ifkad articles

A Knowledge Management Framework for 4D HBIM

Carla Di Biccari, Mariangela Lazoi, Lorenzo Viva

Heritage-specific intervention projects, through the use of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology, are being continuously implemented at the level of data computerisation and process automation, across all BIM dimensions and project stages. In particular, through the 4D HeritageBIM (HBIM) phase, it is necessary to take into account specific classes of intervention of the asset and, specifically, to consider its phases of evolution through the different historical epochs. This is of considerable interest because it allows the reconstruction of the constructive evolution of historical assets. The geometric-informative model can be simulated and computerised to identify situations of degradation and weaknesses, caused by anthropic and non-anthropic factors. In this regard, the present study proposes a Knowledge Management (KM) framework for the 4D HBIM domain, with focus on a bi-directional interoperability component and the “time” variable, which can be implemented through BuildingSMART’s open-source IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format and standard and, moreover, the tasks scheduling in an upstream structured Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), also considering the Critical Path Method for process optimisation. IFC format files were applied for 4D, through the Heritage-specific tasks and their timescales, in order to describe the HBIM entities and relations. Through the implementation of 4D HBIM, it is allowed to share the same model with AEC stakeholders, exporting prepared charts and technical diagrams, obtained in the open-source exchange format to allow interoperability of related data and metadata, between different information and technology systems. The combination of KM techniques and BIM methodology is growing and has enormous potential. Many authors have focused their research on the specific topics of knowledge organisation and structuring, using ontologies, semantic networks and various types of data mining and machine learning algorithms. The work presented, and the related KM framework, is intended to provide new research insights specifically for 4D HBIM.

IN: Proceedings IFKAD 2023 – Managing Knowledge for Sustainability
PP: 1186-1200