The emergence of BIM technology in the AEC industry over the past decade has brought positive impacts across different stages of the project life-cycle. Existing structures without a BIM model are facing traditional challenges during post-construction stages of the project life-cycle. Previous studies suggested that post-construction stages contribute the highest economic value compared to the other stages, signifying a need for BIM in existing structures for facility management and maintenance purposes. A high amount of effort and time required in manual creation of as-built BIM model is often cited as the main factor that dissuades owners and facility managers from adopting BIM into existing structures. The present study proposes a new framework to generate 3D BIM models from 2D CAD information of existing structures through the integration of Revit API as the programming backbone. The framework is structured into five element modelers: column modeler, beam modeler, wall modeler, slab modeler, and rebar modeler. The result of the case study showcases the stable working environment of the proposed framework, thus demonstrating the robust capabilities of the proposed framework in generating complete and accurate 3D BIM models for existing structures in a quick and efficient manner.

The emergence of BIM technology in the AEC industry over the past decade has brought positive impacts across different stages of the project life-cycle. Existing structures without a BIM model are facing traditional challenges during post-construction stages of the project life-cycle. Previous studies suggested that post-construction stages contribute the highest economic value compared to the other stages, signifying a need for BIM in existing structures for facility management and maintenance purposes. A high amount of effort and time required in manual creation of as-built BIM model is often cited as the main factor that dissuades owners and facility managers from adopting BIM into existing structures. The present study proposes a new framework to generate 3D BIM models from 2D CAD information of existing structures through the integration of Revit API as the programming backbone. The framework is structured into five element modelers: column modeler, beam modeler, wall modeler, slab modeler, and rebar modeler. The result of the case study showcases the stable working environment of the proposed framework, thus demonstrating the robust capabilities of the proposed framework in generating complete and accurate 3D BIM models for existing structures in a quick and efficient manner.

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