Abstract
Building information models (BIMs) make it possible to share structured data in the planning and building process and during the live cycle of the building. The models can be enrichened with information in all stages from planning to end-of-life. Predefined information requirements, data structures, and file formats allow the model to be used for design, cost planning, and time scheduling as well as analysis of building performance, and ideally also for facilities management. This chapter describes the possibilities of using application programming interfaces (APIs) to enhance the usefulness of BIM models. This provides the user with the possibility of creating own applications with real time bidirectional data exchange. Of particular interest is the exchange of data with web-based data sources. The applicability is illustrated with examples of environmental analysis based on web-based data and the use of web-based forms to enrichen BIM models with data input from building users.
TopIntroduction
The usefulness of sharing structured building data in accessible format and the applicability of that data in a well-defined context is undeniable. Ideally, the different actors in the domains of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) can collaborate and share data without loss of information and without the need for the manual repetition of data input. Consequently, much effort has been put into defining effective means of structuring and sharing data in BIM models as well as platforms for sharing documentation in building projects. This chapter focuses on the need of practitioners in the AEC domain to be able to develop custom-made tools that can be used together with design authoring software for BIM models. It is explained how APIs can be used to develop custom-made tools with real time bidirectional data exchange between BIM models and existing applications. It will also be explained how this can make useful the vast amount of existing program code and resources. Furthermore, it is described how APIs can be used to access and navigate in the data structure of BIM models and the most common formats used for web based data exchange. It is also explained how automated data capture can be used to enrichen BIM models with information. It is shown by examples how this can be used to capture data for the calculation of environmental mid-point impact as well as well as by using web-based forms for the gathering of real-time data from building users. This is carried out with the Dynamo visual programming plug-in for Autodesk Revit design authoring software. In a broader context, the authors hope to contribute with processes that can be of use for the linking of a physical asset with its digital representation or digital twin.
Key Terms in this Chapter
XML: Extensive Markup Language, a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that cand be read by machines while readable for humans.
BIM: Building Information Model/Modelling/Management.
Web Form: Pages requested by users with browser.
API: Application Programming Interface, a predefined specification of how applications use and communicate with a library of information and functions.
.NET: An open source developer platform that can be used to develop applications. .NET Framework is a part of the Microsoft Windows operative system and is a collection of components for the execution of programs. It also contains a class library with code that can be used for frequently occurring tasks.
EPD: Environmental Program Declaration. A third party verified document that describes some key environmental properties of goods and services.