A Network Analysis-Based Approach for As-Built BIM Generation and Inspection

Abstract

With the rapid advancement in Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to strengthen the Building and Construction (B&C) industry, effective methods are required for the analysis and improvement of as-built BIM, which reflects the completed building project and captures all deviations and updates from the initial design. However, most existing studies are focused on as-designed BIM, while the analysis and inspection of as-built BIM rely on labour-intensive visual and manual approaches that overlook interdependent relationships among components. To address these issues, we propose a network analysis-based approach for managing and improving as-built BIM. Networks are generated from geometric attributes extracted from Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) documents, and network analytical techniques are applied to facilitate BIM analysis. In addition, a practical dataset is utilised to verify the feasibility of the proposed approach. The results demonstrate that our method significantly enhances the analysis and comparison of as-built BIM from model analysis and matching. Specifically, the innovative contribution leverages global information and interdependent relations, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the as-built BIM for effective management and optimisation. Our findings suggest that network analysis can serve as a powerful tool for structure and asset management in the B&C industry, offering new perspectives and methodologies for as-built BIM analysis and comparison. Finally, detailed discussion and future suggestions are presented.

Keywords

• as-built BIM
• network analysis
• community detection
• building industry
• structure inspection