Master’s Thesis
FEB 2021
Titled: “Investigating the Requirements of Developing a National BIM Database in Iran AEC Industry,” my master’s thesis was an applied research under the supervision of Dr. Mojtaba Azizi Dr. Ehsan Eshtehardian and Dr.Ghazal Raheb, where I have compiled a definition for BIM libraries/databases, their prerequisites, components, and development process. I have also identified and prioritized key stakeholders, their requirements, and the expected benefits from this platform, and there are suggested organizations capable of maintaining this data library.
The full version of this study is available at: parseh.modares.ac.ir and my research gate profile.
Kamyar Fatemifar – ID: 10003971
Optimal utilization of BIM analytical capabilities requires an information platform providing technical specifications, physical attributes, appearance, time, cost, details, and dimensions of products and services available for clients and BIM users in the construction industry, to be used as input for the creation of information models. In this research, we have provided a comprehensive definition for this platform, which is more commonly referred to as “the BIM library,” its prerequisites and components, by identifying and prioritizing stakeholders, their requirements and expectations from this database, organizations capable of supporting this platform, and its development process. Through an extensive literature review of related studies and experiences and qualitative analysis of the structured interviews from local BIM experts, this study provides the necessary information for short and long-term planning for the development of Iran’s National BIM Library.
1. Review BIM literature and related studies to compile a definition for the BIM database and its stakeholders.
2. Designing interview protocol and conducting semi-structured interviews with competent experts to identify the requirements and expectations of BIM database end-users.
3. Analyzing and reviewing the interviewees’ responses to identify and prioritize the strategies for developing the national BIM library.
The primary data collection method was face-to-face and online interviews based on a pre-designed protocol. Also, the analytical functions of Excel software were employed to analyze the information encoded based on the qualitative content analysis approach. The interview protocol and the interviewee’s selection filters were validated through consultation and the research supervisor’s approval. Also, validation of data analysis and the conclusion was done via reviewing and re-examining the data in several stages and re-checking the final results with several interviewed experts’ opinions.
A clear structure for a BIM library is proposed in the final chapter along with the results of analyzing interview responses in this study; Client organizations were identified as the primary beneficiaries of BIM database development, with Architects and Project managers as Its main users. Providing various development levels (LODs) for each model was considered the most common suggestion by the interviewed specialists. And the fifth-dimension (cost) data was evaluated as the primary information required by experts from the BIM database. According to experts, compiling and developing a database without providing 3D models, at minimum standards, is impossible. The most anticipated value of the BIM database for users was to offer more options to optimize product selection for construction projects economically. Also, the accuracy and optimal quality of the information provided was the first and most expected feature of the BIM database, as mentioned by interviewees.
Based on the favorable opinion of ninety-five percent of the interviewees, it was determined that there is a demand for a national BIM database. According to the analyzed results, this database’s most appropriate development approach was through high-level private section organizations’ participation as a consortium of financial, legal, and execution supporters. It is also best to gain the trust of manufacturer organizations and protect their intellectual property rights by using educational platforms created as part of this database and informing the beneficiaries of this platform’s economic opportunities. It was concluded that the most appropriate method for collecting, controlling, and registering information in this database was defining standards and detailed checklists for information registration and its requirements along with the rules and regulations of employing experts with authority to produce and publish products made or provided by manufacturers/traders and approved by the parent organization supporting the BIM database. The information required by the database should be evaluated according to these standards; it is also wise to provide the necessary information from multiple means and various sources to achieve the diversity, quality, and accuracy expected by the end-users, as mentioned in the requirements section.
- Testing the generalizability of the research findings within a larger sample population;
- Concentrating research on different aspects of a BIM database (i.e., services, products, standards, and the like) to achieve a deeper understanding of the subject;
- Developing detailed business models and benefit analyses, especially for clients addressing the possibility of misunderstandings and misinterpretation of benefits and investment variables;
- Studying the implementation of blockchain encryption methods for identity confirmation, authentication, and preservation of manufacturer rights within this library;
- There is also another great opportunity for securitizing the probabilities of a nationwide Internet of things-enabled BIM library and its benefits for procurement, especially for the public sector.
Publications
BIM & E-Procurement System A Review Article
JAN 2019
Published at 2nd National Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urban Development of the Islamic World Countries, This review article was conducted under supervision of Dr. Mojtaba Azizi to identify the research gaps, appropriate methods and approaches for a practical master’s thesis on BIM and E-procurement.
Exploring & identifying the requirements for developing a BIM Library
SEP 2022 – WIP
in this paper, I’m working with my supervisors Dr. Mojtaba Azizi, and Dr. Ehsan Eshtehardian to publish the conclusions of my thesis about BIM libraries in the international journal of Automation in Construction
International BIM Conference
FEB 2018|APR 2019|OCT 2020|OCT 2021
I’ve been honored to be an active member of the executive committee, coordinator, moderator, and director of this event’s education and competition sections ever since the first gathering in 2018.
The International BIM conference held by Dr. Mojtaba Azizi, Assistant Prof. at the Tarbiat Modares University of Iran, and Eghbal Shakeri, a faculty member at the Amir Kabir University of Technology, is the largest, most reputable gathering of BIM experts and professionals in Iran. This event is supported by all major universities, science and engineering communities, and notable companies and firms active in Iran’s AEC.
This yearly event connects industry experts, researchers, activists, and academics to promote the development and implementation of BIM. Known local and global experts such as Bilal Succar, Dr. Ioannis Brilakis, Enrico Maggi, Dr.Vahid Faghihi, Dr. Richard Laing, Dr. Mohamadreza Alavipour, Ali Khadem Mousavi, Ghasem Ariani, Torleiv Haugstaul,… have attended and presented in previous sessions of this gathering.
You can find more information about this event at: bimconf.com
Open BIM Awards
APR 2019 – MAY 2019
for the Graphisofts’ Open BIM competition in the 2nd BIM conference, Iran, 2021, I was responsible for coordinating project submission process, and I also was a member of the refereeing committee along with Dr. Mojtaba Azizi, Conference Secretary, Peter Reicher, CEO of Graphisoft international, Mir Ali Khadem Mousavi, CEO of Sazeh Setorg Iranian, Dr. Mohsen Shojaei Fard, Graphisoft representative, Javad Hamidi, Cofounder of TAT BIM, Reihane Hosseinzadeh, BIM Manager at Meyar Group and Ghasem Ariani, Founder of IRAN-BIM.
TBL. BIM Course
MAY 2022 – Present
I have initiated instructing volunteer MSc. Project Management students, with the foundation of Tarbiat Modares-BIM-Lab, since MAY 2022, with the assistance of Dr. Mojtaba Azizi and The Arts & Architecture Faculty of Tarbiat Modares University. TBL BIM course intends to foster project managers’ capability to understand and implement the concepts of BIM in projects.
Although this course is still in progress, you can find premature assignments of my student’s works, recreating BIMs from known references.
Student Assignment: House L Dunkel Schwarz: BIM By Shakiba Dolat Abadi
Student Assignment: Franaqueses del Vallés House, BIM By Hanieh Jabbar Zadeh
Student Assignment: Rhodes House, BIM By Niusha Khosravani
Student Assignment: SML House, BIM By Fateme Madhani
Student Assignment: Studio PHH Architects, BIM By Saeed Manzari
Student Assignment: Gallery of Villa C.H, BIM By Fatemeh Nouri Nasab
Student Assignment: AL Villa CH,BIM By Saeedeh Shahini
IAUCTB Workshops
MAY 2018 – Present
Since graduation, I have collaborated with Dr. Vahid Shaliamini, Dr. Ghazal keramati, Dr. Afshan Pezeskian, and Dr. Behruz Mansuri on yearly BIM and fabrication workshops for new architecture students at IAUCTB to improve knowledge and understanding of future architects about architecture and AECsoftwares.
Vanak Social Center, BA. Thesis
SEP 2017
Vanak Social Center is a proposed design for a shared workspace, media center, and educational complex with a large underground parking area. Located around one Vanak Sq. of Tehran, This project was supervised by Dr. Vahid Shaliamini. It was one of my first professional experiences with Autodesk Revit, BIM & VR as an architect. I’m honored to have received a score of A+ (18.25/20) from the jury for my BA. Architecture thesis.
Main challenges: Curved plans formed with a challenging site, parametric and dynamical façades, large asymmetrical parking, novel space planning, and precast concrete structure.
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Nazar Abad Factory Extension
MAY 2019
The office building extension of a textile factory in Nazar Abad, Karaj, was a construction project with economic challenges. Using the scheduling and optimization tools in Autodesk Revit, the cost of constructing the steel framing structure was cut by 15%. Although the final constructed building does not follow the plan entirely. I believe this project is worth mentioning as valuable experience in BIM and Project management
Main challenges: Obligations to save expenses, Multiple change requests, Great distance from the site, and the need to use traditional construction labor.
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House of Monajemi
JAN 2019
The Residential House of Monajemi, Located at Nezami Ganjavi, Tavanir, Tehran, was a project aiming to design a four-level residential apartment with interlocked duplex units. Compliance with municipal laws while considering the client’s design preferences was impossible without using the 3d design and automated area scheduling capabilities of Autodesk Revit.
Main challenges: Steep slope of both directions and narrow dimensions limited the maneuverability of vehicles in designing the parking space
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