BIM-based circularity assessments across project phases

Building information modelling (BIM) technologies offer new opportunities to develop methods for assessing the circularity performance of constructions. Although various methods are available for measuring the circularity performance, most of them have not explicitly defined the requirements regarding the Level of development (LOD) of BIM models. To support circular design and construction practices, project stakeholders require actual circularity insights during different project phases with different LOD levels. In response to this need, this research iteratively developed a prototypical BIM-based circularity assessment tool following the steps of a design science research methodology. Utilising an assessment module which comprises three different calculation models, the resulting tool can provide circularity insights during different project phases (with different LODs), including the initial, design and construction phases. The tool was further validated through 12 user-based evaluation sessions and implemented in a case project. It thus provides stakeholders with timely and relevant information to make circularity-related decisions throughout various phases of construction projects.