Integration of BIM and Emerging Information Technologies: Paths and Challenges for Driving Intelligent Construction Management

Abstract

The convergence of core and emerging technologies increasingly drives the digital transformation of the construction industry. This paper systematically explores the integrated application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) in construction management, alongside the inherent challenges. Findings indicate that BIM-AI integration facilitates design optimization, error detection, and progress tracking; BIM-IoT combination enables dynamic monitoring via a “virtual model + real-time data” paradigm; big data analytics empower BIM for progress correction and risk early-warning; and AR/VR technologies significantly enhance model visualization and immersive collaboration. These integrations collectively enhance decision-making, risk control, and operational efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. However, major challenges persist, including data heterogeneity between BIM and IoT, non-standardized data hindering AI training, and technical bottlenecks in BIM-AR/VR model conversion and rendering. To overcome these barriers and harness the full potential of integrated BIM, this study proposes systematic countermeasures, including a general data fusion framework, semantic standardization, cloud-edge computing, and an intermediate conversion layer. The study further identifies the development of digital twin systems as a key future direction to achieve multi-source data closed-loop interaction. This evolution is envisioned to propel the construction industry toward unprecedented levels of intelligence and management refinement.