Review on BIM technology in railway vehicle operation and maintenance

Based on the relevant research at home and abroad, the research status of building information modelling (BIM) technology in the field of rail vehicle operation and maintenance in recent years were summarized, and the theoretical, technical and applied research results in this field were summarized. Research results show that the application research framework of BIM technology in railway vehicle operation and maintenance includes three levels: theory, technology, and application. Theoretical research focuses on the vehicle modeling, database establishment, operation, and maintenance. Technical research concentrates on the three-dimensional CAD, platform construction, digital management, and vehicle component monitoring. Application research is mainly reflected in the daily operation, maintenance, and value of trains. However, there are some deficiencies in previous results, owing to the late start of related research. In terms of theory, the modeling and database establishment of railway vehicles are imprecise, and the integrity of the life cycle operation and maintenance is insufficient. In terms of technology, model sharing, software collaboration, information management, and vehicle monitoring require further investigation and improvement. For applications, researches on the visualization, cost management, and software development of railway vehicle operation and maintenance need to be specific, specialized, and refined to all levels. Collaborative design and data standardization among BIM multiple disciplines should be strengthened in future research. Integration with new information technology should be achieved, an intelligent and comprehensive management platform should be built, and a deep secondary development of BIM software will be realized. A complete BIM railway vehicle operation and maintenance system should be developed by combining the theory, technology, and application. The BIM-based visual management system should be improved.Moreover, the integrated management of all service objects, data, and business functions in railway vehicle operation and maintenance should be strengthened, and the efficiencies of railway vehicle operation and maintenance need to be improved. A research foundation and theoretical basis for the railway vehicle operation and maintenance are provided to ensure the safe operation of railway vehicles. 2 tabs, 16 figs, 76 refs. © 2021, Editorial Department of Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering. All right reserved.