Ontology-Based Design Features for Representing Constructability in Architectural Design: Toward BIM in Off-Site Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 150, Issue 10
Abstract
To enable off-site construction (OSC), architects must finalize construction details in their design deliverables as early as possible, particularly in a building information modeling (BIM) environment, to enhance design constructability and project efficiency. However, most architects lack construction knowledge and practical experience, which impedes their ability to incorporate design-specific construction input (i.e., manufacturing, logistics, assembly, and installation demands) into BIM processes at the early stages. This deficiency can lead to errors, rework, and ultimately increased construction costs. To address this challenge, this study introduces an innovative approach to incorporate constructability knowledge into architectural design processes for BIM-enabled OSC projects. The methodology involved retrospective case studies of two completed OSC projects utilizing a component-centric analysis framework. This analysis resulted in an ontology of construction-specific design features that identified 11 types of constructability issues and the characterization of nine design feature classes that were categorized into three groups: substance; intersection; and composition. These feature classes and their 29 attributes were rigorously characterized from the perspective of BIM-enabled architectural design. This feature-based approach not only extends the BIM vocabulary and semantics from an architectural standpoint but also encapsulates construction knowledge as an integral input to architectural design. Additionally, three strategies were identified, analyzed, and summarized to inform these design features and attributes and to evaluate their effectiveness of addressing constructability issues. The study’s ontological approach assists architects in acquiring a comprehensive understanding of design-specific construction knowledge, enabling them to differentiate, locate, and integrate critical types of constructability information into BIM-enabled architectural design deliverables early in the project delivery process. This paper is a foundational step in the development of automated modeling, algorithms, and constructability assessment for BIM-enabled architectural design deliverables, aimed at achieving a more streamlined construction process.
Practical Applications
The study presents several practical implications for the OSC industry, aimed at bridging the gap between architectural design and actual construction through BIM-enabled architectural design. First, the proposed construction-specific ontology of design features can assist architects in identifying and incorporating essential constructability information into BIM. Second, these design features and their attributes cover a broad spectrum of construction-specific design information, going beyond geometric details to include the semantics associated with constructability constraints and design considerations while exploring alternative design strategies and tools. Third, these design features and attributes act as a structured “construction information checklist,” which systematically guides architects in the early design stages to ensure comprehensive inclusion of all necessary construction-specific design information. Essentially, this checklist offers architects a preliminary method for incorporating constructability knowledge within a BIM environment at the initial phases of the architectural design process for OSC.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52008203), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2021M691560), and Jiangsu Postdoctoral Research Funding Program (2021K517C) led by Associate Professor Jianing Luo from Nanjing Tech University, China. The “China Scholarship Council/The University of British Columbia Joint Funding Program” (202108320176) also funds this research.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 150 • Issue 10 • October 2024
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Nov 14, 2023
Accepted: Apr 15, 2024
Published online: Jul 27, 2024
Published in print: Oct 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 27, 2024
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