BIM applied to plywood formwork design in reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

The authoring of construction documents on plywood formwork for concrete structures traditionally makes use of CAD tools in a bi-dimensional representation, limiting its inclusion in Building Information Modeling (BIM). Considering that BIM is in great expansion in Brazil, this study proposes a solution to overcome this limitation. We propose a Formwork BIM component library including uses such as virtual prototyping (modeling), quantification, 4D simulation and associated processes. The research method used was constructive research. The components for the library were based on the BIM tool Revit Structure. The proposal was validated in a learning environment, in a design office and in practice. We have found that the research study is in line with the few existing similar international pioneering studies, and it is contextualized in the Brazilian situation. The researchers also observed that that all research dealing with BIM associated with formwork requires an information model that includes the modeling of formworks. Thus, this study is also essential, since it enables and expands the developments of the incorporation of BIM into the production chain of the construction industry.

Keywords:
Formwork design; BIM; Design of reinforced concrete structure; Model; Parametric