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BIM-Based Method for the Verification of Building Code Compliance

BIM-Based Method for the Verification of Building Code Compliance Article BIM-Based Method for the Verification of Building Code Compliance 1 , 2 , 3 2 , 3 Fernanda Schmitd Villaschi *, José Pedro Carvalho and Luís Bragança FSV Projetos, Vila Velha 291010-010, Brazil Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; jpcarvalho@civil.uminho.pt (J.P.C.); braganca@civil.uminho.pt (L.B.) Civil Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal * Correspondence: fsvprojetos@gmail.com; Tel.: +55-27-99299-2400 Abstract: Urban planning is a valuable tool for growth control and city development, both to maintain the local urban identity and provide life quality for inhabitants. To regulate it, local governments have defined standards for a proper city’s growth through municipal and detailed urban plans. Such instruments identify a set of rules which constructions and buildings must fulfil for a careful and smooth integration within the urban areas. New projects are required to comply with such rules, and designers must adapt and guarantee that their projects fulfil all the local urban requirements. However, the verification process of construction projects is still a manual procedure and often a time-consuming process, with high possibilities for inaccurate measures. Thus, this paper aims to streamline the verification procedure of construction projects’ code compliance to enhance project design efficiency and save designers time. To do so, the Building Information Modelling (BIM) method will be used through the Dynamo programming software. By creating a Dynamo routine to check the building code and urban plan compliance from Brazilian municipalities, specific BIM models will be automatically analysed to detect and evaluate if it is according to local urban legislation. Results have provided a real-time decision support tool, where designers can assess if their buildings are complying with local urban codes at any time of the design stage, making it easy to innovate and integrate Citation: Villaschi, F.S.; Carvalho, J.P.; innovative design options, as well as to precisely communicate their buildings’ code compliance. Bragança, L. BIM-Based Method for Such a method can also support municipality authorities to verify project compliance, reducing the Verification of Building Code assessment and calculation errors, as well as the required time and bureaucracy for project appraisal. Compliance. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/ Keywords: BIM; rule automation; parametric design; design process; urban design; urban indexes asi5040064 Academic Editor: Evangelos Bellos Received: 29 April 2022 1. Introduction Accepted: 28 June 2022 Published: 30 June 2022 Building design and construction processes are usually oriented by several regulations and guidelines. The requirements for those regulations are constantly evolving and include Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral a set of data that must be analysed to verify construction compliance. Automated design with regard to jurisdictional claims in review or automated code checking is a process or system that evaluates the design based published maps and institutional affil- on its objects, attributes and relationships without modifying the design itself [1]. The topic iations. has been addressed since the 1960s, following the introduction of mandatory regulations in the building industry and is becoming increasingly important with the emergence of BIM [2,3]. Without system automation, compliance checking is usually manually conducted Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. by designers and local authorities, which is still the case in many locations. As the com- Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. plexity of the designs increases [2], as well as the number of complex building codes for This article is an open access article distinct types of constructions [4], manual compliance analyses are very time-consuming distributed under the terms and and require a deep knowledge of the building, often leading to many assessing and/or conditions of the Creative Commons calculation errors [5,6]. Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// BIM can be defined as “a digital representation of a building, an object-oriented 3D model creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ or repository of project information to facilitate interoperability and exchange of information with 4.0/). Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/asi5040064 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/asi Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 18 BIM can be defined as “a digital representation of a building, an object-oriented 3D model Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 2 of 17 or repository of project information to facilitate interoperability and exchange of information with related software applications” [6]. Moreover, BIM is a working methodology that allows managing all the project design and data in a virtual environment during the project life related software applications” [6]. Moreover, BIM is a working methodology that allows cycle [7]. It creates the opportunity to virtually construct and simulate the building per- managing all the project design and data in a virtual environment during the project formance before the construction itself [8]. Some of the main benefits include constant life cycle [7]. It creates the opportunity to virtually construct and simulate the building communication among stakeholders, early detection of errors and incompatibilities, sup- performance before the construction itself [8]. Some of the main benefits include con- porting decision-making and optimising costs and time [9–12]. Inherent to this methodol- stant communication among stakeholders, early detection of errors and incompatibilities, ogy is the development and characterisation of a virtual model—the BIM model—which supporting decision-making and optimising costs and time [9–12]. Inherent to this method- is created with object-oriented parametric modelling and is characterised by the level of ology is the development and characterisation of a virtual model—the BIM model—which development (LOD). The LOD ranges from 100 to 500 and it describes the model content is created with object-oriented parametric modelling and is characterised by the level of and reliability [2]. development (LOD). The LOD ranges from 100 to 500 and it describes the model content With the emergence of BIM, novel approaches have been developed for automated and reliability [2]. code checking, creating better and more comprehensive procedures. Usually, automated With the emergence of BIM, novel approaches have been developed for automated code checking follows 4 different tasks [13]: code checking, creating better and more comprehensive procedures. Usually, automated 1. Rule interpretation—Interpretation of the requirements and translation to computer- code checking follows 4 different tasks [13]: processable rules. 1. Rule interpretation—Interpretation of the requirements and translation to computer- 2. Building model preparation—Creation and characterisation of a digital BIM model. processable rules. 3. Rule execution—Execution of the established rules, usually using text format coding 2. Building model preparation—Creation and characterisation of a digital BIM model. (Python or C#) or visual programming language (VPL) through Dynamo or Grass- 3. Rule execution—Execution of the established rules, usually using text format coding hopper. (Python or C#) or visual programming language (VPL) through Dynamo or Grasshopper. 4. Rule check report—Final result with building evaluation. 4. Rule check report—Final result with building evaluation. Following the successful results from this approach [14,15], this procedure was also Following the successful results from this approach [14,15], this procedure was also adopted to conduct this research. For rule encoding, VPL was used through Dynamo soft- adopted to conduct this research. For rule encoding, VPL was used through Dynamo ware, as it is more transparent and easier to understand, especially for architecture engi- software, as it is more transparent and easier to understand, especially for architecture neering and construction stakeholders, which usually have limited knowledge of infor- engineering and construction stakeholders, which usually have limited knowledge of mation technologies. information technologies. Legislation Legislation Usually Usually, bu , buildings ildings mus mustt comply comply with with several several rrules ules d defined efined i in n t the he lo local cal urb urban an master master plans, plans, local local constr construction uction codes codes and/or and/or ac accessibility cessibility standar standards, ds, depending depending on on the the building building type, use and location. Such rules, exemplified in Figure 1 for the Brazilian case [16], are type, use and location. Such rules, exemplified in Figure 1 for the Brazilian case [16], are later analysed and verified by city halls, which certifies whether the building can be built later analysed and verified by city halls, which certifies whether the building can be built in that location, with its specified characteristics and with the purpose it was designed for. in that location, with its specified characteristics and with the purpose it was designed for. If not, local authorities are demanded to send back the project, requiring the fulfilment of If not, local authorities are demanded to send back the project, requiring the fulfilment of all local regulations. all local regulations. Figure 1. Brazilian legislation. Figure 1. Brazilian legislation. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 3 of 17 In Brazil, the urban master plan is the basic instrument for the urban development and expansion policy. It comprises a set of guiding principles and rules for architects and engineers to plan quality and comfortable construction for citizens. Adopting the Brazilian specific case, the master plan establishes several zones to impose different urban indexes for an orderly use of that territory, according to the con- struction site location and building use. These zones are studied, evaluated and changed according to the city’s expansion and use. After identifying which land zone is the building in, it is required to analyse which kinds of buildings and characteristics are allowed for the referred region. Master plans define both the building types and uses (such as commercial, institutional, residential and mixed, among others) for each identified zone. Depending on the building use, the master plans also identify a set of specific urban indexes that must be followed to guarantee safe and comfortable constructions. These indexes are usually defined by national and local governments and are mandatory for any project approval. Urban indexes are composed of different rules to aid and regulate constructions, both to provide a better quality of life for its inhabitants, as well as to ensure a correct framing of buildings with their surroundings. According to the basis for the Brazilian master plans, the following indexes must be addressed for all the municipalities: Utilisation coefficient: represents the relationship between the built-up area and the site area. It indicates the maximum amount of gross square metres that can be built. Occupancy rate: is the percentage of the site that can be occupied by any kind of construction, including the building’s projection. Permeable rate: corresponds to the construction site permeable area percentage, to ensure proper and natural soil permeability. This permeable area must ensure the water reaches the groundwater table without any barrier during its path. Number of levels: maximum number of useful levels that the building can have in a specific location. Maximum height: represent the maximum limit for the building height. It is calculated through the relation of the distance between the street level and the highest point of the building. Building offset distances are also mandatory and are often seen as setbacks for the building implementation: Front offset: represents the maximum distance between the building’s front façade and its parallel street. Back offset: represents the maximum distance between the building’s back façade and its parallel street. Lateral offset: represents the maximum distance between the building’s lateral façades and its parallel streets. Together with the city zoning, urban master plans also contain the building code, which defines rules to organise the internal spaces of cities and the requirements for building habitability. These rules are valid for both new and existing buildings and aim to provide a healthy room environment for users. Some of the most commonly established requirements are: Minimum window area: minimum window area to ensure proper lighting and ventilation. Minimum room area: minimum room dimensions to serve its purposes and functionality. Minimum ceiling height: minimum distance between the floor and ceiling of a room. All of the presented indexes are applied in every Brazilian city with small variations on its limits, depending on the city characteristics and building type but are always mandatory for project approval. Another set of requirements concerns the accessibility standards for Brazil, namely the NBR9050 [17], which provides criteria and parameters for installing equipment and adapting spaces to enhance users’ accessibility. To establish these criteria and technical parameters, different mobility conditions and environment perceptions are considered, including the use of assistive devices (such as prostheses), support equipment, wheelchairs, Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 4 of 17 tracking canes, assisted listening systems or anything else that may complement human individual needs. This standard aims to provide an autonomous, independent and safe use of the environment, buildings, furniture, equipment and urban elements to the greatest number of people, regardless of age, height or mobility limitation or perception. Technical service areas, or restricted areas such as engine rooms, technical passages, barrels, etc., are not required to fulfil accessibility requirements. On the other hand, multi-family residential buildings, condominiums and townhouses are required to have accessible common spaces, according to the NBR9050. Accessible autonomous units must be located on accessible routes. As an example, one of the criteria which defines room accessibility is the ramp slope, which has different requirements for pedestrians and vehicles. To verify the compliance of all these requirements, there is a set of procedures to approve the building project. Given the number of criteria and the increased complexity of building design, these requirements usually take a significant amount of time to be assessed, as well as require multi-disciplinary knowledge about the building. Designers must guarantee that their projects fulfil all the requirements prior to submission, and city halls must verify project compliance to issue building permits. These similar tasks are usually associated with a manual calculation procedure, requiring extra time both during the design and approval stages, to verify the same indexes. The problem gets more notorious when concerning complex and large projects, where the indexes assessment takes a significant amount of time, causing several delays during the project life cycle. To overcome such an issue, the opportunity arises for process automation, both for designers and city hall experts. The automatic calculation of urban indexes can significantly reduce the required assessment process time, as well as avoid duplicate work, bureaucracy and human errors in assessing data and performing calculations. Moreover, a real-time assessment could also support decision-making during the design stage for faster achievement of an optimal building design. This need for automation allied with the recent city hall demand for innovative systems to reduce the bureaucracy of construction processes [18], such as the integration of BIM in the submission process, highlights the potential contributions of a BIM-based automated code compliance analysis. Therefore, the research question of this study regards the development of an innovative BIM-based method to automate code compliance assessment of Brazilian buildings’ virtual models. Such a method will minimise time and avoid errors when assessing a building project’s compliance with local and national regulations, as well as support the project design process. The Brazilian context will be considered, and a routine will be created in Dynamo to gather and process building data from BIM models for real-time automatic verification of building code and urban indexes compliance for different Brazilian cities. 2. Materials and Methods To reach the intended research goals, the specific case of Brazil’s master plans and two different municipal regulations will be considered—Vila Velha and Florianópolis. Currently, the Brazilian submission process of building projects is analysed, verified and approved by each city hall. Projects must be submitted in a digital format, avoiding the need to be handled by different instances, but the project verification procedure is still a manual process. Each municipality analyst or expert must manually verify each project item according to the current legislation, spending a significant amount of time, delaying the licensing procedure and creating room for calculation and misunderstanding errors. Together with the need to provide a real-time decision tool for designers, this research aims to develop an automated assessment methodology to verify the master plan and building code compliance of building projects, through the use of BIM models. 2.1. Methodology To accomplish the research objectives, an automated routine will be developed and ap- plied to two different building case studies. The methodology is divided into five different stages, as presented in Figure 2. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 18 2.1. Methodology To accomplish the research objectives, an automated routine will be developed and Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 5 of 17 applied to two different building case studies. The methodology is divided into five dif- ferent stages, as presented in Figure 2. Figure 2. Research methodology. Figure 2. Research methodology. The The first firststage stage will will consi consst ist in in collecting collecting and and identifying identifying all all the the applicab applicabl lee legislation legislation for for buildings, buildings, both both in inV V ila ilaV V elha elha and and Florian Florianó ópolis, polisBrazil. , Brazil. This This will willbe be made madeby byconsult consult ing ing the city hall’s regulations to further understand the municipal master plan requirements for the city hall’s regulations to further understand the municipal master plan requirements the for t case he c studie ase studi s building es build types ing type and s a locations. nd locations Then, . Th ae lln, the all collected the collected data d will ata be will car be efully care- or fu ganised lly organise and d a analysed nd analyse to clearly d to cl identify early identify and and assess ass mandatory ess mand rat ules. ory rules. During the following stage—rule design—the identified requirements from the previ- During the following stage—rule design—the identified requirements from the pre- ous stage will be theoretically designed to match the software code, as they are originally vious stage will be theoretically designed to match the software code, as they are origi- produced in human language format and must be interpreted and translated for software nally produced in human language format and must be interpreted and translated for codification, in order to create a more conducive format for rule checking [19]. software codification, in order to create a more conducive format for rule checking [19]. The next step will be the building model’s creation. To do so, the BIM platform The next step will be the building model’s creation. To do so, the BIM platform Au- Autodesk Revit will be used to model and characterise the case studies. This authoring todesk Revit will be used to model and characterise the case studies. This authoring plat- platform was chosen as it is the most used among researchers in the field [20,21]. It also form was chosen as it is the most used among researchers in the field [20,21]. It also offers offers the possibility to develop personal interfaces through Dynamo, which is the purpose the possibility to develop personal interfaces through Dynamo, which is the purpose of of this study. The adopted case studies are presented in the following section. To conduct this study. The adopted case studies are presented in the following section. To conduct the modelling, an Autodesk Revit template was used, containing predefined schedules the modelling, an Autodesk Revit template was used, containing predefined schedules of of room-type keys, windows and rooms, as well as settings and parameters to facilitate room-type keys, windows and rooms, as well as settings and parameters to facilitate usa- usability. Such definitions allow for a faster data collection from Dynamo, in order to bility. Such definitions allow for a faster data collection from Dynamo, in order to quickly quickly proceed with the analysis. proceed with the analysis. With the BIM model created, the Dynamo routine will be properly developed both to With the BIM model created, the Dynamo routine will be properly developed both gather the required data from the models, as well as to perform the analysis calculations. to gather the required data from the models, as well as to perform the analysis calcula- Then, the results for each index will be faced with the master plan and local requirements tions. Then, the results for each index will be faced with the master plan and local require- to check if the building is complying with local standards and if a construction license can ments to check if the building is complying with local standards and if a construction be issued. license can be issued. Finally, the Dynamo routine will be performed to assess understudy indexes and a Finally, the Dynamo routine will be performed to assess understudy indexes and a compliance report will be produced, indicating which indexes are being properly complied compliance report will be produced, indicating which indexes are being properly com- with and if the project can be approved or not. plied with and if the project can be approved or not. 2.2. Case Studies 2.2. Case Studies To prove the concept and apply the developed method, two different case studies To prove the concept and apply the developed method, two different case studies have been selected in two different Brazilian locations. The aim is to prove the method’s have been selected in two different Brazilian locations. The aim is to prove the method’s applicability and functionality for different building types with distinct local requirements. Thus, the first case study (Figure 3) consists of a one-level single-family residential building (SF building) located in Vila Velha, Brazil. It has some of the most representative characteristics of Brazilian houses—a detached single-family house, with a colonial ceramic tile roof and ceramic brick masonry walls. The house has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry, Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 6 of 17 dining room, living room, balcony and garage (each compartment area is described in Figure 3). The construction is located on a plan site of 280.00 m and has a gross construction 2 2 2 area of 72.23 m , a permeable area of 141.27 m and a projection area of 100.99 m . The distances between the building and its limits are also presented in Figure 3, where it is possible to identify the 8.00 m front offset, the 3.35 m back offset and the lateral offset, which ranges between 2.80 m and 2.85 m. Concerning the ceiling interior height, it ranges between 240.00 cm and 270.00 cm for interior areas, while the garage has a height of 300.00 cm. The total building height is 4.05 m, while the total window area is 9.12 m , corresponding to Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18 12.63% of the floor area. To access the building, there are two different ramps—one for vehicles (garage) and another for pedestrians—with 1.39% and 8.33% respectively. Figure 3. Single-family case study floor plan (in metres). Figure 3. Single-family case study floor plan (in metres). For For this approv project al, thi to s pro be appr ject must oved com by the plyV wit ilah a Velha ll Florianó city hall, plisit bu must ilding comp code lyan with d mas- the norms ter plan and stand rules ards defined for thin is b V ui ila ldin Velha’s g typMunicipal ology—mu Master lti-fami Plan, ly refor siden this tial building building typ —ology— and lo- single-family residential buildings—and location—Priority Occupation Zone 03 (one of the cation—AMC 12.5 Zone (central mixed area). city preferential zones for residential occupation). The second case study (Figure 4), is a multi-family residential building (MF building) with 7 levels, located in Florianópolis, Brazil. The building is inserted in an 800.00 m Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 7 of 17 2 2 site and has a total gross construction area of 1732.56 m , a permeable area of 334.99 m and a projection area of 303.50 m . The building is intended for residential use and has a service area on the 7th floor, as well as an entrance and common areas on the ground floor. The building has also a basement for garage purposes, which is accessible through a vehicle ramp with a 15.00% slope. The building has a total of 10 dwellings and a total height of 20.30 m. Regarding the building implementation, it has a 4.12 m front offset, a 7.18 m back offset and a lateral offset ranging between 3.80 m and 5.15 m. Each residential level is composed of two dwellings, as presented in Figure 4, with approximately 122.76 m of floor area each. Each apartment is divided into several rooms: two bathrooms, three bedrooms, a kitchen, hall, laundry, living room and a balcony. The room’s interior height Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW  9  of  19  is 270.00 cm for every dwelling, which has a window area of 14.76 m , corresponding to 12.02% of the floor area. Figure 4. Multi‐family case study.  Figure 4. Multi-family case study. 3. Results  For approval, this project must comply with all Florianóplis building code and mas- ter plan standards for this building typology—multi-family residential building—and Following the adopted methodology, the first step was the legislation data collection  location—AMC from the munici12.5 palitZone ies. By (central  consulting mixed  thear urb ea). an master plan, the requirements presented  in Table 1 were identified for residential buildings located in the Priority Occupation Zone  03 (Vila Velha) and located in the AMC 12.5 zone (Florianópolis).  Table 1. Vila Velha and Florianópolis master plan requirements.  Requirements  Vila Velha  Florianópolis  Maximum utilisation coefficient  3.50  4.80  Minimum front offset  3.00 m  4.00 m  Minimum back offset  3.00 m  1.50 m  Minimum lateral offset  1.50 m  1.50 m  Maximum number of levels  15 floors  10 floors  Maximum building height  47.00 m  45.00 m  Maximum occupancy rate  60.00%  50.00%  Permeable rate  Min. 15.00%  Max. 70.00%  Maximum slope for a pedestrian ramp  8.33%  8.33%    Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 8 of 17 3. Results Following the adopted methodology, the first step was the legislation data collection from the municipalities. By consulting the urban master plan, the requirements presented in Table 1 were identified for residential buildings located in the Priority Occupation Zone 03 (Vila Velha) and located in the AMC 12.5 zone (Florianópolis). Table 1. Vila Velha and Florianópolis master plan requirements. Requirements Vila Velha Florianópolis Maximum utilisation coefficient 3.50 4.80 Minimum front offset 3.00 m 4.00 m Minimum back offset 3.00 m 1.50 m Minimum lateral offset 1.50 m 1.50 m Maximum number of levels 15 floors 10 floors Maximum building height 47.00 m 45.00 m Maximum occupancy rate 60.00% 50.00% Permeable rate Min. 15.00% Max. 70.00% Maximum slope for a pedestrian ramp 8.33% 8.33% Maximum slope for a vehicle ramp 20.00% 20.00% When analysing the remaining local standards, namely the building code of each mu- nicipality, there are other indexes and rules that the building must comply with: minimum ceiling height; minimum compartment area; minimum window area for ventilation and lighting. These minimum limits are the same for both municipalities and are defined in each building code [22,23], respectively, for the different compartment types, according to Table 2. The local regulation defines both the minimum area and ceiling height for different compartments, while the minimum window area depends on the compartment floor area. For this specific case, the building code limits are the same for both locations. Table 2. Building code minimum requirements in Vila Velha and Florianópolis. Minimum Service Social Hall Living Room Kitchen Pantry Laundry Garage Requirements Bathroom Bathroom Area (m ) 1.00 1.60 2.50 10.00 4.50 1.60 1.60 10.35 Window area - 1/8 1/8 1/6 1/8 1/10 1/10 1/20 Ceiling height (cm) 230.00 230.00 230.00 260.00 230.00 260.00 230.00 230.00 During the modelling stage, there are a set of guidelines that must be followed to ensure Dynamo routine functionality: A personalised template should be used, which already contains the required building code parameters that must be analysed. Rooms must be created and characterised for every building compartment. Walls must be segmented in every intersection, as the routine will specifically assess the building rooms and identify the associated elements. Roofs must be modelled under the “Roof” category, as the building height will be evaluated through the highest point of the roof. Users cannot model elements using the “model in place tool”, as the Dynamo routine will not consider the created categories. The user must identify the site area, the construction area and the permeable area using the “area plan” function under the Autodesk Revit Architecture tab. The personalised template was created to automate the aggregation and collection of the required building data for the local code analysis. By organising the information through means of tables, the template provides all the input data for the Dynamo routine. For each room/compartment, it is identified whether the room should have a window, the minimum area for each type of room, the minimum window area for an adequate natural Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 9 of 17 lighting and ventilation and the minimum ceiling height (considering the height from the floor finishing to the room’s ceiling). This process was automated within the Autodesk Revit template, following the procedure presented in Figure 5. The model rooms are turned into a list, which has sub-lists of information for each room, including the required data for Ap App pl. l. Sy Syst. st. IInnov nnov.. 2022 2022,, 5 5, , x FO x FOR P R PEE EER R R REVIE EVIEW W 10 10 of of 18 18 the analysis. These data are then used to verify if a specific room is complying with the understudy rules by facing its characteristics with the building code standards. Figure Figure 5. 5. Roo Room m dat data a inform informati ation fl on flow ow.. Figure 5. Room data information flow. To allow the building code compliance analysis, the template quickly generates a T To o allow allow the the building building code code compliance compliance analysis, analysis, the the template template quickly quickly generates generates a a schedu schedule le o of f window windows s an and d room rooms s (F (Figur igures es 6 6 and and 7) 7), , which which w will ill be be used used in in the the Dynamo Dynamo schedule of windows and rooms (Figures 6 and 7), which will be used in the Dynamo routine r routine outine to tto ocompar co comp mpar ar e e e with w wiitth the h th th building e e bu buil ild ding ing code c code ode minimum min minimu imu requir m m re re ements. quireme quireme W nts nts ithin .. W Wthese iitthin hin two th these ese sched- ttwo wo ules, all the information for the building code analysis is listed, including the dimensions schedu schedules, les, all all tthe he in informa formattiion on for for tthe he bu buiildi ldin ng g co code de an anal aly ysis sis is is list liste ed d, , incl includi udin ng g tth he e d dimen- imen- and quantity of windows, the room’s area and ceiling height. si sions ons a and nd qu quan anttiitty o y of f w wind indows, ows, tthe roo he room’ m’s a s are rea a and c and ceiling h eiling heig eigh ht. t. Figure Figure Figure 6. 6. 6. SF bu SF SF bu building il ildi ding ng win window windo dow w and and and room r room oom s schedule. sched chedule ule.. Figure 7. MF building window and room schedule. Figure 7. MF building window and room schedule. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18 Figure 5. Room data information flow. To allow the building code compliance analysis, the template quickly generates a schedule of windows and rooms (Figures 6 and 7), which will be used in the Dynamo routine to compare with the building code minimum requirements. Within these two schedules, all the information for the building code analysis is listed, including the dimen- sions and quantity of windows, the room’s area and ceiling height. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 10 of 17 Figure 6. SF building window and room schedule. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 18 Figure Figure 7. 7. MF MF b building uilding wind window ow and and r room oom schedule. schedule. The template was previously characterised by the local building code minimum re- The template was previously characterised by the local building code minimum quirements for each type of compartment (based on Table 2), which were organised into requirements for each type of compartment (based on Table 2), which were organised into a a schedule schedule (Figur (Figure e s 8). 8). The TheDynamo Dynamo routine routine will will later later use usethe ther re equir quir ements ementsfr from om Figur Figure e 8 8 to to compar compare e with with the the BIM BIM model model characteristics characteristics (based (based on on Figur Figure ess 66 and and 77). ). The The rresult esultss certify if the BIM model is complying with local building code regulations. If the BIM certify if the BIM model is complying with local building code regulations. If the BIM model model is is not notappr approv oved, ed, it iindicates t indicatewhich s whicrh ule ruis le not is no bei t ng being fulfiled. fulfiled Whenever . Whenev aer room a room is not is rnot re equired qui to refi d llto any fill of any these of these re requirements, quiremen thets, “Key the “K Name” ey Name must ” be mus settled t be se as ttled “Undefined”. as “Unde- Additionally, if a compartment is not required to have windows, the user can unselect it fined”. Additionally, if a compartment is not required to have windows, the user can un- and exclude it from the analysis. Note that the designer must prepare the project and name select it and exclude it from the analysis. Note that the designer must prepare the project each project compartment according to the names defined in the local building code (and and name each project compartment according to the names defined in the local building in the Autodesk Revit template). code (and in the Autodesk Revit template). Figure 8. Building code requirements per compartment for Vila Velha and Florianópolis. Figure 8. Building code requirements per compartment for Vila Velha and Florianópolis. After the model characterisation and schedules organisation, the Dynamo routine was After the model characterisation and schedules organisation, the Dynamo routine accordingly developed and it is presented in Appendix A, Figure A1. Overall, it captures the was accordingly developed and it is presented in Appendix A, Figure A1. Overall, it cap- information from the BIM model and performs an automated action to validate the model tures the information from the BIM model and performs an automated action to validate according to the master plan indexes requirements. In addition, it uses the information the model according to the master plan indexes requirements. In addition, it uses the in- from the template schedules to verify the model’s compliance with the municipalities formation from the template schedules to verify the model’s compliance with the munic- building code. The routine brings results in a few seconds, and it is divided into lines, each ipalities building code. The routine brings results in a few seconds, and it is divided into one corresponding to one requirement: lines, each one corresponding to one requirement: Number of levels: the first line of the routine concerns the analysis of the maximum Number of levels: the first line of the routine concerns the analysis of the maximum number of levels for the building. As stated earlier, for a residential building located in the number of levels for the building. As stated earlier, for a residential building located in Priority Occupation Zone 03, the maximum number of levels is 15 and for AMC 12.5 Zone, the Priority Occupation Zone 03, the maximum number of levels is 15 and for AMC 12.5 the maximum number of levels is 10. This value is introduced as input for Dynamo to start Zone, the maximum number of levels is 10. This value is introduced as input for Dynamo the routine and then faced with the building number of levels (1 level for the SF building to start the routine and then faced with the building number of levels (1 level for the SF and 7 levels for the MF building), which was automatically collected from the model by building and 7 levels for the MF building), which was automatically collected from the Dynamo, bringing a positive result for this index. model by Dynamo, bringing a positive result for this index. Maximum height: the second flow line regards the analysis of the maximum building Maximum height: the second flow line regards the analysis of the maximum building height. As in the previous requirement, the maximum height (47.00 m for Vila Velha and height. As in the previous requirement, the maximum height (47.00 m for Vila Velha and 45.00 m for Florianópolis) serves as an input for the Dynamo routine. Then, Dynamo will 45.00 m for Florianópolis) serves as an input for the Dynamo routine. Then, Dynamo will automatically identify the highest point of the building roof elements, and measure the automatically identify the highest point of the building roof elements, and measure the distance to the site level, performing the comparison between the master plan requirements distance to the site level, performing the comparison between the master plan require- and the building height. Once again, both case studies have been approved for this index ments and the building height. Once again, both case studies have been approved for this (SF building 4.05 m; MF building 20.30 m). index (SF building 4.05 m; MF building 20.30 m). Utilisation coefficient, occupancy rate and permeable rate: the following stage from the Dynamo routine (third and fourth lines), assesses all the site-related indexes, namely the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable area. As referred to ear- lier, users must define the site boundaries, the construction area and the permeable area. This is a mandatory step, as the Dynamo routine will use such information to perform the required calculations to assess all the site-related indexes. Note that a conversion node was introduced in the Dynamo routine to isolate the area values, as the input for Dynamo had both the area name, value and units (e.g., “Building area: 141.21 m ” was converted to “141.21”). The calculation formulas were introduced in Dynamo and automatically per- formed to check the building’s compliance with the master plan requirements. Results Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 11 of 17 Utilisation coefficient, occupancy rate and permeable rate: the following stage from the Dynamo routine (third and fourth lines), assesses all the site-related indexes, namely the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable area. As referred to earlier, users must define the site boundaries, the construction area and the permeable area. This is a mandatory step, as the Dynamo routine will use such information to perform the required calculations to assess all the site-related indexes. Note that a conversion node was introduced in the Dynamo routine to isolate the area values, as the input for Dynamo had both the area name, value and units (e.g., “Building area: 141.21 m ” was converted to “141.21”). The calculation formulas were introduced in Dynamo and automatically performed to check the building’s compliance with the master plan requirements. Results have shown positive feedback for both case studies. The SF building construction site presented a utilisation coefficient of 0.26 (less than the mandatory 3.50), an occupancy rate of 36.07% (less than 60.00%) and a permeable rate of 50.45% (over the minimum limit of 15.00%). The MF building construction site has also been approved with a utilisation coefficient of 2.16 (less than 4.80), an occupancy rate of 37.93% (less than 50.00%) and a permeable rate of 41.87% (less than 70.00%). Front, back and lateral offset: the fifth line of the Dynamo routine concerns the building offset from the site boundaries. With a similar process to the previous indexes, the minimum requirements were given to start the Dynamo routine (Vila Velha’s master plan—3.00 m for the front offset, 3.35 m for the back offset and 2.85 m for the lateral offset; Florianopólis master plan—4.00 m for the front offset, 1.50 m for the back offset and lateral offset). Then, the Dynamo routine was adapted to collect the distance between the building façades with the site boundary (defined by the user) and face them with the regulation limits. As presented in Figures 3 and 4, both case studies have been approved for these indexes, as they present the minimum required distances to their boundaries. Slope of ramps: the last index from the municipalities master plans regards the slope of existing ramps, both for pedestrians and vehicles. This analysis is made in the routine sixth line, to check if the model ramps comply with the accessibility requirements. Under the Ramps category within Autodesk Revit, the user must fill the “slope” shared parameter in a percentage value, which later will be faced with the established maximum limits through Dynamo. This shared parameter was created in the Autodesk Revit template to facilitate data collection from Dynamo. Once again, both models have been approved for this index. The SF building exterior vehicle ramp (1.39%) and pedestrians’ ramp (8.33%) have acceptable slopes, lower than the national limits of 20.00% and 8.33%, respectively. The MF building has also been successfully approved, as the existing vehicle ramp has a 15.00% slope (less than the 20.00% limit). Minimum window area, room area and ceiling height: the last line from the Dynamo routine concerns the building code analysis, namely the minimum window area, room area and ceiling height. This analysis is made by comparing the schedules created by the used template (Figures 6 and 7), with the local minimum requirements of the building code, presented in Figure 8. To perform the analysis, the Dynamo routine checks if the room must be analysed for all the criteria, according to the user selection. Then, Dynamo gets the information of each building room to identify the dimensions and quantity of windows and to find the total window area of each room. The same process is made for the remaining criteria, by identifying the area of each room, as well as the respective ceiling height. Finally, the building results are faced with the building code requirements to check if the building can be approved or not for construction. For the specific SF building case study, all the criteria were accomplished with an exception for the minimum window area, which was not reached in some of the building rooms—the laundry does not have windows, while the minimum requirement is to have at least 0.10 m of windows. The MF building case study has been approved for all the indexes. Note that the Dynamo routine associates the room names with the “key names” of Figure 8, so the user must name rooms accordingly. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 12 of 17 The routine output consists of a compliance result, stating if the building can be approved by the city hall, showing which parameters have not been approved according to the considered regulations. Figure 9 presents the final Dynamo node—compliance report— where the SF building case study has failed in complying with all the applicable regulations, namely the building code requirements (red circles). As one of the research goals was also to provide a decision support tool for designers, it was necessary to present the result for each index and criteria in an isolated manner. The “code block” node presents six outputs Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18 (green circle), each one corresponding to the analysed indexes, as presented earlier in this section—number of levels; maximum height; utilisation coefficient, occupancy rate and permeable rate; front, back and lateral offset; slope of ramps; minimum window area, room area and ceiling height. A “watch” node can be introduced in each output to quickly each output to quickly identify the analysis results for each index. This way, designers can identify the analysis results for each index. This way, designers can quickly understand where the building design is failing and take action to improve it. quickly understand where the building design is failing and take action to improve it. Figure Figure 9. 9. SF SF bu building ildi analysis ng analys result. is result. However, some of the compliance report outputs aggregate the results from several However, some of the compliance report outputs aggregate the results from several indexes, namely: indexes, namely: Output 3 aggregates the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable rate. Output 4 aggregates the front, the back and the lateral offsets. • Output 3 aggregates the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable Output 6 aggregates the minimum window area, the minimum room area and the rate. minimum ceiling height. • Output 4 aggregates the front, the back and the lateral offsets. Whenever these outputs provide a negative result and the user needs to identify which • Output 6 aggregates the minimum window area, the minimum room area and the criteria are not being approved, he must check the routine lines individually. For example, minimum ceiling height. the SF building case study has failed in output 6, which concerns the building code criteria. To identify which specific criterion was not complying, the user must check the respective Whenever these outputs provide a negative result and the user needs to identify routine line, as presented in Figure 10. Thus, it was possible to identify that the minimum which criteria are not being approved, he must check the routine lines individually. For window area criterion was not being complied with for one of the building rooms—the example, the SF building case study has failed in output 6, which concerns the building laundry (red circle). code criteria. To identify which specific criterion was not complying, the user must check the respective routine line, as presented in Figure 10. Thus, it was possible to identify that the minimum window area criterion was not being complied with for one of the building rooms—the laundry (red circle). Figure 10. Individual output analysis (SF building). Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18 each output to quickly identify the analysis results for each index. This way, designers can quickly understand where the building design is failing and take action to improve it. Figure 9. SF building analysis result. However, some of the compliance report outputs aggregate the results from several indexes, namely: • Output 3 aggregates the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable rate. • Output 4 aggregates the front, the back and the lateral offsets. • Output 6 aggregates the minimum window area, the minimum room area and the minimum ceiling height. Whenever these outputs provide a negative result and the user needs to identify which criteria are not being approved, he must check the routine lines individually. For example, the SF building case study has failed in output 6, which concerns the building code criteria. To identify which specific criterion was not complying, the user must check the respective routine line, as presented in Figure 10. Thus, it was possible to identify that Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 13 of 17 the minimum window area criterion was not being complied with for one of the building rooms—the laundry (red circle). Figure 10. Individual output analysis (SF building). Figure 10. Individual output analysis (SF building). 4. Discussion Using the BIM models created in Autodesk Revit, together with a personal template and the routine developed in Dynamo, it was possible to analyse and automate the verifi- cation of urban indexes compliance for different case studies in Brazil. The execution of the automated routine was significantly faster than the typical analysis process and has provided reliable results. Using the traditional index evaluation method, human errors were usual both in assessing building data and when performing the index calculations. Such issues were common among designers, which were required to guarantee the building compliance before project submission, but also for municipality evaluators, which must verify all the rules and indexes compliance (double work). Besides the considerable time re- quired, such errors could also contribute to delaying all the process, creating a less efficient working method. The main advantages of the automated routine concern the precision, quickness and reliability of the results, leading to faster and more efficient analysis, both for designers and municipalities. Moreover, such a routine can also significantly support designers’ decisions when creating innovative design options, as they can have real-time information about the project design compliance. The case study results have proved the method’s applicability in different buildings and regions of Brazil. Both models have been successfully assessed. The SF building has not been approved to issue a building permit, as it failed in complying with the mini- mum window area requirements. Understanding this constraint during the project’s early stages can support designers in selecting new solutions to comply with local and national regulations, with low efforts and costs. Verifying such issues near to project submission (traditional practice) would eventually lead to major changes in project design—updating architectural and engineering project documentation, client approval and material selec- tion, among others—which entails higher costs and considerable time. The MF building has been quickly assessed and approved, only by updating the inputs for the Dynamo routine—Florianopólis index limits—as presented in Figure 11. The automated analysis has provided real-time compliance results, allowing to optimise resources and efforts and improve project efficiency. City hall experts would also have similar benefits, as well as reduced bureaucracy and faster project appraisal. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 18 4. Discussion Using the BIM models created in Autodesk Revit, together with a personal template and the routine developed in Dynamo, it was possible to analyse and automate the veri- fication of urban indexes compliance for different case studies in Brazil. The execution of the automated routine was significantly faster than the typical analysis process and has provided reliable results. Using the traditional index evaluation method, human errors were usual both in assessing building data and when performing the index calculations. Such issues were common among designers, which were required to guarantee the build- ing compliance before project submission, but also for municipality evaluators, which must verify all the rules and indexes compliance (double work). Besides the considerable time required, such errors could also contribute to delaying all the process, creating a less efficient working method. The main advantages of the automated routine concern the pre- cision, quickness and reliability of the results, leading to faster and more efficient analysis, both for designers and municipalities. Moreover, such a routine can also significantly sup- port designers’ decisions when creating innovative design options, as they can have real- time information about the project design compliance. The case study results have proved the method’s applicability in different buildings and regions of Brazil. Both models have been successfully assessed. The SF building has not been approved to issue a building permit, as it failed in complying with the minimum window area requirements. Understanding this constraint during the project’s early stages can support designers in selecting new solutions to comply with local and national regulations, with low efforts and costs. Verifying such issues near to project submission (traditional practice) would eventually lead to major changes in project design—updating architectural and engineering project documentation, client approval and material selec- tion, among others—which entails higher costs and considerable time. The MF building has been quickly assessed and approved, only by updating the inputs for the Dynamo routine—Florianopólis index limits—as presented in Figure 11. The automated analysis has provided real-time compliance results, allowing to optimise resources and efforts and Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 14 of 17 improve project efficiency. City hall experts would also have similar benefits, as well as reduced bureaucracy and faster project appraisal. Figure 11. Input/output in Dynamo Player. Figure 11. Input/output in Dynamo Player. The case studies have also demonstrated that the workflow created with Autodesk The case studies have also demonstrated that the workflow created with Autodesk Revit and Dynamo must follow specific modelling rules, for a proper data collection from Revit and Dynamo must follow specific modelling rules, for a proper data collection from the BIM model. If the modelling stage does not follow such guidelines, specific errors may occur during the analysis. As an example, if the building roof is modelled under the “Floor” category, the Dynamo routine will not be able to assess the maximum building height index, as it considers the highest point of slabs modelled under the “Roof” category. Similar problems may happen if walls are not divided in their intersections, making unfeasible the identification of which walls are associated with each building room. In addition to the modelling guidelines, a personal template is also required, which has been characterised by a set of shared parameters and predefined schedules for facilitating and fostering data collection. The use of such a template is mandatory for the analysis, as the Dynamo routine specific uses the schedule data to perform the calculations. The template can be easily used and replicated, only by updating the building code indexes (Dynamo inputs), according to the project type and location. The template use can be avoided by creating a second Dynamo routine, which would perform the same actions, but would also create the need to run such a routine before the modelling stage. Moreover, the use of the applied method will always require the creation of a BIM model, which is mandatory for the designer assessment, as well as for the city hall evaluator. Another key factor for the Dynamo routine functionality is the use of Autodesk Revit 2022 (or a more recent version) in English, and a Dynamo 2.10 version (or higher). This limitation appears because each year the software has new updates that can compromise the created routine, so it must be carefully reviewed at each update, preventing it from not working. However, it is expected that the routine will work properly in more recent versions, as only basic nodes were used. When concerning the Dynamo routine limitations, two major factors stand out: The need to check the routine lines for assessing which index is not being complied—as stated earlier, some indexes are assessed together (output 3, 4 and 6 from Figure 9). If some of these indexes are not being approved, the user must carefully check the routine lines to assess which one is not complying with the local standards. To overcome such an issue, the Dynamo routine should be extended and isolate all the index assessments. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 15 of 17 Note that this procedure will slow down the assessment, as the routine should be completed and will have a set of new coding lines to process. The compliance report presentation—up to date, the analysis detailed result must be assessed directly in Dynamo, requiring the need to open the routine to assess results. There is no need to perform any action in the routine but for unfamiliar users, it may take a while to understand Dynamo logic, hindering its potential use. Nevertheless, the global compliance result (output of Figure 11) may be seen directly in Dynamo Player without any effort. To match this need, a node from “datashapes” [23] can be used, which allows presenting a given result or information directly in the Autodesk Revit environment, only by running the routine with Dynamo Player. Such nodes can present both the individual result of each index and the building’s final evaluation. Following these considerations and the case study results, the method’s functionality and replicability have been proven for Brazilian locations and buildings. For further use in other Brazilian cities, the user must only introduce the local master plan indexes to start the Dynamo routine (Figure 11 inputs), according to the building type and location. For residential building purposes, the Autodesk Revit template containing the local building code requirements can be directly used, as limits will be kept constant (only for Brazilian residential buildings). For other building types, the template limits must be updated directly in Autodesk Revit with the new requirements (if needed). The replication for other countries can face an additional constraint, as indexes and requirements may be different. Nevertheless, the methodology concept and Dynamo routine can be easily adapted, only by updating the indexes or adding new ones directly into the routine. Data collection, processing and presentation will remain identical, as well as the whole methodology concept. 5. Conclusions In this study, the workflow and the creation of automated routines using Autodesk Revit and Dynamo software were evaluated, exploring its potential to support designers in assessing their project’s compliance with local and national regulations. With this method, a novel procedure was established for automatic verification of the Brazilian master plan and building code indexes. It provides real-time outputs during the project’s early stages, allowing design innovation and project changes with few resources. To demonstrate the concept, two case studies were evaluated and it was proven that the use of BIM provides the required resources for a faster and more reliable data collection and analysis. Speed, consistency and efficiency in assessing building compliance were demonstrated. It has provided important data for decision-making during the design phase, but also for municipalities to quickly assess the building’s compliance with the local regulations and reduce process bureaucracy. It was observed that Autodesk Revit has the potential to store the required multi- disciplinary information for the project evaluation, while Dynamo has the capacity to gather such data and perform the required calculations. Moreover, every BIM model characteristic can be assessed and processed by Dynamo, allowing for the creation of different types of quantitative and/or qualitative assessment routines. Despite the existence of some limitations, the method has proved to be quite reliable, offering a couple of options to overcome them. Overall, it has been concluded that the use of this software has the potential to become an essential tool both for the dissemination of BIM, as well as for the compliance assessment automation. It can significantly support design, as well as reduce the administrative processes and time of getting construction permits. Finally, it is noteworthy that the applied methodology can be directly replicated for other Brazilian buildings and locations, as well as for other countries by performing punctual adaptations to meet the standards of each location. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 16 of 17 Author Contributions: Conceptualisation, F.S.V. and J.P.C.; methodology, F.S.V.; software, F.S.V.; validation, J.P.C., F.S.V. and L.B.; formal analysis, F.S.V. and J.P.C.; investigation, J.P.C. and F.S.V.; writing—original draft preparation, F.S.V. and J.P.C.; writing—review and editing, F.S.V., J.P.C. and L.B.; visualisation, J.P.C.; supervision, L.B.; funding acquisition, J.P.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, through the Regional Operation Programme of North (Grant number SFRH/BD/145735/2019). Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Data Availability Statement: Data is contained within the article. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Abbreviations AMC “Área Mista Central”, Central Mixed Area BIM Building Information Modelling LOD Level of Development MF building Multi-Family Residential Building Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 18 SF building Single-Family Residential Building VPL Visual Programming Language Appendix A Appendix A Figure A1. Dynamo routine. Figure A1. Dynamo routine. References 1. Miettinen, R.; Paavola, S. Beyond the BIM utopia: Approaches to the development and implementation of building information modeling. Autom. Constr. 2014, 43, 84–91. 2. AIA. AIA Document G202-2013. 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BIM-Based Method for the Verification of Building Code Compliance

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Abstract

Article BIM-Based Method for the Verification of Building Code Compliance 1 , 2 , 3 2 , 3 Fernanda Schmitd Villaschi *, José Pedro Carvalho and Luís Bragança FSV Projetos, Vila Velha 291010-010, Brazil Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal; jpcarvalho@civil.uminho.pt (J.P.C.); braganca@civil.uminho.pt (L.B.) Civil Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal * Correspondence: fsvprojetos@gmail.com; Tel.: +55-27-99299-2400 Abstract: Urban planning is a valuable tool for growth control and city development, both to maintain the local urban identity and provide life quality for inhabitants. To regulate it, local governments have defined standards for a proper city’s growth through municipal and detailed urban plans. Such instruments identify a set of rules which constructions and buildings must fulfil for a careful and smooth integration within the urban areas. New projects are required to comply with such rules, and designers must adapt and guarantee that their projects fulfil all the local urban requirements. However, the verification process of construction projects is still a manual procedure and often a time-consuming process, with high possibilities for inaccurate measures. Thus, this paper aims to streamline the verification procedure of construction projects’ code compliance to enhance project design efficiency and save designers time. To do so, the Building Information Modelling (BIM) method will be used through the Dynamo programming software. By creating a Dynamo routine to check the building code and urban plan compliance from Brazilian municipalities, specific BIM models will be automatically analysed to detect and evaluate if it is according to local urban legislation. Results have provided a real-time decision support tool, where designers can assess if their buildings are complying with local urban codes at any time of the design stage, making it easy to innovate and integrate Citation: Villaschi, F.S.; Carvalho, J.P.; innovative design options, as well as to precisely communicate their buildings’ code compliance. Bragança, L. BIM-Based Method for Such a method can also support municipality authorities to verify project compliance, reducing the Verification of Building Code assessment and calculation errors, as well as the required time and bureaucracy for project appraisal. Compliance. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/ Keywords: BIM; rule automation; parametric design; design process; urban design; urban indexes asi5040064 Academic Editor: Evangelos Bellos Received: 29 April 2022 1. Introduction Accepted: 28 June 2022 Published: 30 June 2022 Building design and construction processes are usually oriented by several regulations and guidelines. The requirements for those regulations are constantly evolving and include Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral a set of data that must be analysed to verify construction compliance. Automated design with regard to jurisdictional claims in review or automated code checking is a process or system that evaluates the design based published maps and institutional affil- on its objects, attributes and relationships without modifying the design itself [1]. The topic iations. has been addressed since the 1960s, following the introduction of mandatory regulations in the building industry and is becoming increasingly important with the emergence of BIM [2,3]. Without system automation, compliance checking is usually manually conducted Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. by designers and local authorities, which is still the case in many locations. As the com- Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. plexity of the designs increases [2], as well as the number of complex building codes for This article is an open access article distinct types of constructions [4], manual compliance analyses are very time-consuming distributed under the terms and and require a deep knowledge of the building, often leading to many assessing and/or conditions of the Creative Commons calculation errors [5,6]. Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// BIM can be defined as “a digital representation of a building, an object-oriented 3D model creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ or repository of project information to facilitate interoperability and exchange of information with 4.0/). Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/asi5040064 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/asi Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 18 BIM can be defined as “a digital representation of a building, an object-oriented 3D model Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 2 of 17 or repository of project information to facilitate interoperability and exchange of information with related software applications” [6]. Moreover, BIM is a working methodology that allows managing all the project design and data in a virtual environment during the project life related software applications” [6]. Moreover, BIM is a working methodology that allows cycle [7]. It creates the opportunity to virtually construct and simulate the building per- managing all the project design and data in a virtual environment during the project formance before the construction itself [8]. Some of the main benefits include constant life cycle [7]. It creates the opportunity to virtually construct and simulate the building communication among stakeholders, early detection of errors and incompatibilities, sup- performance before the construction itself [8]. Some of the main benefits include con- porting decision-making and optimising costs and time [9–12]. Inherent to this methodol- stant communication among stakeholders, early detection of errors and incompatibilities, ogy is the development and characterisation of a virtual model—the BIM model—which supporting decision-making and optimising costs and time [9–12]. Inherent to this method- is created with object-oriented parametric modelling and is characterised by the level of ology is the development and characterisation of a virtual model—the BIM model—which development (LOD). The LOD ranges from 100 to 500 and it describes the model content is created with object-oriented parametric modelling and is characterised by the level of and reliability [2]. development (LOD). The LOD ranges from 100 to 500 and it describes the model content With the emergence of BIM, novel approaches have been developed for automated and reliability [2]. code checking, creating better and more comprehensive procedures. Usually, automated With the emergence of BIM, novel approaches have been developed for automated code checking follows 4 different tasks [13]: code checking, creating better and more comprehensive procedures. Usually, automated 1. Rule interpretation—Interpretation of the requirements and translation to computer- code checking follows 4 different tasks [13]: processable rules. 1. Rule interpretation—Interpretation of the requirements and translation to computer- 2. Building model preparation—Creation and characterisation of a digital BIM model. processable rules. 3. Rule execution—Execution of the established rules, usually using text format coding 2. Building model preparation—Creation and characterisation of a digital BIM model. (Python or C#) or visual programming language (VPL) through Dynamo or Grass- 3. Rule execution—Execution of the established rules, usually using text format coding hopper. (Python or C#) or visual programming language (VPL) through Dynamo or Grasshopper. 4. Rule check report—Final result with building evaluation. 4. Rule check report—Final result with building evaluation. Following the successful results from this approach [14,15], this procedure was also Following the successful results from this approach [14,15], this procedure was also adopted to conduct this research. For rule encoding, VPL was used through Dynamo soft- adopted to conduct this research. For rule encoding, VPL was used through Dynamo ware, as it is more transparent and easier to understand, especially for architecture engi- software, as it is more transparent and easier to understand, especially for architecture neering and construction stakeholders, which usually have limited knowledge of infor- engineering and construction stakeholders, which usually have limited knowledge of mation technologies. information technologies. Legislation Legislation Usually Usually, bu , buildings ildings mus mustt comply comply with with several several rrules ules d defined efined i in n t the he lo local cal urb urban an master master plans, plans, local local constr construction uction codes codes and/or and/or ac accessibility cessibility standar standards, ds, depending depending on on the the building building type, use and location. Such rules, exemplified in Figure 1 for the Brazilian case [16], are type, use and location. Such rules, exemplified in Figure 1 for the Brazilian case [16], are later analysed and verified by city halls, which certifies whether the building can be built later analysed and verified by city halls, which certifies whether the building can be built in that location, with its specified characteristics and with the purpose it was designed for. in that location, with its specified characteristics and with the purpose it was designed for. If not, local authorities are demanded to send back the project, requiring the fulfilment of If not, local authorities are demanded to send back the project, requiring the fulfilment of all local regulations. all local regulations. Figure 1. Brazilian legislation. Figure 1. Brazilian legislation. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 3 of 17 In Brazil, the urban master plan is the basic instrument for the urban development and expansion policy. It comprises a set of guiding principles and rules for architects and engineers to plan quality and comfortable construction for citizens. Adopting the Brazilian specific case, the master plan establishes several zones to impose different urban indexes for an orderly use of that territory, according to the con- struction site location and building use. These zones are studied, evaluated and changed according to the city’s expansion and use. After identifying which land zone is the building in, it is required to analyse which kinds of buildings and characteristics are allowed for the referred region. Master plans define both the building types and uses (such as commercial, institutional, residential and mixed, among others) for each identified zone. Depending on the building use, the master plans also identify a set of specific urban indexes that must be followed to guarantee safe and comfortable constructions. These indexes are usually defined by national and local governments and are mandatory for any project approval. Urban indexes are composed of different rules to aid and regulate constructions, both to provide a better quality of life for its inhabitants, as well as to ensure a correct framing of buildings with their surroundings. According to the basis for the Brazilian master plans, the following indexes must be addressed for all the municipalities: Utilisation coefficient: represents the relationship between the built-up area and the site area. It indicates the maximum amount of gross square metres that can be built. Occupancy rate: is the percentage of the site that can be occupied by any kind of construction, including the building’s projection. Permeable rate: corresponds to the construction site permeable area percentage, to ensure proper and natural soil permeability. This permeable area must ensure the water reaches the groundwater table without any barrier during its path. Number of levels: maximum number of useful levels that the building can have in a specific location. Maximum height: represent the maximum limit for the building height. It is calculated through the relation of the distance between the street level and the highest point of the building. Building offset distances are also mandatory and are often seen as setbacks for the building implementation: Front offset: represents the maximum distance between the building’s front façade and its parallel street. Back offset: represents the maximum distance between the building’s back façade and its parallel street. Lateral offset: represents the maximum distance between the building’s lateral façades and its parallel streets. Together with the city zoning, urban master plans also contain the building code, which defines rules to organise the internal spaces of cities and the requirements for building habitability. These rules are valid for both new and existing buildings and aim to provide a healthy room environment for users. Some of the most commonly established requirements are: Minimum window area: minimum window area to ensure proper lighting and ventilation. Minimum room area: minimum room dimensions to serve its purposes and functionality. Minimum ceiling height: minimum distance between the floor and ceiling of a room. All of the presented indexes are applied in every Brazilian city with small variations on its limits, depending on the city characteristics and building type but are always mandatory for project approval. Another set of requirements concerns the accessibility standards for Brazil, namely the NBR9050 [17], which provides criteria and parameters for installing equipment and adapting spaces to enhance users’ accessibility. To establish these criteria and technical parameters, different mobility conditions and environment perceptions are considered, including the use of assistive devices (such as prostheses), support equipment, wheelchairs, Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 4 of 17 tracking canes, assisted listening systems or anything else that may complement human individual needs. This standard aims to provide an autonomous, independent and safe use of the environment, buildings, furniture, equipment and urban elements to the greatest number of people, regardless of age, height or mobility limitation or perception. Technical service areas, or restricted areas such as engine rooms, technical passages, barrels, etc., are not required to fulfil accessibility requirements. On the other hand, multi-family residential buildings, condominiums and townhouses are required to have accessible common spaces, according to the NBR9050. Accessible autonomous units must be located on accessible routes. As an example, one of the criteria which defines room accessibility is the ramp slope, which has different requirements for pedestrians and vehicles. To verify the compliance of all these requirements, there is a set of procedures to approve the building project. Given the number of criteria and the increased complexity of building design, these requirements usually take a significant amount of time to be assessed, as well as require multi-disciplinary knowledge about the building. Designers must guarantee that their projects fulfil all the requirements prior to submission, and city halls must verify project compliance to issue building permits. These similar tasks are usually associated with a manual calculation procedure, requiring extra time both during the design and approval stages, to verify the same indexes. The problem gets more notorious when concerning complex and large projects, where the indexes assessment takes a significant amount of time, causing several delays during the project life cycle. To overcome such an issue, the opportunity arises for process automation, both for designers and city hall experts. The automatic calculation of urban indexes can significantly reduce the required assessment process time, as well as avoid duplicate work, bureaucracy and human errors in assessing data and performing calculations. Moreover, a real-time assessment could also support decision-making during the design stage for faster achievement of an optimal building design. This need for automation allied with the recent city hall demand for innovative systems to reduce the bureaucracy of construction processes [18], such as the integration of BIM in the submission process, highlights the potential contributions of a BIM-based automated code compliance analysis. Therefore, the research question of this study regards the development of an innovative BIM-based method to automate code compliance assessment of Brazilian buildings’ virtual models. Such a method will minimise time and avoid errors when assessing a building project’s compliance with local and national regulations, as well as support the project design process. The Brazilian context will be considered, and a routine will be created in Dynamo to gather and process building data from BIM models for real-time automatic verification of building code and urban indexes compliance for different Brazilian cities. 2. Materials and Methods To reach the intended research goals, the specific case of Brazil’s master plans and two different municipal regulations will be considered—Vila Velha and Florianópolis. Currently, the Brazilian submission process of building projects is analysed, verified and approved by each city hall. Projects must be submitted in a digital format, avoiding the need to be handled by different instances, but the project verification procedure is still a manual process. Each municipality analyst or expert must manually verify each project item according to the current legislation, spending a significant amount of time, delaying the licensing procedure and creating room for calculation and misunderstanding errors. Together with the need to provide a real-time decision tool for designers, this research aims to develop an automated assessment methodology to verify the master plan and building code compliance of building projects, through the use of BIM models. 2.1. Methodology To accomplish the research objectives, an automated routine will be developed and ap- plied to two different building case studies. The methodology is divided into five different stages, as presented in Figure 2. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 18 2.1. Methodology To accomplish the research objectives, an automated routine will be developed and Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 5 of 17 applied to two different building case studies. The methodology is divided into five dif- ferent stages, as presented in Figure 2. Figure 2. Research methodology. Figure 2. Research methodology. The The first firststage stage will will consi consst ist in in collecting collecting and and identifying identifying all all the the applicab applicabl lee legislation legislation for for buildings, buildings, both both in inV V ila ilaV V elha elha and and Florian Florianó ópolis, polisBrazil. , Brazil. This This will willbe be made madeby byconsult consult ing ing the city hall’s regulations to further understand the municipal master plan requirements for the city hall’s regulations to further understand the municipal master plan requirements the for t case he c studie ase studi s building es build types ing type and s a locations. nd locations Then, . Th ae lln, the all collected the collected data d will ata be will car be efully care- or fu ganised lly organise and d a analysed nd analyse to clearly d to cl identify early identify and and assess ass mandatory ess mand rat ules. ory rules. During the following stage—rule design—the identified requirements from the previ- During the following stage—rule design—the identified requirements from the pre- ous stage will be theoretically designed to match the software code, as they are originally vious stage will be theoretically designed to match the software code, as they are origi- produced in human language format and must be interpreted and translated for software nally produced in human language format and must be interpreted and translated for codification, in order to create a more conducive format for rule checking [19]. software codification, in order to create a more conducive format for rule checking [19]. The next step will be the building model’s creation. To do so, the BIM platform The next step will be the building model’s creation. To do so, the BIM platform Au- Autodesk Revit will be used to model and characterise the case studies. This authoring todesk Revit will be used to model and characterise the case studies. This authoring plat- platform was chosen as it is the most used among researchers in the field [20,21]. It also form was chosen as it is the most used among researchers in the field [20,21]. It also offers offers the possibility to develop personal interfaces through Dynamo, which is the purpose the possibility to develop personal interfaces through Dynamo, which is the purpose of of this study. The adopted case studies are presented in the following section. To conduct this study. The adopted case studies are presented in the following section. To conduct the modelling, an Autodesk Revit template was used, containing predefined schedules the modelling, an Autodesk Revit template was used, containing predefined schedules of of room-type keys, windows and rooms, as well as settings and parameters to facilitate room-type keys, windows and rooms, as well as settings and parameters to facilitate usa- usability. Such definitions allow for a faster data collection from Dynamo, in order to bility. Such definitions allow for a faster data collection from Dynamo, in order to quickly quickly proceed with the analysis. proceed with the analysis. With the BIM model created, the Dynamo routine will be properly developed both to With the BIM model created, the Dynamo routine will be properly developed both gather the required data from the models, as well as to perform the analysis calculations. to gather the required data from the models, as well as to perform the analysis calcula- Then, the results for each index will be faced with the master plan and local requirements tions. Then, the results for each index will be faced with the master plan and local require- to check if the building is complying with local standards and if a construction license can ments to check if the building is complying with local standards and if a construction be issued. license can be issued. Finally, the Dynamo routine will be performed to assess understudy indexes and a Finally, the Dynamo routine will be performed to assess understudy indexes and a compliance report will be produced, indicating which indexes are being properly complied compliance report will be produced, indicating which indexes are being properly com- with and if the project can be approved or not. plied with and if the project can be approved or not. 2.2. Case Studies 2.2. Case Studies To prove the concept and apply the developed method, two different case studies To prove the concept and apply the developed method, two different case studies have been selected in two different Brazilian locations. The aim is to prove the method’s have been selected in two different Brazilian locations. The aim is to prove the method’s applicability and functionality for different building types with distinct local requirements. Thus, the first case study (Figure 3) consists of a one-level single-family residential building (SF building) located in Vila Velha, Brazil. It has some of the most representative characteristics of Brazilian houses—a detached single-family house, with a colonial ceramic tile roof and ceramic brick masonry walls. The house has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry, Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 6 of 17 dining room, living room, balcony and garage (each compartment area is described in Figure 3). The construction is located on a plan site of 280.00 m and has a gross construction 2 2 2 area of 72.23 m , a permeable area of 141.27 m and a projection area of 100.99 m . The distances between the building and its limits are also presented in Figure 3, where it is possible to identify the 8.00 m front offset, the 3.35 m back offset and the lateral offset, which ranges between 2.80 m and 2.85 m. Concerning the ceiling interior height, it ranges between 240.00 cm and 270.00 cm for interior areas, while the garage has a height of 300.00 cm. The total building height is 4.05 m, while the total window area is 9.12 m , corresponding to Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 18 12.63% of the floor area. To access the building, there are two different ramps—one for vehicles (garage) and another for pedestrians—with 1.39% and 8.33% respectively. Figure 3. Single-family case study floor plan (in metres). Figure 3. Single-family case study floor plan (in metres). For For this approv project al, thi to s pro be appr ject must oved com by the plyV wit ilah a Velha ll Florianó city hall, plisit bu must ilding comp code lyan with d mas- the norms ter plan and stand rules ards defined for thin is b V ui ila ldin Velha’s g typMunicipal ology—mu Master lti-fami Plan, ly refor siden this tial building building typ —ology— and lo- single-family residential buildings—and location—Priority Occupation Zone 03 (one of the cation—AMC 12.5 Zone (central mixed area). city preferential zones for residential occupation). The second case study (Figure 4), is a multi-family residential building (MF building) with 7 levels, located in Florianópolis, Brazil. The building is inserted in an 800.00 m Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 7 of 17 2 2 site and has a total gross construction area of 1732.56 m , a permeable area of 334.99 m and a projection area of 303.50 m . The building is intended for residential use and has a service area on the 7th floor, as well as an entrance and common areas on the ground floor. The building has also a basement for garage purposes, which is accessible through a vehicle ramp with a 15.00% slope. The building has a total of 10 dwellings and a total height of 20.30 m. Regarding the building implementation, it has a 4.12 m front offset, a 7.18 m back offset and a lateral offset ranging between 3.80 m and 5.15 m. Each residential level is composed of two dwellings, as presented in Figure 4, with approximately 122.76 m of floor area each. Each apartment is divided into several rooms: two bathrooms, three bedrooms, a kitchen, hall, laundry, living room and a balcony. The room’s interior height Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW  9  of  19  is 270.00 cm for every dwelling, which has a window area of 14.76 m , corresponding to 12.02% of the floor area. Figure 4. Multi‐family case study.  Figure 4. Multi-family case study. 3. Results  For approval, this project must comply with all Florianóplis building code and mas- ter plan standards for this building typology—multi-family residential building—and Following the adopted methodology, the first step was the legislation data collection  location—AMC from the munici12.5 palitZone ies. By (central  consulting mixed  thear urb ea). an master plan, the requirements presented  in Table 1 were identified for residential buildings located in the Priority Occupation Zone  03 (Vila Velha) and located in the AMC 12.5 zone (Florianópolis).  Table 1. Vila Velha and Florianópolis master plan requirements.  Requirements  Vila Velha  Florianópolis  Maximum utilisation coefficient  3.50  4.80  Minimum front offset  3.00 m  4.00 m  Minimum back offset  3.00 m  1.50 m  Minimum lateral offset  1.50 m  1.50 m  Maximum number of levels  15 floors  10 floors  Maximum building height  47.00 m  45.00 m  Maximum occupancy rate  60.00%  50.00%  Permeable rate  Min. 15.00%  Max. 70.00%  Maximum slope for a pedestrian ramp  8.33%  8.33%    Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 8 of 17 3. Results Following the adopted methodology, the first step was the legislation data collection from the municipalities. By consulting the urban master plan, the requirements presented in Table 1 were identified for residential buildings located in the Priority Occupation Zone 03 (Vila Velha) and located in the AMC 12.5 zone (Florianópolis). Table 1. Vila Velha and Florianópolis master plan requirements. Requirements Vila Velha Florianópolis Maximum utilisation coefficient 3.50 4.80 Minimum front offset 3.00 m 4.00 m Minimum back offset 3.00 m 1.50 m Minimum lateral offset 1.50 m 1.50 m Maximum number of levels 15 floors 10 floors Maximum building height 47.00 m 45.00 m Maximum occupancy rate 60.00% 50.00% Permeable rate Min. 15.00% Max. 70.00% Maximum slope for a pedestrian ramp 8.33% 8.33% Maximum slope for a vehicle ramp 20.00% 20.00% When analysing the remaining local standards, namely the building code of each mu- nicipality, there are other indexes and rules that the building must comply with: minimum ceiling height; minimum compartment area; minimum window area for ventilation and lighting. These minimum limits are the same for both municipalities and are defined in each building code [22,23], respectively, for the different compartment types, according to Table 2. The local regulation defines both the minimum area and ceiling height for different compartments, while the minimum window area depends on the compartment floor area. For this specific case, the building code limits are the same for both locations. Table 2. Building code minimum requirements in Vila Velha and Florianópolis. Minimum Service Social Hall Living Room Kitchen Pantry Laundry Garage Requirements Bathroom Bathroom Area (m ) 1.00 1.60 2.50 10.00 4.50 1.60 1.60 10.35 Window area - 1/8 1/8 1/6 1/8 1/10 1/10 1/20 Ceiling height (cm) 230.00 230.00 230.00 260.00 230.00 260.00 230.00 230.00 During the modelling stage, there are a set of guidelines that must be followed to ensure Dynamo routine functionality: A personalised template should be used, which already contains the required building code parameters that must be analysed. Rooms must be created and characterised for every building compartment. Walls must be segmented in every intersection, as the routine will specifically assess the building rooms and identify the associated elements. Roofs must be modelled under the “Roof” category, as the building height will be evaluated through the highest point of the roof. Users cannot model elements using the “model in place tool”, as the Dynamo routine will not consider the created categories. The user must identify the site area, the construction area and the permeable area using the “area plan” function under the Autodesk Revit Architecture tab. The personalised template was created to automate the aggregation and collection of the required building data for the local code analysis. By organising the information through means of tables, the template provides all the input data for the Dynamo routine. For each room/compartment, it is identified whether the room should have a window, the minimum area for each type of room, the minimum window area for an adequate natural Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 9 of 17 lighting and ventilation and the minimum ceiling height (considering the height from the floor finishing to the room’s ceiling). This process was automated within the Autodesk Revit template, following the procedure presented in Figure 5. The model rooms are turned into a list, which has sub-lists of information for each room, including the required data for Ap App pl. l. Sy Syst. st. IInnov nnov.. 2022 2022,, 5 5, , x FO x FOR P R PEE EER R R REVIE EVIEW W 10 10 of of 18 18 the analysis. These data are then used to verify if a specific room is complying with the understudy rules by facing its characteristics with the building code standards. Figure Figure 5. 5. Roo Room m dat data a inform informati ation fl on flow ow.. Figure 5. Room data information flow. To allow the building code compliance analysis, the template quickly generates a T To o allow allow the the building building code code compliance compliance analysis, analysis, the the template template quickly quickly generates generates a a schedu schedule le o of f window windows s an and d room rooms s (F (Figur igures es 6 6 and and 7) 7), , which which w will ill be be used used in in the the Dynamo Dynamo schedule of windows and rooms (Figures 6 and 7), which will be used in the Dynamo routine r routine outine to tto ocompar co comp mpar ar e e e with w wiitth the h th th building e e bu buil ild ding ing code c code ode minimum min minimu imu requir m m re re ements. quireme quireme W nts nts ithin .. W Wthese iitthin hin two th these ese sched- ttwo wo ules, all the information for the building code analysis is listed, including the dimensions schedu schedules, les, all all tthe he in informa formattiion on for for tthe he bu buiildi ldin ng g co code de an anal aly ysis sis is is list liste ed d, , incl includi udin ng g tth he e d dimen- imen- and quantity of windows, the room’s area and ceiling height. si sions ons a and nd qu quan anttiitty o y of f w wind indows, ows, tthe roo he room’ m’s a s are rea a and c and ceiling h eiling heig eigh ht. t. Figure Figure Figure 6. 6. 6. SF bu SF SF bu building il ildi ding ng win window windo dow w and and and room r room oom s schedule. sched chedule ule.. Figure 7. MF building window and room schedule. Figure 7. MF building window and room schedule. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 18 Figure 5. Room data information flow. To allow the building code compliance analysis, the template quickly generates a schedule of windows and rooms (Figures 6 and 7), which will be used in the Dynamo routine to compare with the building code minimum requirements. Within these two schedules, all the information for the building code analysis is listed, including the dimen- sions and quantity of windows, the room’s area and ceiling height. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 10 of 17 Figure 6. SF building window and room schedule. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 18 Figure Figure 7. 7. MF MF b building uilding wind window ow and and r room oom schedule. schedule. The template was previously characterised by the local building code minimum re- The template was previously characterised by the local building code minimum quirements for each type of compartment (based on Table 2), which were organised into requirements for each type of compartment (based on Table 2), which were organised into a a schedule schedule (Figur (Figure e s 8). 8). The TheDynamo Dynamo routine routine will will later later use usethe ther re equir quir ements ementsfr from om Figur Figure e 8 8 to to compar compare e with with the the BIM BIM model model characteristics characteristics (based (based on on Figur Figure ess 66 and and 77). ). The The rresult esultss certify if the BIM model is complying with local building code regulations. If the BIM certify if the BIM model is complying with local building code regulations. If the BIM model model is is not notappr approv oved, ed, it iindicates t indicatewhich s whicrh ule ruis le not is no bei t ng being fulfiled. fulfiled Whenever . Whenev aer room a room is not is rnot re equired qui to refi d llto any fill of any these of these re requirements, quiremen thets, “Key the “K Name” ey Name must ” be mus settled t be se as ttled “Undefined”. as “Unde- Additionally, if a compartment is not required to have windows, the user can unselect it fined”. Additionally, if a compartment is not required to have windows, the user can un- and exclude it from the analysis. Note that the designer must prepare the project and name select it and exclude it from the analysis. Note that the designer must prepare the project each project compartment according to the names defined in the local building code (and and name each project compartment according to the names defined in the local building in the Autodesk Revit template). code (and in the Autodesk Revit template). Figure 8. Building code requirements per compartment for Vila Velha and Florianópolis. Figure 8. Building code requirements per compartment for Vila Velha and Florianópolis. After the model characterisation and schedules organisation, the Dynamo routine was After the model characterisation and schedules organisation, the Dynamo routine accordingly developed and it is presented in Appendix A, Figure A1. Overall, it captures the was accordingly developed and it is presented in Appendix A, Figure A1. Overall, it cap- information from the BIM model and performs an automated action to validate the model tures the information from the BIM model and performs an automated action to validate according to the master plan indexes requirements. In addition, it uses the information the model according to the master plan indexes requirements. In addition, it uses the in- from the template schedules to verify the model’s compliance with the municipalities formation from the template schedules to verify the model’s compliance with the munic- building code. The routine brings results in a few seconds, and it is divided into lines, each ipalities building code. The routine brings results in a few seconds, and it is divided into one corresponding to one requirement: lines, each one corresponding to one requirement: Number of levels: the first line of the routine concerns the analysis of the maximum Number of levels: the first line of the routine concerns the analysis of the maximum number of levels for the building. As stated earlier, for a residential building located in the number of levels for the building. As stated earlier, for a residential building located in Priority Occupation Zone 03, the maximum number of levels is 15 and for AMC 12.5 Zone, the Priority Occupation Zone 03, the maximum number of levels is 15 and for AMC 12.5 the maximum number of levels is 10. This value is introduced as input for Dynamo to start Zone, the maximum number of levels is 10. This value is introduced as input for Dynamo the routine and then faced with the building number of levels (1 level for the SF building to start the routine and then faced with the building number of levels (1 level for the SF and 7 levels for the MF building), which was automatically collected from the model by building and 7 levels for the MF building), which was automatically collected from the Dynamo, bringing a positive result for this index. model by Dynamo, bringing a positive result for this index. Maximum height: the second flow line regards the analysis of the maximum building Maximum height: the second flow line regards the analysis of the maximum building height. As in the previous requirement, the maximum height (47.00 m for Vila Velha and height. As in the previous requirement, the maximum height (47.00 m for Vila Velha and 45.00 m for Florianópolis) serves as an input for the Dynamo routine. Then, Dynamo will 45.00 m for Florianópolis) serves as an input for the Dynamo routine. Then, Dynamo will automatically identify the highest point of the building roof elements, and measure the automatically identify the highest point of the building roof elements, and measure the distance to the site level, performing the comparison between the master plan requirements distance to the site level, performing the comparison between the master plan require- and the building height. Once again, both case studies have been approved for this index ments and the building height. Once again, both case studies have been approved for this (SF building 4.05 m; MF building 20.30 m). index (SF building 4.05 m; MF building 20.30 m). Utilisation coefficient, occupancy rate and permeable rate: the following stage from the Dynamo routine (third and fourth lines), assesses all the site-related indexes, namely the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable area. As referred to ear- lier, users must define the site boundaries, the construction area and the permeable area. This is a mandatory step, as the Dynamo routine will use such information to perform the required calculations to assess all the site-related indexes. Note that a conversion node was introduced in the Dynamo routine to isolate the area values, as the input for Dynamo had both the area name, value and units (e.g., “Building area: 141.21 m ” was converted to “141.21”). The calculation formulas were introduced in Dynamo and automatically per- formed to check the building’s compliance with the master plan requirements. Results Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 11 of 17 Utilisation coefficient, occupancy rate and permeable rate: the following stage from the Dynamo routine (third and fourth lines), assesses all the site-related indexes, namely the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable area. As referred to earlier, users must define the site boundaries, the construction area and the permeable area. This is a mandatory step, as the Dynamo routine will use such information to perform the required calculations to assess all the site-related indexes. Note that a conversion node was introduced in the Dynamo routine to isolate the area values, as the input for Dynamo had both the area name, value and units (e.g., “Building area: 141.21 m ” was converted to “141.21”). The calculation formulas were introduced in Dynamo and automatically performed to check the building’s compliance with the master plan requirements. Results have shown positive feedback for both case studies. The SF building construction site presented a utilisation coefficient of 0.26 (less than the mandatory 3.50), an occupancy rate of 36.07% (less than 60.00%) and a permeable rate of 50.45% (over the minimum limit of 15.00%). The MF building construction site has also been approved with a utilisation coefficient of 2.16 (less than 4.80), an occupancy rate of 37.93% (less than 50.00%) and a permeable rate of 41.87% (less than 70.00%). Front, back and lateral offset: the fifth line of the Dynamo routine concerns the building offset from the site boundaries. With a similar process to the previous indexes, the minimum requirements were given to start the Dynamo routine (Vila Velha’s master plan—3.00 m for the front offset, 3.35 m for the back offset and 2.85 m for the lateral offset; Florianopólis master plan—4.00 m for the front offset, 1.50 m for the back offset and lateral offset). Then, the Dynamo routine was adapted to collect the distance between the building façades with the site boundary (defined by the user) and face them with the regulation limits. As presented in Figures 3 and 4, both case studies have been approved for these indexes, as they present the minimum required distances to their boundaries. Slope of ramps: the last index from the municipalities master plans regards the slope of existing ramps, both for pedestrians and vehicles. This analysis is made in the routine sixth line, to check if the model ramps comply with the accessibility requirements. Under the Ramps category within Autodesk Revit, the user must fill the “slope” shared parameter in a percentage value, which later will be faced with the established maximum limits through Dynamo. This shared parameter was created in the Autodesk Revit template to facilitate data collection from Dynamo. Once again, both models have been approved for this index. The SF building exterior vehicle ramp (1.39%) and pedestrians’ ramp (8.33%) have acceptable slopes, lower than the national limits of 20.00% and 8.33%, respectively. The MF building has also been successfully approved, as the existing vehicle ramp has a 15.00% slope (less than the 20.00% limit). Minimum window area, room area and ceiling height: the last line from the Dynamo routine concerns the building code analysis, namely the minimum window area, room area and ceiling height. This analysis is made by comparing the schedules created by the used template (Figures 6 and 7), with the local minimum requirements of the building code, presented in Figure 8. To perform the analysis, the Dynamo routine checks if the room must be analysed for all the criteria, according to the user selection. Then, Dynamo gets the information of each building room to identify the dimensions and quantity of windows and to find the total window area of each room. The same process is made for the remaining criteria, by identifying the area of each room, as well as the respective ceiling height. Finally, the building results are faced with the building code requirements to check if the building can be approved or not for construction. For the specific SF building case study, all the criteria were accomplished with an exception for the minimum window area, which was not reached in some of the building rooms—the laundry does not have windows, while the minimum requirement is to have at least 0.10 m of windows. The MF building case study has been approved for all the indexes. Note that the Dynamo routine associates the room names with the “key names” of Figure 8, so the user must name rooms accordingly. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 12 of 17 The routine output consists of a compliance result, stating if the building can be approved by the city hall, showing which parameters have not been approved according to the considered regulations. Figure 9 presents the final Dynamo node—compliance report— where the SF building case study has failed in complying with all the applicable regulations, namely the building code requirements (red circles). As one of the research goals was also to provide a decision support tool for designers, it was necessary to present the result for each index and criteria in an isolated manner. The “code block” node presents six outputs Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18 (green circle), each one corresponding to the analysed indexes, as presented earlier in this section—number of levels; maximum height; utilisation coefficient, occupancy rate and permeable rate; front, back and lateral offset; slope of ramps; minimum window area, room area and ceiling height. A “watch” node can be introduced in each output to quickly each output to quickly identify the analysis results for each index. This way, designers can identify the analysis results for each index. This way, designers can quickly understand where the building design is failing and take action to improve it. quickly understand where the building design is failing and take action to improve it. Figure Figure 9. 9. SF SF bu building ildi analysis ng analys result. is result. However, some of the compliance report outputs aggregate the results from several However, some of the compliance report outputs aggregate the results from several indexes, namely: indexes, namely: Output 3 aggregates the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable rate. Output 4 aggregates the front, the back and the lateral offsets. • Output 3 aggregates the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable Output 6 aggregates the minimum window area, the minimum room area and the rate. minimum ceiling height. • Output 4 aggregates the front, the back and the lateral offsets. Whenever these outputs provide a negative result and the user needs to identify which • Output 6 aggregates the minimum window area, the minimum room area and the criteria are not being approved, he must check the routine lines individually. For example, minimum ceiling height. the SF building case study has failed in output 6, which concerns the building code criteria. To identify which specific criterion was not complying, the user must check the respective Whenever these outputs provide a negative result and the user needs to identify routine line, as presented in Figure 10. Thus, it was possible to identify that the minimum which criteria are not being approved, he must check the routine lines individually. For window area criterion was not being complied with for one of the building rooms—the example, the SF building case study has failed in output 6, which concerns the building laundry (red circle). code criteria. To identify which specific criterion was not complying, the user must check the respective routine line, as presented in Figure 10. Thus, it was possible to identify that the minimum window area criterion was not being complied with for one of the building rooms—the laundry (red circle). Figure 10. Individual output analysis (SF building). Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 18 each output to quickly identify the analysis results for each index. This way, designers can quickly understand where the building design is failing and take action to improve it. Figure 9. SF building analysis result. However, some of the compliance report outputs aggregate the results from several indexes, namely: • Output 3 aggregates the utilisation coefficient, the occupancy rate and the permeable rate. • Output 4 aggregates the front, the back and the lateral offsets. • Output 6 aggregates the minimum window area, the minimum room area and the minimum ceiling height. Whenever these outputs provide a negative result and the user needs to identify which criteria are not being approved, he must check the routine lines individually. For example, the SF building case study has failed in output 6, which concerns the building code criteria. To identify which specific criterion was not complying, the user must check the respective routine line, as presented in Figure 10. Thus, it was possible to identify that Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 13 of 17 the minimum window area criterion was not being complied with for one of the building rooms—the laundry (red circle). Figure 10. Individual output analysis (SF building). Figure 10. Individual output analysis (SF building). 4. Discussion Using the BIM models created in Autodesk Revit, together with a personal template and the routine developed in Dynamo, it was possible to analyse and automate the verifi- cation of urban indexes compliance for different case studies in Brazil. The execution of the automated routine was significantly faster than the typical analysis process and has provided reliable results. Using the traditional index evaluation method, human errors were usual both in assessing building data and when performing the index calculations. Such issues were common among designers, which were required to guarantee the building compliance before project submission, but also for municipality evaluators, which must verify all the rules and indexes compliance (double work). Besides the considerable time re- quired, such errors could also contribute to delaying all the process, creating a less efficient working method. The main advantages of the automated routine concern the precision, quickness and reliability of the results, leading to faster and more efficient analysis, both for designers and municipalities. Moreover, such a routine can also significantly support designers’ decisions when creating innovative design options, as they can have real-time information about the project design compliance. The case study results have proved the method’s applicability in different buildings and regions of Brazil. Both models have been successfully assessed. The SF building has not been approved to issue a building permit, as it failed in complying with the mini- mum window area requirements. Understanding this constraint during the project’s early stages can support designers in selecting new solutions to comply with local and national regulations, with low efforts and costs. Verifying such issues near to project submission (traditional practice) would eventually lead to major changes in project design—updating architectural and engineering project documentation, client approval and material selec- tion, among others—which entails higher costs and considerable time. The MF building has been quickly assessed and approved, only by updating the inputs for the Dynamo routine—Florianopólis index limits—as presented in Figure 11. The automated analysis has provided real-time compliance results, allowing to optimise resources and efforts and improve project efficiency. City hall experts would also have similar benefits, as well as reduced bureaucracy and faster project appraisal. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 18 4. Discussion Using the BIM models created in Autodesk Revit, together with a personal template and the routine developed in Dynamo, it was possible to analyse and automate the veri- fication of urban indexes compliance for different case studies in Brazil. The execution of the automated routine was significantly faster than the typical analysis process and has provided reliable results. Using the traditional index evaluation method, human errors were usual both in assessing building data and when performing the index calculations. Such issues were common among designers, which were required to guarantee the build- ing compliance before project submission, but also for municipality evaluators, which must verify all the rules and indexes compliance (double work). Besides the considerable time required, such errors could also contribute to delaying all the process, creating a less efficient working method. The main advantages of the automated routine concern the pre- cision, quickness and reliability of the results, leading to faster and more efficient analysis, both for designers and municipalities. Moreover, such a routine can also significantly sup- port designers’ decisions when creating innovative design options, as they can have real- time information about the project design compliance. The case study results have proved the method’s applicability in different buildings and regions of Brazil. Both models have been successfully assessed. The SF building has not been approved to issue a building permit, as it failed in complying with the minimum window area requirements. Understanding this constraint during the project’s early stages can support designers in selecting new solutions to comply with local and national regulations, with low efforts and costs. Verifying such issues near to project submission (traditional practice) would eventually lead to major changes in project design—updating architectural and engineering project documentation, client approval and material selec- tion, among others—which entails higher costs and considerable time. The MF building has been quickly assessed and approved, only by updating the inputs for the Dynamo routine—Florianopólis index limits—as presented in Figure 11. The automated analysis has provided real-time compliance results, allowing to optimise resources and efforts and Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 14 of 17 improve project efficiency. City hall experts would also have similar benefits, as well as reduced bureaucracy and faster project appraisal. Figure 11. Input/output in Dynamo Player. Figure 11. Input/output in Dynamo Player. The case studies have also demonstrated that the workflow created with Autodesk The case studies have also demonstrated that the workflow created with Autodesk Revit and Dynamo must follow specific modelling rules, for a proper data collection from Revit and Dynamo must follow specific modelling rules, for a proper data collection from the BIM model. If the modelling stage does not follow such guidelines, specific errors may occur during the analysis. As an example, if the building roof is modelled under the “Floor” category, the Dynamo routine will not be able to assess the maximum building height index, as it considers the highest point of slabs modelled under the “Roof” category. Similar problems may happen if walls are not divided in their intersections, making unfeasible the identification of which walls are associated with each building room. In addition to the modelling guidelines, a personal template is also required, which has been characterised by a set of shared parameters and predefined schedules for facilitating and fostering data collection. The use of such a template is mandatory for the analysis, as the Dynamo routine specific uses the schedule data to perform the calculations. The template can be easily used and replicated, only by updating the building code indexes (Dynamo inputs), according to the project type and location. The template use can be avoided by creating a second Dynamo routine, which would perform the same actions, but would also create the need to run such a routine before the modelling stage. Moreover, the use of the applied method will always require the creation of a BIM model, which is mandatory for the designer assessment, as well as for the city hall evaluator. Another key factor for the Dynamo routine functionality is the use of Autodesk Revit 2022 (or a more recent version) in English, and a Dynamo 2.10 version (or higher). This limitation appears because each year the software has new updates that can compromise the created routine, so it must be carefully reviewed at each update, preventing it from not working. However, it is expected that the routine will work properly in more recent versions, as only basic nodes were used. When concerning the Dynamo routine limitations, two major factors stand out: The need to check the routine lines for assessing which index is not being complied—as stated earlier, some indexes are assessed together (output 3, 4 and 6 from Figure 9). If some of these indexes are not being approved, the user must carefully check the routine lines to assess which one is not complying with the local standards. To overcome such an issue, the Dynamo routine should be extended and isolate all the index assessments. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 15 of 17 Note that this procedure will slow down the assessment, as the routine should be completed and will have a set of new coding lines to process. The compliance report presentation—up to date, the analysis detailed result must be assessed directly in Dynamo, requiring the need to open the routine to assess results. There is no need to perform any action in the routine but for unfamiliar users, it may take a while to understand Dynamo logic, hindering its potential use. Nevertheless, the global compliance result (output of Figure 11) may be seen directly in Dynamo Player without any effort. To match this need, a node from “datashapes” [23] can be used, which allows presenting a given result or information directly in the Autodesk Revit environment, only by running the routine with Dynamo Player. Such nodes can present both the individual result of each index and the building’s final evaluation. Following these considerations and the case study results, the method’s functionality and replicability have been proven for Brazilian locations and buildings. For further use in other Brazilian cities, the user must only introduce the local master plan indexes to start the Dynamo routine (Figure 11 inputs), according to the building type and location. For residential building purposes, the Autodesk Revit template containing the local building code requirements can be directly used, as limits will be kept constant (only for Brazilian residential buildings). For other building types, the template limits must be updated directly in Autodesk Revit with the new requirements (if needed). The replication for other countries can face an additional constraint, as indexes and requirements may be different. Nevertheless, the methodology concept and Dynamo routine can be easily adapted, only by updating the indexes or adding new ones directly into the routine. Data collection, processing and presentation will remain identical, as well as the whole methodology concept. 5. Conclusions In this study, the workflow and the creation of automated routines using Autodesk Revit and Dynamo software were evaluated, exploring its potential to support designers in assessing their project’s compliance with local and national regulations. With this method, a novel procedure was established for automatic verification of the Brazilian master plan and building code indexes. It provides real-time outputs during the project’s early stages, allowing design innovation and project changes with few resources. To demonstrate the concept, two case studies were evaluated and it was proven that the use of BIM provides the required resources for a faster and more reliable data collection and analysis. Speed, consistency and efficiency in assessing building compliance were demonstrated. It has provided important data for decision-making during the design phase, but also for municipalities to quickly assess the building’s compliance with the local regulations and reduce process bureaucracy. It was observed that Autodesk Revit has the potential to store the required multi- disciplinary information for the project evaluation, while Dynamo has the capacity to gather such data and perform the required calculations. Moreover, every BIM model characteristic can be assessed and processed by Dynamo, allowing for the creation of different types of quantitative and/or qualitative assessment routines. Despite the existence of some limitations, the method has proved to be quite reliable, offering a couple of options to overcome them. Overall, it has been concluded that the use of this software has the potential to become an essential tool both for the dissemination of BIM, as well as for the compliance assessment automation. It can significantly support design, as well as reduce the administrative processes and time of getting construction permits. Finally, it is noteworthy that the applied methodology can be directly replicated for other Brazilian buildings and locations, as well as for other countries by performing punctual adaptations to meet the standards of each location. Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, 64 16 of 17 Author Contributions: Conceptualisation, F.S.V. and J.P.C.; methodology, F.S.V.; software, F.S.V.; validation, J.P.C., F.S.V. and L.B.; formal analysis, F.S.V. and J.P.C.; investigation, J.P.C. and F.S.V.; writing—original draft preparation, F.S.V. and J.P.C.; writing—review and editing, F.S.V., J.P.C. and L.B.; visualisation, J.P.C.; supervision, L.B.; funding acquisition, J.P.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, through the Regional Operation Programme of North (Grant number SFRH/BD/145735/2019). Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Data Availability Statement: Data is contained within the article. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Abbreviations AMC “Área Mista Central”, Central Mixed Area BIM Building Information Modelling LOD Level of Development MF building Multi-Family Residential Building Appl. Syst. Innov. 2022, 5, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 18 SF building Single-Family Residential Building VPL Visual Programming Language Appendix A Appendix A Figure A1. Dynamo routine. Figure A1. Dynamo routine. References 1. Miettinen, R.; Paavola, S. Beyond the BIM utopia: Approaches to the development and implementation of building information modeling. Autom. Constr. 2014, 43, 84–91. 2. AIA. AIA Document G202-2013. 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Journal

Applied System InnovationMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

Published: Jun 30, 2022

Keywords: BIM; rule automation; parametric design; design process; urban design; urban indexes

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