ArcSPAT: An Integrated BIM-GIS Model for Site Layout Planning

Abstract

Site layout planning (SLP) is an essential step for having a productive, efficient and safe construction environment. A well-planned construction site helps in increasing the productivity and safety of the construction operations and in reducing the overall cost and duration of the project. The main purpose of SLP is to manage the available spaces on the construction site and to select the most appropriate location for the temporary facilities (TF) needed to complete the project by taking into consideration all the existing constraints between the different TFs and their relationships to the permanent facilities (PFs). Due to its complexity and the wide range of factors and variables included in the site layout planning process, the models discussed in the literature vary in their scope, objectives, and approaches to providing a solution for site layout planning, which decreases the opportunities for studies to build upon each other towards achieving a versatile model to tackle a variety of issues associated with SLP. In general, despite the vast contributions to the site layout planning field of the models found in the literature, there is still room for improvement by fulfilling some neglected requirements and including some functions that are useful in any site layout planning model, which the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Geographic Information System (GIS) can provide. This thesis presents a methodology for developing a model for site layout planning based on the integration of BIM with GIS in an attempt to develop a versatile and flexible solution (model) to help professionals during the SLP process. This model will support the decisions of planners during the SLP process and allow them to apply their knowledge in planning and designing, in an efficient and timely manner, a construction site that is safer, more efficient and keeps potential conflicts to a minimum. The research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review, collecting all the necessary data related to SLP, PF and TF, model development and implementation. The presented model is designed in a modular format and consists of six modules, 1) a 3D modeling module; 2) a route planning and hauling (RPH) module; 3) an execution schedule time entry (ESTE) module that facilitates the daunting and time-consuming process of creating a 4D model; 4) a 4D modeling module that simulates the progress of construction and helps in placing TFs on the right locations on site; 5) a temporary facilities library (TFL) module, which is developed to facilitate selecting TFs, modeling and placing TFs onsite, and planning the construction site; and 6) a rule-based dynamic conflict detection (DCD) module that detects conflicts and clashes in 2D and 3D and then notifies users about the detected conflicts through various feedback including visual, textual, and tabular, all in one data-rich environment. Also, the presented model will provide users with spatio-temporal analysis and data management capabilities. The successful implementation of this methodology contributes in developing a versatile and flexible SLP model that will provide users with the essential requirements and functions they need for SLP, which can be enhanced and extended to include more modules and functions through further research in this area.