A metamodel for building information modeling-building energy modeling integration in early design stage

Full interoperability between BIM and energy simulation tools has not yet been achieved. Performance prediction metamodels can help to overcome this issue and serve as an investigation tool in the early design stage. This paper describes the development and validation of a tool to integrate building information models (BIMs) and a previously developed metamodel to predict the thermal load of dwellings through gbXML. The results obtained show the feasibility of developing the proposed tool. However, inconsistencies between gbXML files from different BIM authoring tools were observed. There was a need for manual adjustments to the building information models before export to gbXML. This finding reinforces the need for the standardized implementation of exportation tools for open interoperability formats by software manufacturers. It also indicates the possibility for the future use of this tool to support the Brazilian energy labeling certification process and assist building designers in the early design stage.

Automated summary

This study describes the development and validation of a tool that integrates BIM and metamodels to predict thermal load of dwellings through gbXML, showing its feasibility. However, inconsistencies in gbXML files from different BIM authoring tools were observed, requiring manual adjustments. This highlights the importance of standardized exportation tools for open interoperability formats by software manufacturers.