Integration of building information modeling into building circularity assessment: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Despite several attempts to integrate building information modeling (BIM) with building circularity assessment (BCA), no systematic review has yet been carried out on this topic to the best knowledge of the authors. The objective of this review is to fill this gap by reviewing the current attempts, identifying the tools and exploring the state-of-the-art in BIM and BCA.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was employed. A total of 30 documents published between 2015 and 2023 were selected and analyzed across the concept, methodology and value dimensions.

Findings

There has been an increase in the development of BIM-based BCA tools in recent years, with the Netherlands taking the lead. Most tools developed were based on the material circularity indicator (MCI) and by using Autodesk Revit as BIM software. Three integration approaches for BIM with BCA were identified: (1) using an external platform; (2) linking an external database to BIM and (3) within the BIM environment. The review has revealed that still there is no standard for BCA, and interoperability and lack of circularity databases are the major challenges.

Research limitations/implications

Although the paper has made contributions, it is important to recognize certain limitations. One of these is the inability to explore all the tools in depth as some of them are not available or accessible. Another limitation is the relatively small number of studies that were reviewed, primarily because there is a lack of research in this area due to the BIM-based BCA is still in its infancy compared to the BIM-based LCA.

Originality/value

This study contributes to providing a comprehensive up-to-date overview of recent advancements in BIM–BCA integration, as well as a framework for understanding its concept, methodology and value dimensions. It also highlights significant areas where practitioners and researchers can identify knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Citation

Al-Qazzaz, I., Osorio-Sandoval, C.A., Tokbolat, S. and Thermou, G. (2024), "Integration of building information modeling into building circularity assessment: a systematic review", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-12-2023-0229