Integration of BIM and IoT for Smart Construction Management

The new generation construction industry is evolving and backed by innovative platforms such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This has immensely revolutionized the handling of construction projects by encouraging efficiency, safety, and the aspect of sustainability. This paper’s purpose is to discuss the combination of BIM with IoT with reference made to its efficacy in smart construction management, and a case study of it.

Enhancing the decision making for the planning and design of the project 

BIM is an instrument that provides a comprehensive description of the actual building and its characteristics at a digital level. This then becomes a much more accurate representation of topology and the digital model when included and connected with IoT, where it is an actual living, continuously updating real-time data center. Sensors and actuators that are considered IoT devices, get data from the construction site and send it to update the BIM model in real time. This integration enables the planning and design of projects to be done with proper information, therefore reducing areas of mistake.

For example, in the phase of design, IoT sensors help one to monitor factors that are environmental such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The structures and systems can also be incorporated with this data so that the managers are given a chance to simulate different circumstances and design them adequately. This is helpful in an endeavour to eliminate work barriers since one will be aware of what leads to the formation of barriers and hence will be able to counteract them for better working.

Streamlining construction processes

The integration of BIM with IoT assists in controlling and monitoring construction work and other related activities efficiently. Usage, efficiency, and schedule for service of the machinery and equipment are recorded by smart sensors placed in the machinery and equipment, while other sensors are placed in the premises that monitor the progress and working conditions. This real-time data is then incorporated into the BIM model which provides a real-time visual of the construction site.

Case Study: New Hospital Complex, London (2023)

Problem:

Traditional construction practices applied to the renovation project of the New Hospital Complex in London faced several issues: The major problems in the utilization of traditional construction practices on the renovation project of New Hospital Complex in London are as follows:

•    High operating expenses

•    The biggest issues are the unsuitable dynamics of costs and cost control about resources and time expenditures.

•    Due to data entry errors, various cases
of duplication and insecurity
were reported.

Solution:

These main issues were then broadcast and in response to the problem, slides introducing the use of IoT sensors and creating a small-scale BIM model were provided to the group assigned to the project. These were characteristic of construction structures, the effectiveness of the utilized tools, or the working environment, which were constantly incorporated into the BIM model. This enabled: 

•  Real-time monitoring: What was obtained from the BIM-IoT integration was the progress report of the construction work and the consumables used in the process, the safety incidence records available which depicted the high efficiency of the concern, and the rate of work progress.

•   Predictive maintenance: This was well maintained to optimum standards, such as the motion sensitive lights that were put on those pieces of equipment that only needed oil check or some other similar requirement, so that once it is due then it could be tended before it becomes a hinderance to the fluid business activities of the firm.

•   Enhanced safety: An enhancement of the appreciation of hazards was done through site inspections to ensure that there was no adverse outcome to safety.

Recommendations

Based on the successful integration of BIM and IoT in the New Hospital Complex project, the following recommendations are made. After the analysis of the integration of BIM and IoT in the New Hospital Complex, the following recommendations are provided:

•   Invest in IoT infrastructure: IoT is something that construction firms should incorporate in their organizations through putting in place sensors and data management devices used in the acquisition and analysis of information in real-time.

•    Develop integrated platforms: Ensure that it is real time and also have interactivity during choosing process and ensure that the selected can also support BIM and IoT.

•    Emphasize training: Upgrade the skills of the workforce about the competencies needed for proper use of BIM and IoT developments.

•    Implement pilot projects: Following this, you should conduct the mini programs to learn how well the suggested solutions are going to apply and possible problems.

Conclusion 

The successful integration of BIM and IoT can be considered as a new significant shift in advancing the management of construction smartness. However, friendly understandings show that through these methods and technologies, the stream of planning, performing, and operationalizing projects is added value. Thus, the use of the construction industry benefiting advanced BIM-IoT integration involving Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong supports the case study. As the awareness of these technologies rises, they will indisputably emerge as measures to achieving wiser construction.

Bhavin Lakhani Project Controls Specialist Lead, PMP, CCM, & Chartered Enginee