Data Management and Virtual Reality Applications of BIM models

Abstract: Nowadays new digital technologies play an important role in the AEC sector, which are goingthrough a significantly changing period. In this process BIM represent the main character,revolutionizing the traditional way of working in the main operative phases: Design,Construction and Maintenance. However, having all these aspects under a uniquemethodology can brings several problems without a strong framework to regulate the wholeprocedure. The huge quantity of information, as well as the high number of involved people,are the main weak points, that can become the main strong points when Facility Managementis involved in the process. In this scenario this work will analyse a real project located inGenova (Italy), seeing as a complex structure as an hospital can be regulated through the BIMmethodology.The thesis will focus on two fundamental aspects of the new construction methodology: DataManagement and Virtual Reality. The first part aims to analyse correlation between BIM andits information, focusing also on the study case, proposing operative solution through the BIMsoftware Revit and the visual programming toll Dynamo. The second part will showadvantage integrating virtual reality technologies in the AEC sector, showing how build aninteractive virtual simulation using the game engine software Unity based on our study case.Through this work we have seen the importance of new technologies for the future ofConstruction Industry, showing how important is the sharing information involving alwaysmore people into the process, particularly for complex structures.