Introduction

The proposed thesis aims to support the ESO ELT project by developing a cloud-based framework for BIM data integration and visualization. With several international contractors contributing to ELT models, ensuring consistency and accessibility of BIM information is increasingly complex. This research will explore methods to harmonize multi-source BIM data and create real-time dashboards that provide actionable insights to design, construction and maintenance teams.

Abstract

This thesis investigates a cloud-based approach to integrating and visualizing Building Information Modelling (BIM) data in the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) project. The goal is to develop a unified data environment capable of synchronizing and analysing BIM models provided by multiple international contractors in real time. Using Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Revit, Navisworks, and Tandem, the student will design and implement a workflow to harmonize settings, validate data consistency, and establish automated connections between BIM models and dashboard visualizations. The research will review existing literature on cloud-based BIM management, data interoperability (IFC standards) and digital twin technologies, identifying current gaps in multi-contractor coordination. A pilot implementation will demonstrate how dashboards can monitor model completeness, coordination issues, and progress indicators, reducing manual reporting efforts and supporting data-driven decisions. Expected results include a documented data harmonization methodology, a working dashboard prototype, and performance metrics assessing improvements in data accessibility and coordination effectiveness for ELT. The results will contribute to broader research into the integration of cloud-based BIM and digital twin into large-scale scientific infrastructure projects.

Objectives

• Examine the state of the art in BIM data exchange, IFC readiness for analysis, cloud Common Data Environments (CDE) and digital twins.
• Define information schema/mapping rules to harmonize contractor settings into a unified ELT BIM dataset (Revit + IFC).
• Implement a proof-of-concept cloud workflow using Autodesk ACC/Tandem (or ACC + API) to ingest, validate and synchronize multi-source BIM data.
• Develop interactive dashboards (web or Tandem dashboards) that present model completeness, open coordination issues, conflict trends, and progress metrics with near real-time updates.
• Evaluate the prototype on a selected set of ELT disciplines (e.g. M1 Fixed Frames, hydraulic bearing system) and measure improvements compared to current practice.

Supervisors: Paulo Ferreira

Possible start: anytime