Development of a method for integrating BIM with a thermal load prediction metamodel using gbXML

The use of energy simulations is not yet fully inserted in the building design process. A promising solution for the integration of energy simulation tools in the design process can be achieved by using building information models (BIM). The integration of BIMs with energy analysis models (BEM) during the life cycle can reduce rework and facilitate the evaluation of different design alternatives. However, complete interoperability in the BIM-BEM integration process has not yet been achieved. Performance prediction metamodels can assist in solving this challenge and allow for quick analysis in the early design phases. Thus, this work presents the process of development and validation of an integration method between Building Information Models and the thermal load prediction metamodel developed for Inmetro's Normative Instruction for residential buildings (INI-R). The integration method is based on a tool developed in the Python language to extract the data found in the files based on the gbXML scheme, proceed with mathematical and logical transformations, and correctly fill in the parameters of the developed metamodel. One single-family residential building was modeled on three different BIM authoring tools to validate the integration tool developed and test the consistency of the gbXML scheme. The results demonstrate the feasibility of developing the integration tool, however, they point out some differences between the gbXML files originated from different BIM authoring tools. Also, differences were observed between values of input parameters when comparing the manual and the automated survey from the gbXML file, mainly in the parameters related to the external wall areas. Thus, resulting in differences in the thermal load prediction value obtained by the metamodel. It was possible to conclude that the BIM models can be integrated to a metamodel of performance prediction using the gbXML in a semi-automatic way. The work reinforces the need for standardization in the implementation of export tools for open file formats by software developers. It also indicates the possibility of future use of the method to assist in the energy labeling process of Brazilian buildings and support designers in the initial design stages.