BIM-enabled facilities management: MSGSU Bomonti building case

Abstract

Purpose: Facility management (FM) is a managerial activity that accounts for a significant portion of the building lifecycle costs. Information transfer from the previous design and construction phases is very important for the success of this information-based activity. Building Information Modeling or BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach ensures that building information is transferred correctly to the operation phase in interdisciplinary collaborative works in project production. Building information models also contain spatial and asset information, which is important for facility management. This study proposes a working systematic about how FM should be carried out in a university building through the BIM approach. Study design/methodology/approach: This study relies on the simulation/modeling research method. Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU) Bomonti building was used as a case. During the study, first, Architectural, Structural and MEP models were created that reflect the “As-Built” state of the Bomonti building. Then, this model was transformed into an “As-Maintained” BIM model by revising it and entering useful spatial and asset parameters for FM operations. OmniClass international standard was used as the convention for naming and defining MEP assets. Some model data was associated with external documentation such as the User and Maintenance manuals. Building information model data was transferred to both open-standard and proprietary FM platforms where checklists, maintenance periods and contact persons for assets were added. FM platform enabled to conduct of advanced space and asset inquiries. Findings: This paper presents an example of the management of spaces and assets in a building using a BIM-assisted FM system. It recommends a working methodology that relies on contemporary international standards for inventory creation, data classification and parameter naming that would be useful for future similar projects. Originality/value: The BIM-supported FM approach is often used in large-scale buildings such as shopping malls, hospitals and airports around the world. This type of use is relatively less common in educational buildings, and similarly, it is not implemented in any university or education building in Turkey. BIM offers accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive 2D-3D spatial and asset data of the facility, reducing errors and costs associated with data entry into FM software. This study sets an example for buildings that may utilize BIM-assisted facility management studies in Turkey.