Process Scheduling Application Based on Web Ontology Language Representation of the IFC Schema

In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) field, construction planning is managed through the creation of time scheduling parameters associated as attributes to Building Information Model (BIM) objects. Starting from the fact that each item is involved in various construction processes, it is necessary to overcome an unstructured attribute assignment approach. The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard allows to store planning information, and to structure it to compose process templates. In this way, building processes can be replicable and shareable. The proposed study is based on the use of Web Ontology Language (OWL) representation of the IFC schema (IfcOWL), the IFC ontology for the semantic web. The use of the semantic web is of fundamental importance for a collaborative approach and real-time information exchange between various stakeholders. This therefore requires a cloud-based approach to linking and bringing together information from various knowledge domains into a single Linked Data Model (LDM). Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of this approach but highlighted the complexity of data entry. In order to reduce data compilation time, given the replicability of building processes, the implementation of repositories for sharing predefined process templates is proposed. Specifically, this paper proposes a prototype in which process templates within repositories are initially used to compose their own time schedule in a Resource Description Framework (RDF) graph. Subsequently, the various activities are associated with the individual building elements, composing a unique RDF graph. It is shown how, through the use of web apps, with an intuitive user interface it is possible to simplify a highly time-consuming data production that often requires specific technical skills on the part of the user.