| This study investigated the requirements for a formalism to represent construction project data in a unified and computer-readable manner. The broad engineering, organizational and industry requirements were researched first. As a result of the findings, the study's focus was then narrowed to project progress control.; With the proliferation of computers, more areas of building design and construction are computerized. Unfortunately, the specialized programs often function as islands of automation, unable to exchange useful information directly. The rising popularity of knowledge-based systems is further compounding the problem.; The fundamental processes in construction were studied from a knowledge engineering perspective, and a project data unit (Primitive Element of Construction--PEC) was defined. The PEC serves as a common denominator between a variety of traditional views of project data. Generic elements of project data were also developed to function as reusable object-oriented data modules. These elements, called "Reusable Objects for Construction" (ROCS), can be assembled into data models to represent specific projects, while preserving, through reuse, the generic components of project related knowledge.; The dissertation demonstrates the proposed solution to data unification at both conceptual level and in a Smalltalk-80 implementation. The Smalltalk implementation consists of a collection of ROC classes, and an interface module to assemble specific project models by instantiating project data objects. The integration of the model is accomplished by the association of PECS with ROCS representing cost items, schedule activities, crews and physical objects.; The data representation scheme serves as a homogenizing framework for further research, and promotes the reuse and exchange of construction knowledge in terms of ROCS. The scheme allows researchers to work independently, while making it possible to produce parts of a modular whole. It also addresses many of the most difficult issues in the integration of project information, and forms the basis of a practical, unified, real-world system. |
