDF

Requires manual input

proposes a new developed corrective tool targeting certain issues in

gbXML file related to building envelope, which is explained in detail in
Transfers

Transfers
Transfers

Transfers

Transfers
next section.

4.3. Developed gbXML corrective tool

Review of research studies on BBIP reveals that there is a need for

Transfers

developing middleware, which works between BIM and BEM tools in

order to resolve the issues related to BIM files occurring at this stage,
Case study #3

Revit to GBS

and it is also adopted by other researchers [21–23]. However, devel-

opment and application of such middleware tools are not explained
with enough details. Therefore, it is decided to explain the corrective
tool used in this study, which is developed using Python to solve the
OS to IDF

issues related to building envelope data in BIM file prior to importing it

Transfers

Transfers

Transfers

Transfers

Transfers

in OpenStudio in case study #2. This tool is an executable file, which

receives the gbXML file and generates a corrected file. Such tools can be
adopted after mapping building information to a BIM file, shown as
Does not transfer and manually added using

Does not transfer and manually added using

Does not transfer and manually added using

Does not transfer and manually added using

Partial transfer. For example, typical floor

process #2 in Fig. 8. Other studies have also suggested applicability of

adding similar corrective tools to the workflow in automating and im-
proving the BBIP and decision-making process of building's energy
height is not transferred.
Complete and correct transfer

retrofit [60]. An example of such a process can be found in the litera-

Requires manual input

ture on Design4Energy project, which is a European retrofit project to

utilize BIM to BEM process [60]. Dimitriou et al. developed a gbXML
GUI

GUI

GUI

GUI
Transfers

Transfers

editing tool and gbXML to IDF conversion tool to overcome similar

interoperability issues such as missing data and automating the BBIP
[60]. The editing tool used in their research includes an iterative al-
gbXML to OS

gorithm to evaluate the effects of change in different envelope com-

ponents and adding energy retrofit measures such as adding or making
changes in internal mass, windows, heating loads, and air infiltration
[60]. Application of such corrective tools for gbXML files is also tested
Does not transfer

Does not transfer

Does not transfer

on other energy simulation tools such as eQuest, which use eXtensible

Revit to gbXML
Case study #2

Transfers

Transfers

Style Sheet Language Transformation (XSLT) to modify the gbXML file

and convert it DOE-INP file for eQuest to rectify the issues with geo-
metry and material properties, when BIM file is directly imported in
eQuest [61].
The developed corrective tool in this article resolves two major is-
Automatically obtained based on the location selected in Revit

Complete transfer. GBS divides surfaces to sub-surfaces based

Transfers – Thermostat set points based on default values

sues observed during the case study #2, which are related to building
envelope, and data exported to the BIM file including 1) duplicate
floor's adjacent spaces and 2) missing data concerning construction
material of doors within gbXML file. Fig. 15 shows the corresponding
on the energy analytical model
Data transfer issues and comparison between three case studies.

sections in initial and corrected gbXML file, which occurs in second case
study when Revit exports gbXML file under “room/spaces volume”
option. Such errors cannot be tracked in case study #1 and #3, since
Transfers

Transfers

Transfers
Transfers

Transfers

Transfers

the whole process occurs between Revit and GBS and their file transfer
process is not accessible. Such errors could be simply resolved manu-
ally; however, the operator need to be familiar with the BIM file
structure, which is more complicated when the model include multiple
floors, openings, and other building envelope components. Another
approach for dealing with these issues is modifying the source code of
Case study #1

Revit to GBS

the built-in codes in tools such as Revit, GBS, OpenStudio, or En-

ergyPlus. Revit and GBS are not open-source tools; therefore, the BIM
file generator codes could not be modified. OpenStudio, on the other
hand, is an open source tool and built-in functions for converting BIM
Building information

file to IDF could be modified. This can be an important area of focus for
follow-up studies in BBIP.
Thermal zone
Constructions
Weather file

The code developed in Python reads and generates a corrected XML

Space types
Schedules

file. This middleware tool is designed to address the issues related to

Table 5

Spaces

HVAC
Loads

missing door's construction ID and also some data duplications that

Data

cause errors during simulation. This tool consists of four functions

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Table 6
File-related issues observed through the three case studies modeling process and adopted solutions.
Error type Related Observation Available/adopted solution
components

Missing data HVAC The data related to HVAC, and loads are not exported to gbXML file from Revit Data are added in OpenStudio manually before energy
due to selecting “room/space volumes” option during exporting a gbXML file simulation.
from Revit.
Missing data HVAC The same issue mentioned above remains when OpenStudio export the IDF file Data are automatically generated based on default
to EnergyPlus. For example, warnings with respect to outdoor air per person are values in EnergyPlus.
generated and default values are used, although the value was defined in Revit.
Redundant data Envelope Floors in gbXML file have two similar adjacent space, which causes warning A program is developed to look for similarity in
when imported in OpenStudio. adjacent spaces and remove the redundant data
automatically.

Table 7
Interoperability issues observed through the three case studies modeling process and adopted solutions.
Error type Related Observation Available/adopted solution
components

Missing data Location The data related to location are not read automatically from Data added manually in OpenStudio.
gbXML in OpenStudio. Moreover, the weather file and design
days (.ddy file) need to be provided manually for OpenStuido.
Data recognition issue Envelope OpenStudio does not recognize the doors construction data in A program is developed to look for doors within gbXML file
the imported gbXML file. and assign their corresponding construction properties
automatically.
Data recognition issue Envelope OpenStudio does not recognize the windows construction data The source code of the latest version of OpenStudio (2.0.1)
in the imported gbXML file. was used to build the OpenStudio app. This issue is resolved in
Data transfer issue General OpenStudio does not keep the name of materials and surfaces, the latest version. The current verified version of OS is 1.14.0.
instead uses the codes within gbXML file (e.g., aim####)
Inconsistency in General The IDF file generated by GBS generates the missing data based –
generated data on defaults data and they are not consistent with defaults
values generated by OpenStudio or EnergyPlus in the case
study #2. This is a potential source of error in projects, which
use multiple simulation tools
Unwanted generated data Envelope The number of the thermal zones generated by GBS in gbXML –
file are more than four, which is based on the analytical model
developed in Revit that divides each surface into subsurface.

Fig. 14. Errors generated in OpenStudio due to similar adjacent space names in gbXML file.

including functions focused on finding duplications, replacing function, 5. Summary and conclusion
finding doors, and finding the construction data related to doors. It
extracts the door's construction reference ID, and replaces the line il- This paper has provided a review of integration of building energy
lustrated in Fig. 15, with a new line that includes the construction ID. simulation tools with BIM authoring tools by conducting a thorough
The first function that looks for duplications spots the repeated lines review of the literature related to the BBIP and performing three case
related to adjacent spaces and removes one of them to eliminate the studies related to this topic. A detailed classification is proposed for
warnings illustrated in Fig. 14. Such studies prove the feasibility of issues and challenges related to BBIP based on the tools and processes
adopting this tool and similar middleware tools in BBIP. involved in BBIP. The three major components considered in BBIP in-
clude the BIM tools, BIM file, and BEM tools.

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Fig. 15. Corrected gbXML files using gbXML corrective tool developed using Python (top: looks for duplications in floor's adjacent spaces. Bottom: add the missing
data related to door's construction data).

The BIM tools mentioned are CAD tools with capabilities of gen- inspected, especially if there are multiple tools used in a project
erating BIM files, while the file formats are mostly in IFC and gbXML. adopting BBIP.
Both gbXML and IFC BIM file schemas use XML language in their newer
versions with two different approaches for data presentation, which are In conclusion, it can be observed that there is still a long way to
top-down and bottom-up structure, respectively. The gbXML file format reach the objective of performing the BBIP by click of a button. Some of
is designed to facilitate energy modeling, while IFC is more compre- the interoperability issues identified and reviewed in this paper still
hensive and includes other types of data that might not be needed for need to be addressed in future versions of BIM tools, BEM tools, and
energy simulation. Although both schemas are considered as compre- BIM schemas. Most of these issues slow down the automation in the
hensive and capable BIM file formats, BIM authoring tools might not be BBIP, and there are many areas that still require manual interaction as
able to properly transfer required data to BIM files. Moreover, in case opposed to automatic data input. The current BEM tools can likely read
the BIM files carry the required information, the BEM tools reading the BIM files with minimum errors if the required data are provided
such files might not be capable of retrieving these data, properly. The within the file. However, most issues occur either when the BIM files
BEM tools are also reviewed briefly in this article including are generated by CAD tools (i.e., BIM tools) such as Revit or during
OpenStudio, GBS, DesignBuild, and eQuest, while distinguishing GUIs reading the BIM files by energy simulation tools, which could be the
and energy simulation engines such as EnergyPlus and DOE2. focus of future research areas in this field.
Finally, three case studies were investigated to study potential issues
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