Research Sruti

SRUTI NALLAPANENI
PROFESSIONAL PAPERL
DEPARTMENT OF
CONSTRUCTION SCIENCE
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
DATA TRANSFER BETWEEN BIM BASED AUTODESK REVIT
ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGY ANALYSIS TOOLS: ECOTECT, DESIGN
BUILDER AND EQUEST FROM AN INTEROPERABILITY PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT
The intent of this study is to test whether the present BIM software, specifically
Autodesk® Revit Architecture, is robust enough to allow seamless interoperability
with Energy analysis programs such as Autodesk ® Ecotect, DesignBuilder, and
eQuest.
This study tests interoperability for certain formats like gbXMLs and IFCs, and
analyze what information, apart from geometry was transferred during data transfer.
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
Department of Construction Science
Texas A&M University
Ref: pg iii

SRUTI NALLAPANENI
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
DEPARTMENT OF
IMPORTANCE OF
INTEROPERABILITY As the building project progress the ability to incorporate the simulation results
and to make changes to the original design becomes more difficult and expensive.
Cost of implementing performance improvements contrasted with the effect on building
performance for the different stages of a building project.
Source :< http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2008/Interoperability_SustainableDesign.html>
Ref: pg 6
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

SRUTI NALLAPANENI
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
DEPARTMENT OF
1. The analysis software could also be implemented by programming new
functionality to BIM software (Hakkinen).
2. Software integrated with a BIM server using a specific API(Application
Programming Interface).
3. Separate software that can use file exchange with BIM.
WAYS TO INTEGRATE
THE CHALLENGE 1. Finding the right combination of tools for effective information sharing
to populate an adequate BIM using the available tools in the industry is not
an easy task.
2. Most of these energy simulation only enable one way transfer of
information, exporting information back to BIM even through an
“interface” is not yet possible.
Ref: pg 8
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

LITERATURE
REVIEW
TITLE
INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN BUILDING INFORMATION MODELS (BIM) AND
ENERGY ANALYSIS PROGRAMS
AUTHOR
Sumedha Kumar
Thesis from the University of Southern California
OBJECTIVE To test whether BIM software, specifically Revit MEP, was robust enough to
allow seamless interoperability with analysis programs such as Ecotect and
IES<VE>.
RECOMMENDED
FUTURE WORK
The BIM software selected for this particular study was Revit and energy
analysis tools were IES and Ecotect. A future study in BIM could take other
different programs.
Further studies could use larger and more complex building models and analysis
of data transfer in them.
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

This paper will explore the various available options for data exchange from a BIM tool
(Autodesk Revit) for energy analysis and what is possible with currently available
software.
RESEARCH
OBJECTIVE
THE INTENT 1. Analyze the energy analysis software’s import/export capabilities .
2. Analyze all the possible Information Exchange paths with Autodesk Revit.
3. Look for possible loss of model information during the file transfer.
4. Identify user-friendly and efficient paths among the various options suggested
that could create an adequate BIM for use by students and industry.
5. Scope/ opportunity for future work.
Ref: pg 10
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

BIM ITEROPERABLE FILE
FORMATS
ENERGY
ANALYSIS TOOLS
AUTODESK
REVIT
Architecture
DXF
gbXML
IFC.
Ecotect
DesignBuilder(EnergyPlus)
eQUEST(DOE 2.2)
PLUG INS,
MIDDLEWARE Etc.
INFORMATION LOSS
AREAS OF STUDY
AREAS OF STUDY
Modeling tool: Autodesk® Revit Architecture 2011
Energy Analysis Tools: Autodesk® Ecotect Analysis 2011, eQUEST v3.6, DesignBuilder v2.2
File Formats: DXF, gbXML, IFC
Ref: pg 11
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

CASE MODEL
The significant parameters defined in the BIM case model are:
BIM Tool: Autodesk Revit Architecture
Built up Area: 6000 sf
1. Drawing Units
2. Zone Definition
3. Geometry- Shape/Area/Volume
4. Building Type
5. Location
6. Material Properties
Building Information:
1. Project type: OFFICE
2. Location: HOUSTON
3. Export Complexity: SIMPLE WITH SHADING SURFACES
4. Address: 400, TERRACE DR, HOUSTON, TX 77007
5. Units: COMMON-FEET, INCHES, SQUARE FOOT, CUBIC FOOT
6. Latitude and Longitude: 29.7687°, -95.3867°(Corresponding to the address given)
BUILDING
INFORMATION
Ref: pg 37
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL AND ENERGY ANALYSIS TOOLS: AN INTEROPERABILITY PERSPECTIVE
Pitched roof,
Ceiling inside Skylights
Linear
Walls
Windows
Doors
Curved
Wall
Terrace
CASE MODEL
Ref: pg 36
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

BIM TOOL ENERGY ANALYSIS TOOLS
Autodesk®
Revit
Architecture
Exports
Autodesk®
Ecotect Imports
DesignBuilder
Imports
eQuest
Imports
RVT
DWG DWG
DXF DXF DXF DXF
bgXML gbXML gbXML
IFC IFC
Interoperability of the Energy Analysis tools with Revit Architecture
- DXF and DWG are geometry carrying file formats, does not support zone
definitions.
- gbXML and IFC are BIM based formats capable of carrying information for
energy analysis.
FILE FORMATS
Ref: pg 32
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

OPENINGS
BOUNDING
ELEMENTS
SPACE(AREA,
VOLUME)
ROOMS
WALLS
WINDOWS
DOORS
OPENINGSFLOORS
CURTAIN
WALLS
CEILINGS
ROOFS SKYLIGHTS
Revit Physical
Case Model
Model
gbXML Analytical
Volumes
gbXML Analytical
Surfaces
Hierarchy of elements contained in a Revit Analytical model
EXPORTS
REVIT TO gbXML
Ref: pg 42
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

The IFC case model as seen on the IFC viewer
EXPORTS
REVIT TO IFC
Elements in the
IFC model
IFC Physical Model
Project Information
Ref: pg 43
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

EXPORTS
INFORMATION
CARRIED
gbXML IFC
 File Version
 Units
 Campus ID
 Location( Zip Code, latitude, longitude)
 Area, Volume
 Building Id
 Description
 Shell Geometry Id Cartesian Points, Co-
ordinates.
 Shell Surface(Types such as Walls)
 Shell Openings (Types such as windows)
 Space ID
 Surface ID
 Program Information Product name,
 version
 Platform
 File Description,
 File name and file schema
 Units (Length, Area, Volume)
 Organization, Person, owner history.
 Cartesian points, direction, dimensional
exponents, shape representation
 Product definition and shape.
 Property value (Offsets, extensions, room
bounding, wrapping, assembly
description, wall/window functions,
thickness.)
 Predefined parameters associated with
elements, for example, roof: rafter cut,
fascia depth, truss, thickness, base offset
etc. Material, layer set, Color.
Comparison of information carried by gbXML and IFC formats
Ref: pg 21
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

ECOTECT
IMPORT
TRANSFER PATHS
gbXML IMPORT
gbXML Case Model in Ecotect
Ref: pg 46
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

ECOTECT
IMPORT
DXF IMPORT
IFC IMPORT
DXF Case Model in Ecotect
IFC Case Model in Ecotect
Ref: pg 49
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

ECOTECT
IMPORT
IFC IMPORT
Sample Model BIM in Revit
IFC Sample Model in Ecotect
Ref: pg 51
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

DESIGNBUILDER
IMPORT
TRANSFER PATHS
gbXML IMPORT
gbXML Case Model in DesignBuilder
Ref: pg 55
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

DESIGNBUILDER
IMPORT
gbXML IMPORT
Sample Model BIM in Revit
IFC Sample Model in DesignBuilder
Ref: pg 57
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

eQUEST
IMPORT
TRANSFER PATHS
gbXML IMPORT
Result of the INP import of the Case Model generated by Green Building Studio in to eQuest
Ref: pg 60
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

RESULTS
PARAMETERS
FORASSESSING
INFORMATION LOSS
-Parameters studied are related to the building physical model and the
constructive elements, which are required for the thermal analysis. Any other
elements that are required for a different category of analysis like acoustical or
CFD, like the furniture and the interior partition elements are not considered.
- The points given to these parameters are based on the literature study and may
in certain cases differ according to individual perspective and according to the
context of use of this model.
ASSUMPTIONS
Assessment Parameters of Interoperability between Revit 2011 and Energy analysis
tools.
Points
Thermal Zones
12
Does it import Thermal Zones for
Environmental Analysis
Geometry 11 Did it import Room Spaces?
10 Was the geometry correct?
9 Does it allow for geometric modification?
Materials
8 Did it import properties of Materials?
7 Did it allow the specification of new material?
6 Did it import the parent material thickness?
Elements
5 Did it import all constructive elements?
4
Did it recognize the imported constructive
elements as surfaces?
Data
3 Did it import Project coordinates, Location?
2 Did it import Project Type?
1 Does it import project units?
Total Points 78
Ref: pg 44
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper

RESULTS
ASSESSING
INFORMATION LOSS
Ref: pg 54, 59, 64
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
Assessment Parameters of Interoperability between Revit
2011 and Ecotect
Ecotect Import
DesignBuilder
Import
eQUEST
Import
Points
via
gbXML
Points
achieve
d
via IFC
Points
achieve
d
via
gbXML
Points
achieve
d
from
GBS
Points
achieve
d
Thermal
Zones 12
Does it import Thermal Zones for
Environmental Analysis  12  0  12  12
Geometry 11 Did it import Room Spaces?  11  0  11  11
10 Was the geometry correct?  10  0  0  0
9
Does it allow for geometric
modifications?  9  9  9  0
Materials
8 Did it import properties of Materials?  0  0  0  0
7
Did it allow the specification of new
material?  7  7  7  0
6
Did it import the parent material
thickness?  0  0  6  6
Elements
5 Did it import all constructive elements?  0  5  0  0
4
Did it recognize the imported
constructive elements as surfaces?  4  4  4  4
Data
3
Did it import Project coordinates,
Location?  3  0  0  0
2 Did it import Project Type?  0  0  2  0
1 Does it import project units?  0  0  0  1
Total
Points
78 Points Achieved 7 56 4 25 7 51 5 34

CONCLUSIONS
COMPARING TOOLS
Ref: pg 68
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
56
51
34
25
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Ecotect DesignBuilder eQuest
gbXML
IFC
7 7
5
4
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Ecotect DesignBuilder eQuest
Number of Parameters fulfilled Points Achieved
Graphical comparison of the three Energy Simulation tools based on the efficiency of receiving information
from the respective file formats, gbXML and IFC
Ecotect and DesignBuilder fulfill the same number of parameters but,
DesignBuilder’s failure in generating a complete and accurate model gives it lower
points compared to Ecotect.

CONCLUSIONS
COMPARING TOOLS
Ref: pg 69
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
Performance of each tool under the various parameters.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
gbXML IFC gbXML gbXML
Ecotect Design Builder eQuest
Thermal Zones
Room Spaces
Correct Geometry
Geometry Modification
Material Properties
New Material Specifications
Material Thickness
Constructive Elements
Surface recognition
Location
Project Type
Project Units

CONCLUSIONS
Ref: pg 65
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
1. Ecotect is comparatively more efficient in terms of successful geometry and
information transfer.
2. DesignBuilder can be a more powerful tool for energy simulation if its gbXML
import capabilities are improved for an accurate geometry transfer.
3. gbXML is a simplified schema for energy analysis, preparing an analytical model
from a BIM for gbXML import can be time consuming for large and complex
projects, hence a preferred format during design development or schematic stage.
4. gbXML can not carry information such as equipment type for advanced thermal
simulation hence may not help with system sizing.
5. Bidirectional information flow can not be achieves with these formats due to the
limited information carried from BIM to analysis tools and also due to loss of
information in the process.
6. IFC can have a scope of supporting bidirectional information flow as it is carries a
more comprehensive building data, if Revit can support IFC import and analysis
tools can support IFC exports.

Ref: pg 71
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
1. IFC’s capabilities for bi directional interoperability achieved from further
enhancements in the schema. A initiation by the buildingSmart in developing
schemas like ifcXML can make energy analysis more efficient and informative.
2. Similar study can be extended to other BIM tools like ArhiCAD or Vectorworks,
which can give different results as opposed to Revit.
3. Similar study can be conducted for Energy simulation tools that embedded with in
BIM tools. Results can show improved integration of energy analysis within BIM.
RECOMMENDATIONS

Ref: pg 65
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
1. Andrew, M. J. (2003). Ecotect and EnergyPlus, . Retrieved August 14, 2010, from
Building energy Simulation User News, Vol 24:
http://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/EP/un_ecotect.pdf
2. Autodesk Revit Architecture: Product Brochure. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2010,
from Autodesk Website: www.autodesk.com
3. Building Information Modeling in Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2010, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.Building_Information_Modeling
4. buildingSMART website, Model-Industry Foundation Classes. (n.d.). Retrieved August
25, 2010, from building SMART: http://www.buildingsmart.com/bim
5. Chuck Eastman, P. T. (2008). BIM Hnadbook- A guide to Building Information
Modeling. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons.
6. DesignBuilder. (2010). Retrieved August 14, 2010, from
http://www.designbuildersoftware.com/designbuilder.php
BIBLOGRAPHY

Ref: pg 65
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
7. DOE2.com. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2010, from Doe2 official website:
http://www.doe2.com/
8. DXF in Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved August 13, 2010, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD_DXF
9. Eastman, C. (1999). Building Product MOdules: Computer Environments Supporting
Design and Construction. Florida: CRC Press LLC.
10. GSA. (2007). 3D-4D BIM Overview. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from US General
Services Administration website:
http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/GSA_BIM_Guide_v0_60_Series01_Overview_05_
14_07.pdf
11. Hakkinen, T. Sustainable Building and BIM. Finland: VTT Technical research center.
12. Khemlani, L. (2004). The IFB building Model: A look under the hood. Retrieved
September 10, 2010, from AECbytes:
http://aecbytes.com/feature/2004/IFCmodel.html
13. Kumar, S. (2008, May). Interoperability between Information modeling and energy
analysis programs. University of Southern california .
BIBLOGRAPHY

Ref: pg 65
Sruti Nallapaneni
Professional Paper
14. Olof Granlund Oy, M. K. (2008). Energy Analysis Software Evaluation. Retrieved
September 12, 2010, from BIm and Building simulation Research:
www.stanford.edu/.../BIM%20and%20Building%20Simulation%20Research/Granlun
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15. Paola C. Ferrari, N. F. (2010). Building Information Modeling and Interoperability
with Environmental Simulation Sustems. Innovations and Advances in Computer
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16. Phillip G. Bernstein, J. H. (2004, November). Barriers of Adoptation of Building
Information Modeling in the Building Industry. Retrieved August 24, 2010, from
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images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/bim_barriers_wp_mar05.pdf
17. Salman Azhar, J. B. (2009). BIM for sustainability analysis. International Journal of
Construction Education and Research (5:4), 276-292.
18. Taking the LEED with BIM. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2010, from Constructech.com:
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19. Tatjana Dzambazova, E. K. (2009). Introducing REvit Architecture 2011: BIM for
beginners. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
BIBLOGRAPHY

Ref: pg 65
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Professional Paper
20. Thoo, S. (2008, August 14). Interoperability and Sustainable Design. Retrieved
September 29, 2010, from AECbytes feature:
http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2008/Interoperability_SustainableDesign.html
21. Tobias Maile, M. F. (2007). Building Energy Performace Simulation Tools-A Life-Cycle
and Interoperable perspective. Stanford: Center for Integrated Facility Engineering,
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22. Tuomas laine, R. H. (2007). Benefits of BIM in the Thermal Performance
Management. Building Simulation. Helsinki, Finland.
23. www.gbxml.org. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2010, from www.gbxml.org
BIBLOGRAPHY

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