AECOM’s collaborative research with ArchSD pioneers automated openBIM compliance checking, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in General Building Plan submissions.
As the Hong Kong government embraces Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) has seen a rise in BIM-based General Building Plan (GBP) submissions. This shift presents an opportunity to leverage automated code compliance checking (ACCC) tools to streamline the traditionally manual and lengthy review process, thereby allowing reviewers to allocate their valuable time to more critical tasks. This not only enhances efficiency but also improves the overall quality of the review process.
In collaboration with ArchSD, we conducted a study to evaluate the potential of different openBIM ACCC tools. Combined with in-depth knowledge and advice provided by our authorized persons in various regulatory areas, local statutory requirements are translated into computation logic to evaluate the level of code compliance in GBP submissions. This initiative not only fosters the adoption of openBIM technology but also ensures software neutrality in capital works projects.
Visionary approach: Pioneering OpenBIM for efficiency and future compatibility
AECOM’s foresight coincides with the government’s move towards software neutrality in 2020. Back in 2019, we have already recommended an open format solution when we completed the BIM horizontal harmonization for BIM/GIS integration under the first phase of Kwu Tung North and Fanling North New Development Area in Northern Metropolis.
Our openBIM-based compliance checking solution offers significant productivity and consistency gains. By automating the compliance verification process, the system converts complex building regulations into machine-readable logic. This makes the requirements transparent and understandable for all stakeholders. This approach noticeably improves efficiency and consistency compared to manual checking, as well as encourages self-check before formal submission, in turn enhancing submission quality and vetting efficiency.
Importantly, the use of open, vendor-neutral data formats future proofs the solution by safeguarding its compatibility with a wide range of BIM authoring tools. This is in alignment with the government’s goal of software neutrality.
Enable automated code compliance in an openBIM environment
To facilitate the study, we assessed commonly used BIM software in the industry, navigated the complexities of translating local building regulations into machine-readable formats, including insights from local practitioners and incorporated international perspectives. The recommended openBIM-based ACCC solution significantly simplified software management by eliminating the need to update and maintain multiple BIM software versions and associated plugins.
To ensure the automated code compliance checking adheres strictly to regulations, AECOM collaborated with ArchSD to conduct a comprehensive examination of Hong Kong’s building codes. Multiple checking items were shortlisted for research, including fireman’s lift, exit door, exit route, required staircase and accessible toilet.
Forward looking compliance checking solution
The project also touched upon the potential to further enhance the compliance checking capabilities through a centralized, cloud-based SaaS platform. Such platform could leverage the openBIM framework to provide seamless integration with BIM authoring tools, allowing users to directly upload and manage their BIM data. By incorporating advanced ACCC tools, it is recognized that the SaaS solution may deliver even greater efficiency and consistency to the compliance verification process.
Recognized excellence in openBIM-based ACCC implementation
The research project was honored with the Grand Award at the Hong Kong openBIM/openGIS Awards 2024, recognizing its groundbreaking evaluation of ACCC tools and the feasibility of converting building regulations into machine-readable formats to support checking openBIM models.
By integrating the ACCC tools within the openBIM environment, the compliance checking process could be carried out throughout design and construction stages, allowing for early identification and resolution of non-compliance issues. Crucially, the developed logic diagrams make the checking process easily understandable for all project participants, compared to the dense text-based building regulations. Apart from openBIM, AECOM provides a full spectrum of BIM solutions including native BIM models to ensure our clients have the most effective tools to enhance project delivery.