6 Tips for Making a BIM Model Work for Life-Cycle Assessment

Building Information Modeling encourages integrated design and enhances communication and collaboration amongst the various stakeholders throughout the various project life-cycle phases. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), on the other hand, is an appropriate technique for evaluating environmental performance. Earlier in the decision-making process, LCA and BIM should both be included to get a comprehensive perspective of the project that includes environmental requirements. To achieve building sustainability on a broader scale, it is well established that integrating BIM and building life cycle assessments is a necessary step. However, very few BIM models are flawless. Hence before importing your BIM model, work with it beforehand to automate the calculations. The tips would assist you in creating a BIM model that is appropriate for automating life-cycle assessments. The key objective is to ensure that your BIM model has enough data for LCA requirements. BIM modeling usually contains a lot of data about your building, but for your LCA calculation, you only need some of this data, defined as per these procedures. 

Priority-Based Design Guidelines for a BIM appropriate for LCA automation: 

1.        Apply uniform and clear material labeling: Ensure that the labels are legible and accurate (using specific technical references is also fine). Instead of Airspace, Foreground, White, etc., use ready-mix concrete, cast-in-place, or steel steps. You may speak in your native tongue. Avoid definitions in conflict with one another by using precise material designations whenever possible, like ‘Concrete’ for one object's material and ‘Brick’ for another. 

2.        Prefer layered elements for items of multiple materials: Apply objects that have the necessary materials with applicable thicknesses, including potential airspaces, when you can add a multi-layer object, like an external wall. Apply labeling like an interior wall, gypsum and steel studs to your objects' labels if they are specified as solid objects and represent internal walls to show that they are constructed with multiple layers. 

3.        Model objects as hollow: Model items as hollows or else indicate in labeling when they are intended to be hollow. You should refer to your slabs as hollow core slabs if hollow items are shown as solids. 

4.        Export the model with the steel reinforcement: Structural models can be saved with or without reinforcements for ease of use. While utilizing a model for LCA, it doesn't have reinforcement steel incorporated in the concrete, you will need to manually add the proper amount of reinforcement. 

5.        Verify elements & categorizing them in terms of IFC: To prevent ambiguity and mistakes in the application and analysis of the model, BIM engineers have to verify elements and categorize them related to IFC.  If the classification is incorrect, your scope may be incorrect because it will probably be utilized for filtering. 

6.        Don't be concerned about problems in model components needless for LCA: For instance, only the structure and enclosure must be included in LEED v4 LCA, whereas many building certification programs like BREEAM view the building site and installations as optional LCA components (though they may be required by a particular project to achieve a higher rating). Verify the necessary scope with your client, and then concentrate on it. 

These methods will make it simple to import models into One Click LCA. Working with flawed models is also a possibility. You can use One Click LCA Business or Expert license with the Model Checker tool to quickly identify potential issues. To know more about the tactics for making a BIM model work for life-cycle assessment, contact Tejjy Inc. BIM service provider in USA at 202-465-4830 or [email protected]. Read more about Tejjy’s educational project for Nashville Public School with BIM.