From BIM to BEM - modern thermal simulations using a Building Information Management model: A case study

Abstract

This article raises awareness of Building Information Management (BIM) and its significance for Construction 4.0. BIM is often mistakenly understood only as a 3D model of a building object, but its true potential lies in the information associated with the model (e.g., mechanical and physical properties, costs, etc.). Models can subsequently be used in the building energy management (BEM) at all stages of the building object's life cycle. This article focuses on the possibility of creating a model using available libraries in the Czech Republic provided by manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and the subsequent use of the model for energy modelling. The results obtained from computational modelling are then compared with real values measured on a timber construction located in Ostrava (Czech Republic). These results show that properly configured BIM modelling allows faster data processing while maintaining the quality of outputs and results. Additionally, there is potential to eliminate common pitfalls in the design and subsequent processing of thermal assessments of building objects.This article raises awareness of Building Information Management (BIM) and its significance for Construction 4.0. BIM is often mistakenly understood only as a 3D model of a building object, but its true potential lies in the information associated with the model (e.g., mechanical and physical properties, costs, etc.). Models can subsequently be used in the building energy management (BEM) at all stages of the building object's life cycle. This article focuses on the possibility of creating a model using available libraries in the Czech Republic provided by manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and the subsequent use of the model for energy modelling. The results obtained from computational modelling are then compared with real values measured on a timber construction located in Ostrava (Czech Republic). These results show that properly configured BIM modelling allows faster data processing while maintaining the quality of outputs and results. Additionally, there is potential to eliminate common pitfalls in the design and subsequent processing of thermal assessments of building objects.