BIM tool kit for Green Building Performance (RDF/ABE/ALWAN)

The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector is gradually appreciating the importance of BIM and green building to the overall industry. This is mainly due to clients’ demanding greater control over building performance. Implementing BIM in green project delivery allows greater synergy in design and construction and meets the owners’ demands of green credentials and cost saving. In reality, the current state of green BIM practices is immature and unsystematic, mainly due from the lack of integrated process in design and execution. The obstacles may include: difficulty in differentiating the roles and responsibilities of design teams, determining appropriate BIM execution strategies and standardizing information exchange (IE). The BIM toolkit is one of the new tools in the BIM industry that defines the tasks, roles and deliverables needed for each stage in the project in a digital work plan. Therefore, studying the functionality of BIM toolkit and adapting it to specific projects, will result high potential in developing a guidance on BIM implementation overall.

The research proposal aims to develop frameworks and solve problems in Environmental assessment method EAM’s (e.g. BREEAM and LEED) workflow by integrating the (EAM) requirements in the project stages using BIM toolkit for more efficient project handling and delivery. In order to achieve research aims the PhD candidate has work on the following objectives:
1. Defining and analysing the problems in the EAM’s process and barriers that cause high variation in the project phases to achieve green building certification.
2. Study the detailed input data needed and tools used for each EAM credit to be achieved, by software links to other tools. e.g. energy modelling.
3. Identify tasks and deliverables with suitable Facility Management applications.
4. Studying the elements for successful integration in terms of process, workflow, Data and data exchange and relation between the common data environment, BIM tool kit, BIM Model.

The applicant should come from an Architectural / Engineering or IT background, knowledge of BIM processes and EAMs would be an advantage.

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required (evidence required by 1 August 2017).

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.
Deadline for applications: 20 January 2017
Start Date: 2 October 2017

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.