Technical Papers
Nov 6, 2020

Developing a Common Library of Prefabricated Structure Components through Graphic Media Mapping to Improve Design Efficiency

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 147, Issue 1

Abstract

In recent years, prefabricated structures have attracted a lot of attention because of their advantages of multifunctional design, fast construction speed, and high degree of standardization. However, they also entail increased design information complexity. To achieve a simplified and efficient design process, this study proposes to develop a common library of prefabricated structural components using graphic media mapping. The study integrates digital graphic information of building information modeling (BIM) with engineering and production data. Based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data standard, semantic data related to the geometry, processes, resources, production costs, construction sites, and other design information relevant for prefabricated components are assigned to a component’s graphic representation. Thus, the visible geometric representation and the background engineering information are integrated into a unified database. A collection of common structural components forms a library that can be reused in prefabricated design projects. The development of a component library and its application to a more efficient design process is demonstrated through a case study of an urban viaduct project.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

Data Availability Statement

Data generated or analyzed during the study are available from the corresponding author by request. Information about the Journal’s data-sharing policy can be found here: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001263.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51879185) and the Tianjin Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scientists of China (Grant No. 17JCJQJC44000).

References

Bai, Q. H., S. H. Deng, C. G. Li, and Q. Ze. 2019. “Application of BIM in the creation of prefabricated structures local parameterized component database.” Archit. Eng. 4 (2): 13–21. https://doi.org/10.23968/2500-0055-2019-4-2-13-21.
Beetz, J., J. Van Leeuwen, and B. De Vries. 2009. “IfcOWL: A case of transforming EXPRESS schemas into ontologies.” Artif. Intell. Eng. Des. Anal. Manuf. 23 (1): 89–101. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0890060409000122.
Bianconi, F., M. Filippucci, and A. Buffi. 2019. “Automated design and modeling for mass-customized housing. A web-based design space catalog for timber structures.” Autom. Constr. 103 (Jul): 13–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.03.002.
BuildingSMART. 2020. “Unveiling IFC2x4, buildingSMART international.” Accessed February 11, 2020. https://www.buildingsmart.org/.
Cai, W. 1994. Matter-element model and application. [In Chinese.] Beijing: Science and Technology Literature Press.
Eastman, C. M., Y.-S. Jeong, R. Sacks, and I. Kaner. 2010. “Exchange model and exchange object concepts for implementation of national BIM standards.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 24 (1): 25–34. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2010)24:1(25).
Fu, C., G. Aouad, A. Lee, A. Mashall-Ponting, and S. Wu. 2006. “IFC model viewer to support nD model application.” Autom. Constr. 15 (2): 178–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2005.04.002.
Gallaher, M. P., A. C. O’Connor, J. L. Dettbarn Jr., and L. T. Gilday. 2004. “Cost analysis of inadequate interoperability in the US capital facilities industry.” NIST GCR 04-867. Gaithersburg, MD: National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Gao, G., Y. S. Liu, J. X. Wu, M. Gu, X. K. Yang, and H. L. Li. 2016. “IFC railway: A semantic and geometric modeling approach for railways based on IFC.” In Proc., 16th Int. Conf. on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, 1188–1195. Osaka, Japan: International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering Organizing Committee. http://cgcad.thss.tsinghua.edu.cn/liuyushen/main/pdf/GaoGe_ICCCBE2016_364.pdf.
Goodier, C., and A. Gibb. 2007. “Future opportunities for offsite in the UK.” Constr. Manage. Econ. 25 (6): 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190601071821.
Hjelseth, E. 2010. “Exchange of relevant information in BIM objects defined by the role- and life-cycle information model.” Archit. Eng. Des. Manage. 6 (4): 279–287. https://doi.org/10.3763/aedm.2010.IDDS5.
Hong, W. K., G. Lee, S. Lee, and S. Kim. 2014. “Algorithms for in-situ production layout of composite precast concrete members.” Autom. Constr. 41 (May): 50–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2014.02.005.
Hu, X., H. Y. Chong, X. Wang, and K. London. 2019. “Understanding stakeholders in off-site manufacturing: A literature review.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 145 (8): 03119003. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001674.
ISO. 2020. “Building information models—Information delivery manual—Part 1: Methodology and format.” Accessed February 11, 2020. https://www.iso.org/standard/60553.html.
Jäger, S., R. Maschotta, T. Jungebloud, A. Wichmann, and A. Zimmermann. 2016. “Model-driven development of simulation-based system design tools.” In Proc., IEEE 14th Int. Conf. on Software Engineering Research, Management and Applications (SERA), 209–215. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/SERA.2016.7516148.
Kang, T. W. 2017. “Object composite query method using IFC and LandXML based on BIM linkage model.” Autom. Constr. 76 (Apr): 14–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.01.008.
Kim, H., Z. Shen, I. Kim, K. Kim, A. Stumpf, and J. Yu. 2016. “BIM IFC information mapping to building energy analysis (BEA) model with manually extended material information.” Autom. Constr. 68 (Aug): 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2016.04.002.
Kim, M. K., J. C. Cheng, H. Sohn, and C. C. Chang. 2015. “A framework for dimensional and surface quality assessment of precast concrete elements using BIM and 3D laser scanning.” Autom. Constr. 49 (Part B): 225–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2014.07.010.
Kim, S., M. A. Nussbaum, and B. Jia. 2012. “The benefits of an additional worker are task-dependent: Assessing low-back injury risks during prefabricated (panelized) wall construction.” Appl. Ergon. 43 (5): 843–849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2011.12.005.
Lee, S., and M. Ha. 2013. “Customer interactive building information modeling for apartment unit design.” Autom. Constr. 35 (11): 424–430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.05.026.
Lu, W., K. Chen, J. Wang, and F. Xue. 2017. “Developing an open access BIM objects library: A Hong Kong study.” In Vol. 1 of Proc., Lean and Computing in Construction Congress, 407–414. Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh University Press. https://doi.org/10.24928/JC3-2017/0254.
Motamedi, A., M. M. Soltani, S. Setayeshgar, and A. Hammad. 2016. “Extending IFC to incorporate information of RFID tags attached to building elements.” Adv. Eng. Inf. 30 (1): 39–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2015.11.004.
Muller, M. F., A. Garbers, F. Esmanioto, N. Huber, E. R. Loures, and O. Canciglieri. 2017. “Data interoperability assessment though IFC for BIM in structural design—A five-year gap analysis.” J. Civ. Eng. Manage. 23 (7): 943–954. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2017.1341850.
Nath, T., M. Attarzadeh, R. L. Tiong, C. Chidambaram, and Z. Yu. 2015. “Productivity improvement of precast shop drawings generation through BIM-based process re-engineering.” Autom. Constr. 54 (Jun): 54–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2015.03.014.
Pan, W., and C. Goodier. 2012. “House-building business models and off-site construction take-up.” J. Archit. Eng. 18 (2): 84–93. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000058.
Park, H. J., and M. B. Seo. 2017. “Analysis of standardized drawings and breakdown structure to develop of 3D object library for railway infrastructure.” J. Comput. Struct. Eng. Inst. Korea 30 (1): 71–76. https://doi.org/10.7734/COSEIK.2017.30.1.71.
Park, J. 2011. “BIM-based parametric design methodology for modernized Korean traditional buildings.” J. Asian Archit. Build. Eng. 10 (2): 327–334. https://doi.org/10.3130/jaabe.10.327.
Park, S. I., J. Park, B. G. Kim, and S. H. Lee. 2018. “Improving applicability for information model of an IFC-based steel bridge in the design phase using functional meanings of bridge components.” Appl. Sci. 8 (12): 2531. https://doi.org/10.3390/app8122531.
Pauwels, P., and W. Terkaj. 2016. “EXPRESS to OWL for construction industry: Towards a recommendable and usable ifcOWL ontology.” Autom. Constr. 63 (Mar): 100–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2015.12.003.
Pons, O., and G. Wadel. 2011. “Environmental impacts of prefabricated school buildings in Catalonia.” Habitat Int. 35 (4): 553–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2011.03.005.
Ramaji, I. J., J. I. Messner, and E. Mostavi. 2020. “IFC-based BIM-to-BEM model transformation.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 34 (3): 04020005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000880.
Sacks, R., A. Kedar, A. Borrmann, L. Ma, I. Brilakis, P. Hüthwohl, and B. E. Barutcu. 2018. “SeeBridge as next generation bridge inspection: Overview, information delivery manual and model view definition.” Autom. Constr. 90 (Jun): 134–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.02.033.
STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data). 2020. “Product data representation and exchange.” Accessed February 11, 2020. http://www.steptools.com/library/standard/.
Theiler, M., and K. Smarsly. 2018. “IFC monitor—An IFC schema extension for modeling structural health monitoring systems.” Adv. Eng. Inf. 37 (Aug): 54–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2018.04.011.
Thomas, L. 2013. “IFC4—The new buildingSMART standard.” Accessed April 1, 2020. https://www.construction21.org/france/community/action/file/download?file_guid=22149.
Uschold, M., and M. King. 1995. Towards a methodology for building ontologies. Edinburgh, Scotland: Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute, Univ. of Edinburgh.
Vanlande, R., C. Nicolle, and C. Cruz. 2008. “IFC and building lifecycle management.” Autom. Constr. 18 (1): 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2008.05.001.
Wang, F. L. J. 2003. “Development of a new CIS/2 (CIMsteel integration standards) model viewer.” In Proc., CAAD Futures, 83–93. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. http://papers.cumincad.org/data/works/att/cf2003_m_066.content.pdf.
Wang, J., W. Lu, D. Liu, and F. Xue. 2018. “The heterogeneity of BIM objects in different construction contexts.” In Proc., Construction Research Congress, 210–220. Reston, VA: ASCE. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784481264.021.
Wang, L. S., and Z. Tan. 1999. “Volumetric geometric model of 3D object.” Chin. J. Comput. 22 (7): 777–780. https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:0254-4164.1999.07.018.
Wang, X., H. Yang, and Q. Zhang. 2015. “Research of the IFC-based transformation methods of geometry information for structural elements.” J. Intell. Rob. Syst. 79 (3–4): 465–473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10846-014-0111-0.
Wei, G., Z. Zhou, X. Zhao, and Y. Ying. 2010. “Design of building component library based on IFC and PLIB standard.” In Proc., 2nd Int. Conf. on Computer Engineering and Technology. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCET.2010.5485426.
Wu, J., and J. Zhang. 2019. “New automated BIM object classification method to support BIM interoperability.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 33 (5): 04019033. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000858.
Yuan, Z., C. Sun, and Y. Wang. 2018. “Design for manufacture and assembly-oriented parametric design of prefabricated buildings.” Autom. Constr. 88 (Apr): 13–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.12.021.
Zabihi, H., F. Habib, and L. Mirsaeedie. 2013. “Definitions, concepts and new directions in industrialized building systems (IBS).” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 17 (6): 1199–1205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-0020-y.
Zhang, D., N. Chen, and J. Y. Han. 2014a. “The modular design method based on BIM application in assembled in architecture.” [In Chinese.] J. Inf. Technol. Civ. Eng. Archit. 6 (6): 81–85. https://doi.org/10.16670/j.cnki.cn11-5823/tu.2014.06.015.
Zhang, J., F. Yu, D. Li, and Z. Hu. 2014b. “Development and implementation of an industry foundation classes-based graphic information model for virtual construction.” Comput.-Aided Civ. Infrastruct. Eng. 29 (1): 60–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8667.2012.00800.x.
Zhang, Q., and B. Guo. 2019. “Discussion on the development barriers of BIM construction costs in China.” Am. J. Civ. Eng. 7 (5): 133–140. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajce.20190705.13.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 147Issue 1January 2021

History

Received: Apr 15, 2020
Accepted: Jul 22, 2020
Published online: Nov 6, 2020
Published in print: Jan 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Apr 6, 2021

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

Authors

Affiliations

Ph.D. Student, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin Univ., Tianjin 300350, China. Email: [email protected]
Professor, State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin Univ., Tianjin 300350, China (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3010-0892. Email: [email protected]
Lingguang Song [email protected]
Professor, Dept. of Construction Management, Univ. of Houston, Houston, TX 77204. Email: [email protected]
Engineer, PowerChina Northwest Engineering Co., Ltd., No. 18 Zhangba East Rd., Yanta District, Xi’an 710065, China. Email: [email protected]

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

Cited by

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share