BIM quality control based on requirement linked data

Abstract

This article discusses a BIM Quality Control Ecosystem that is based on Requirement Linked Data in order to create a framework where automated BIM compliance checking methods can be widely used. The meaning of requirements is analyzed in a building project context as a basis for data flow analysis: what are the main types of requirements, how they are handled, and what sources they originate from. A literature review has been conducted to find the present development directions in quality checking, besides a market research on present, already widely used solutions. With the conclusions of these research and modern data management theory, the principles of a holistic approach have been defined for quality checking in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. A comparative analysis has been made on current BIM compliance checking solutions according to our review principles. Based on current practice and ongoing research, a state-of-the-art BIM quality control ecosystem is proposed that is open, enables automation, promotes interoperability, and leaves the data governing responsibility at the sources of the requirements. In order to facilitate the flow of requirement and quality data, we propose a model for requirements as Linked Data and provide example for quality checking using Shapes Constraint Language (SHACL). As a result, an opportunity is given for better quality and cheaper BIM design methods to be implemented in the industry.