Built Environment Defect Mapping, Modeling, and Management (D3M): A BIM-Based Integrated Framework

The built environment is subject to various defects as it ages. A well-maintained built environment depends on surveying activities to inspect, document, and rehabilitate the defects that occurred. The advancement of digital technologies paves the pathway towards (1) comprehensive defect inspection by systematic mapping, (2) their consistent documentation by digital modeling, and (3) timely retrofitting by proactive management. However, the three steps of defect mapping, modeling, and management (D3M) remain largely fragmented and have yet to be synergized. Exploiting the pivotal role of building information modeling (BIM) in built asset management, this paper puts forward a cohesive framework for integrated D3M. It leverages the rich geometric-semantic information in BIM to assist defect mapping and enriches the BIM by industry foundation classes (IFCs)-represented defect information. The defect-enriched BIM facilitates defect management in a data-driven manner. The framework was applied in multiple real-life infrastructure and civil works projects. It demonstrates how the BIM-based D3M framework can enhance the maintenance of those that have been built, and ultimately contribute to a safe and sustainable built environment. Future studies are called for to substantiate each of the 3Ms by leveraging BIM as both an enabler and a beneficiary.