Research On BIM Modeling Method For Curtain Wall Based On Level Of Development (LOD)

Curtain walls are extensively used in the construction industry today for the fa?ade of buildings,especially high-rise buildings.Even though it is widely used,the curtain wall technology is not yet fully developed.The Architecture,Engineering and Construction(AEC)industry is still facing lots of problems with the design,manufacturing,and construction of the curtain wall.Building Information Modeling(BIM)is one technology that will ensure rapid growth and development of the curtain wall technology.With BIM,rapid modeling and early clash detection and solution can be achieved;also,early collaboration using virtual information models among all actors in a building project can reduce risks,construction timelines,and overall project costs.The introduction of Level of Development(LOD)in BIM can further enhance the development of curtain wall.With the idea that model elements develop at different rates during the design process,LOD can describe the relative development of individual curtain wall components as they go from conception to realization.The goal of this study is to present a BIM modeling method for curtain wall based on Level of Development.This research has three objectives.First,to model and define curtain wall by BIM LODs(LOD 100 to LOD 500)-define the extent to which model elements of the curtain wall system develop from conception,through to fabrication,installation,and to as-built or maintenance.Second,to present the quantity takeoff requirements for different LODs,and perform the generation of quantity takeoffs for curtain wall at different LODs.Lastly,to present the rules and processes for quickly optimizing the shape of a curtain wall,which is important for early decision making.This research was conducted through literature review,lab simulation using BIM software,and case study.Literature review was first done to gather and present relevant information relating to the research topic,followed by the lab simulation.The lab simulation-modeling,optimization,and quantity takeoff of the curtain wall-was performed using the BIM software Gehry Technologies Digital Project.The research was then concluded with a case study to validate the modeling method.