Research Output
1 - 3 of 3
Publication
MVD based information exchange between BIM and building energy performance simulation
2018-06, Pinheiro, Sérgio V., Wimmer, Reinhard, O'Donnell, James, et al.
The process of preparing building energy performance simulation (BEPS) models involves repetitive manual operations that often lead to data losses and errors. As a result, BEPS model inputs can vary widely from this time consuming, non-standardised and subjective process. This paper proposes a standardised method of information exchange between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and BEPS tools using the Information Delivery Manual (IDM) and Model View Definition (MVD) methodologies. The methodology leverages a collection of use cases to initiate the identification of exchange requirements needed by BEPS tools. The IDM/MVD framework captures and translates exchange requirements into the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) schema. The suggested approach aims to facilitate the transfer of information from IFC based BIM to either conventional or advanced BEPS tools (e.g. EnergyPlus and Modelica) through the development of a specific MVD that defines a subset of the IFC data model that deals with building energy performance simulation. By doing so, the potential of BIM-based simulation can be fully unlocked, and a reliable and consistent IFC subset is provided as an input for energy simulation software.
Publication
A Contextual Ontology for Distributed Urban Data Management
2019-09, Hoare, Cathal, Pinheiro, Sérgio V., Hu, Shushan, O'Donnell, James
The evolution of information and communication technology in the construction domain has yielded a variety of heterogeneous data sources. While bespoke approaches have been developed to explore data merging for a variety of purposes, few have explored how to develop a multipurpose information organisation that can be reconfigured on a per-project basis. This paper describes an approach that, using a lightweight central server, is used to investigate the effectiveness of loose federations of information sources that together serve the information needs of a project. The central server provides both a common context through which relationships between the information sources can be expressed and a data register to enable information discovery. The paper describes the creation of an ontology to capture this context and a software architecture to support its use. The efficacy of the approach is illustrated through describing the use of the server for marshalling data used in a renovation project.
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Publication
Realizing openBIM: Development of a BIM Model View Definition for Advanced Building Energy Performance Simulation
2017-01, Wimmer, Reinhard, Pinheiro, Sérgio V., O'Donnell, James, et al.
OpenBIM, by definition, uses open data models to allow collaborative work practices. Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is an open source data model for sharing planning, design, construction, and facility management data across various applications used in the AECOO industry. IFC is therefore suitable for storing significant volumes of data required for advanced Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS). This comprehensive nature of the data model makes IFC the key technology for storage and distribution of data but requires extensive infrastructure for data management. The use of Model View Definition (MVD) methodology refines data management by enabling lean data management through process specific subsets of the IFC data model. This paper describes the development of an MVD for advanced BEPS.