Information Classification for Civil Engineering Projects by Uniclass

Abstract

Since a well-established construction information classification system (CICS) can be an information center through the life cycle of a project, it is important to use a proper CICS for managing construction information. Construction Index/Samarbetskommitten for Byggnadsfragor (CI/SfB) has been used in various countries as one of the best among the earlier CICSs as well as Masterformat in North America. CI/SfB, however, cannot represent many new construction technologies introduced during the 20 years that have passed since the last revision. Therefore, ISO developed a new CICS framework. Subsequently, the Construction Project Information Committee, including the Institution of Civil Engineers, developed the Uniclass system based on the ISO framework. Considering that Uniclass is intended to substitute for CI/SfB and that each country needs international exchange of information by the ISO standard, it is necessary to analyze the organization of Uniclass. This study analyzed the practical adaptability of Uniclass compared to CI/SfB and then suggested applicable illustrations with appropriate methodologies to improve the adaptability for civil engineering works. As a result, items classified in Uniclass gained a significant improvement for civil engineering projects compared to the existing CICSs, which have focused on architectural projects. The proposed methodologies will make the applicability of the CICS better by the improved scheme and by being consistent.