Ontology as a Tool for Building Life Cycle Modelling

Abstract

In this on research-based article, models presented further are representing complex concepts and facilitating their understanding. The models describe the categorization of the recorded knowledge obtained from the analysis of the monitored processes. Some of these models are descriptive (for example, the Venn diagram representing the interconnection of BIM spaces), others are predictive (e.g. a model representing the effects of BIM on the life cycle of a project), and others will be instructive-clarifying the sequence of actions that follow on to achieve a predefined output, such as a workflow model, representing authorization, identification, classification, aggregation, and usage. We can look at BIM as a framework modelling set of minimal sets of principles needed to model the basic building characteristics, along with a clear categorization of knowledge in identified and recorded models. Taxonomy is an effective and efficient way to organize and consolidate knowledge. A well-structured taxonomy allows for "meaningful gathering of experience". As we develop specialized taxonomies for organizing BIM domain knowledge, we will try to adopt the guidelines introduced by research. That is, the taxonomy is expected to be complex and complete; including classes that covering all the phenomena of our interest; based on decision-making rules, which are simple and stingy to assign instances to classes; and classes should be mutually exclusive. Moreover, because taxonomy is here as a tool for better understanding, these classes should be comprehensible and look natural.