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Description
Integrate circularity metrics in the various stages of the life cycle of a construction project Create a Building information modeling (BIM) standard that will be used on a platform, CIRCULAR-BIM. In the demonstration phase, a methodology based on Material Flow Analysis will be applied to the construction project in order to enhance the closing of the materials cycle, identifying recycling destinations for all construction and demolition waste (RCD) produced along the life cycle of the building, with a zero waste perspective. Jobs created and innovative solutions for increased resource efficiency piloted.
Summary of project results
The CIRCULAR-BIM project aims to create a BIM standard type Product Data template, i.e., a data structure for BIM objects, and a set of applications that allow the calculation of building and component circularity passports, integration and development of product EPD and the calculation of LEVEL(S) system indicators for buildings from building models, thus contributing to the implementation of circularity practices in construction.
1. CIRCULAR-BIM Platform Specifications:
- Technical specification - criteria for design for disassembly and circularity indicators, BIM/LCA integration, circularity tool for Level 1 and 2, circularity tool for Level 3,
- Adaptation of circularity tools to be in line with new national and European legislation
- Technical implementation of the database
2. Development of CIRCULAR-BIM Database
- Data collection
- Definition of the product data template (PDT) and filling out of product data sheets (PDS)
- Analysis of national construction types
Data collection and organization focused on building archetypes and EoL treatments.
- Setup of relational database in SQL
3. Platform development
- Parametrization of the Life Cycle calculations
- Flow chart for programming of circularity tool
- Development of user interface
4. Demonstration
- Digitization of Lisbon archetype
- Digitization of new residential house
- Digitization of Herdade do Pinheirinho
- Material Flow Analysis (MFA) - MFA was developed for Herdade do Pinheirinho.
- Demonstration of the Circular EcoBIM platform - The plugins were demonstrated with the Lisbon Archetype, ATREM New Residential House and Herdade do Pinheirinho.
- Project presentation events
5. Dissemination and exploitation
- Website
- Events
- Communications
- Newsletter
This project presented a high innovative character in the digitalization of the construction sector, on the one hand, and in the design of a tool with a project life cycle approach, including environmental and circularity indicators, on the other hand. In its operational activities, the following should be highlighted:
A relational database was developed, which contains the required information for the LCA plugin, the circularity plugin (programmed in C#), and the digital twin application. An additional effort was made to develop another circularity tool (programmed in Dynamo for Revit) to allow a wider uptake of circularity analysis of buildings.
Development of building archetypes with typical construction elements for the building sector in Portugal to populate the database for existing buildings from 1900 to the present.
Development and conduct of a survey to C&D Waste Management Operators in Portugal to identify specific material recycling efficiencies and develop the EoL treatments for the database.
The Circular EcoBIM platform comprises different circularity tools:
• One software plugin for the existing BIM software Revit that allows performing a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the construction and renovation of a project design corresponding to Levels 1 and 2 of the EU Level(s) framework.
• One software plugin for the existing BIM software Revit that allows analyzing the circularity potential for the construction and renovation of a project design corresponding to Levels 1 and 2 of the EU Level(s) framework.
• One software application using a digital twin that provides an interface to enable the visualization and interaction with the BIM model and the environmental performance in a digital environment. Information is synchronized between the BIM software and the database, which allows the building manager to access all project data.
In addition, the Circular EcoBIM platform consists of the following components:
• A database that collects information about the environmental performance and circularity potential of construction materials.
• A product data template (PDT) that allows organizing and directing the collection of data for the specific application of the remaining tools of Circular EcoBIM.
The goal is to have a practical and user-friendly software platform to support environmental circularity, during construction and building renovation.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner - NTNU - participated essentially as an advisor.