Improving construction schedule and cost information feedback in building information modelling

When applying the existing methods of establishing building information models, model users can make construction schedules and cost estimation easily. However, the deviation and modification of schedule and cost plans as well as low data exchange efficiency would be seriously compromised under circumstances of changing, real-time on-site information. This paper serves as a foundation for a large study over 4 years on a construction information model based on building information modelling and context-aware technology. The aim of this paper is to propose a method to develop a prototype model of collaborative construction on building information modelling software to improve the efficiency of information sharing. The research methodology adopted in this paper consists of four steps. A literature survey was conducted; applications and extensions of Industry Foundation Classes model entities relating to logical relationships and construction schedule and cost information were studied. A use-case-based construction schedule-cost information feedback model was explored using context awareness technology and overall similarity measurement. With these concepts, the association between building information models and physical, on-site environment can be built. It is concluded that utilisation of the applications and extensions of Industry Foundation Classes standard, context-aware technology, and of a case-based reasoning approach may contribute to establish a collaborative construction prototype model and develop building information modelling software.