Examples and Characteristics of Shared Project Models

Abstract

Integration of data and knowledge among project participants and their computer applications promises to improve the quality and efficiency of the project-delivery process in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. Integration, we argue, can be achieved through shared project models. In the present paper, we give two examples of such models by summarizing two research projects that developed and used shared project models. In the first example, a project model supports constructability evaluation of a building structure. The second example shows how a shared project model supports construction-management tasks. From these examples, we derive and discuss essential, general characteristics of shared project models. These characteristics include a model's layers of abstraction, content, extensibility, and support of integration mechanisms. These mechanisms range from file sharing, to shared databases, and application-programming interfaces. They support information sharing via custom translation, translation to a shared model, or adoption of a common model at the application, system, or industry level. This paper ends with brief discussions of standardization efforts and implementation technologies.