applsci-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Advance and Future Trends

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 8515

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Group EgiCAD, School of Civil Engineering, Geographical Engineering and Graphic Expression Techniques, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
Interests: BIM; tensegrity; augmented reality; virtual reality

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to identify the key pathways that the BIM methodology will need to follow in the future to address the challenges, needs, and uncertainties in the AEC sector.

In recent years, the advancement of the BIM methodology has been evolving through standards, revisions, updates, and improvements, with the goal of finding the essential elements that will make it the perfect technology for the construction industry. With the idea of completing the concept of a virtual model and digital twin, BIM is conceived as a methodology that creates a unique model for each project, allowing for digital design simulations, with a focus on information, transparency, and collaboration.

However, what are the current seeds that will sprout to meet the future needs of the industry and construction? Connectivity and programming are the keys to the future after BIM, but we must not forget the potential of artificial intelligence, applied Big Data, and machine learning.

The potential topics of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • New perspectives and trends in Building Information Modeling (BIM).
  • Simulations with virtual models and digital twins through BIM.
  • Virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and extended reality with BIM.
  • Connectivity of the real world with BIM projects.
  • Programming on BIM.
  • Computational and data science applied to BIM.
  • Big data applications, algorithms, and systems on BIM.
  • Evolution of BIM
  • Innovative solutions on BIM for the construction industry.
  • Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning applied to BIM.
  • Development of software for new solutions on BIM.
  • BIM and new materials.

I hope you will contribute your high-quality research and I look forward to reading your valuable results.

Dr. Valentin Gomez-Jauregui
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • BIM
  • programming
  • connectivity
  • virtual reality
  • augmented reality
  • mixed reality
  • extended reality
  • big data
  • AI
  • machine learning
  • deep learning

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 23364 KiB  
Article
A New Approach to 3D Facilities Management in Buildings Using GIS and BIM Integration: A Case Study Application
by César A. Carrasco, Ignacio Lombillo, Javier M. Sánchez-Espeso and Francisco Javier Balbás
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11097; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311097 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1543
Abstract
This research seeks to advance the technological process of 3D digitization in built environments and streamline management processes in the construction sector through digital methodologies. To this end, an integration framework is proposed that combines geographic information systems (GISs) and building information modeling [...] Read more.
This research seeks to advance the technological process of 3D digitization in built environments and streamline management processes in the construction sector through digital methodologies. To this end, an integration framework is proposed that combines geographic information systems (GISs) and building information modeling (BIM) digital models, specifically for simulating building facilities maintenance management. Although the proposed methodology is applicable across various geographical contexts and building typologies, to ensure clarity in its development, it was applied to a specific case study. For this purpose, a 3D GIS model was created for one of the campuses of the University of Cantabria in Santander, Spain, along with a BIM model for one of its university buildings. Using these integrated models, facility management was simulated within a 3D environment via a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). The findings indicated that GIS and BIM digital models could indeed be integrated through straightforward linking mechanisms without compromising the efficiency of information synchronization and management. When comparing 2D facility management approaches with 3D formats, the advantages of 3D visualization became clear. This three-dimensional representation allowed for a more intuitive understanding of spatial dynamics and interactions, facilitating quicker identification of potential issues and more efficient maintenance operations. Consequently, integrating these advanced digital models not only optimizes operational efficiency but also fosters a collaborative environment, fundamentally transforming building facilities management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modeling (BIM): Advance and Future Trends)
Show Figures

Figure 1

41 pages, 21801 KiB  
Article
Using Dynamo for Automatic Reconstruction of BIM Elements from Point Clouds
by Gustavo Rocha and Luís Mateus
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4078; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104078 - 10 May 2024
Viewed by 4108
Abstract
The integration of 3D laser scanning and digital photogrammetry in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has facilitated high-quality architectural surveys. However, the processes remains constrained by significant costs, extensive manual labor, and accuracy issues associated with manual data processing. This article [...] Read more.
The integration of 3D laser scanning and digital photogrammetry in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has facilitated high-quality architectural surveys. However, the processes remains constrained by significant costs, extensive manual labor, and accuracy issues associated with manual data processing. This article addresses these operational challenges by introducing automated Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques that minimize manual input through the use of Dynamo for Autodesk Revit. We developed algorithms that efficiently convert point cloud data into accurate BIM models, enhancing productivity and reducing the potential for errors. The application of these algorithms is analyzed in a case study of the Old Lifeguard Station of Fuseta, showcasing notable reductions in modeling time and improvements in accuracy. The findings suggest that automated scan-to-BIM methods could provide a viable solution for enhancing BIM workflows across the industry, with the potential for wider adoption given their impact on efficiency and model quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modeling (BIM): Advance and Future Trends)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 3489 KiB  
Review
HBIM: Background, Current Trends, and Future Prospects
by Fernando Ávila, Álvaro Blanca-Hoyos, Esther Puertas and Rafael Gallego
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11191; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311191 - 30 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Historic building information modeling (HBIM) represents an emerging field that extends traditional building information modeling (BIM) to the preservation, management, and analysis of heritage structures. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of HBIM, tracing its evolution from its origins and early applications to [...] Read more.
Historic building information modeling (HBIM) represents an emerging field that extends traditional building information modeling (BIM) to the preservation, management, and analysis of heritage structures. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of HBIM, tracing its evolution from its origins and early applications to its current state and future prospects. The processes of data collection and modeling are thoroughly examined, addressing levels of detail, digitization methods, and commonly used software and data formats. Attention is also given to existing BIM standards and protocols and their potential application to HBIM. The paper emphasizes the importance of appropriate data selection and management, both for geometrical and non-geometrical (historical and architectural) information. Furthermore, it explores the integration of HBIM with structural analysis tools, a subject of growing interest, particularly in light of its potential for integration with structural health monitoring systems and advanced computational models. The results of this review highlight the increasing role of HBIM in heritage preventive preservation and management, a topic that accounted for 40% of the articles on this subject in 2023. These findings demonstrate that HBIM offers significant potential for managing and preserving heritage buildings, but to fully realize its capabilities, advancements in data interoperability, standardized protocols, and real-time structural analysis are essential to make it a widely effective tool in conservation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modeling (BIM): Advance and Future Trends)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop