Determining the optimal path of Water Distribution System using AHP based on integrated GIS and BIM model

One of the most important challenges of construction projects is building information modeling (BIM) technology in infrastructure projects such as road projects, water distribution system, power plant projects, etc. The use of BIM in infrastructure projects has been less considered in previous studies. Based on BIM and GIS's advantages, the integrated model of these two technologies can facilitate the decision-making process in the planning, design, and construction phases. The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm for finding an appropriate pipeline path using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and based on integrated GIS and BIM Data in model. In this study, BIM and GIS concepts, combining these two systems in previous research, and their application in infrastructure projects are studied. Then, according to the considered parameters and experts' opinions and the integrated BIM and GIS model, the most appropriate pipeline path in a water distribution system is determined based on the AHP method. The results of this study indicate that the shortest path is not necessarily the best pipeline path. Because different criteria are involved in determining the optimal path and all should be considered in selecting the appropriate pipeline path.