Semantic Web Based Integration Between BIM Cost and Geometric Domains

In the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC/FM) industry methodologies are needed to ensure the interoperability of data and effective management of information from different sources. Integration of the cost domain and cost estimation within the Building Information Model (BIM) in the AEC/FM sector is still an unresolved problem and one of the most critical tasks due to the lack of a standardised cost domain, especially in the tendering phase. To ensure interoperability between cost data and geometric data, this research aims to address this gap by analyzing methods of converting cost data into Linked Building Data, thereby defining a cost domain in the Semantic Web, by collecting them into a graph database. This allows for structuring a cost domain, translating an IFC based structure previously developed by the research group, visualizing it using a graph system, and connecting it to the BIM geometric domain. Furthermore, it is possible to extend the cost ontology previously identified in the IFC model and facilitate the queries and analysis of cost data currently fragmented and based on unstructured data. The results show how Semantic Web technology can be used to improve data interoperability, develop a cost ontology, and join both cost data and BIM models.