Integration between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Energy Performance Modeling to Analyze the Effects of Building Shape and Orientation on Energy Consumption

ABSTRACT: Beneficial influences of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and energy performance modeling in construction projects have been separately recognized and proved. Furthermore, modern methods of construction necessitate a concurrent approach to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of decision making procedure in very beginning of design stage. Hence, integration between BIM tools and energy simulation software can result in a significant saving in energy and cost. Due to the fact that many attempts have been made to develop sustainable and cost-effective design, analyzing and optimizing shape factor and building orientation as two highly effective design parameters can contribute to addressing such issues. These two factors are feasible and inexpensive to be considered in early design phase when there are lots of alternatives to choose. In this research the considerable impacts of orientation and shape factor on thermal load were elucidated and demonstrated through the integration of BIM and energy analysis tool. During the investigation the appropriate orientation of implementing construction in Cyprus was obtained. Also the optimal proportion of wall area in north-south to east-west was determined. Keywords: Building Information Modeling (BIM); Thermal Modeling; Building Shape; Orientation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………