ND BIM-integrated knowledge-based building management: Inspecting post-construction energy efficiency

Abstract Inspection of sustainable performance during post-construction has become increasingly essential. However, conventional operation and maintenance processes are limited with a high probability of inaccurate manual building inspections and the lack of real-time input of dynamic factors. In this regard, engagement of an Integrated Knowledge-based Building Management System using nD BIM applications (nD BIM-IKBMS) is anticipated to promote promising resolutions. The proposed system is expected to provide simulation-based supervisory control while automatically detecting and diagnosing operational faults. Following the literature-based conceptual model developed in our past research, this study aims to generate and verify the proposed framework theoretically, as the second step of nD BIM-IKBMS research and development series, concentrating on functional modeling. Notwithstanding which, it is difficult to describe a cross-disciplinary system following a single framework. As the technology evolves, the framework can not be generalized into new scenarios. Towards this end, the study is followed through the complexity theory lens. A highly flexible framework, considering that each part wherein has an opportunity to evolve, was developed. Following the principles of axiomatic design, the proposed framework was established. Ultimately, this research generates a range of detailed 3-hierarchical Icam DEFinitions for Function Modeling 0 (IDEF0) diagrams outlining the proposed nD BIM-IKBMS structure. This study identifies the interoperability of the proposed framework by standardizing communication protocols, data formats, naming convention, evaluation systems, and modulization. While this research is limited to implementing our nD BIM-IKBMS framework, real-world projects will be utilized in our upcoming steps of R&D series for validation purposes.