In the architecture, engineering and construction industry, site management during construction is a key phase. Scheduling activities and monitoring their progress allow any deviations from the schedule to be identified so that timely action can be taken. Until now, the monitoring phase has mainly been characterised by inspections in which the construction site manager manually collects data and produces a summary report. This proves to be a time-consuming process and is prone to errors. The authors propose an innovative construction progress monitoring method that combines BIM-based construction scheduling (4D BIM) with periodic geometric surveying using an indoor mobile mapping system (iMMS). Ten surveys were carried out on a real case study, producing point clouds to be compared with the 4D BIM, thereby comparing the as-built with the as-planned. The comparison was carried out using Sitemotion exploiting a custom class, the work breakdown structure (WBS), added to the BIM to associate each element with its scheduled construction date. The results show how the proposed method can effectively support the evaluation of construction progress, allowing the monitoring to be performed digitally and linked to the BIM. The paper details the proposed methodology, highlighting the problems encountered and suggesting adjustments for future implementation.
In the last two years, the world has been overwhelmed by SARS-CoV-2. One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of the virus is the control of indoor conditions: from surface hygiene to ventilation. Regarding the indoor environments, monitoring the presence of the virus in the indoor air seems to be promising, since there is strong evidence that airborne transmission through infected droplets and aerosols is its dominant transmission route. So far, few studies report the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air; moreover, the lack of a standard guideline for air monitoring reduces the uniformity of the results and their usefulness in the management of the risk of virus transmission. In this work, starting from a critical analysis of the existing standards and guidelines for indoor air quality, we define a strategy to set-up indoor air sampling plans for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy is then tested through a case study conducted in two kindergartens in the metropolitan city of Milan, in Italy, involving a total of 290 children and 47 teachers from 19 classrooms. The results proved its completeness, effectiveness, and suitability as a key tool in the airborne SARS-CoV-2 infection risk management process. Future research directions are then identified and discussed.
1 March 2023 in Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Smart Infrastructure and Construction
The Covid-19 pandemic influenced the way that buildings are used and experienced. In particular, educational facilities were among the most affected by the pandemic in terms of use processes. This paper presents a methodology developed to reorganise spaces in a school building, a real case study, to allow safe reopening. Social distancing and availability of learning spaces were taken into account to simulate the use of the educational facility according to the emergency protocols. Based on a digital survey of the existing building, a building information model was generated and used as a basis for spatial analysis and crowd and agent-based simulations. Additionally, interactive games and training videos were developed as communication tools to inform end users about the new rules to be respected inside the building. The digital approach adopted for the analysis of use processes as well as for communicating the results to the end users allowed them to experience the school fruition processes within a virtual environment before the school reopening. Future works could deal with the application of the same methodology in other schools, as well as in different contexts, going beyond the specificity of the pandemic emergency, and for other types of buildings.
The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in public design processes enhances efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. However, public agencies often encounter significant barriers, particularly regarding organisational and managerial readiness. This study develops a BIM implementation framework tailored to the specific needs of an Italian public agency. The research adopts a qualitative approach, combining 15 semi-structured interviews with process mapping Using (Business Process Modeling Notation) BPMN. The current as-is workflows were analysed and validated by internal stakeholders. Based on this analysis, strategic objectives were defined, relevant (Building Information Modelling) BIM uses were selected, and revised to-be processes were proposed, integrating new roles and responsibilities according to the standards. The framework addresses both technical and organisational dimensions of BIM adoption, highlighting the need for training, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The main outcomes include a structured process model, a priority-based selection of BIM uses, and a role matrix supporting organisational transformation. The added value for researchers lies in the replicable methodology that combines empirical process mapping with implementation planning. For practitioners, especially consultants in sustainable design, the study offers a practical roadmap for aligning BIM adoption with project goals, regulatory compliance, and environmental performance targets in complex public sector contexts.