Framework for integration of BIM and RFID in steel construction

The construction industry faces the challenge of synthesizing information and deriving insight from massive, dynamic, ambiguous and possibly conflicting digital data. A variety of data models and algorithms have been proposed and implemented to examine data, acquire information, and derive understanding from the information. Those models, systems, and implementations usually focus on one or several aspects of the design, procurement, construction, and maintenance phases of a project. Construction professionals often face situations where they have to select or combine the best options to improve the accuracy and certainty of the decision-making process. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a combination of all the project data, displayed in a designed systematic model. Examples of those systems include interactive design systems, decision support systems, expert systems, knowledge-based systems, virtual reality and 3D simulations. There are high requirements to the steel iron worker personal skills for steel connections, which limits the innovation of steel erection methods and management. Project manager needs to make decisions on the arrangement of subcontractor work sequences, project control, safety, and quality. The focus of this research is to investigate and develop the framework of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and BIM for the decision-making process in steel construction. It aims to maximize functions software and hardware and to improve compatibility of those software and database used in construction projects by using BIM/RFID system. In this research, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and RFID deal with structural steel fabrication and erection to develop a portable RFID database which can assist steel fabrication and erection efficiency and accuracy. RFID and BIM integration with Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) make a framework for helping users in making decisions when dealing with numerous fabrication and erection job conditions. The significance of the proposal framework is in helping user to select a optimal plan for fabrication, delivery and erection; enabling data stakeholders to detect the expected information and discover the unexpected situations in massive data sets; developing a BIM zoning plan for jobsite safety control; and describing a RFID and GPS future position system.