Digital Information Management in the Built Environment: Data-Driven Approaches for Building Process Optimization

Abstract

In Italy, the traditional management of construction works, throughout life cycle, still dominates the market compared to a digital approach. This research aims at bringing out the potential and benefits of a digital management by developing strategies and methodologies able to optimize processes related to three different use cases. The proposed use cases have been developed by applying digital methodologies to different building contexts, aiming at both site management and management of the built environment. The first case deals with an important public building of 35,000 m2 located in a residential context in the center of Rome. The use of digital methodology made it possible to optimize and prevent problems related to large-scale works and construction sites located in central residential areas. The second case concerns a residential complex of 16 buildings located in Rome, where the BIM model supplies a constant flow of information for predictive maintenance system. The last one refers to port infrastructures located on the coast of Lazio region in Italy. The digital information model was developed to set up a risk management system capable of safely managing the port’s main assets. In conclusion, the results achieved through the implementation of a digital approach generated by a structured information flow integrated with the BIM model, allowed an optimized management of time and economic resources in the three case studies mentioned, although the diversity of objectives and types of construction works. This improvement is made possible by a shared and connected digital model, characterized by a high level of geometric and informative detail and cloud computing strategies to enhance process efficiency, supporting decision-making and information management.