BIM as a platform for facility managers to retrieve, analyze, and process building
information in a digitalized 3D environment
Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides a detailed digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. This enables efficient management of information throughout the entire lifecycle of a facility, from initial planning and design to demolition. BIM aids in improving decision-making, optimizing operations, reducing costs, and enhancing communication among stakeholders. It allows for better coordination, planning, and management of the facility’s assets and infrastructure, leading to more effective and efficient maintenance and operations.
Project 1: BIM-enabled facilities operation and maintenance
The research project focused on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its applications in facilities operation and maintenance (O&M). The team conducted a comprehensive literature review to evaluate and summarize current BIM-O&M research and application developments, analyzing trends and identifying research gaps. We focused on how BIM can improve various O&M activities such as maintenance and repair, emergency management, energy management, and security. The study aimed to provide insights into the capabilities of BIM in supporting facility O&M, exploring the efficiency and effectiveness improvements possible through its use. The research also discussed potential future directions in this field.
Project Team: Dr. Ray Gao and Dr. Pardis Pishdad‐Bozorgi.
Project 2: Planning and developing facility management-enabled BIM
We conducted a pilot study at Georgia Tech to implement FM-enabled BIM. They established BIM requirements for campus projects, developed a comprehensive BIM model incorporating facility management data, and utilized software tools such as Autodesk Revit and BIM 360 Field. The study involved capturing and managing FM-related data throughout the project, ensuring interoperability with facility management systems. They faced challenges in data interoperability and importing data into the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), leading to insights and recommendations for future FM-enabled BIM implementations.
Project Team: Dr. Pardis Pishdad‐Bozorgi, Dr. Ray Gao, Dr. Charles M. Eastman, and Alonzo P. Self.
Ray Gao's Cabinet of Curiosities 