# BIM Visual Programming Tools Applications in Infrastructure Projects: A State-of-the-Art Review
###### Abstract  
The Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology improves architectural and infrastructure projects by digitizing their processes throughout their life cycle stages, such as design, construction, management, monitoring, and operation. In recent years, the automation of these processes has been favored by the use of visual programming (VP) tools that have replaced conventional programming languages for visual schemes. The use of these tools in architectural projects is becoming increasing popular. However, this is not the case in infrastructure projects, for which the use of VP algorithms remains scarce. The aim of this work is to encourage both scholars and engineers to implement VP tools in infrastructure projects. For this purpose, this work reviews, for the first time in the literature, the state-of-the-art and future research trends of VP tools in infrastructure projects. Building Information Modeling (BIM); infrastructure projects; visual programming; dynamo; grasshopper; python +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
BIM Visual Programming Tools Applications in Infrastructure Projects A State-of-the-Art Review  
1  
Footnote 1: email: {[[https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/data/2021/11](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/data/2021/11)]([https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/data/2021/11](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/data/2021/11))  
highlighted in works that have studied these benefits for the digitalization of infrastructure projects [40; 41]. This gap is explained by infrastructure projects' characteristics, such as their unique geometry and high design requirements [42]. Due to these unique characteristics, the implementation of the BIM methodology is more difficult. Computer programming has contributed by developing different BIM applications, which are used to digitize projects in the AECO industry [43]. However, these applications have only covered the main BIM applications [44], such as (1) modeling, (2) generation of documentation, and (3) visualization. Other BIM applications, such as (1) parametric design, (2) generation of analysis graphs, and (3) emission estimation, have not yet been encompassed. To address this gap, the AECO industry initially developed specific line code programming applications [45], which were incorporated into BIM software. These programming applications generate algorithms that define different process sequences by defining command lines of instructions [46]. However, the work interface and the high programming skills required by these applications are both challenging for AECO industry professionals [47]. To resolve these issues, BIM software development companies have generated VP tools. These tools generate algorithms based on visual expressions for creating process sequence scripts [48]. Hence, these algorithms are represented as process charts rather than the code lines of conventional programming. The most common VP tools in the AECO project industry are the following:  
1. Dynamo; This VP tool is associated with Autodesk Revit software and is the most commonly used by the AECO project industry [49]. A number of scholars have used this VP tool; for example, [PERSON] et al. [50] developed an algorithm to record data from a set of facilities to BIM models. This platform was used to record real-time data of facilities of a residential building in the city of Ottawa (Canada). [PERSON] et al. [51] applied an algorithm that optimizes the visualization of BIM model elements in a heritage project in the city of Leon (Spain). 2. Grasshopper: This is a plug-in developed by Robert McNeel & Associates for the Rhinoceros 3D modeling software [52; 53]. Among the scholars that have used this VP tool, the following can be highlighted. [PERSON] et al. [54] developed a parametric simulation platform to study the energetic performance in projects. The proposed platform was used to measure the energy relationships in an industrial assembly project in Shiraz (Iran). [PERSON] et al.