Implementation of IFC-based process models for collaborative management of temporal scheduling through Linked Data

Nowadays, construction scheduling relies on the enrichment of BIM objects with additional attributes commonly expressed as time scheduling and cost estimation parameters. Typical approaches based on the assignment of static attributes present some limitations because this kind of information cannot manage the assignment of a BIM object to multiple activities based on its involvement in multiple construction processes. Instead, an approach based on interrelated information classes allows the application of robust procedures and standardized data models. The study examines the possibility of using IFC classes both as product and process models, which can be correlated according to standardizable procedures. At the same time, grouping and assigning works to digital process models makes it possible to use knowledge graphs and RDF. Additionally, IfcOWL ontology maintains IFC standardization. This aspect is essential to avoid the creation of new ontologies. Besides, in the AEC Industry, real-time information coming from various sources is quite typical. As a result, cloud collaboration based on linked data models (LDM) is becoming a reference to support collaboration among different stakeholders. Moreover, it is possible to use libraries of predefined process templates related to openBIM databases. This article demonstrates how IFC protocols solve typical inconsistencies of modeling with non-standardized time scheduling and cost estimation parameters, keeping the potential of LDM but offering an already operational and implementable standard rather than relying on the definition of new cost or process ontologies.