Semi-automatic geometry modeling: faster and streamlined building simulation models

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry experiences a growing need for building performance simulations (BPS) as facilitators in the design process. However, inconsistent modelling practice and varying quality of export/import functions entail error-prone interoperability with IFC and gbXML data formats. Consequently, repeated manual modelling is still necessary. This paper presents a coupling module enabling a semi-automated extract of geometry data from the BIM software Revit and a further translation to a BPS input file using Revit Application Programming Interface (API) and visual programming in Dynamo. The module is tested with three test cases which shows promising results for fast and structured semi-automatic geometry modelling designed to fit today's practice.