Building information modelling (BIM)-based solar path and shadow analysis for energy-efficient building design

Building information modelling (BIM)-based solar path and shadow analysis for energy-efficient building design

Fazlul Hoque TUSHAR, Tahia RABBEE, Md Shakib HOSSEN, Md Feroz MIAH, Siam Ul BADHON, Akram ULLAH

Abstract. This study investigates using BIM for solar path and shadow analysis to enhance energy-efficient building design in the tropical climate of Dhaka, Bangladesh. It focuses on a site area of 6910 m² in Mohammadpur, aiming to optimize solar gain, minimize unwanted heat, and improve natural daylighting in buildings. Utilizing tools like SketchUp with Skelion and Curic Sun, detailed analyses of solar paths and shadows were conducted for key dates across different seasons. The findings demonstrate that strategic building orientation, site layout, ventilation, and the implementation of shading devices can significantly enhance energy efficiency, reducing both heating and cooling demands throughout the year. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of integrating solar and shadow data into the design process to develop sustainable buildings that balance functionality with energy conservation. These results offer valuable insights and practical guidelines for architects and engineers aiming to promote sustainable building practices.

Keywords
Building Information Modeling (BIM), Sun Path Analysis, Shadow Simulation, Energy Efficiency Building

Published online 2/25/2025, 8 pages
Copyright © 2025 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Fazlul Hoque TUSHAR, Tahia RABBEE, Md Shakib HOSSEN, Md Feroz MIAH, Siam Ul BADHON, Akram ULLAH, Building information modelling (BIM)-based solar path and shadow analysis for energy-efficient building design, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 48, pp 1179-1186, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903414-126

The article was published as article 126 of the book Civil and Environmental Engineering for Resilient, Smart and Sustainable Solutions

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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