Developing systems-centric as-built BIMs to support facility emergency management: A case study approach

Current as-built Building Information Model (BIM) deliverables generated following design and construction generally do not fulfill facility management needs. To provide total value to the facility owner, as-built models should be configured to provide needed critical operation and maintenance information, solve operational challenges, and improve safety and efficiency in various ways. In addition to having complete and accurate data, as-built BIMs should be configured to be systems-centric enabling facility owners to visualize model graphics from a systems perspective. This is critical during a maintenance emergency when the model user needs to identify components belonging to the building systems that are contributing to or impacted by the emergency and be able to make well-informed timely decisions. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by defining and documenting requirements and procedures for configuring systems-centric as-built BIM models. A multi-level building systems classification is developed, and fourteen specific properties are defined. The implementation is discussed using a case study approach analyzing the mechanical and plumbing systems for a science and classroom building of a 4-year academic institution. By developing systems-centric models, facility staff can respond to emergency maintenance and analyze the impact of the event by isolating the elements of a specific system related to the emergency and display these elements explicitly.