Requirements and process analysis for ports and waterways openBIM ISO standards development
ISSN: 1471-4175
Article publication date: 27 September 2021
Issue publication date: 28 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Defining building information modelling (BIM) standards for the infrastructure domain is a central issue to the successful implementation of BIM in civil engineering domains. To this end, this paper aims to present a requirements and process analysis for the ports and waterways domain to address the lack of BIM standards development, using the information delivery manual (IDM) approach and the ethos of openBIM standards.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses the IDM approach. This involves the definition of use cases, process maps, exchange scenarios and subsequent exchange requirements. All these developments were sourced and validated by a series of international industry consultations.
Findings
The paper identifies 30 domain relevant use cases collated from existing sources and new cases. An overview and detailed ports and waterways process map (defining actors, activities and data exchanges). The process maps highlighted 38 exchange scenarios between various activities. Various exchange requirements were defined and are discussed in the context of the required information exchange model and the extensions required to fulfil the needs of the domain. The analysis provides the core information for the next steps of development for a substantial extension to the Industry Foundation Classes and the supporting data dictionary standards.
Research limitations/implications
Because of the international scope of the research, the outcomes can be applied by any stakeholders in the domain of ports and waterways. Therefore, some variation is expected at a national and organizational level. This research has the potential to accelerate the adoption of openBIM standards within the ports and waterways domain leading to increases in efficiency, collaborative working.
Originality/value
This paper reviews the requirements of an identified gap in the provision of openBIM standards relevant and applicable to the domain of ports and waterways.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to acknowledge the contribution of the entire BuildingSMART IFC for Ports and waterways project team and stakeholders in the authoring of this work. We are thankful for the funding contributions and expertise provided by China Communications Construction Company, and the in-kind expertise supplied by Royal Haskoning DHV (UK) and the German Federal Waterways Administration (WSV).
Citation
Bradley, A., Li, H., Qin, H., Xi, W., Peel, D. and Nisbet, N. (2022), "Requirements and process analysis for ports and waterways openBIM ISO standards development", Construction Innovation, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 705-726. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-02-2021-0032
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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