Improving Applicability for Information Model of an IFC-Based Steel Bridge in the Design Phase Using Functional Meanings of Bridge Components

Sang Park,Sang-Ho Lee,Junwon Park,Bong-Geun Kim

doi:10.3390/app8122531

Abstract

The industry foundation classes (IFC) data model is the most important data schema in ensuring the interoperability of the information generated throughout the lifecycle of facilities. However, because the current IFC model is focused on buildings, there are limitations when this model is applied to bridge structures. This paper proposes a method that enables the information modeling of steel box girder bridges based on the current IFC. To select the required and core items, we classify the components of a steel box girder bridge by the design stage with reference to engineering documents. To generate functional meanings of each bridge component, we develop the rules of the unique identifier and information reassignment, and then apply a semi-automated naming algorithm. The generated bridge information model was used to confirm the functional semantic meanings of individual components, and it was checked whether additional external information, such as carbon emissions, could be linked for specific bridge components. It was observed that information retrieval and extraction for components is possible through a semantic-based query to the generated IFC-based bridge information model.

Highlights

In recent times, building information modeling (BIM) has been actively introduced in the construction industry to enhance productivity [1]
To verify the applicability of the bridge information model containing functional semantic information, we examined whether it can be applied to the basic quantity take-off of an actual bridge and information linkage with the external information, and whether it is possible to regenerate a model through an IFC physical file (IPF)-based semantic search
Authoring software packages support the input and output of industry foundation classes (IFC) format, and, as a result, BIM models generated in IFC format can be utilized with various application software

Summary

Introduction

In recent times, building information modeling (BIM) has been actively introduced in the construction industry to enhance productivity [1]. The use of the BIM has the following advantages: (1) visibility owing to the use of a 3D model; (2) interoperability of the information owing to the use of a common data schema; and (3) persistence of the information owing to the use of a standard data schema. The reason information interoperability should be treated as an important aspect can be explained by the problem of integration of various facilities or environmental information, or the improvement of applicability based on the information model. In the former case, the most representative case is the information linkage between BIM and the geographic information system (GIS).

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Discussion

Conclusion