BIM based hygrothermal modelling of building constructions

Abstract

The construction industry is currently one of the least digitised. However, due to recent technological developments, building information modelling and management (BIM) systems are increasingly being used to increase the efficiency of constructions and sustainable use of resources and increase the energy efficiency of buildings. In the case of new constructions or building renovations, properly designed hygrothermal behaviour of building materials, elements and structures are unavoidable to achieve the objectives mentioned above. Therefore, we can ensure the comfort of our users and healthy living space.BIM is the most suitable and widespread method for digital management of building stock and related data and integration. With the possibilities offered by BIM, it is possible to integrate building physical modelling right into the architectural design process. However, with standard BIM systems, we cannot embed detailed material properties, weather, or the effects of the natural and built environment in the BIM model for heat and moisture transfer (HAM) modelling for hygrothermal performance evaluation at present. Furthermore, the data exchange process is one-way mainly and unregulated between BIM and numerical simulation tools.In the presented paper, both a Closed BIM and an Open BIM based workflow are presented to bridge the gap between BIM and hygrothermal modelling of building components and constructions, that can contribute to the design of sustainable, economic and hygrothermal optimal building constructions and also could be a basis for artificial intelligence-based optimised design solutions.