Dynamic model integrated with BIM to evaluate building water distribution system performance

Abstract

The use of computational simulation techniques has gradually been incorporated into the building system design process. These techniques enable the evaluation of various scenarios that a building can face during its construction, usage, and operation phases, providing designers with greater decision-making power in the early stages of the life cycle of the project. However, it is noted that the use of computational simulation techniques has had little or no impact on the design process of Building Water Distribution Systems. In this context, this paper proposes the use of computational simulation techniques, supported by object-oriented modeling, to improve the design and dimensioning process of system components through the definition of their requirements and performance criteria. Considering that building modeling is being carried out using BIM software, a discussion was presented on the structuring of object classes that align with BIM concepts, which can be incorporated into the computational tool developed in the study. In addition, a model for simulating user interactions with sanitary appliances was presented. The paper discussed the impact of using this approach in the water distribution system dimensioning process, highlighting how relevant aspects of the traditional process need to be replaced for the adoption of this approach.

Practical Application

The paper presents an application of a simulation model for the design of building water distribution systems based on the evaluation of their performance. To this end, a computational tool was developed that can read data exported from BIM models, making the application more practical, considering that the system topology modeled in the software can be used for performing analyses.