Building Information modelling (BIM)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) for lifecycle information management
In order to support the innovative 4M process (Mapping – Modelling – Making – Monitoring), the e-Marketplace, and the local factories, P2ENDURE deploys Building Information Modelling (BIM) for lifecycle information management. This will be operationalised through a BIM data and simulation platform in combination with user-friendly asset management software for deep renovation projects. The practical innovation of BIM and software tools in P2ENDURE is described in the following.
BIM platform and parametric modeller for prefab components
Using the generalized use case BIM, P2ENDURE allows customizing renovation options through a parametric design modeller. The tight integration of BIM and the parametric modeller will enable a participatory design process involving the whole value-chain, involving clients, end-users, and all suppliers.
Various design options can be configured, showing the implications of user requirements and design preferences both on energy performance as well as costs (investment and lifecycle costs). As such, a tailor-made design can be created while maintaining the reliability of the solutions and the efficiency of the fabrication and construction of standardised components.
Based on the generic use case for a specific location, a comprehensive set of solutions (library / catalogue) will be developed featuring components of building and MEP/HVAC (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing/ Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) as well as district energy systems. The properties of each solution are integrated, i.e. energy properties (in Building Energy Model) as well as supply-chain, such as local market availability and industrial providers (for procurement). These solutions will be stored in an open BIM format, accessible by all stakeholders to configure designs for a specific housing typology or geo-cluster.
Cost-related aspects are directly integrated into the design process, based on specification and comparison of material and labour costs between EU countries for various housing types. Such a cost database will be developed partly based on the input from live demonstration projects to outline the business cases within the targeted market and geographic segments. The P2ENDURE will entirely eradicate the needs for additional information sources for any partner in the supply chain and any project stakeholder. All digital information required will be stored in the BIM solution. Tools will be user-friendly to an extend that new users of any background can directly engage with the tool without the need to get training.
BIM for virtual demonstration
One important part of the P2ENDURE demonstration strategy will rely on the representation of the generated solutions for deep retrofitting of buildings within the parametric modeller. The parametric modeller will encode the knowledge developed throughout the P2ENDURE project in relation to each demonstration case and will thus allow to easily disseminate this knowledge throughout the EU. The parametric modeller will allow for making full avail of the evolved solutions within the specific context of a district. The modeller will allow for the modular combination of the different systems that P2ENDURE solutions will integrate: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), lighting, appliance within units that can be pre-fabricated within a local factory. All decision makers will gain the possibility to understand solutions, raise their concerns at the earliest stage, and creatively engineer a system for a specific local context.
By making extensive use of existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Prototyping (VP) technologies throughout its research and innovation process, P2ENDURE will develop a decision support system per demonstration case that can clearly demonstrate the energy, time, and cost saving potential of the P2ENDURE solutions. Doing so, this system will support the wide and quick dissemination of the P2ENDURE concepts throughout Europe after the finalization of the project.
Already during the research and innovation work, the BIM based visualization and simulation solutions will support the discussion between the project team members. To this end, we will conduct semi-annual collaborative design sessions within the TU Berlin's virtual reality lab. The lab allows decision makers to interact with different virtual models within a high-tech environment. This will allow for the meaningful development of solutions throughout the project combining the knowledge domains of the different participants.
Additionally, BIM and VP technologies will be linked to the state-of-the-art energy simulation technology Energy+ to provide possibilities to accurately predict the energetic performance of the different P2ENDURE solutions under development for different climatic conditions. In this way, virtual prototyping of solutions will be possible in early stages to already arrive at close to optimal solutions for the final implementation on the physical demonstration projects.
Asset management software for deep renovation projects
At the beginning of each deep renovation project there is usually lack of information on exploitation aspects. P2ENDURE introduces a building stock portfolio forecasting model to generate most advantageous asset management strategies. It will facilitate the decision-makers and value-chain actors to assess the financial aspects of deep renovation and make a decision on the investment of a project, taking into account the financial consequences and project strategies for short and long term.
The investment appraisal model can be used for real estate investment and exploitation feasibility studies. The model will calculate the financial flows of capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX). These costs can be divided into fixed costs (capital, tax, insurance, etc.), energy costs, maintenance costs, management costs and business related costs. Revenues can be rent, subsidies and service costs. The tool analyses these costs and revenues. Each cost and revenue item has a base year amount, frequency and index. Based on these parameters the cash flow is calculated. These cash flows are turned into the net present value using the discounted cash flow method for the entire project. By adding different scenarios one can conduct a risk analysis on the feasibility study of the deep renovation project.
Finally, P2ENDURE will develop process and value integration software to streamline the entire supply-chain from the initial design, to the material and part order, to the fabrication process, to the planning the final construction logistics on site. This IT solutions form the third part of software solutions P2ENDURE will provide to quickly disseminate the P2ENDURE solutions widely as they offer the possibility to further significantly reduce the first cost of implementing deep retrofitting solutions. After all, much of the potential that can be gained by providing local factories and pre-fabricated solutions lies within a streamlined supply chain. The envisioned IT solutions will allow for setting up and monitoring these integrated supply chains to truly leverage the potential of a prefabrication approach to deep retrofitting based on the concept of the local factory.
The abovementioned solutions will be made available within a P2ENDURE software suite by DEMO Consultants in the form of a Web 2.0 solution that can be accessed as software as service solutions by a pay-per-use fee.