Building Code Check Plug-in for BIM Compliance Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building construction projects face challenges in determining compliance with various building codes due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of obtaining and evaluating necessary design parameters.

Innovation Solution

A model code check interface tool is integrated with Building Information Models (BIM) to automate the process of evaluating compliance with building codes by distinguishing between programmable and non-programmable inputs, using a layered approach for input data optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual methods are used to obtain and evaluate design parameters for building code compliance, then comprehensive code checking can be performed, but the process requires much effort, time, and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode compliance accuracyVSAvoidtime required for code compliance evaluation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical evaluation processes with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms and data processing to evaluate building code compliance. The system automatically extracts parameters from BIM models, calculates required values, and compares them against code requirements, eliminating the need for manual calculation and review while maintaining comprehensive code checking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically obtaining design parameters from existing BIM models without requiring manual data entry or extraction. The automated workflow includes parameter extraction, calculation, code comparison, and report generation, allowing the system to serve itself in completing the entire compliance evaluation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If detailed design parameters are manually obtained and evaluated, then accurate code compliance determination is achieved, but the skill and know-how required involve much effort and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter evaluation accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal system that can handle multiple building codes, various parameter types, and different evaluation scenarios through a single integrated platform. The system is designed to work with different BIM software and evaluate various building code requirements (energy, structural, safety) using the same core architecture, reducing the complexity burden despite the detailed evaluation performed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If comprehensive design parameters are evaluated for code compliance, then thorough compliance verification is achieved, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance verification thoroughnessVSAvoidevaluation throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces time-consuming manual evaluation mechanics with automated computer-based processing. The automated system can evaluate multiple parameters simultaneously using parallel processing capabilities, perform rapid calculations, and instantly compare results against code requirements, achieving both thorough verification and high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extracting and organizing all necessary design parameters from BIM models before the compliance evaluation begins. Parameters are pre-calculated and pre-validated, so when code checking occurs, the system already has all required data ready, eliminating time delays during the actual compliance verification process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250200233A1Building code check plug-in

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 UNIV OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

The present disclosure presents systems and methods for integrating and executing a building code check tool. One such method comprises obtaining a construction model of a construction project, wherein the construction model includes construction project parameters; and obtaining an input specifying a regulatory building code section. The method further comprises performing a compliance code check against the regulatory building code section by capturing the construction model parameters from the construction model; prompting a user to provide additional construction model parameters; and evaluating the construction model against the regulatory building code section using the captured construction model parameters and the additional construction model parameters; and outputting a list of model elements, wherein a result of the compliance code check for a model element is indicated next to the model element, wherein selection of the model element causes a location of the model element to be displayed within the construction model.