BIMLog – BIM-based logistics planning and control in large-scale plant construction

Methodology for the semi-automatic generation of logistics models for the analysis and planning of construction site logistics as well as visualization and adaptation concepts for the use and control of construction site processes

Introduction

The provision of digital models for the planning and control of logistics on large construction sites is imperative for more efficient project execution, but has so far only taken place to a limited extent. One reason for this is the lack of information technology support and the high manual effort involved in creating digital models. The aim of the project is therefore to support logistics planning and control on the construction site by means of digital methods, taking into account project-specific constraints. This can provide novel tools for construction site organization to ensure more efficient and high-quality construction of the facility on site. Existing models based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) are to be prepared in such a way that they can be used for planning logistical processes. The task of the BIMLog project was to extend the BIM models with additional descriptions of logistics. In concrete terms, this means adapting the logistics models, taking into account the specific environmental conditions. The results include concepts that enable the formal definition of product-specific logistics requirements based on project-specific boundary conditions. In addition, methods are presented which enable a semi-automatic generation of logistics models for the analysis and planning of construction site logistics. Furthermore, visualization and adaptation concepts are described in order to be able to use and control the model on the construction site. The developed methodologies were evaluated on the basis of a demonstrator and subsequently discussed with the project monitoring committee. The innovation lies in digital project and product-specific logistics models for plant construction, which SMEs can use to strengthen their competitiveness through high quality, more efficient processes and the best possible cooperation between all players on the construction site. The realized goal of this project was to develop a digital logistics model for plant construction in order to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs in this field. To this end, the challenges in logistics in plant construction were first identified and analyzed. Based on this analysis, concepts and methods were then developed to address these challenges. Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of digital technologies in order to increase the efficiency of logistics processes. The concepts and methods developed were finally evaluated using a demonstrator and subsequently discussed with the project advisory committee.

Targets

• Coordination of the mutually influencing logistics and assembly processes on the construction site by means of digital methods, taking into account project-specific boundary conditions
• Provision of tools for efficient handling, thereby ensuring efficient and high-quality construction of the plant on site, including by third parties
• Preparation of bills of materials, schedules and assembly plans to support the partner companies in the coordination and implementation of assembly and logistics processes on the construction site in accordance with the project-specific framework conditions
• Digital planning and control of construction site logistics in large-scale plant construction using Building Information Modeling (BIM) for the effective execution of processes on the construction site nationwide

Work packages

• Requirements analysis for digital logistics planning and control
• Formalization of individual logistics and assembly processes
• Linking concept of logistics information and plant model
• Concept for semi-automatic generation of the logistics mode
• Using the logistics model for control
• Software engineering implementation using a demonstrator
• Evaluation based on case studies

Idea sketch