The integration between the building information modeling (BIM) methodology and the building energy simulation (BES) can contribute to a thermo-energetic analysis since the model generated and fed into BIM is exported to simulation software. This integration, also called interoperability, is satisfactory when the information flow is carried out without the loss of essential information. Several studies point out interoperability flaws between the methodologies; however, most of them occur in low-geometry-complexity models during quantitative experiments. The purpose of this research was to analyze the BIM/BES integration based on a quantitative and interpretative interoperability analysis of two buildings with complex geometries located on the UFU Campus (library and Building 5T) in Uberlândia, Brazil. To accomplish this, two geometries of each building were modeled, detailed, and simplified to analyze the data import, workflow, and model correction in the BES software. In the case of the library, the integration of Revit with DesignBuilder and IES-VE was analyzed, and in Block 5T, Revit was used with DesignBuilder and eQUEST. The BES software that presented the best integration with Revit for complex geometries was DesignBuilder, with the best performance being in the interpretative criteria. It was concluded that the simplification of complex geometries is essential for better data transfers. To determine the BES software that has better integration with BIM, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary, considering not only data transfers but also ease of working within BES software, the possibility of corrections in these, as well as the availability of tutorials and developer support.

Opaque ventilated facades have as it main advantage reduce cooling thermal loads, thus reducing the energy consumed by artificial systems. This paper presents the method used by Maciel and Carvalho (2019) [1], that investigated the energy benefit of opaque ventilated façades compared to cladding façades in multi-floor residential buildings in Brazil. The authors divided the methodology in four parts: ensure the gap of investigation through a systematic mapping of literature (SML), verify the best software´s BIM and BES, in terms of interoperability, performed several simulations during a hole year for 09 different climate regions, and validated the collected data with a statistic tool. In the SML few studies were found on the topic discussed, and only two performed comparisons between different climates, both used computer simulation. The bibliographic revision about interoperability showed that the most comprehensive BES software´s to use with a BIM model were IES-VE and GBS, being chosen the GBS. All configuration to the simulation were made following instructions of international regulations. The collected data was validated by Tukey test. Although the steps of the methodology were not original, the authors certified along the process that the choices made were the most efficient and valid ones.

Containers are fundamental elements for the development of international trade; however, it is estimated that there are more than 17 million retired containers stacked in ports around the world. Considering the high costs involved in the process of storing, transporting, or destroying these materials, in addition to their non-degradable nature, it is urgent to develop strategies for the sustainable use of these decommissioned containers. In this context, repurposing these containers into permanent structures is becoming a predominant trend. One solution is converting steel shipping structures into habitable spaces. However, due to the urgency with which Container Houses (CHs) are demanded in case of disasters, they are usually planned to be built as quickly as possible, serving as many people as possible, and do not consider the basic principles of energy efficiency. The performance of the CHs is, then, impaired, including risks of overheating, corrosion, and rust, among others, during service, making them an even more stressful experience for their users who are already in a vulnerable situation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the performance of two thermal insulators applied to a temporary shelter container designed to promptly serve vulnerable populations. The model was developed in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and simulated in Building Energy Simulation (BES) software, aiming to obtain subsidies for its technical and economic viability analysis. The results indicated that thermal insulators are able to generate significant savings in energy consumption, with mineral wool presenting better long-term performance.

A compatibilização de projetos objetiva encontrar e corrigir as incompatibilidades entre as diferentes disciplinas de projeto de um empreendimento, e é tida como uma etapa de grande relevância para o processo construtivo das edificações. Atualmente, na Indústria da Arquitetura, Engenharia e Construção Civil (AEC), a compatibilização ainda é realizada predominantemente da maneira convencional: sobreposição de plantas baixas em sistemas CAD 2D. A metodologia BIM (Building Information Modeling - Modelagem da Informação da Construção) apresenta solução mais viável e produtiva para projetistas e coordenadores de projetos. Este artigo teve como objetivo comparar duas metodologias, e para isso, foi utilizado o método de pesquisa comparativo, onde a detecção de incompatibilidades foi realizada no método convencional em CAD 2D, por meio de checagem de interferência em aplicativo de modelagem BIM (Revit®) e compatibilização em aplicativo de coordenação de projetos BIM (Navisworks®), em uma edificação residencial multifamiliar. Com os resultados constatou-se vantagens no uso de aplicativos específicos de coordenação de projetos, como o Navisworks® para o processo de compatibilização, além de significativo acréscimo da detecção de interferências utilizando a tecnologia BIM em relação ao método convencional em 2D.

Objective: This study proposes a BIM/BES interoperability test through a case study involving Revit® and three BES software programs: DesignBuilder®, IES-VE®, and e-Quest®. Theoretical Framework: For thermo-energy analyses, a recognized combination is the BIM (Building Information Modeling) / BES (Building Energy Simulation) pair. This requires data transfer from one software to another. To export the virtual model, it is necessary to generate the energy analytical model in BIM and use transfer protocols for BES software. Various studies have indicated failures in this process. Method: A case study was used to analyze the interoperability between the software programs, through a 58m² single-family residence. The geometric model was created with its dimensions and layers, input data such as location, thermal properties of materials, and usage data, generating the energy analytical model and exporting it to each BES software. Interoperability was tested based on data transfer analysis, establishing seven criteria. Results and Discussion: The results indicated failures in interoperability, as none of the software programs exported all the criteria correctly. The BES software with the best results was IES-VE®, with 70.90% of the criteria exported, followed by e-Quest® (65.45%) and DesignBuilder® (45.45%). Research Implications: The results of this study demonstrate that interoperability challenges limit the potential of the BIM/BES pair. Originality/Value: Despite studies on this topic, interoperability challenges remain, representing a gap to be filled.