BIM in construction waste management: A conceptual model based on the industry foundation classes standard

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents an innovation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In the environmental context, the management of buildings through BIM contributes to preserving resources and promoting more sustainable environments. This research explores the application of BIM in construction and demolition waste (CDW) management and the sustainability of buildings. The method consisted of applying Design Science Research (DSR) to develop a conceptual information model based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) to meet CDW indicators and to assist in the CDW management activity. The conceptual model presented a perspective on application in CDW management and emphasized the importance of mapping information exchanges in BIM to optimize activities in civil construction. However, the results depend directly on the information available in the IFC model. The proposed conceptual model presents the potential to automate waste management with the flexibility of applying it to different phases of the construction life cycle. The results of CDW management can contribute to other types of sustainability analyses.