Renobim: Collaboration platform based on open bim workflows for energy renovation of buildings using timber prefabricated products

AEC industry is by far one of the most fragmented industries, with still important data and process silos. This paper presents an innovative platform developed in H2020 funded BERTIM project to overcome this barrier in the field of building energy renovation using timber prefabricated products. It supports the overall process from BIM creation using laser scanning techniques, assessment of the renovation project feasibility and selection of the most cost-effective alternative to be then produced by CNC machines. It follows the decision-making methodology developed in the project, involving several stakeholders (service provider, designer, manufacturer and potential client of the renovation process), as support their collaboration, with relevant time savings and better knowledge sharing. The platform implements Open BIM workflows through the interoperability of tools using IFC files, linking custom developed decision support tools, existing energy simulation engines (Energy Plus) and CAD/CAM tools, with secondary objectives like running cloud energy simulations by non-expert users. Simulation models are automatically created in two approaches: procedurally created models from user inputs (for early deci-sions), as well as an advanced IFC to Energy Plus conversion in detailed phases. Additionally, the user can quickly define the façade splitting configuration to be added to the existing IFC and conveyed to the CAD/CAM tool for manufacturing. 3D model visualization is supported using Web3D technologies. The final platform is easily adaptable to different manufacturers’ processes and products.