Technical Papers
Sep 26, 2022

System Configuration Design of BIM Object-Oriented Database for Civil Engineering

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 148, Issue 12

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) creates tremendous value for civil engineering through information integration. Not only does it make the formulation of data storage strategies more important at the beginning of a civil engineering project, but it also shows the potential value of further research into a unified BIM model that highly integrates all information in the project life cycle. However, it is not easy to store all the information in the project life cycle into a unified BIM model. To achieve this goal, this study proposed a shareable BIM back-end data system object-oriented database for BIM front-end applications (BIM-OODB), and established its complete system configuration. Based on the database design theory, three main aspects of BIM-OODB design are discussed, namely use case design, architecture design, and schema design. Then, four demonstration cases were selected to discuss the system implementation process of BIM-OODB in building and infrastructure projects. The results show that BIM-OODB has the potential to enable all participants to work around the unified shareable data system throughout the project life cycle. This study provides a reference for civil engineers to formulate data storage strategies in the early stage of a civil engineering projects and IT engineers to develop civil engineering data applications.

Get full access to this article

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

Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52130807) and Changjiang Scholar Program of Chinese Ministry of Education, Science Xplore Prize Award. These supporting agencies are gratefully acknowledged.

References

ANSI and SPARC (The American National Standards Institute and Standards Planning and Requirements Committee). 1975. “Interim report: ANSI/X3/SPARC study group on data base management systems.” In Interim Report, FDT. ACM SIGMOD Bulletin, 7(2): 1–140.
Autodesk. 2022. “Autodesk Revit 2022 online help: About linking to IFC files.” Accessed January 7, 2022. https://help.autodesk.com/view/RVT/2022/ENU/?guid=GUID-BAA2ED9C-5107-4F21-ABE1-1ACF609AEEE3.
Barzegar, M., A. Rajabifard, M. Kalantari, and B. Atazadeh. 2021. “An IFC-based database schema for mapping BIM data into a 3D spatially enabled land administration database.” Int. J. Digital Earth 14 (6): 736–765. https://doi.org/10.1080/17538947.2021.1875062.
Bellido-Montesinos, P., F. Lozano-Galant, F. J. Castilla, and J. A. Lozano-Galant. 2019. “Experiences learned from an international BIM contest: Software use and information workflow analysis to be published in: Journal of Building Engineering.” J. Build. Eng. 21 (Jan): 149–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2018.10.012.
Carvalho, J. P., M. Almeida, L. Braganca, and R. Mateus. 2021. “BIM-based energy analysis and sustainability assessment-application to Portuguese buildings.” Buildings 11 (6): 246. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060246.
Chen, H., L. Hou, G. Zhang, and S. Moon. 2021. “Development of BIM, IoT and AR/VR technologies for fire safety and upskilling.” Autom. Constr. 125 (May): 103631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103631.
Chen, K. Y., W. W. Chen, J. C. P. Cheng, and Q. Wang. 2020a. “Developing efficient mechanisms for BIM-to-AR/VR data transfer.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 34 (5): 04020037. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000914.
Chen, Z. X., A. W. A. Hammad, I. Kamardeen, and A. Akbarnezhad. 2020b. “Optimising embodied energy and thermal performance of thermal insulation in building envelopes via an automated building information modelling (BIM) tool.” Buildings 10 (12): 218. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10120218.
Connolly, M. T., and C. E. Begg. 2015. Database systems: A practical approach to design, implementation and management. 6th ed. London: Pearson Education.
Eastman, C., P. Teicholz, R. Sacks, and K. Liston. 2011. BIM handbook—A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. New York: Wiley.
Girardet, A., and C. Boton. 2021. “A parametric BIM approach to foster bridge project design and analysis.” Autom. Constr. 126 (Jun): 103679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103679.
Gomaa, H. 2011. Software modeling and design: UML, use cases, patterns, and software architectures. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Ham, N., B. I. Bae, and O. K. Yuh. 2020. “Phased reverse engineering framework for sustainable cultural heritage archives using laser scanning and BIM: The case of the Hwanggungwoo (Seoul, Korea).” Sustainability 12 (19): 8108. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198108.
Hamidavi, T., S. Abrishami, and M. R. Hosseini. 2020. “Towards intelligent structural design of buildings: A BIM-based solution.” J. Build. Eng. 32 (Nov): 101685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101685.
ISO. 2013. Industry foundation classes (IFC) for data sharing in the construction and facility management industries. ISO 16739:2013. Geneva: ISO.
ISO. 2021. Industrial automation systems and integration—Product data representation and exchange—Part 1: Overview and fundamental principles. ISO 10303-1:2021. Geneva: ISO.
Jones, S. A., and D. Laquidara-Carr. 2017. The business value of BIM for infrastructure 2017. https://www.construction.com/toolkit/report/the-business-value-of-BIM-for-infrastructure-2017.
Kim, J. I., S. N. Li, X. B. Chen, C. Keung, M. Suh, and T. W. Kim. 2021a. “Evaluation framework for BIM-based VR applications in design phase.” J. Comput. Des. Eng. 8 (3): 910–922. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcde/qwab022.
Kim, S., M. Peavy, P. C. Huang, and K. Kim. 2021b. “Development of BIM-integrated construction robot task planning and simulation system.” Autom. Constr. 127 (Jul): 103720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103720.
Kula, B., and E. Ergen. 2021. “Implementation of a BIM-FM platform at an international airport project: Case study.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 147 (4): 05021002. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002025.
Lee, G., J. Jeong, J. Won, C. Cho, S. J. You, S. Ham, and H. Kang. 2014. “Query performance of the IFC model server using an object-relational database approach and a traditional relational database approach.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 28 (2): 210–222. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000256.
Leontiev, Y., M. T. R. Ozsu, and D. Szafron. 2002. “On type systems for object-oriented database programming languages.” ACM Comput. Surv. 34 (4): 409–449. https://doi.org/10.1145/592642.592643.
Lin, Y. C., Y. P. Chen, W. T. Huang, and C. C. Hong. 2016. “Development of BIM execution plan for BIM model management during the pre-operation phase: A case study.” Buildings 6 (1): 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings6010008.
Liu, J. B., D. Xu, J. Hyyppa, and Y. F. Liang. 2021. “A survey of applications with combined BIM and 3D laser scanning in the life cycle of buildings.” IEEE J. Sel. Top. Appl. Earth Obs. Remote Sens. 14 (Mar): 5627–5637. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTARS.2021.3068796.
Loeh, R., J. W. Everett, W. T. Riddell, and D. B. Cleary. 2021. “Enhancing a building information model for an existing building with data from a sustainable facility management database.” Sustainability 13 (13): 7014. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137014.
Lv, Z. H., X. M. Li, H. B. Lv, and W. Q. Xiu. 2020. “BIM big data storage in WebVRGIS.” IEEE Trans. Ind. Inf. 16 (4): 2566–2573. https://doi.org/10.1109/TII.2019.2916689.
Ma, G. F., and Z. J. Wu. 2020. “BIM-based building fire emergency management: Combining building users’ behavior decisions.” Autom. Constr. 109 (Jan): 102975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.102975.
Ma, X. Z., F. Xiong, T. O. Olawumi, N. Dong, and A. P. C. Chan. 2018. “Conceptual framework and roadmap approach for integrating BIM into lifecycle project management.” J. Manage. Eng. 34 (6): 05018011. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000647.
Martinez, P., R. Ahmad, and M. Al-Hussein. 2019. “A vision-based system for pre-inspection of steel frame manufacturing.” Autom. Constr. 97 (Jan): 151–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.10.021.
Maskil-Leitan, R., U. Gurevich, and I. Reychav. 2020. “BIM management measure for an effective green building project.” Buildings 10 (9): 147. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10090147.
Mehrbod, S., S. Staub-French, N. Mahyar, and M. Tory. 2019. “Characterizing interactions with BIM tools and artifacts in building design coordination meetings.” Autom. Constr. 98 (Feb): 195–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.10.025.
Munir, M., A. Kiviniemi, S. Jones, and S. Finnegan. 2020. “BIM-based operational information requirements for asset owners.” Archit. Eng. Des. Manage. 16 (2): 100–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2019.1706439.
Munir, M., A. Kiviniemi, and S. W. Jones. 2019. “Business value of integrated BIM-based asset management.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 26 (6): 1171–1191. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2018-0105.
Object Data Standard. 1999. Object database standard ODMG 3.0. Burlington, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.
Park, J., and H. Cai. 2017. “WBS-based dynamic multi-dimensional BIM database for total construction as-built documentation.” Autom. Constr. 77 (May): 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.01.021.
Porter, S., T. Tan, T. Tan, and G. West. 2014. “Breaking into BIM: Performing static and dynamic security analysis with the aid of BIM.” Autom. Constr. 40 (Apr): 84–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.12.002.
Porwal, A., and K. N. Hewage. 2013. “Building information modeling (BIM) partnering framework for public construction projects.” Autom. Constr. 31 (May): 204–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.12.004.
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.
Silberschatz, A., H. F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan. 2002. Database System Concepts. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
SOLIDWORKS. 2022. “SOLIDWORKS online help: IFC files.” January 7, 2022. https://help.solidworks.com/2022/english/solidworks/sldworks/c_ifc_files.htm.
Solihin, W., C. Eastman, and Y.-C. Lee. 2017a. “Multiple representation approach to achieve high-performance spatial queries of 3D BIM data using a relational database.” Autom. Constr. 81 (Sep): 369–388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.03.014.
Solihin, W., C. Eastman, Y.-C. Lee, and D.-H. Yang. 2017b. “A simplified relational database schema for transformation of BIM data into a query-efficient and spatially enabled database.” Autom. Constr. 84 (Dec): 367–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.03.014.
Teo Ai Lin, E., G. Ofori, I. Tjandra, and H. Kim. 2017. “Framework for productivity and safety enhancement system using BIM in Singapore.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 24 (6): 1350–1371. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2016-0122.
Vilutiene, T., A. Kiaulakis, and D. Migilinskas. 2021. “Assessing the performance of the BIM implementation process: A case study.” Rev. De La Constr. 20 (1): 26–36. https://doi.org/10.7764/RDLC.20.1.26.
Volk, R., J. Stengel, and F. Schultmann. 2014. “Building information modeling (BIM) for existing buildings—Literature review and future needs.” Autom. Constr. 38 (Mar): 109–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.10.023.
Welle, B., Z. Rogers, and M. Fischer. 2012. “BIM-centric daylight profiler for simulation (BDP4SIM): A methodology for automated product model decomposition and recomposition for climate-based daylighting simulation.” Build. Environ. 58 (Dec): 114–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2012.06.021.
Weygant, R. S. 2011. BIM content development—Standards, strategies, and best practices. New York: Wiley.
Xu, X. X., T. Mumford, and P. X. W. Zou. 2021. “Life-cycle building information modelling (BIM) engaged framework for improving building energy performance.” Energy Build. 231 (Jan): 110496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110496.
Yang, B., B. D. Liu, D. Y. Zhu, B. H. Zhang, Z. C. Wang, and K. Lei. 2020. “Semiautomatic structural BIM-model generation methodology using CAD construction drawings.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 34 (3): 04020006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000885.
Yang, X. N., M. M. Hu, J. B. Wu, and B. Zhao. 2018. “Building-information-modeling enabled life cycle assessment, a case study on carbon footprint accounting for a residential building in China.” J. Cleaner Prod. 183 (May): 729–743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.070.
Zhen, X., Z. Furong, J. Wei, W. Yingying, Q. Mingzhu, and Y. Yajun. 2020. “A 5D simulation method on post-earthquake repair process of buildings based on BIM.” Earthquake Eng. Eng. Vibr. 19 (3): 541–560. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11803-020-0579-5.
Zhuang, D. A., X. K. Zhang, Y. D. Lu, C. Wang, X. Jin, X. Zhou, and X. Shi. 2021. “A performance data integrated BIM framework for building life-cycle energy efficiency and environmental optimization design.” Autom. Constr. 127 (Jul): 103712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103712.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 148Issue 12December 2022

History

Received: Jan 7, 2022
Accepted: Jun 15, 2022
Published online: Sep 26, 2022
Published in print: Dec 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Feb 26, 2023

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

ASCE Technical Topics:

Authors

Affiliations

Shi-Dong Li, Ph.D. [email protected]
China-Pakistan Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Smart Disaster Prevention of Major Infrastructures, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210096, China. Email: [email protected]
Zhao-Dong Xu, A.M.ASCE [email protected]
Professor, China-Pakistan Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Smart Disaster Prevention of Major Infrastructures, Southeast Univ., Nanjing 210096, China (corresponding author). 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.

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