Building Information Modeling: Automated Code Checking and Compliance Processes

"Many researchers and software developers have put a lot of effort into finding solutions for automated code checking. This book is a good summary of these efforts and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the status of such technologies in the industry. It also guides readers on implementation of such techniques using the platforms and tools currently available in the industry."
— Issa Ramaji, University of North Florida, USA

covers current and emerging trends in automating the processes of examining building design against codes and standards of practice. The role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies in these processes is thoroughly analyzed and explains how this new technology is significantly transforming modern architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) domains. The book also introduces the theoretical background of computerizing compliance verification, including domain knowledge representations, building model representations, and automated code checking systems. An underlying goal for the material covered is to present the use of BIM technology as an integral part of the automated auditing process that can lead to a more comprehensive, intelligent, and integrated building design– a design where an optimized solution can be achieved in harmony with the current codes and standards of practice.

This new proposed BIM-based framework for automating code conformance checking is one of the most powerful methods presently available to reflect actual building code requirements, and the methods described in the book offer significant benefits to the AEC industry such as:?

• Providing consistency in interpretation of regulatory provisions
• Reducing code compliance validation errors, and the cost and time associated with compliance checking
• Allows for the ability to self-check required aspects before bidding
• Reduces the amount of time and resources required during design review
• Allows for optimal design, along with faster turnaround on feedback, and potentially faster approvals for construction permits by building and infrastructure authorities

Dr. Nawari is an associate professor in the College of Design, Construction and Planning at the University of Florida, USA, where he has served on the faculty of the School of Architecture. Dr. Nawari has more than twenty-five years of experience in design, teaching and research specializing in Architectural Structures and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Currently, he teaches graduate and undergraduate Architectural Structures, Structural Modeling and Building Information Modeling courses at the University of Florida. Dr. Nawari has written and co-authored over 150 publications and three books. He is a frequent contributor to and speaker at ASCE conferences. He has contributed to the engineering profession with several engineering innovations during his career. Nawari's works opens the door to new paradigms in teaching and designing building structures using the Structure and Architecture Synergy (SAS) Framework. Also, his research in BIM standardization has led to major advancement of BIM standardization particularly in the structural domain. Moreover, he has contributed significantly to the concept of encoding building rules and regulations and methods for automating building code conformance processes in BIM environment. He is a member of the BIM committee of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and co-chair the subcommittee on BIM in education. He is also a member of the US National Building Information Modeling Standard Committee (NBIMS-US), and a fellow of the American Institute of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Dr. Nawari serves currently as the Assistant Dean for Graduate Education at the College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida. He is a board certified professional engineer in the state of Florida and Ohio with significant design and built experiences.