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Leveraging the Potential of BIM towards Sustainable Construction
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IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 955 (2020) 012011
IOP Publishing
doi:10.1088/1757-899X/955/1/012011
1
Leveraging the Potential of BIM towards Sustainable
Construction
Satinder Kaur Khattra1, Hardeep Singh Rai2 and Jagbir Singh2
1Ph.D Scholar, I.K.G. Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala Road, Jalandhar,
(Punjab), INDIA
2Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College,
Ludhiana, (Punjab), INDIA
Corresponding author: Satinder Kaur Khattra: Email id:satinderkhattra14@gmail.com
Abstract. The need to recognize the importance of sustainable construction is becoming a
major concern. The innovative technologies around the construction industry can be of major
help to achieve the aim of sustainable construction. There are various diverse sustainability
rating frameworks around the world, everyone with the same aim of improving the
performance of whole building to achieve the goals of creating a healthy built environment.
Integration of data is key to sustainable construction which needs a shift from traditional
methods of sharing information among various stakeholders. Nowadays, BIM is emerging as
more dominant technology by progressively integrating more and more people of the AEC
industry. However, the uninterrupted use of digital data information along the complete
process sequence falls notably behind other industry sectors. For a successful construction
project, an uninterrupted understanding and widespread exchange of information among these
stakeholders is essential. Main role of BIM is to improve the collaboration and communication
between various people and phases of construction by integration of exchange of information.
BIM process, implemented successfully is able to improve the delivery of information in a
project and reduce extra cost incurred due to design changes during subsequent construction
phases. In this paper to achieve a sustainable BIM model, the capability to share the
information using most popular open source, vendor neutral platform IFC, between two of the
most accepted BIM software was investigated. Round trip tests were performed for the IFC
models produced in two software and an evaluation is made in terms of geometric distortion,
information loss and misrepresentation. Several issues were found in exchanging both object
geometry information and other semantically significant data. Complete exchange of geometry
was not observed in any of the exchanges. The reason for these imperfections is due to the fact
that different software prefer to use methods to generate the information in their internal data
schemas.
1. Introduction
Like the two faces of a coin, every technology and process has pros and cons. The construction
industry is not an exception here. It is an active industry in both developed and developing countries.
On the one side the crucial role of construction industry in social, economic growth and development
of any country cannot be neglected. It is considered as one of the key pillars for the economic growth
of any nation. However, for the past few decades, construction industry is facing the criticism of
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impacting the environment in a negative way. Environment impacts of this industry are attracting the
concern of researchers and policy makers. All the building operations such as construction, operation,
maintenance, renovation and demolition are considered as responsible for the major cause of air
pollution, noise pollution, water depletion, 36% of world’s energy consumption, 40% of CO2
production and burning up of major part of natural resources. It is noted reality that concrete is the
most broadly utilized structural material, which delivered in excess of 10 billion tons for every year on
the planet [1]. With this enormous amount, the construction business is a significant consumer of huge
amounts of natural resources and great deal of energy and responsible of air contamination. Carbon
dioxide discharges are the primary ozone harming substance outflows affecting the sustainable
development. Large amount of carbon dioxide discharged during the creation of concrete is one of the
primary sources behind the Earth-wide temperature boost.
The need to recognize the importance of sustainable construction is becoming a major concern. The
innovative technologies around the construction industry can be of major help to achieve the aim of
sustainable construction. There are various diverse sustainability rating frameworks around the world,
everyone with the same aim of improving the performance of whole building to achieve the goals of
creating a healthy built environment. Sustainability in construction is not only all about the installation
of energy-efficient mechanical systems. It's a way of thinking that impacts each part of the plan and
development stages just as the continuous support and activity of the structure going ahead.
Integration of data is key to sustainable construction which needs a shift from traditional methods of
sharing information among various stakeholders. Information Technology has changed a wide scope
of industrial sectors and the Architectural, Engineering and Construction Industry (AEC) industry is
also advancing rather fast with the advent of technology. Construction companies are now adopting
digital tools to plan, design, construct and operate the buildings and to make enhanced decisions, boost
productivity, get better construction site safety, and lessen risks [2]. However, the uninterrupted use of
digital data information along the complete process sequence falls notably behind other industry
sectors. The planning and understanding of a building project is a complex procedure involving a
variety of stakeholders from diverse fields of proficiency. For a successful construction project, an
uninterrupted understanding and widespread exchange of information among these stakeholders is
essential. Seamless exchange of information between domain-specific tools is essential for capturing
all the information of a building from its commencement to operation.
Nowadays, Building information modelling (BIM) is emerging as more dominant technology by
steadily integrating more and more people of the AEC industry. BIM the acronym for Building
information modelling is a process of using 3D virtual representation of buildings, for collecting and
managing building data from the start of the project to the operation of building through its
construction. By applying the BIM technique, everything begins with a 3D digital model of the
building. A much more thoughtful utilization of computer proficiency in the design, construction and
operation of building projects is recognized [3]. As compared to the conventional methods of
producing and sharing information in drawings, BIM creates a full digital physical appearance and
functional description of built facility, preserves and share all information using comprehensive digital
illustrations known as building information models. BIM model also known as building information
container, not only incorporates the three-dimensional geometry of building units at a defined level of
detail. In addition, it also includes non-physical concepts such as materials, properties, spaces,
schedules, zones and parametric rules as well as the relationships between the components.
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Figure 1 A rich set of semantic information provided by BIM model
Parametric information attached to the objects can be used to automatically generate building
documents such as sections, plans, elevations etc [4]. Figure1 represents rich set of semantic
information provided by BIM model. The main characteristic of BIM model is its ability to convey
semantics, which means all its elements possess a typical meaning that can be used for energy
performance, analysis and design of structural elements, fire simulation, predict performance, to
estimate costs and execute construction. Parametric representation combined with objects provides the
detailed properties and their relationships with other objects in the model.
2. BIM Workflow
In an ideal BIM workflow, working with BIM methodology, means not only using the simple
combination of geometric shapes, materials, appearance with high quality information of components
of building. However, the main contribution of BIM comes from its revolutionary contribution to
bring all the team members into a collaborative workflow in order to integrate all information in a
single integrated model derived from every phase of construction process: from architects, structural
engineers, energy performance tools, fire safety simulation and to asset management. It act as
common platform for all the stakeholders, breaking down silos and encouraging full cooperation,
bringing all professionals under one roof into a collaborative workflow. Where everyone concerned in
a project can explore the model to add or retrieve graphical data and procedural specifications relating
to the particular domain in order to increase productivity and make better decisions. It allows a cost-
effective information exchange and a well-timed update of the information accessible in real time [4].
Accordingly, it significantly reduces time and error while attaining a comprehensive project
improvement.
In a typical BIM workflow, a BIM project starts when a need for a building arises, architects with
due consideration to customers’ needs and basic mechanical ideology, create a digital information
model of the building using a BIM software with knowledge of the general geometry and the
requirements that should be met in the building. All physical elements are modelled in this phase
ensuring compatibility and relationships in all design parameters. This architectural model is then
exported in a common data environment (CDE) such as industry foundation classes (IFC). CDE is
defined as a common digital source of information for any given project that is used to provide access
to the information for all the project teams. Each individual discipline imports the model and adds the
information to the digital BIM platform related to that domain. So these models are updated as per the
needs of each individual discipline differing in many important aspects from each other. All these
updated models are exported to the original model which is ready for the construction.
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Figure 2 Typical BIM workflow for a BIM project
The construction phase is started with this updated digital model. The sufficiently detailed model is
used to automatically create all project drawings, ordering of materials and other construction
documents [5]. It includes all data regarding every step of the construction process. Automation of
various processes guarantees a significant saving of time reducing rework and errors. This complete
BIM workflow is described in Fig. 2.
However, in reality, the extremely fragmented nature of the AEC industry, temporary project-based
partnership, modern architectural designs and increasing complexity of the information involved are
major factors hindering the successful adoption of BIM. The complete acceptance of BIM strongly
depends on the quality of exchanged information and its use in the receiving applications. Extremely
complex process of planning, design and construction of a built facility necessitates efficient
communication between the diverse stakeholders in a given building project in order to work
according to plan. A vast number of different companies and people come together for a particular
project and only for the short duration of the projects. A wide variety of BIM software and tools are
being used by involved professionals while working independently on their domain specific tasks
available tools to deal with the project's specific needs during the entire life cycle of a building [6].
The siloed operation of these stakeholders hinders their collaboration. Exchange of information is not
ideal: create a model in one software, export it to another and continue modelling. For instance, an
architectural model imported by HVAC engineer should be able to used as a basis for energy analysis
purposes. In practice, the project participants working on the BIM model need to manually re-enter a
large amount of information and set certain new parameters along with the input data obtained from
BIM.
2.1. Industry Foundation Classes
With a realization of importance of integration and seamless flow of information between various BIM
tools, International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), at present buildingSMART [7]
international not-for-profit, open and neutral organization, in order to facilitate the whole AEC
industry to improve the sharing of information all over the lifecycle of built facility, has developed an
object-based, vender neutral international standard (ISO 16739-1:2018) known as IFC. IFC short form
for Industry Foundation Classes, provide freedom to all project participants to use the software tools of
their own choice without thinking about the exchange of information with other professionals. IFC
defines semantic information that is geometry as well as the properties of building objects and their
relationships within BIM models. This encourages the sharing of information across diverse
applications, which is a prerequisite for improving collaborative workflows in BIM environment. The
IFC platform is sighted as one of the key driving force to overcome the inefficiencies of a scattered
and fragmented industry.
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BuildingSMART, committed to the creation and adoption of open, international standards and
solutions for the industry, released first version of IFC in 1995 as IFC 1.0. Since then it is
continuously improving the data model and adding new classes and properties with each new release.
However, IFC 2x3 is most commonly used IFC schema for its wide coverage of support. To deal with
the data sharing challenges and to ensure the efficient implementations of IFC models,
buildingSMART has started certification process for trustworthy information exchange between
software applications in real projects [8]. Software certification procedure provides confirmation for
implementation of IFC standard helping software applications to ensure IFC consistency of data
exchanges and the totality of information. Applications acquire the IFC-compliant label by going
through a rigorous certification process. All IFC certified BIM software are proficient of writing,
reading and sharing information with other software applications as per the norms laid down by
buildingSMART. IFC-compliant applications can import IFC models, re-use intelligent information
contained in other IFC-compliant tools and further export updated models as IFC files for coordination
and re-use in other BIM authoring applications.
This is becoming ever more significant as different governments and government agencies are
expecting the projects to be submitted in IFC format. For instance, in order to automate the code
checking process, Singapore government has initiated the submission of building plans in IFC format
and also in the USA the General Services Administration (GSA) [9], critical to successful integration
of computer models in a building project mandated all building information to be furnished in IFC
format.
IFC, receiving great attention, although very successful in providing a collaborative environment
and have made significant progress in solving the information exchange issues to a great extent. No
doubt, it is continuously developing, more than 200 software applications are already certified as IFC-
complaint and generating and receiving data in IFC format. However AEC professionals are still
facing numerous challenges when implementing IFC in their projects. Major elements lost parametric
intelligence when IFC model is imported in various BIM applications. Geometry distortion, missing
information and change in file size were reported while retrieving information through IFC file format.
So the seamless flow of information among all stakeholders using IFC model is not a complete reality
yet [10]. In practice, various participants working on the same project need to re-enter numerous data
manually, make additions and set new parameters in addition to the input data obtained from IFC
model.
The work revealed in this paper explores how efficiently BIM can be helpful towards sustainable
construction by improving the integration among people involved in a building project. This work
argues the reliability of using IFC file formats for storing and sharing of information in different
phases of construction.
3. Related Work
The Information sharing and exchange is considered as one of the core factors of collaboration all the
way through the building lifecycle. A variety of efforts from both researchers and industry have been
devoted to addressing the problems related to the exchange of information between heterogeneous
software tools based on IFC files[11]. For the past few years research community has shown a great
interest for analysis of mapping between various design tools in a precise and reliable manner [11].
Round-trip testing, a particular form of import/export was adopted to tests the interoperability of an
application with itself [12]. [13] developed EVASYS (EXPRESS Evaluation System), a tool designed
to compare two IFC models. It was the first tool developed using C# to automate the count of the total
number of matching instances. The tool used a third-party element, called the IFC Engine as a sub-
component in the EVASYS system. IFC has been accepted as most widely used platform to store and
share the building information among different professionals. However exchange of information using
IFC models is not satisfactory. A widespread method to investigate the interoperability is by
comparing various IFC files [14].
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IFC files generated by three architectural software, were compared for interoperability performance
evaluation [15]. Open standards play a vital role in sharing the building data to enhance
communication and collaboration between different domains. These can be used by professionals even
if not designed for that particular profession. IFC platform does not support the full exportation of
certain typical proprietary data types which preserve application functions that mean, in a round trip
test, IFC files cannot create the original file with complete of its description. So there will be loss of
object information every time IFC file is imported or exported. [16] recommended to improve the
quality of IFC interfaces mentioning it as the cause of incomplete mapping between native software
file formats and IFC schema. [17] proposed a content-based automatic comparison tool,
named IFCdiff, to identify dissimilarity between two IFC files. The proposed method, besides
providing a complete analysis of the configuration and content for each IFC files, eliminate redundant
IFC instances thus reducing the computational time.
4. Research Methodology
The BIM workflow described above laid down in section 2 necessities and set requirements for a
framework for practical solutions for providing a collaborative BIM based environment to the
construction industry. Upholding the model quality and consistency of data are considered as major
challenges to this collaboration. Continuing development of IFC standards by buildingSMART are
allowing the transformation of semantic information between various software applications who work
together with their diverse domain specific tools. According to a comprehensive survey by
buildingSMART, more than 200 software applications have abilities to import/export IFC data
models. It has changed the conventional one-to-one direct data exchange process between diverse
software applications based on native file formats (Fig. 3a) by sharing of a single model with all the
participants (Fig. 3b).
However the comprehensive review of previous work suggested that structured geometric
information exchange between various architectural applications based on IFC models cannot be
blindly trusted. For the lack of guiding rules as regards the software usage and insufficient IFC
interfaces, challenges the efficient collaboration among BIM authoring applications using IFC models.
Issues related to IFC certification has always been a matter of discussion. IFC models are not being
able to met end users expectations of seamless exchange of information in their software applications
[18].
(a) Traditional Exchange model (b) IFC based Exchange model
Figure 3 Traditional exchange scenario Vs IFC based data exchange
Accurate transfer of objects of IFC information model with clear identity and semantics is a matter
of concern for those who rely on these models for exchange of information between various design
tools. This is a leading cause for us to explore that why the IFC compliant design software are not
capable of preserving the meaning of models as expected.
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The work revealed in this paper explores how well the semantics of BIM models are preserved
when information is exchanged through IFC files in different design tools. This work argues the
reliability of using IFC file formats for storing and sharing of information in different phases of
construction.
The evaluation criteria to investigate issues in the process of data import and re-export between
heterogeneous software using IFC files can take different workflows. In a general workflow, known as
round-tripping, a model is generated in software A and then exported as an IFC model, can be
imported in software B or it can be imported back to the original software that is software A and again
re-exported as IFC file without making any modifications. These import/export workflows are not
only limited to an exchange of IFC models from one application to another BIM application [19].
Sometimes multiple creating and accepting BIM software are used. Several workflows involve the
creation of model in single software application and exported to many applications and vice-versa. In
other workflows IFC model is created in many applications and exported to a number of BIM
applications. The purpose of these import/export workflows is to be able to compare the original IFC
files to the exported IFC files. These workflows are important as the collaboration among industry
professionals revolve around the quality and reliability of information exchanged.
Round-tripping workflow, where the BIM model is generated in single software, exported as IFC
model and then this IFC model, without any modification, is imported back to the same BIM software
and again re-exported in IFC format, is known as pure round-tripping testing. So there are two IFC
files of the same BIM model. Re-exported IFC file is compared with the original IFC file, to evaluate
that how much compatible a software tool is with itself over a wide scope of experiments. The pure
round-trip workflow mainly focused on degree of restoration of native object types and semantic
information required. These workflows are significant for collaborative environment. For instance, an
architectural model is imported in a structural design application. Structural engineer use this imported
semantic information for design and analysis purposes. After adding the information, the model is re-
exported to the architect to update the original model.
In this study, the workflow similar to the export/re-export procedure described as above was
followed to explore the strength and weaknesses of IFC file format. As a case study to explore the
issues surrounding the utilization of IFC files for exchanging design model information between a
variety of different BIM tools, two of the most common BIM authoring applications, FreeCAD and
Autodesk Revit, have been evaluated. The criteria to select the tools were simply based on their
popularity in AEC industry. One of these chosen software is open source software and second is a
proprietary software. FreeCAD (M1 from now onwards) is a popular parametric 3D computer-aided
design modeller used to create 3D models. It is most suitable for geometric design and most
appropriate tool for professionals willing to be a part of BIM process. It is free of charge yet powerful
software downloadable from FreeCAD website [20]. Second software used in the research is Revit
Architecture from Autodesk. Revit (M2 from now onwards) is the most commonly used proprietary
software (with three years free subscription for students), having powerful tools for architectural,
structural and MEP designs helping project teams to produce simple, effective and better outcomes
collectively. IFC file format is used to exchange the models in these software and results are
examined in terms of information loss and geometry distortion.
4.1. BIM Model Preparation
As a case study for this work, a BIM architectural model was created in both the software that is one
in each of tool M1 and M2. The test models were composed of several fundamental architectural
elements such as beam, column, wall, slab, door, window and their attributes. The models were first
saved in the original applications in native format as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig.5 and then exported as
IFC models in IFC 2x3 coordination view format.
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Figure 4 BIM model in REVIT Figure 5 BIM Model in FreeCAD
4.2. Round Trip Test
For performing round trip test, the exported IFC models were then imported back in the originating
application and re-exported in IFC file format. Also the same IFC model from tool M1 was imported
in M2 and exported in IFC file format without any modification. Similarly IFC model from M2 was
imported in M1 and exported as IFC file. The workflow for the study is shown in Fig. 6.
Figure 6 Workflow IFC data exchange between BIM software
The original and exchanged IFC models were then examined to find how much information can be
shared without data loss and distortion. Evaluation criteria includes investigation of overall
information such as file size, type of entities, disparities in representations and the exact geometry of
objects along with their relations from viewpoint of an end user. Several tools have been developed for
comparing the exported and original IFC files in various research projects to be used in their own
projects. Many of these tools were made freely accessible to be used by the community to carry out
simple data analysis. These tools are categorised as graphic viewers and text based analyzers. Graphic
viewers are used to inspect appearance of the model geometric information that can be inspected
visually in an IFC file and to examine the hierarchical arrangement of building elements. Examples of
graphic viewers are Solibri Model Viewer, BIM vision, Tekla BIMsight, usBIM.viewer+, IFC Viewer
etc. The text viewers provide summary statistics of IFC models such as file size, type of entities, entity
counts, style, syntax and structure and also the relations between entity instances for representing a
building model. Some of the text browsers are IFC file analyzer, ifcdiff, IfcQuickBrowser,
IfcOpenShell, DDS IFC Reader etc.
The examination commenced with a visual inspection of original and re-exported IFC files. BIM
Vision and usBIM.viewer+ viewers were used for visual inspection of the models. Visual inspection is
a simple and fast but important method to examine if the software were having problems in exporting
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the model or only reading it. Then IFC file Analyzer [21] was used to compare the semantics of all the
IFC models. The IFC File Analyzer is capable of extracting complete information from an IFC file in
terms of file size, number of entities and entity types and provides the summary of this information in
an Excel file. It creates one main summary worksheet and one sheet for each type of entity processed
in the IFC file [33]. The IFC File Analyzer examines single or multiple IFC files and generate the
results of the analysis in a comparative worksheet.
5. Discussion
The building models for this simple experiment were modelled with two most commonly used
architectural BIM software and exported and imported as IFC files. After the data exchange has been
completed, with concentration on the examination of geometry exchange, IFC viewers and IFC File
Analyzer were used to analyze the content of exported IFC files. Several restrictions were found in
exchanging both object geometry information and other semantically significant data. The summary
worksheets as shown in Fig. 7 (a) and (b), created by IFC File Analyzer unveiled a number of standard
and non-standard entities along with their attributes. Fig. 7(a) presents the comparison of IFC file
generated with M1 and Fig. 7(b) reveals the results of IFC files produced by M2.
(a) Export from tool M1 (b) Export from tool M2
Figure 7 Summary worksheets form IFC file analyzer
When importing IFC models, some software behave as a kind of black box. They can produce IFC
files, but are not capable to receive IFC files [15]. This was a major issue faced in the experiment in
which the building model created in M1 tool was imported in M2. An error window popped up (as
shown in Fig.8) with a message that no building elements are found in the file. So no IFC file could
be exported from tool M2, so a large portion of the experiments was incomplete.
Although no major issues were noticed in the visual inspection of the models in IFC viewers, the
quantity representation in Fig. 7 revealed a number of issues of geometry distortion and loss of
information in the IFC file contents. Each data exchange combination resulted in considerably
dissimilar geometry interpretation. A comparison of file size and number of entities were not
appropriate indicating that model exchange with dissimilar software interfaces marks the diversified
methods of creating the models and thus increasing/ decreasing the file size and number of entities.
For export and re-export of IFC files from software M1, the file size was two times and number of
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entities increased three times. This change could be attributed to the needless increase in the entities
such as IfcFaceBound, IfcPolyLoop and IfcCrtesianPoint and so on.
Figure 8 Error window in Revit
Although no major issues were noticed in the visual inspection of the models in IFC viewers, the
quantity representation in Fig. 7 revealed a number of issues of geometry distortion and loss of
information in the IFC file contents. Each data exchange combination resulted in considerably
dissimilar geometry interpretation. A comparison of file size and number of entities were not
appropriate indicating that model exchange with dissimilar software interfaces marks the diversified
methods of creating the models and thus increasing/ decreasing the file size and number of entities.
For export and re-export of IFC files from software M1, the file size was two times and number of
entities increased three times. This change could be attributed to the needless increase in the entities
such as IfcFaceBound, IfcPolyLoop and IfcCrtesianPoint and so on. Although appearing larger in size,
many instances are missing in it. The core missing instance is IfcExtrudedAreaSolid in this case. For
import of IFC model from M2 to M1, the major issues were with transfer of material layers and shape
representation of objects as can be seen in summary worksheet (Fig.7 b) This could have happened
because the different Architectural BIM software use different ways of representation to create the
objects. Mainly three types of geometric representations are used to generate the objects which are
IfcExtrudedAreaSolid (Swept Solid Representation), IfcFacetedBrep (Boundary Representation
Method) and IfcShellBasedSurfaceModel (SurfaceModel Representation). Large discrepancy between
the IFC exported files, even for the same architectural BIM software, is visibly apparent. The IFC
schema does not support the export of some proprietary data types that sustain some particular
application functions. Unable to export these instances, an IFC round tripped file is not capable of
mapping the original application data, thus some characteristics will no longer work.
6. Conclusions
The study has been capable to conclude that seamless sharing of information among BIM authoring
tools can help AEC industry to achieve the goals of sustainable construction by lowering project cost,
construction time so on. Various what if scenarios can be considered at the initial stages of the
construction phase. The successful, performance of building projects requires a planned and effective
collaboration between all stakeholders. The growing expansion of BIM authoring tools has to be
estimated regarding their situational fitness of information exchange in building projects. The sharing
of information among different BIM authoring tools is not simple or straightforward due to complex
illustration and reliability issues in the process of information. The study shows that the adoption of
BIM can be efficiently used to achieve sustainable construction by enhancing the quality of
information delivery, better collaboration and improved building energy analysis.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to mention and acknowledge the Department of Research, Innovation &
Consultancy of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala Road, Jalandhar for giving them
an opportunity and providing them all the required assistance to write this research paper. This study is
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a part of a PhD research work carried out at I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar
(Punjab).
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