Research
Accelerating transformation through research.
Data-driven Discovery
At AECO, we recognize that research forms the bedrock upon which our innovative ideas and products are founded. Our research teams use a data-driven approach to pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries that push the envelope of what's possible in the AEC industry.
We are known for our ability to rapidly turn insights into action, bringing innovative products to market faster than ever before. Using research, AECO is driving forward-thinking change and redefining industry norms.
Our Research Projects
AECO has teamed up with buildingSMART Canada and Mitacs to launch a $1.32-million, 5-year research program. Our goal? To unlock the full potential of BIM and digital twins, empowering Canadian regulatory agencies to make better decisions around development approvals, asset management, facility operations, and municipal planning.
Learn more about how we are revolutionizing the way our industry operates:
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New Edition of BIM Contract Appendix
The BIM Contract Appendix (IBC 100-2014) removes hurdles that previously existed, and improves collaboration, coordination, and efficiency on project teams by reducing uncertainty and risk around the application of BIM on projects. This new edition provides clarity to key concepts, offers practical solutions to challenges, and the terminology is designed to harmonize with CCDC and ISO 19650.
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BIM & GIS
The interoperability between BIM and GIS will be explored both theoretically and with working demonstration using real project examples. The importance of mixing these data silos is more crucial with municipalities and owners working toward a goal of City Information Models and Digital Twins. To achieve an interoperability goal the similarities and differences of BIM and GIS data structure will be explored along with the types of attribute data. Further the long-term access to data to support full lifecycle process will rely heavily on openBIM and openGIS which will be the foundation of the whitepaper and project explorations.
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Digital Twin Use Cases
This project collaboration between Carleton Immersive Lab, AECO Innovation Lab, and bSC National Infrastructure Council will explore all the possible use cases of digital twins and city information models. The diversity of this collaboration will bring fruitful discussion, uncover many opportunities for owners and municipalities, and explore how BIM and digital twins can impact the full building lifecycle from planning to development approvals to managing built assets more effectively.
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Digital Twin Readiness Index
This is a Mitacs project with ETS to build a tool for bSC to rate digital twin readiness. There is a lot of interest by owners in digital twin but a lack of clarity in how digital twins can be leveraged. The DT Readiness Index is a tool that owners can use to help shape their own digital transformation to obtain and prepare for the planning, procurement, delivery, and use of digital twins.
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BIM and ISO 19650 Adoption Report
There is a need for bSC membership as well as organizations, companies, associations, government bodies, and industry sectors to understand the general competence and adoption of BIM and ISO 19650 in Canada. This project will build on the previous BIM Surveys and Reports to provide current insights into these key areas.
Partner: UBC
Digital Twin for Decarbonization
This is a Mitacs project with ETS to build a tool for bSC to rate digital twin’s use for a variety of sustainability goals. There is a lot of interest by owners and government bodies in decarbonization and other improvements needed to combat climate change. This tool will bring clarity to how digital twins can be leveraged.
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Digital Seals for BIM
Digital seal and authentication for 2D PDFs has been successfully implemented, however the digital transformation toward Model as Legal Document (MALD) will require seal and authentication of 3D BIM. This research project will inventory all the existing jurisdictions that have implemented MALD and if or how they have sealed and authenticated the BIM. It will explore the technical aspects of validation and authentication of data and data exchange.
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