Limitations of Using Digital BIM Models to Carry out Thermal Analysis

To meet ever more demanding thermal regulations, BIM and its geometrically semantically enriched building models are presented as a powerful means. In this article, we focus more specifically on the thermal performance of the envelope of existing buildings. Based on the modelling of an existing case, we discuss the potential of extraction and use of the information contained in the digital models to carry out two types of studies: a regulatory certification in the EPB software (Energy Performance of Buildings) and a simulation of energy needs in the Green Building Studio software. Through them, we present a panel of the possibilities and the limits of using digital models for this type of study by considering, on the one hand, the quality of the models and on the other hand, the hypotheses governing the methods of the analysis tools.