OpenBIM Methods and Tools for Schedule and Cost Management

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodologies and approaches are becoming topics of increasing interest within several infrastructural engineering applications. As far as Construction Management (CM) is concerned, BIM technologies provide a valid support-decision tool, which includes a repository of CM-related data, useful for any further development and use. This work presents current Infrastructural Building Information Modeling (InfraBIM) implementation possibilities regarding the correlation between information digital modeling, schedule, and cost management dimensions. The methodology is applied to case studies simulation of excavation and construction phases in underground structures to generate budgeted cost and time schedules linked to BIM models. The major benefit in applying such an approach results in obtaining a model with different types of information that can be updated during the design and construction phases. Also, the associated workflow management system allows to update the 3D model, time schedule, and cost estimation while maintaining relations and interconnections previously defined between model components and specific information on their activities and cost. Another key result is about the chance to communicate design and construction schedules via Virtual and Augmented Reality (VAR) techniques, which provide a consistent support tool for the visualization of infrastructure projects.