BIM-and Simulation-Based Site Layout Planning: Fid-Bau Portal

BIM-and Simulation-Based Site Layout Planning

Astour, H. / Franz, V.

In the course of the research project, a prototype system has been developed at the Institute of Construction Management in the University of Kassel, Germany. The developed system performs its task in two phases:(1) Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based generation of a 3D-site layout plan and (2) a simulation-based evaluation of the site layout plan. BIM-based generation of the site layout plan takes place within a BIM environment based on an optimization methodology for automated dimensioning and locating of the site facilities. This methodology depends on geometry data of the building and obstacles at the site. It also depends on the equipment which is available for the project, the number of staff, the construction methods to be used, as well as the necessary safety measures at the site. For the sake of the generation process, a 3D-parametric library has been developed; the elements of which are used as basic components for the site layout plan. The degree of utilization of the site equipment is determined in the "simulation-based evaluation of the site layout plan" phase. For this phase, an agent-based simulation model has been developed. This model is capable of simulating the behavior of all elements on the site and the interaction between them and their environment. The required data for the simulation is read from the BIM environment and input via the built-in and self-developed user interface within the BIM environment. This paper describes the site layout planning problem and the previous efforts to solve it by using computers. It also illustrates the necessity for effective site layout planning system and clarifies the system architecture which is developed for this purpose.