An integrated life-cycle information framework for construction project management

An integrated construction information framework, named ICIM (Integrated Construction Information Model), was developed to support effective as-planned and as-built information management throughout the life-cycle of a construction project. Based on existing practices and management systems, the essential properties of construction information were identified and modeled as classes and relationships by using object-oriented technology. Through the identification process, common features of construction information were identified and abstracted to superclasses to improve the reusability and efficiency of the framework. Using the MLM (Multiple Layer-based Modeling) and LCO (Layer Connection Objects) concepts developed in this research, the construction information management domain was modeled in two common feature layers and seven construction information layers. The two common feature layers contain classes and relationships that represent the common features of construction information, and they are inherited by all the classes in the construction information layers. Seven construction information layers were developed based on the various aspects of construction management tasks. These layers are integrated into a single framework, ICIM, by using LCOs and the inheritance relationship. In addition, a strategy for better reusability of construction information throughout the life-cycle was developed and embedded into the framework.; To verify and validate ICIM, ICIM-S (Integrated Construction Information Management System) was developed by using an object-oriented programming language (OOP) and database management system (OODBMS). ICIM-S was implemented with data from two case studies. Through the implementation of ICIM-S, ICIM demonstrates the viability of an integrated information model for all digital information management in the near future. It also confirms the values and benefits of integrated information management: vertical integration for representing information at various detail levels, horizontal integration for allowing access to other relevant information with full context, and as-planned and as-built integration for monitoring construction progress information in a more effective way.