Despite the apparent simplicity of existing BIM-LCA tools, there is a lack of integration with the main BIM software, and the double-effort of design development and parallel simulations is a barrier to their implementation in the design process. Moreover, simplifications on these tools may provide misleading results to the designer. The main aim of this research is to develop an integration interface of manufacturer-based LCA data into a BIM platform by combining applications of existing and consolidated tools (namely, Autodesk Revit and Dynamo, and Microsoft Excel), in order to obtain environmental profiles for decision-making in the initial design stages, requiring less time, effort and ad hoc experts. The methodological procedures were aggregated into the following system development and testing phases: (a) input data organization, (b) creating new parameters on BIM software, (c) visual programming, (d) results analysis for decision-making and (e) simulation of social housing. The results of the developed tool provided complete results automatically, not requiring the designer to make changes in the software or interfaces. Some limitations were identified during development and application, due to the lack of LCA data availability by manufacturers, the complexity of data programming importation and extraction on BIM software for different construction subsystems, and the complexity of LCA results analysis and understanding encountered by non-experts. Regarding the latter, the research concluded that broad knowledge dissemination is still necessary to improve awareness regarding this environmental assessment methodology, in addition to determining the most advantageous environmental performance parameters, as a reference point for comparison.

Reactive maintenance (RM) is a core service of the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase, the most prolonged and costly within the building lifecycle. RM is characterised by inefficient asset information and communication management, impacting critical FM problems and users’ experience. Building information modelling (BIM) and Internet of things (IoT) has enabled the development of digital twins, moving facilities management (FM) from a reactive approach towards a predictive one. Although previous studies have investigated the application of such technologies to FM, there is a lack of understanding on procedural issues related to its implementation in FM and RM. This research aimed to characterise strategies and decisions involved in prototyping a BIM and IoT-based smart-lighting maintenance system and identify its potential impacts on universities’ maintenance processes. The adopted research strategy and data collection methods involved prototyping, questionnaires, and interviews. The results show a high level of complexity in converging maintenance needs and technological abilities for FM and the importance of procedures and standards at organisational and industry levels. Moreover, it evidenced that the automation of functions and the centralisation of information enabled by BIM and IoT can optimise service provision, generate environmental and efficiency gains, and improve users’ safety and satisfaction.

The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry requires multidisciplinary teams equipped with new technical and managerial skills. Professionals that are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the BIM design process face difficulties in transposing complex concepts into BIM modelling and coordination practices, despite governments, industry bodies, and academia's efforts. With this issue in mind, this article's objective is to present the teaching-learning strategies and tools adopted in a practical case of modelling an existing building on a BIM platform. In terms of method, a phenomenological approach has been taken to report on an exploratory didactic experience. The Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) was used to assess learning based on the authors’ perceptions. The research has been structured into the following five stages: Literature Review; Analysis of Brazilian and International BIM Standards and Guides; Didactic exercise; Experience Assessment; and Conclusions. The results reveal aspects of BIM processes that can be widely investigated in an academic environment, such as the BIM design and coordination process model, which can be explored as a tool in the BIM teaching-learning process. Also, difficulties related to teaching BIM management processes were identified, thus calling for different didactic approaches. The contributions made by the research come from reporting and analysing the process of learning complex BIM content from the perspective of inexperienced professionals. The work also contributes to the field through the BIM learning assessment proposal and the BIM process model resulted from the authors’ practical experience.

This article presents the development of an Augmented Reality (AR) application to assist in the assembly of a precast wood-frame wall, based on the BIM model of the wall execution sequence. The research study used the Design Science Research approach and its aim was to develop an AR application named "montAR" (version 2.0). This application offers a tutorial that combines a wall model visualized in AR in actual scale, followed by an audio with step-by-step instructions of the assembly process. Its applicability was simulated in a laboratory with the participation of volunteers (architecture and engineering students). Two visualization gadgets were used and compared: smartphones and smart glasses. The potentialities and difficulties of the use of the AR system were assessed through a questionnaire answered by the participants and through direct observation and result analysis by the researchers. The results demonstrated the potential of using AR for precast wall assembly. From a technological innovation perspective, this study emphasizes the potential use of AR as a technology suitable for training and for construction quality control.