Intelligent BIM-based construction scheduling using discrete event simulation

In the last years simulation approaches are increasingly used to support construction scheduling. For that purpose, different kinds of planning data have to be analyzed and integrated to perform realistic and suitable simulation, like building information models, bill of quantities, framework schedules, delivery dates, or available resources. However, a major challenge remains: the efficient specification of realistic and valid interdependencies between construction activities. This specification process is error-prone and often small variations of the input data lead to extensive modifications. This paper presents an intelligent concept to store interdependencies between activities in order to reuse them for handling modifications and different alternatives. Furthermore, the correctness of the interdependencies can be checked and visually highlighted. Finally, a realistic case study is presented to show the advantages of the approach. The approach was developed within the MEFISTO project, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.