Information modelling and integration in the construction industry: a novel approach

In order to improve efficiency and enhance the integration of information within the construction industry, it is necessary to establish an appropriate information structure using state of the art technologies. This paper reports on the modelling and integration of construction information within the context of integrated databases as a means of improving integration. The work is being undertaken by the OSCON (Open Systems for Construction) project at Salford University. The project aims to structure and model this information, providing a framework of information into which the modelling of different domains within the construction industry fits. The central idea in the establishment of the model is the ability to allow information to be viewed from different perspectives and different levels of abstraction depending on the requirements of the user. This leads to the necessity of integrating the models in order to permit the sharing of information. This paper also presents a model of transferring advanced technologies based on OSCON to the construction sector through lessons learnt from the research being undertaken.