Applications of building information modeling in electrical systems design

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an object-oriented approach that can virtually create a 3D digital model of a building capable of doing realistic engineering analysis well before the construction begins. BIM offers sophisticated tools for electrical trade design and estimation. This paper primarily investigates with supportive case studies, the potential applications of BIM in electrical system design and analysis. Further, its energy analysis, geographical scale significance and smart built environmental applications are also investigated. This research emphasizes on the deployment of BIM at both static and dynamic level for electrical trade such that BIM electrical system design can be made more attractive and more cost effective. The preliminary investigations indicate that seamless integration of semantic information system of BIM with Geographical Information System (GIS) can be very useful for electrical grid optimization and city energy modelling.