Architecture, Engineering, Construction And Operation Research Articles

Evaluating social media in architecture, engineering, construction and operation industry: a Nigerian perspective on applications and benefits

PurposeIn several developing contexts, the delivery of Architecture, Engineering Construction and Operation (AECO) projects continually grapples with issues such as fragmented communication, a lack of transparency, safety and risk management concerns. These problems result from the use of traditional construction practices and insufficient technology integration. Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance communication, transparency and collaboration within construction projects in these countries through the improved utilization of innovative tools. Consequently, this study empirically assesses both the application areas and the benefits associated with the adoption of social media within the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a quantitative research approach that utilized a structured questionnaire to collect responses from construction professionals. The respondents were selected using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques, resulting in a 75% response rate. Data analysis included mean score value (MSV), standard deviations and normality testing (Shapiro-Wilk) to assess data characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis H-test was used for further analysis due to the ordinal nature of the data.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that social media can be effectively used in project management, communication, safety management, as well as marketing and branding of AECO projects. The most significant benefits of using social media in construction activities include building trust and credibility, enhancing crisis communication and improving project collaboration.Originality/valueThis study introduces a fresh perspective by showcasing the transformative potential of social media, traditionally viewed as a communication tool, in addressing complex issues in construction project delivery. Consequently, the findings of this study can offer a paradigm shift in the way construction professionals, policymakers and industry stakeholders perceive and harness the capabilities of social media.

Enhancing hygrothermal monitoring of wet construction with digital twins

The development of digital building twins in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) sector requires the adoption of adequate monitoring strategies for building components. This article presents a proposal and validation of a digital twin-enabled hygrothermal monitoring procedure applied to lightweight concrete using an IoT Arduino-based prototype. This study conducted tests to measure moisture in three types of lightweight concrete for over a year. Temperature and relative humidity sensors were embedded in the lightweight concrete samples. The recorded data were compared to four in-situ surface moisture meters and gravimetric analysis. Although surface moisture meters have different reference scales, the qualitative assessment is similar. The embedded sensors preserved their performance levels during the entire testing period, even those exposed to relative humidity levels near 100 %. The continuous monitoring of temperature and relative humidity in non-structural construction elements, using low-cost sensors embedded during construction, is proven to be viable.

ConSolid: A federated ecosystem for heterogeneous multi-stakeholder projects

In many industries, multiple parties collaborate on a larger project. At the same time, each of those stakeholders participates in multiple independent projects simultaneously. A double patchwork can thus be identified, with a many-to-many relationship between actors and collaborative projects. One key example is the construction industry, where every project is unique, involving specialists for many subdomains, ranging from the architectural design over technical installations to geospatial information, governmental regulation and sometimes even historical research. A digital representation of this process and its outcomes requires semantic interoperability between these subdomains, which however often work with heterogeneous and unstructured data. In this paper we propose to address this double patchwork via a decentralized ecosystem for multi-stakeholder, multi-industry collaborations dealing with heterogeneous information snippets. At its core, this ecosystem, called ConSolid, builds upon the Solid specifications for Web decentralization, but extends these both on a (meta)data pattern level and on microservice level. To increase the robustness of data allocation and filtering, we identify the need to go beyond Solid’s current LDP-inspired interfaces to a Solid Pod and introduce the concept of metadata-generated ‘virtual views’, to be generated using an access-controlled SPARQL interface to a Pod. A recursive, scalable way to discover multi-vault aggregations is proposed, along with data patterns for connecting and aligning heterogeneous (RDF and non-RDF) resources across vaults in a mediatype-agnostic fashion. We demonstrate the use and benefits of the ecosystem using minimal running examples, concluding with the setup of an example use case from the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry.

Strategies for the implementation of environmental economic practices for sustainable construction in a developing economy

Not many studies have delved into the research on strategies to advance the implementation of environmental economic practices in developing nations, particularly within the context of the Nigerian construction sector. Consequently, this study’s primary aim was to identify and evaluate the major strategies aimed at facilitating the integration of these practices in the country’s construction sector. To achieve this objective, a quantitative research approach was employed, which included the distribution of a structured questionnaire to construction professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria. The collected data underwent comprehensive statistical analysis, encompassing techniques such as frequencies, percentages, the Kruskal-Wallis H test and exploratory factor analysis. Through this rigorous analysis, the identified strategies were grouped into four principal factors: capacity-building and training-based strategies, awareness and communication-based strategies, regulatory and policy-based strategies and financial and investment-based strategies. This categorization provides a structured approach for understanding and implementing these strategies effectively. As a result, this research contributes both theoretically and empirically to the promotion of environmental economic practices within the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry. The findings shed light on actionable strategies that can help overcome the obstacles hindering the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction sector. This research holds particular significance for policymakers, industry professionals and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainability within the construction industry. Its uniqueness lies in its cautious identification and evaluation of strategies that are specifically tailored to address the distinctive challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian construction sector.

Drivers for the implementation of circular economy in the Nigerian AECO industry: a structural equation modelling approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the drivers influencing the implementation of circular economy principles in the Nigerian architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry across diverse regions of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire distributed to AECO professionals across four selected regions (North Central, North West, South-South and South West) in Nigeria. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings The study findings show a robust consensus of opinions among the respondents across regions and professions. The SEM analysis establishes the significant influence of the hypothesized drivers, regulatory and institutional, supply chain collaboration, technological advancements, organizational support and business strategies on the successful implementation of circular economy principles in the Nigerian AECO industry. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to specific regions and professions within Nigeria. Further limitation is the quantitative orientation of this study, which collects data using only a questionnaire. Practical implications The findings imply that stakeholders can adopt a unified approach to promote circular economy principles in the AECO industry. By recognizing the common understanding of circular economy drivers, collaborative efforts can be streamlined to advance sustainability, resource efficiency and circularity in the industry. Originality/value This study contributes to the nascent field of circular economy implementation in the Nigerian AECO industry. It offers a unique perspective by exploring variations in stakeholder opinions, providing insights into the nuanced understanding of circular economy drivers.

Evaluating strategies to promote mechatronics deployment in AECO projects: a Nigerian construction practitioners’ perspectives

Mechatronics has emerged as a transformative approach in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry, revolutionizing project design, execution and management. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, mechatronics brings numerous benefits, including improved efficiency through task automation, reduced errors and increased productivity. However, despite its potential, implementing mechatronics in AECO projects presents significant challenges. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify and evaluate strategies that promote the understanding and utilization of mechatronics in AECO projects, focusing on the Nigerian context. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, resulting in the identification of 18 strategies. These strategies formed the basis for a questionnaire survey, which examined their criticality and relevance. The findings highlighted the top five critical strategies: developing specialized training programs for mechatronics implementation, endorsing and promoting through government channels, collaborating with industry influencers and professional associations, attracting investment for mechatronics and promoting industry-recognized certifications. Additionally, a principal component analysis revealed four latent factors that encompassed the identified strategies: training and talent-building, awareness and amplification, investment and incentives, and policy and progression. To validate and enhance the findings, a comparative analysis was conducted, comparing the results from this study with similar cases in China, South Africa and the United States. The implications of this study extend to industry practitioners, policymakers, educators and researchers, providing valuable insights and recommendations for promoting mechatronics in the AECO industry. By embracing these implications, stakeholders can contribute to the industry’s transformation, enhancing efficiency, productivity and overall project outcomes.

Integrating blockchain with building information modelling (BIM): a systematic review based on a sociotechnical system perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the current state of research on the integration of blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry as a means of identifying gaps between the existing paradigm and practical applications for determining future research directions and improving the industry. The study aims to provide clear guidance on areas that need attention for further research and funding and to draw academic attention to factors beyond the technical dimension.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method systematic review is used, considering multiple literature types and using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework that covers three dimensions (technic, process and context) and three research elements (why, what and how). Data are retrieved and analysed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the 2017–2023 period.FindingsWhile blockchain has the potential to address security, traceability and transparency and complement the system by integrating supporting applications, significant gaps still exist between these potentials and widespread industry adoption. Current limitations and further research needs are identified, including designing fully integrated prototypes, empirical research to identify operational processes, testing and analysing operational-level models or applications and developing and applying a technology acceptance model for the integration paradigm. Previous research lacks contextual settings, real-world tests or empirical investigations and is primarily conceptual.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive, critical systematic review of the integration of blockchain with BIM in the construction industry, using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework which can be applied in future reviews. The study provides insight into the current state and future opportunities for policymakers and practitioners in the AECO industry to prepare for the transition in this disruptive paradigm. It also provides a phased plan along with a clear direction for the transition to more advanced applications.

Cyber-physical systems and digital twins for “cognitive building” in the construction industry

Purpose Despite the growing attention on the relevance of improved building management systems with cognition in recent years in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) community, no review has been conducted to understand the human-environment interaction features of cyber-physical systems (CPS) and digital twins (DTs) in developing the concept of a cognitive building (CB). Thus, this paper aims to review existing studies on CPS and DTs for CB to propose a comprehensive system architecture that considers human-environment interactions. Design/methodology/approach Scientometric analysis and content analysis were adopted for this study. Findings The scientometric analysis of 1,042 journal papers showed the major themes of CPS/DTs for CB, and these can be categorized into three key technologies to realize CB in the AECO community: CPS, DTs and cognitive computing (CC). Content analysis of 44 relevant publications in the built environment assisted in understanding and evidently confirming the claim of this study on the integration of CPS and DTs for CB in construction by also involving the CC. It is found and confirmed that CB can be realized with CPS and DTs along with the CC. A CB system architecture (CBSA) is proposed from the three key technologies considering the human-environment interactions in the loop. The study discovered the potential applications of the CBSA across the building lifecycle phases, including the design, construction and operations and maintenance, with the potential promise of endowing resilience, intelligence, greater efficiency and self-adaptiveness. Based on the findings of the review, four research directions are proposed: human-environment interactions, CB for sustainable building performance, CB concept for modular buildings and moving beyond CB. Originality/value This study stands out for comprehensively surveying the intellectual core and the landscape of the general body of knowledge on CPS/DTs for CB in the built environment. It makes a distinctive contribution to knowledge as it does not only propose CBSA by integrating CPS and DTs along with CC but also suggests some potential practical applications. These may require expert judgments and real case examples to enhance reproducibility and validation.

EXPLORING SCIENTIFIC DOMAIN OF OCCUPANCY ANALYSIS, POE, AND DT IN AECO INDUSTRY: A SCIENTOMETRIC APPROACH

Building occupancy patterns strongly influence organizational effectiveness during the operation and maintenance (O&M) phase. Actual occupancy is highly variable over time and differs from the static occupancy levels considered during design phases. Consequently, poor levels of space management, use, and cleanness are detected during the O&M phase, affecting user well-being and satisfaction. Occupancy monitoring and analysis are needed to achieve effective and efficient facility management (FM) and user well-being. The article explores the scientific domains of occupancy detection and analysis, and related main approaches, i.e., post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) and digital twins (DTs) in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry. A scientometric approach through science mapping and data visualization is applied to analyze 386 bibliographic records from Scopus database. The temporal trend analysis and conceptual structure of the scientific domain are investigated, drawing a picture of the body of knowledge. The performed analysis uncovered the temporal distribution of the publications and the relationships among the topics. DT is a recent topic in the early stages of investigation, while POEs are mature approaches related to sustainability, energy efficiency, productivity, building performance optimization, and user satisfaction. Occupancy detection and analysis are related to FM but less investigated topics in recent years. The research aims to uncover possible research gaps and open challenges in the field for further research aiming to support the optimization of occupancy and space management in the O&M phase, increasing workplace adaptability to changing conditions and needs and user satisfaction and well-being over time.

Real time facility management: assessing the effectiveness of Digital Twin in the Operation and Maintenance phase of building life cycle

The current scenario of the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry outlines an accelerating approach to digitalisation which is defined PropTech (abbreviation for Property Technologies). Among all the digital innovation brought to AECO, PropTech companies are introducing digital technologies in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) phase of the building lifecycle to improve operational efficiency, performance of an asset, and effectiveness of provided services and supplies. Analysing the literature scenario of O&M phase, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin (DT) have resulted in a methodological innovation for the entire industry. Thanks to Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of DT makes its way into the building sector allowing among all to monitor the as-is conditions, detect anomalies before they occur, make diagnosis, and give an added value with respect to the BIM. Although DT is in its early stages, in the real estate market, some PropTech companies have embraced the challenge and applied the digital technology for building management. Therefore, the paper aims to analyse the numerous advantages of DT in the management of buildings. For this objective, the authors referred to two case studies, taken from the Italian PropTech Network ecosystem, that implement DT in management of O&M phase. On one hand the authors present the benefits of facility management digitalisation introduced by DT; on the other, they underline the issues faced by the two companies and the future implementations of DT in the O&M field.

An operational framework for implementing digital systems in public administrations’ processes in the design phase

ABSTRACT Governments have been promoting policies for fostering innovation and economic growth through processes of digital transformation in different sectors over the last decade. Referring to the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry, public administrations (PAs) have been trying to comply with legal requirements by exploiting cutting-edge digital tools and innovative methods such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). Compared to traditional methods and technologies, this process can boost project management by increasing collaboration among stakeholders, providing enhanced facility visualisation and reducing errors. Although its strategic benefits are widely recognised, the lack of technical skills and the strong attachment to old standards of operation have hindered its adoption, especially in the Italian context. Thus, there is a great need to push PAs towards a change of mentality and processes and check their adoption. After collecting data through literature review and interviews, this research aims to define an operational framework that supports PAs to implement and check the digitalisation of their workflows for the design phase. The framework consists of three consecutive milestones, including acquisition, modelling and verification. The framework is based on an iterative process, which is in common among the three identified milestones. For each of these milestones, a set of key performance indicators was defined to assess the implementation. Indicators were developed by exploiting five-point-based levels and addressing focal points for implementing digital systems. Taking limits and the BIM maturity level of PAs into account, this step-by-step adoption will help PAs to support BIM implementation and leverage their processes.

Blockchain Orchestration and Transformation for Construction

Blockchain-related studies that focus on solving AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation) digital management environment issues, such as data protection and data ownership, show the projected benefits of Blockchain-based digital construction environments. However, adopting such technology will require a holistic approach to ensure it does not result in data redundancy, leading to digital system inefficiencies. This article studies the Blockchain construction synergies from the infrastructure point of view to understand its future in construction. The article visualises Blockchain infrastructure elements and fits them within the construction project’s digital environment. A novel framework for Blockchain orchestration and implementation and a blueprint for developing Blockchain applications for construction are presented. The proposed blueprint is then used to develop a Blockchain application using Hyperledger Firefly. The article builds on the previous literature and Blockchain applications on the Ethereum public Blockchain. The expected benefit of such a framework is providing a practical perspective on the implementation side of Blockchain in construction.

BIM-based method to inform operation and maintenance phases through a simplified procedure

The use of BIM in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry is becoming increasingly widespread. Nevertheless, interoperability with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) remains a significant challenge in the domain. Furthermore, available applications require high expertise to correctly implement the data export, don't allow incremental database updates and are overall non-cost-effective, moreover in the case of small and medium-sized structures. At the same time, given the need to invest in a more sustainable built environment, it is necessary to consider the whole lifecycle of constructions, including the operation and maintenance phase, while designing. In the framework of this scenario, the paper presents a research work which defines a method to implement interoperability between BIM and CMMS software by using the IFC open standard, to allow an easier management of buildings, from design to decommissioning. This method, devised to be as feasible as possible, combines an operational procedure and a practical tool. The work was supported by the software house Prometeo Srl and the Facility Management company GEMMO SpA. The method was developed based on the Feltre Hospital (Italy) and results, that were technically validated through an ad hoc BIM model, can be used by other practitioners to further implement the method in other research.

Assessment of 3D Models Placement Methods in Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a relevant technology, which has demonstrated to be efficient for several applications, especially in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) domain, where the integration of building information modeling (BIM) and AR has proved to be optimal in handling construction projects. However, the main challenge when integrating a virtual 3D model in an AR environment is the lack of precision and accuracy of placement that can occur between the real and the virtual environments. Although methods for placement via AR have been reported in the literature, there is a lack of investigations addressing their evaluation. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology to perform a quantitative and qualitative assessment of several AR placement methods and a discussion about their usability in the specific context of AECO. We adopt root mean square error (RMSE) to quantify the placement accuracy of a 3D model and standard deviation to examine its stability (jittering). The results revealed that the AR placement error range is extremely wide (from a few centimeters up to meters). In marker-based methods, the results showed centimeter-range in both indoor and outdoor environments, compared to other methods (Inertial, Marker-less, etc.), while marker-less methods have widely varying error range from centimeters to a few meters. Other commercial solutions based on placement-sensors (GNSS and IMU), such as Trimble SiteVision, have proven placement performance in manual mode with centimeter order, while for the automatic mode, the order of placement and stability is metric, due to the low coverage of RTX (real time extended) in the study area.

Digital Twins’ Applications for Building Energy Efficiency: A Review

Over the last few decades, energy efficiency has received increasing attention from the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry. Digital Twins have the potential to advance the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) phase in different application fields. With the increasing industry interest, there is a need to review the current status of research developments in Digital Twins for building energy efficiency. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the applications of digital twins for building energy efficiency, analyze research trends and identify research gaps and potential future research directions. In this review, Sustainability and Energy and Buildings are among the most frequently cited sources of publications. Literature reviewed was classified into four different topics: topic 1. Optimization design; topic 2. Occupants’ comfort; topic 3. Building operation and maintenance; and topic 4. Energy consumption simulation.

Towards greater integration of building information modeling in the architectural design curriculum: A longitudinal case study

Building information modeling (BIM) has been a disruptive development in the global architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. While architecture schools have sought to integrate BIM into their curricula, most current pedagogical approaches and lessons are derived from engineering and construction management perspectives. There is a scarcity of investigations to monitor outcomes, reveal difficulties and articulate strategies for this context. This research explores how to better incorporate BIM into the architectural design curriculum. It does so by gathering pedagogical strategies, redesigning the curriculum and taking action in one of Thailand’s top architecture schools. The study reveals that treating BIM as a discrete topic in the architectural curriculum – where BIM is not so much the main focus, is misunderstood and is alleged to jeopardize creativity – is ineffective. Instead, infusing BIM learning modules throughout the existing curriculum structure, core design studio and supporting areas allows for the consistent and concurrent development of BIM skills and architectural knowledge. The concepts and practice examples developed in this research, along with feedback received and challenges met, constitute a valuable resource for further BIM-integrated architecture curriculum development. Future studies are recommended to improve BIM learning and advance the full potential of BIM in the education of next-generation architects.

Investigating building information modeling acceptance in the Chinese AECO industry

PurposeConscious of the benefits building information modeling (BIM) has brought about to the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry, the Chinese government has been driving BIM adoption. Nonetheless, its acceptance and proliferation in China remain stagnant. Most relevant literature focuses on BIM diffusion at the industry and organizational levels, but the impact of non-managerial practitioners executing BIM or the traditional drafting approach in day-to-day work tends to be disregarded. This study aims to extend theoretical models pertaining to technology acceptance to understand non-managerial practitioners’ perceptions toward working with BIM in China.Design/methodology/approachA new BIM acceptance model was proposed based on previous technology acceptance theories. After a pilot study, a survey was conducted with 153 non-managerial practitioners in the Chinese AECO industry.FindingsAmong factors impacting non-managerial practitioners’ BIM acceptance in China, performance expectancy and task-technology fit significantly and positively influence behavioral intention to accept BIM, while the impacts from effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are not essential.Research limitations/implicationsManagement strategies, such as improving non-managerial staff’s benefits and sense of BIM usefulness, selecting suitable tools to match with the staff’s tasks and promoting a middle-out approach in parallel with top-down interventions, are proposed for Chinese AECO organizations to enhance BIM acceptance.Originality/valueFew studies have explored BIM acceptance from the perspective of non-managerial users in the Chinese AECO industry, especially using the theories related to technology acceptance. The BIM acceptance model developed in this study is different from those used in previous global studies in terms of influencing factors.

Analysis of the benefits, challenges and risks for the integrated use of BIM, RFID and WSN: a mixed method research

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify, classify and prioritize the benefits, challenges and risks for the integrated use of building information modeling (BIM), radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless sensor network (WSN) in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study relies on the mixed method approach which consists of systematic literature review, semistructured interviews and Delphi technique. A systematic literature review was performed and face-to-face semistructured interviews with seven subject matter experts (SMEs) were conducted for identification and classification purposes. Delphi method was applied in two structured rounds with eleven SMEs for prioritization purpose. These three research techniques were chosen to reach the most accurate data by combining different perspectives on the subject matter. Data gathered by these three methods was triangulated to increase the validity and reliability of this research.FindingsThirteen benefits, ten challenges and four risks for the integrated use of BIM, RFID and WSN were identified. The results could aid the practitioners and researchers comprehend the pros and cons of this integration by representing SMEs’ valuable insights and perspectives about the current and future status, trends, limitations and requirements of the AECO industry. The identified risks and challenges show the requirements for future studies while the benefits demonstrate the capabilities and the potential contributions of this hybrid integration to the AECO industry.Originality/valueThe integration of BIM, RFID and WSN is still not commonly implemented in the AECO industry. Some studies focused on this topic; however, none of them reveals the benefits, risks and challenges for integrating BIM, RFID and WSN in a holistic manner. This research makes a significant contribution to the AECO literature and industry by uncovering the benefits, challenges and risks for the integrated use of BIM, RFID and WSN that could increase industry applications.

BIM approaches for enhanced health and safety status in construction - protocol for a systematic review

The construction industry is complex, dynamic, multicultural, and full of diverse activities and dangerous machinery. Many accidents occur because of limiting factors, such as safety and health culture, requirements, poor training of workers, and the restricted technologies implemented to prevent, plan, and monitor risks. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is recognised to enhance project management, planning, and inspection, reduce time and costs, strengthen collaboration, and decrease risks and accidents. A wide array of BIM-based tools and technologies with various functionalities are being investigated to enhance construction workers' health and safety. Among such technologies and methods are tracking devices, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), automated rule checking, risk identification and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A systematic review following PRISMA Statement is proposed, aiming to investigate the current BIM-based technologies and evaluate effectiveness and usability within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry to enhance occupational health and safety status. Consequently, this PRISMA Protocol (PRISMA-P) represents a complementary document to the systematic review that will be developed. Related articles will be gathered from top electronic databases in construction, safety, and health fields. Moreover, the literature review will focus on the BIM and associated technologies utilised in the AECO sector, exploring the construction fields, targeted groups and the system architectures developed. Likewise, examine the evaluation methods of the implemented tools to assess each technology's effectiveness. Finally, after stating the limitations of each study, the article will propose a safety and health framework involving the most efficient tools involving the whole project lifecycle.

Interoperability in AECO and the oil & gas sectors: object-based standards and systems

This research proposes recommendations that could improve interoperability in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) sector, by connecting domains, building lifecycles, and software systems with each other and the web. The objective has been to identify methods that promote evolution from file-based formats by advancing object-based data exchange solutions. The research design is a mapping of standards and systems that have affected the nature of object-based data exchanges, and which have either been proposed or implemented in AECO and the Oil & Gas sector. This is an approach which allows for the range and diversity of information to be examined. A review of the Oil & Gas sector confirms a norm where object-based, rather than file-based, transactions have shaped data exchange models, formats, use case methodologies, and collaboration mechanisms, thus contributing towards semantic connectivity across its diverse systems. Key research questions address the nature of these sectors, the promise that object-based data exchange offers, and examine recommendations that would improve standards and systems. The paper affirms that measures taken to improve interoperability in the Oil & Gas sector have relevance for the AECO sector, and that better understanding, and recognition of the structure of AECOs interoperability ecosystem is central to effecting lasting and significant change. Thus, we make recommendations that acknowledge the hybrid nature of AECO data exchanges and propose an interoperability ecosystem that connects both distributed and centralised federated models. Improved standards to define application programming interfaces (APIs) and adaptors, based on a modular approach, would be central to this proposal. We also make recommendations to improve use case definitions, and to ensure that semantic connectivity at the object level is scalable to web-based transactions. Finally, we assert that, to realise these changes, the developers and vendors of its systems should recognise and address the AECO sector’s pressing needs and concerns.