A Building Information Modeling Based Automated Rule-Checking Application for Zoning Regulation Compliance: The Case of Turkiye

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop an automated rule-checking application that enables the rapid, transparent, and efficient verification of building design data, created through Building Information Modeling (BIM), in compliance with zoning regulations during the design and approval phases of construction projects in Turkiye. In this context, rules expressed in regulatory texts were transformed into a format adaptable to software using propositional logic, and decision structures were created. Distinctive parameters based on the rules to be checked were assigned to the BIM environment. Model data were exported in the shareable Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, and a Python-based software was developed to test the automated rule-checking method on four different sample projects, generating result reports. The findings show that regulatory provisions can be converted into logical structures and compared with Industry Foundation Classes data, making it possible to digitally assess a project’s compliance with regulations. This approach could contribute to enabling public authorities to implement a more effective and transparent control mechanism in the design and approval processes. The originality of the study lies in the successful application of classical propositional logic—despite its lack of complex logical operators—to complex regulatory rules. Moreover, the set of validated propositions not only defines the outcome of the rule check but also provides comprehensive contextual information related to the rule, allowing for a more in-depth evaluation of the results.