Using BIM to automate information generation for assembling scaffolding - A material management approach

In a construction project, the scaffolding system is an important temporary facility to support the process of construction. Without properly assembling scaffoldings, the construction process could be delayed, and workers could be exposed to danger. However, construction workers usually rely on their past experiences to assemble scaffoldings without detailed planning. Consequently, lack of necessary components delivered to the site, assembling does not match with the construction process, or staggered with the floor of the building, could occur and jeopardize the construction project. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the emerging technology that can help construction engineers obtain information for detailed planning. However, the scaffolding system is not usually developed in the BIM model. Although several researchers have developed programs that can automate assembling scaffoldings in the BIM model, the results could not provide construction managers with sufficient information to make decisions in terms of various environmental scenarios. This research establishes a mechanism to automate information generation for assembling scaffolding from the perspective of material management. First, a thorough interview with stakeholders related to the scaffolding system is conducted to identify the uses and information requirements. Then, an ontology model is employed to determine the specification to develop the scaffolding system within the BIM model. Afterward, a series of Dynamo modules are developed to automate assembling scaffolding in the BIM model. Finally, the result shows that with the implementation of Dynamo modules, the detailed information of assembling scaffolding can be effectively and efficiently obtained.