BIM Energy Modeling: Case Study of a Teaching Module for Sustainable Design and Construction Courses
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 141, Issue 2
Abstract
Energy modeling (EM) facilitates analysis and comparison of energy use across design configurations. EM software can serve as a decision-making tool for professionals throughout various stages of building delivery. This case study describes methods to expose students, who are enrolled in a sustainable design and construction course, to building information modeling (BIM)–based EM capabilities and limitations. The case study focuses on documenting the implementation of a teaching module focused on energy modeling in which students modify location, insulation, and window glazing of a single family home preprogramed into BIM software. After instructor demonstration, students perform an EM analysis for additional locations as homework and answer a question set based on their EM results. The results indicate that students had minor issues interpreting the EM results because they did not fully examine the outputs produced from the energy model to inform their answers on the teaching module homework assignment. Overall, however, research findings suggest that implementing such a teaching module can improve student confidence and perception of EM use in construction delivery decisions. This paper provides an example for educators to include BIM EM or similar teaching modules into sustainable design and construction-related courses.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the support Michael Bergin from Autodesk Education during the development and implementation of this teaching module.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 141 • Issue 2 • April 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 29, 2013
Accepted: Oct 15, 2014
Published online: Dec 4, 2014
Published in print: Apr 1, 2015
Discussion open until: May 4, 2015
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