Building information modeling-based secondary development system for 3D modeling of underground pipelines

Abstract

Underground pipeline networks constitute a major component of urban infrastructure, and thus, it is imperative to have an efficient mechanism to manage them. This study introduces a secondary development system to efficiently model underground pipeline networks, using the building information modeling (BIM)-based software Revit. The system comprises separate pipe point and tubulation models. Using a Revit application programming interface (API), the spatial position and attribute data of the pipe points are extracted from a pipeline database, and the corresponding tubulation data are extracted from a tubulation database. Using the Family class in Revit API, the cluster in the self-built library of pipe point is inserted into the spatial location and the attribute data is added; in the same way, all pipeline instances in the pipeline system are created. The extension and localization of the model accelerated the modeling speed. The system was then used in a real construction project. The expansion of the model database and rapid modeling made the application of BIM technology in three-dimensional visualization of underground pipeline networks more convenient. Furthermore, it has applications in pipeline engineering construction and management.