535

A publication of

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSACTIONS

VOL. 51, 2016 The Italian Association
of Chemical Engineering
Online at www.aidic.it/cet
Guest Editors: Tichun Wang, Hongyang Zhang, Lei Tian
Copyright © 2016, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.,
ISBN 978-88-95608-43-3; ISSN 2283-9216 DOI: 10.3303/CET1651090

Construction Project Design Optimization Platform Research

Based on BIM
Liang Zhaoa,b,*, Wenshun Wanga
a
School of Mechanics & Civil Engineering, CUMT; Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
b
Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Architectural Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
[email protected]

With the increasing contradiction of economic development and environmental protection, the simple and
crude development model of the construction industry in the past has not suited to the extensive development
of sustainable social development needs. Today, more and more people are aware that green building is the
inevitable trend of future building which is propitious to energy conservation and environmental protection.
This paper uses the BIM application technology to explore the design platform of the green building. This
architecture consists of two layers, one is composite layer made up by the presentation layer and the business
logic layer, the other is database access layer. On this basis, Grey situation decision-making model is used to
optimize construction scheme. The results show that we can reduce construction costs by improving
construction engineering design quality and efficiency.

1. Introduction
In recent years, with the rapid development of urban construction, the increasing construction project scale
and more complex form in our country, the requirement for construction engineering design is becoming
higher and higher (Azhar et al., 2009; Woo and Wilsmann, 2010). However, due to the non-integrated
disciplines, the effective and accurate coordination and interaction is scarce during the design process,
leading to continuous repeat work, inefficiency production, more construction rework, construction cost rise
and severe resources waste in conventional 2D model design (Flager et al., 2009; Azhar et al., 2011; Bynum
et al., 2012). It is BIM (Building Information Modelling) that can solve that problem. BIM is another revolution in
the field of construction after the two-dimensional CAD technology and the process of engineering project
design (Fesanghary et al., 2012). Project can be designed, built and managed by creating and using the digital
model. Using BIM technology and computer technology, aiming at some problems of construction engineering
design, we put forward the effective solution, which helps to improve information technology and information
management level of the design enterprise and enhance the core competitiveness of design enterprise. It
must also play a positive role to the development of BIM in China.
In the next section, development platform research of constructional project is investigated. In section 3,
Optimization method based on grey theory is used for design optimization. In section 4, pipeline collision
(Fabrizio et al., 2010) in the construction process simulation optimization based on BIM is given. Finally, some
conclusions are given. Nowadays most construction firms are using information management systems as
management tools in construction management and more and more information is being accumulated in the
systems with time, relating to such productive elements as labour, machine and material etc., and covering
such managerial subjects as schedule, cost, quality, etc. The information that can be reused is called
information resources in the context of this study. It could be predicted that by making full use of the
information resources, the decision-making in the management could be improved, which thus enhances the
competitiveness of construction firms. Traditional methods for utilizing information resources can be grouped
into two types, i.e. to extract and analyse information manually and by using such software as BI (Business
Intelligence) software. Since the former was not efficient and the latter requires the help of professional
consulting, it is difficult for most construction firms to utilize information resources. In order to facilitate utilizing
the information resources, a conceptual framework for reusing the information resources was proposed based

Please cite this article as: Zhao L., Wang W.S., 2016, Construction project design optimization platform research based on bim, Chemical
Engineering Transactions, 51, 535-540 DOI:10.3303/CET1651090
536

on BIM (Building Information Model) technology, IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard and related
researches, which extracts information resources project by project and manages them in the standard format.
The framework could be divided into four phases, i.e. the extraction, the standardization, the management and
the detailed analysis of information resources. In the extraction phase, decision activities and preliminary
information resource items were identified by means of literature reviews and expert workshops. The
reusability of information resource items was evaluated in an evaluation workshop, and the result was verified
in a verification workshop. In the standardization phase, the extension of IFC standard was carried based on
the analysis of information resources by using object-oriented method, and information resource items were
represented by using the IFC to verify its feasibility. Then the model of information resources based on IFC
standard was established to lay its foundation. In the management phase, the performance of managing IFC
data in various databases was evaluated and the object-oriented database was selected to store IFC data due
to its high performance. Then the method on how to form information resource based on the IFC standard was
analysed and the instances were given to verify its feasibility. Based on these analyses, the information
resources reuse system named InfoReuse in construction firms was formulated and developed, where object-
oriented database and object-oriented programming method were taken. Information resources could be
managed and retrieved in the system and such method as multi regression algorithm could be applied to
analyse the information. Then the system was applied in the construction firm using real information resource
to verity its feasibility and effectiveness of the system. The result of this study has indicated that information
resources could be organized and represented by using BIM data standard and the system provides a solution
for construction firms, which has important significance for the decision-making of construction firms.

2. Development platform research of constructional project

Construction project design optimization platform based on BIM uses C++ and C# development language, and
development platform adopts Visual Studio 2010. Through C++ language, we design algorithm of optimized
function modules and encapsulate it into a callable function interface to implement the data storage and
conversion. C# language is used to call API functions of modelling platform, which implements data reading of
BIM model, the reconstruction of BIM model, and the design of graphical interface.
As to the verify correctness, effectiveness, feasibility of the developed algorithm in this paper, Revit is taken as
modelling and testing tool, and call the application development interface provided by Revit platform to create
model and test function[7]. This platform adopts C/S structure. C/S architecture adopts two layers of structure,
namely composite layer composed of presentation layer and business logic layer, and database access layer.
The underlying data are stored by relational database and XML file. The presentation layer is responsible for
displaying three-dimensional scene, engineering components and information, which responds to user
demand and provides users with interactive user interface based on three dimension display.
Business logic layer is responsible for handling user input information, or send these information to the data
access layer to save, or call the data access layer again to read this information, at the same time it realizes
adding, deleting, changing and checking operation of data, which provides the business logic support of the
entire platform. The database access layer provides data support for the presentation layer and business logic
layer. Through the database access layer, the presentation layer and business logic layer can interact with
relational database and XML file conveniently. The database access layer mainly accesses SQL Server
database through CSQL Helper class and accesses XML file through CXML Helper class. Information model
data is divided into two parts. The attribute information is stored by SQL SERVER database, spatial
information and geometry information are stored by XML file.
Based on fully considering the BIM technology in the field of construction engineering, the platform can be
mainly divided into four modules, data input module, model management module, design optimization module
and the user management module. Platform function module partition is shown in figure 1.
Data input module is responsible for inputting all data supporting the normal operation of the whole platform,
including model attribute data and spatial information, attribute data of accessory equipment and spatial
information, as well as the various data necessary to support the database and so on.
Model management module mainly manages all object model in the platform. In BIM thought, family model is
the necessary element constituting the whole construction project and runs through the whole life cycle of
buildings, which is the carrier of data undertaking and circulation. Effectively managing the object model can
improve the efficiency of the three dimension design, and greatly reduce time and energy because of repeated
object model development.
Design optimization module mainly completes specific engineering management for construction project. The
main characteristic of BIM is to break through the disadvantages of engineering calculation in two-dimensional
design. In BIM platform, however, on the basis of three dimension information model, it can effectively carry
out the most engineering calculation by means of digital technology.
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The information silo and information gap resulting in the lack of data exchange standards and information
integration mechanism during the development of the information of the construction industry, has made it
difficult for the exchange and sharing of information during the different phases and different application
systems and blocked the application of information technology in the construction area. Therefore, it has
become a research direction and trend to build up building lifecycle management framework and develop
integrated information management system in order to enhance the application level of IT in building industry.
With the increasing contradiction of economic development and environmental protection, the simple and
crude development model of the construction industry in the past has not suited to the extensive development
of sustainable social development needs. Today, more and more people are aware that green building is the
inevitable trend of future building which is propitious to energy conservation and environmental protection.
This architecture consists of two layers, one is composite layer made up by the presentation layer and the
business logic layer, the other is database access layer. On this basis, Grey situation decision-making model
is used to optimize construction scheme. BIM (Building Information Modelling), information standards and
information integration technologies are comprehensively applied, and IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
standard is used for improving the performance. A BIM-based building information management system and
framework is proposed. BIM architecture, information description, integration and extension mechanism are
proposed. And the key technologies of BIM 3D geometric modelling and conversion, partial-BIM information
extraction and integration, BIM data storage and access are researched. Based on these, a BIM Information
Integration Platform (BIMIIP) is developed, which can read, save, extract, integrate and extend structured IFC
model data and unstructured documents, define partial-model view, manage property set and concept term,
create and convert BIM geometric model etc. The paper explored a feasible approach to create and apply BIM
and provided theories, methodologies, technologies and platform for building information exchange, sharing
and integration management. Furthermore, an integration methodology of 4D technology and operations
simulation for construction planning and optimization is proposed and the relative integrated prototype is
developed, which verified the proposed BIMIIP and technologies, and formed a more effective method for
construction management. This platform adopts C/S structure. C/S architecture adopts two layers of structure,
namely composite layer composed of presentation layer and business logic layer, and database access layer.
The underlying data are stored by relational database and XML file. The application indicates that the
proposed theories and technologies in the paper solved the problem of information silo in different phases and
applications in building projects, and laid a foundation for information exchange, sharing and integration in
building lifecycle. The proposed BIMIIP possesses a high practical value and application prospect. The user
management module is in charge of security and login of the whole platform, including user information
adding, deleting, modification and query, and checks the legitimacy of the login user.

Figure 1: Platform function module partition

3. Optimization method based on grey theory

The analysis of the architectural design parameters and evaluation is to improve the quality of architectural
design and the overall performance of the building. Based on the performance-based computer simulation
technology and gray correlation decision method and extracting architectural design decisions influencing
factors. Grey decision-making is applied to the optimization of construction scheme. Construction scheme
evaluation index corresponds to specified construction project, such as economic indicator, quality and safety
indicator, construction technical indicator and time limit for a project[. Firstly, decision-making situation is
established. The event needing to optimize is ai and the corresponding decision is bj, then the situation
S=(ai,bj). A represents event set and B represents decision set, S=AB.
For some event i, the situation set is

Si  ai  B  (ai , b1 ),(ai , b2 ), (ai , b j ) (1)

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Then we should determine objective. Different objective has different extremen value. up1j represents effective
sample of decision sample S1j under objective P . For a specified event, its sample is {u11j , u21j , …, up1j }. W
represents unified measure transformation.

W (uijp )  rijp (2)

y(n) represents sample of behavior n, g* represents objective.

W ( y(n), g * )  x(n) (3)

min{ y(n), g *}
x ( n)  (4)
max{ y(n), g *}
When P represents middle value objective, W represents moderate effect measure change

min{uijp , u (0)}
r 
ij
p
(5)
max{uijp , u (0)}
u(0) represents moderate value. When P represents maximum value objective, W represents upper limit effect
measure change.

uijp
r 
ij
p
(6)
max i max j uijp
When P represents minimum value objective, W represents lower limit effect measure change.

min i min j uijp

r 
ij
p
(7)
uijp
R represents all the r pij and G represents all objectives, G={u(max),u(min),u(0)}.(G,R) represents unified
measure space. rij represents comprehensive effect measure and there are n number of objectives.

1 n
rij  
n p 1
wp ri p (8)

n
wp represents weight of objective P. For a specified event, w
p 1
p  1 . Comprehensive effect measure matrix
is:

 r11 rj1 
 
 
 ri1 rij 
 (9)
For a specified event, (r11, r12,…, r1j) represents measure space of this event. The decision most suitable to
this event is r1j*=max{r11, r12,…, r1j}. S1j* represents satisfied situation of event one, which means that decision
bj is the best for event a1. Grey correlation decision theory can be used for optimization of construction
scheme, and grey correlation degree can be obtained by establishing the difference space between schemes,
so that we can get optimum construction scheme. Value of influence space is given.

 w1 (1) wk (1) 
 
 
 w1 ( p) wk ( p) 

After multiply corresponding weight value, grey correlation factor space is

 539

 w1 (1) wk (1) 
 
 
 w1 ( p) wk ( p) 
.
p represents the number of indicators. For each indicator in the grey correlation factor space, we choose one
optimal indicator to form a group, X0={X0(1), X0(2), …, X0(p)} .

0i ( y)  x0 ( y)  xi ( y)
(10)
i[1,k] represents integer, y[1,p]. The difference matrix is

  01 (1)  0 k (1) 
   

  01 ( p)  0 k ( p) 
.
According to difference matrix, we can get the following parameters

0i (max)  maxi max y 0i ( y) (11)

0i (min)  mini min y 0i ( y) (12)

Then grey correlation difference information space set is

G  (,  , 0i (max), 0i (min)) . (13)

Calculate grey correlation coefficient

 max i max y 0i ( y)

r ( x0 ( y), xi ( y)) 
 0i ( y)   max i max y  0i ( y)
. (14)
Grey correlation degree is

1 p
r ( x0 , xi )   r  x0 ( y), xi ( y)
p y 1 . (15)
Using above formula, we can get r(x0,x1), r(x0,x2), r(x0,x3) and r(x0,xk). Compare obtained grey correlation
degree; we can get the optimal construction scheme.

Figure 2: Pipeline collision schematic diagram

4. Construction process simulation optimization based on BIM

A six layer of meeting centre is to be built. BIM is used for auxiliary building, which has not completely been
out of the two dimension drawing mode. Based on the two dimension drawing, BIM structure, mechanical and
electrical, building model are established for collision check. Three dimensional virtual constructions are used
to assist the design and construction. The model is also saved for the operation and maintenance in the late.
Pipeline collision schematic diagram is shown in figure 2. Collision detection is to carry out space collision
conflict detection for three dimension building information model on the computer in advance. A building is
made up of a large number of pipeline, components and equipment. It is designed by different personnel and
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the task is heavy. The results interference and collision is inevitable between professional. We can carry out
collision detection three dimension model before the construction. Then we can find the problem and tag
collision point. Through the owner party, we request design unit to change it to avoid cost and human loss due
to midway design change.

5. Conclusion
With the rapid development of urbanization in China, the scale of fixed investment assets grow rapidly, thus
driving the leap forward development of construction industry. Because the construction process of the
building is quite complex, traditional construction methods and models have been unable to meet their
requirements. Construction process needs to use computer technology, network technology, virtual reality
technology, multimedia technology, three-dimensional digital technology to build computer management
system throughout the decision making period, implementation period and operation period. From the aspect
of BIM technology, focusing on its visualization, coordination, simulation and optimization, we build a
construction project design optimization platform. A system architecture based on C/S is designed in this
paper. The corresponding functional test is performed by using the API provided by Revit on Microsoft Visual
Studio development platform. This architecture consists of two layers, one is composite layer made up by the
presentation layer and the business logic layer, the other is database access layer. On this basis, it makes the
optimized function module division, providing basic platform for the realization of the function of the late part.
And the practical example is used to testify its validity. The results show that it can reduce construction costs
by means of improving construction engineering design efficiency. The results show that this research has
higher usage value and application prospect.

Acknowledgment
This work was supported by Housing and Urban-Rural Development Project (2015-R3-006).

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