An ontology-based data integration framework for construction information management

Abstract

Information management during the construction phase of a built asset involves multiple stakeholders using multiple software applications to generate and store data. This is problematic as data come in different forms and are labour intensive to piece together. Existing solutions to this problem are predominantly in proprietary applications, which are sometimes cost prohibitive for small engineering firms, or conceptual studies with use cases that cannot be easily adapted. In view of these limitations, this research presents an ontology-based data integration framework that makes use of open-source tools that support Semantic Web technologies. The proposed framework enables rapid answering of queries over construction data integrated from heterogeneous sources, data quality checks and reuse of project software resources. The attributes and functionalities of the proposed solution align with the requirements common to small firms with limited information technology skill and budget. Consequently, this solution can be of great benefit for their data projects.