Web-Based Construction Document Processing via Malleable Frame

Abstract

Technical integration is regarded as one of the major approaches to improve data interoperability. The Web-based integration approach used in this study is a relatively new approach in this field, but it possesses great potential. Web-based front-end integration is based on XML technology. This study investigates the use of a construction document as a “malleable frame” that can be adjusted according to the user's needs. The study also determined that a malleable frame system is technically feasible and that the key is to have a neutral data format built on a standard “Construction Markup Language.” In addition, a pilot study was conducted to determine whether processing a malleable frame construction document is more efficient than processing a standard document. Overall, it is still inconclusive as to whether using the malleable frame system is more efficient than using the standard system, because other features of the malleable frame need to be studied as well. However, this research presents an alternative to achieve construction data interoperability via the Web and shows that the approach used will improve construction document processing in certain cases.