BIMprove has the ambition to revolutionize the stagnant European construction industry and solve long-standing problems such as decreasing productivity, dangerous environment for workers, negative environmental impact and budget misalignment with real expenditures.
The EU-funded project develops a dynamic digital system for construction sites to fast-track productivity, cut costs and improve working conditions. This solution extends the 3D-based Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems with Digital Twin Technology, introducing a much more dynamic and multi-functional system, reliant on real-time data.
But how the BIMprove solution really works?
Following last article ‘’The BIMprove Implementation Cycle of processes´´, we will see in details all the steps of the “cycle” in order to better understand from a final user perspective how BIMprove is going to work. We can describe BIMprove in 6 different stages, which are:
1. Constructors’ inputs: during this phase, architects, engineers, and general constructors create and use BIM models to visualize and communicate using a 3D interface. This is the previous stage before starting the construction.
2. Request for data capture: during the construction phase, what BIMprove proposes is to compare the BIM model from the planned phase to the reality. For that purpose, what is needed is to digitally capture the reality and connect the data captured with the BIM model to create the “Digital Twin” of the construction site. Data captured can be provided either from images and point clouds using piloted machines (drones, robots, hand scans or tablets…) or from IoT devices (GPS chips on machines and people (completely anonymous).
3. Capture mission launch: concerning the capture with piloted machines, once the request of the mission has been defined with all the details, BIMprove will calculate the most efficient path and it will propose a “capture mission” to the user. This one will be able to consider if the mission is suitable or if the path must be modified. Once the final path is defined, it will be possible to visualize it, using 2D and 3D interfaces viewer. Thus, the user will be able to verify the capture that will be made.
4. Merging IFC [1] and data from reality: this stage of the implementation is the back-end core of BIMprove platform. Once missions have been executed, the user uploads captured data on BIMprove. After the necessary time of processing, the system will merge the point cloud with the IFC files, aligning both geometries in order to identify their geographic location and geometric deviation. Each kind of data has a different way to be located. For instance, the point-cloud is geometrically aligned on-top of the IC model, thus, each point captured is related to an object of the model.
5. Internal processing: during this stage, BIMprove platform makes the calculations merging all data in order to produce, in the next stage, an output for users. Artificial intelligence is also used with images to detect unsafety situations.
6. Outputs: At the end of the process, BIMprove provides, using its different front-ends (BIM office, VR, AR, etc.), a number of functionalities that are oriented for the three PUCs. The 3 main axes are: geometry visualization and scheduling deviations, dashboard and plan with markers about safety inspections, notifications to workers on risks situations.
BIMprove’s new approach streamlines the digital transformation of the European construction industry, blending Artificial Intelligence with AR/VR, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and wearable technology. Construction sites will have real-time information available, allowing to identify early-stage errors and being able to predict delays, lowering costs and reducing risks. In addition, it will be possible to control resources, minimizing waste and to ensure a high level of safety.
Do you want to know more? Download our whitepaper from here and share your opinion with us through our LinkedIn or Twitter communities!
[1] IFC is short for International Foundation Class and files using the IFC file format are Building Information Modelling (BIM) files. However, unlike other BIM file formats, IFC files are platform neutral and can be read and edited by any BIM software.