Development of Knowledge Graph Based on Risk Register to Support Risk Management of Construction Projects

Abstract

Risk management (RM) in construction projects is a knowledge-intensive process that requires an efficient mechanism for capturing, storing, exploiting, and managing risk-related knowledge. Although some existing studies have proposed various knowledge-based risk management (KBRM) tools. However, not all tools suit all projects, as every project is unique. Besides, each tool is developed based on certain assumptions with methodological drawbacks. Hence, new tools are required in response to the continuous change in the project environment, complexity, and dynamism by adopting new technologies to improve the RM processes. This study proposes a knowledge graph technique to improve risk-related knowledge storage, sharing, and reuse in managing construction project risks. This study constructed a risk knowledge graph (RisKG) based on a project risk register. The proposed RisKG was then used to develop a construction risk dashboard (ConRisk Dashboard) that can be used for quick risk information retrieval to support the RM of construction projects. The effectiveness of the proposed ConRisk Dashboard was verified through its use for the search and retrieval of risk assessment details of a particular risk source associated with the case project used in RisKG. The results indicate that the ConRisk Dashboard can improve the RM processes by saving time spent on project documentation reviews and cost expended on expert workshops at the beginning of every new project. Conclusively, the contribution of this study to the body of knowledge is that it provides a framework for developing knowledge-based risk management systems (KBRMS) and intelligent tools that can facilitate integrated risk management and digital collaboration among project stakeholders to support informed decision-making in construction projects. In addition, this work paves the way for research towards developing and adopting digital tools that can facilitate the digital transformation of RM and CM practices to improve project performance and productivity in the construction industry.