Combining multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods with building information modelling (BIM): A review

Integrating building information to support decision-making has been a key challenge in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The synergy of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is expected to improve information integration and decision-making. The aim of this paper is to identify strategies to improve the synergy between MCDM and BIM. From the earliest literature (2009) to the present, this study examines 45 articles combining MCDM with BIM. We find that the five major application domains are sustainability, retrofit, supplier selection, safety, and constructability. Five established strategies for improving the synergy between MCDM and BIM were discussed and can be used as a benchmark for evaluating the application of decision techniques in practice. This study points out gaps of combining MCDM and BIM in the current literature. It also sheds new light into combining MCDM with BIM for practitioners, as to promote integrated decision-making.

Automated summary

The study analyzes 45 articles to identify the major application domains of the synergy between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), which are sustainability, retrofit, supplier selection, safety, and constructability. Five strategies for improving the synergy between MCDM and BIM are discussed as benchmarks for evaluating the application of decision techniques in practice. This study points out gaps in combining MCDM and BIM in current literature and provides new insights for practitioners in promoting integrated decision-making.