T. Child

An industry foundation classes Web-based collaborative construction computer environment: WISPER

Abstract Collaborative working in construction is becoming a reality as many activities are performed globally with actors based in various geographical locations. This paper discusses the development and implementation of a collaborative working environment for construction at the University of Salford which is known as Web-based IFC Shared Project EnviRonment (WISPER). The environment is based on a three tier architecture, where user interfaces, business logic and database are kept separate. A Web and Industry Foundation Classes-based (IFC-based) distributed computer integrated environment has been developed. This environment supports design (CAD), visualisation (VR and Drawing Web Format — DWF), estimating, planning, specifications and supplier information. WISPER enables project information to be exchanged through a STEP Part 21 file and shared through the IFC database. Meanwhile, a set of Web pages allows for remote interaction, as well as access to and the distribution of applications. This provides great flexibility and portability, thereby enabling construction professionals to contribute as well as to perform and manage their own activities.

An information engineering approach to modelling building design

Abstract This paper highlights potential problems in the construction industry concerning the large quantities of information produced and the lack of an adequate information structure within which to coordinate this information. The Information Engineering Method (IEM) and Information Engineering Facility (IEF) CASE tool are described and put forward as a means of establishing an information structure at a strategic level thus providing a framework for the implementation of lower level applications systems. The paper describes how the ICON (Integration/Information for Construction) project at Salford University is establishing and modelling the information requirements for the construction industry at the strategic level. The IEM and IEF are demonstrated using activity, data and interaction models with particular attention being paid to the function of building design within the broader context of design, procurement and the management of construction. Implications for future practice are also discussed.

Developing a virtual reality interface for an integrated project database environment

Explores the potential of using virtual reality (VR) as an interface for an integrated project database using the World Wide Web. VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language), which is a Web-based standard, is explored as a means of remotely interrogating information stored within an integrated database. VRML allows the creation of 3D views and worlds which can be explored in real time. This paper describes the steps taken to link the OSCON integrated database to a VRML environment. It addresses the issue of using VR as the medium for the remote accessing of information within an integrated environment. For instance, site engineers can query the database from their sites if they have access to a modem and the Internet. Technologies are now available which can be used to this end. The Internet and its facilities should be exploited for the benefits of better management and retrieval of construction information. VR has often been looked on as a visualisation tool. This paper puts the argument that VR should be used as a user interface. For instance, the user should interact with a 3D column in VR rather than a column in a traditional database environment. This allows the construction practitioners better access to information which will motivate them to use integrated databases. In addition, VR should be used as a vehicle for classifying information. The user should be able to look at the design, costing, time planning and facilities management views according to his/her requirements. This may prove helpful in projecting information from a project integrated database.

An integrated approach to CAD: modelling concepts in building design and construction

Abstract The ICON project is concerned with the creation of a generic information structure for the construction industry. A central feature of the information model is the use of object-oriented modelling techniques to allow information to be viewed from different ‘perspectives’ and at different levels of abstraction, according to the requirements of the user. This paper discusses the object modelling of concepts and information in the design area. Drawing on knowledge elicited from protocol analysis of the design activity, a series of interrelated object models has been developed, reflecting different perspectives and abstraction levels within the design domain. Three of these models (spatial design, physical design and structural design) are presented and their implications for the communication and sharing of information discussed.

The conceptual modelling of construction management information

Abstract The conceptual modelling of construction management information models the information for the activities performed at the post design stage. In this paper, such activities have been identified by a steering group of industrialists and representatives of the major professional institutions in the UK who are assisting the research team in the development of conceptual models for construction management information. The resulting conceptual models form the basis for developing construction management databases which can monitor the time, cost and quality aspects of a construction project. Proper information modelling is a key factor in realising these aspects. However, unless a sound methodology is used to structure the information required by the various disciplines involved at the construction stage, the critical factors of time, cost and quality may not be achievable. This paper reports on a methodology used by the ICON project being developed at the University of Salford which is attempting to provide a framework of information into which the modelling of construction management information fits. This methodology is based on the coupling of two powerful information modelling and analysis techniques namely Information Engineering and Object Oriented Analysis and Design with the assistance of an object oriented CASE (Computer Aided Software/Systems Engineering) tool which automates the production of information models. The Information Engineering method was used for the strategic planning of information using activity decomposition/activity hierarchy whilst the Object Oriented Analysis and Design approach was performed at the analysis, design and implementation stages due to the incorporation of the notion of information perspectives. An Object Oriented CASE tool (Ptech) is being used to assist in producing the various information models required by the construction management disciplines and to generate executable computer code from these models.

Developing a conceptual model for an integrated database

The paper describes a conceptual model developed by the OSCON team at the University of Salford in the UK in order to facilitate the development of an integrated database. A suite of demonstration applications is being developed These will consist of a CAD package, a cost estimating tool and an import/export link to an existing project planning package and a VRML interface. The software is being developed in C++ on the PC under Windows NT using the Microsoft Foundation Classes application framework. The ObjectStore OODBMS is being used in conjunction with the Object Engineering Workbench (OEW) modelling software to implement the project database. The OEW software is used to develop an object model which can support the applications which are within the scope of the project. The paper describes the conceptual core model and the methodology which is used to develop it. The conceptual model consists of a set of core objects linked by relationships which reflect the requirements of the integrated database.