Cast-in-Place Reinforced Concrete Project Model Exchange Standards: Technology Challenges and Process Automation

摘要

Building information modeling (BIM) has changed the way information in design and construction is handled by allowing the possibility of exchanging project models and data together. To optimize the process, standards have been developed to define what is required in each exchange and how to represent it. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has been working for several years in the development of the standards for one of the most important segments in the construction industry: cast-in-place (CIP) concrete. However, the monolithic nature of the material and its complex supply chain makes it harder for this development to be properly addressed. Parallel to the recent publications of the CIP BIM standards, further research is required to help the development of such standards move faster in order to get to a level where other materials already are. This work discusses the computational requirements that BIM software must address to allow a product model data schema, such as the industry foundation classes, optimally represent the updated CIP standards. It also proposes algorithms to automate processes typical of the material, such as structural detailing, construction requirements, and temporary structures.