Exploring the application of property graph model in visualizing COBie data

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Kumar ◽  
Evelyn Ai Lin Evelyn Teo
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Graph Model ◽  
Link Diagram ◽  
Construction Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Building Information ◽  
History Of

Purpose The usability aspect of the construction operations building information exchange (COBie) datasheet has been largely overlooked. Users find it difficult to find relevant data inside COBie and understand the dependencies of information. This research study is a part of a more comprehensive research study to identify the usability issues associated with COBie and propose solutions to deal with them. This paper aims to discuss the challenges associated with the visualization aspect of COBie and proposes a solution to mitigate them. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on design thinking and waterfall methodology. While the design thinking methodology is used to explore the issues associated with the visualization aspect of COBie, the waterfall methodology is used to develop a working prototype of the visualizer for the COBie datasheet using a spreadsheet format. Findings The paper demonstrates that the property graph model based on a node-link diagram can be effectively used to represent the COBie datasheet. This will help in storing data in a visually connected manner and looking at links more dynamically. Moreover, converting and storing data into an appropriate database will help reach data directly rather than navigate multiple workbooks. This database can also help get the history of data inside the COBie datasheet as it develops throughout the project. Originality/value This research proposes a novel approach to visualize the COBie datasheet interactively using the property graph model, a type of node-link diagram. Using the property graph model will help users see data in a connected way, which is currently missing in the spreadsheet representation of COBie data. Moreover, this research also highlights that storing historical changes in COBie data can help understand how data has evolved throughout the construction. Additionally, structured storage of data in relationship format can help users to access the end of connected data directly through the efficient search.

A systems information model for managing electrical, control, and instrumentation assets

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E.D. Love ◽  
Jingyang Zhou ◽  
Jane Matthews ◽  
Chun-Pong Sing ◽  
Brad Carey
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Object Oriented ◽  
Information Model ◽  
Construction Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electrical Control ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Special Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a systems information model (SIM) that is akin to a building information model (BIM) and can be used by asset managers and staff to make more informed and quicker decisions about maintenance. Design/methodology/approach – The problems associated with managing assets are examined alongside recent international efforts to standardize methods of data collection for meeting the objectives of owners. A case study in the domain of electrical, control and instrumentation (ECI) documentation is examined in detail, with particular reference to the amelioration of errors and omissions in “as built” drawings in order to provide the underlying foundation to support effective asset management (AM). Findings – The findings show that object oriented data models such as SIM provide a robust structure for effective and efficient AM and associated leverage of benefits throughout the entire facility lifecycle of a project. In particular object oriented data enables appropriate and reliable information to be created as a project progresses through its lifecycle, at little cost to the creators. Originality/value – The above special approach to enabling data collection at the point of creation is in alignment with recent Government initiatives such as Construction Operations Building Information Exchange, which are beginning to gather traction within the industry. While the potential benefits for AM of such systems are espoused throughout the industry, there are few successful examples in existence with measurable realization of benefits.

scholarly journals Development of a rule-based system to enhance the data consistency and usability of COBie datasheets☆

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Kumar ◽  
Ai Lin Evelyn Teo
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Graph Model ◽  
Data Representation ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Data Consistency ◽  
Consistency Checking ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Waterfall Model

Abstract Building information modeling (BIM) for facilities management (FM) has been gaining considerable attention. Construction operations building information exchange (COBie) datasheets are conceptualized as an electronic format of data for FM handover extracted from the BIM model and supplemented with information from other sources. To build an efficient COBie datasheet, it is advocated to build and verify data at all stages of design and construction, commonly known as data drops. Nevertheless, data consistency verification is a difficult task pertaining to COBie's complex structure and data representation. This study aims to understand the challenges associated with the COBie datasheet verification and consistency checking process, especially during data drop stages, and develop a solution to mitigate these challenges. The study uses a combined methodology of design thinking and waterfall model from the software development process. The outcome of the research study manifests in a prototype application. The prototype application can help in verifying COBie datasheet consistency during data drop stages. Additionally, this study proposes a new dimension to utilize the COBie datasheet to track various asset-related changes in a project by comparing COBie datasheets and visualizing this data in a visually interactive manner using a property graph model.

VisualCOBie for facilities management

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 502-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Yalcinkaya ◽  
Vishal Singh
Keyword(s):  
Visual Perception ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Visual Navigation ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Platform ◽  
Building Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the technical features, underlying concepts and implementation details of a novel Building Information Modeling (BIM)-integrated, graph-based platform developed to support BIM for facilities management through a usability driven visual representation of the construction operations building information exchange (COBie) spreadsheet data. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the iterative steps of design thinking and agile software development methodology. The conceptual development of the VisualCOBie platform is based on Gestalt’s principles of visual perception to facilitate usability and comprehension of the COBie data. Findings The paper demonstrates that Gestalt’s principles of visual perception provide a suitable conceptual as well as implementable basis for improving the usability and comprehension of COBie spreadsheets. The implemented BIM-integrated, graph-based VisualCOBie platform supports visual navigation and dynamic search, reducing the cognitive load of large spreadsheets that are common in facilities management software. Research limitations/implications The usability, visual search and dependencies-based search of VisualCOBie can potentially transform how we implement and use facilities and information management systems in construction, where large spreadsheets are frequently used in conjunction with BIM and other tools. VisualCOBie also provides usability-based step towards BIM for facilities management. Originality/value The VisualCOBie approach provides a novel user interface and information management platform. This paper may also foster a potential paradigm shift in our approach to the representation and use of information exchange standards such as COBie, which are required to facilitate the research and practice on BIM for facilities management.

Exploring the use of Gestalt’s principles in improving the visualization, user experience and comprehension of COBie data extension

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1024-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Yalcinkaya ◽  
Vishal Singh
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Agile Development ◽  
Construction Operations ◽  
Effective Utilization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Right

Purpose Until now, the usage and usability factors associated with AEC–FM standards have remained largely overlooked. This oversight could be a potentially significant factor in the adoption rates as well as effective utilization of such advanced solutions in the AEC–FM industry. Therefore, from a conceptual and theoretical viewpoint, the purpose of this paper is to address this gap in understanding and enhancing the usability aspects of standards such as construction operations building information exchange (COBie) over its spreadsheet representation. Besides, findings from this study and the proposed theoretical fundamentals to enhance the usability and functionality of COBie spreadsheet representation could potentially lay the foundation for a VisualCOBie approach. Design/methodology/approach The iterative steps of design thinking and agile development are harmonized to form the main research methodology. Design thinking is useful in problem (re)formulation, and agile development is useful in iterative software development. The approach aims to identify and understand the needs and requirements of the AEC–FM users from the standardized approaches and associated IT solutions; and formulate the main features and functionalities of the proposed solution. The methodology supports the aim of generating a broad range of possible solutions instead of coming up with the “right” solution. Findings Despite the standards and associated IT developments, the AEC–FM industry still suffers from inefficient information management. To date, most initiatives have focused on utilization of the outputs from different IT solutions in terms of accuracy and completeness of the data defined in the standards. This research found that well-established standards such as COBie and corresponding IT solutions are not merely technical issues, but it is equally important to understand how the end-users cognitively perceive and process them. The developed solutions need to address user point of view to facilitate wider utilization of these standards in practice. Research limitations/implications In this research, Gestalt’s visual perception principles have been used to evaluate the usability issues of COBie spreadsheet. Although Gestalt principles provide a valid and proven viewpoint, there can be other cognitive principles that could also be taken into consideration. Originality/value The usage and usability factors associated with AEC–FM standards have remained largely overlooked, indicating a gap in the literature. This gap was considered as a potentially significant factor in the adoption as well as effective utilization of such standards and advanced solutions in the AEC–FM industry. By grounding the research in cognitive and usability perspectives of information exchange standards, the authors demonstrate how such theoretical underpinning can lead to innovative solutions.

Perceived benefits and issues associated with COBie datasheet handling in the construction industry

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Kumar ◽  
Evelyn Ai Lin Teo
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Data Capturing ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Potential Factor ◽  
Construction Operation

Purpose Until now, the usage and usability factors of Construction Operation Building information exchange (COBie) datasheet have remained largely overlooked. This oversight may be the potential factor in the lower adoption rates as well as the effective usage of COBie datasheet in the architecture, engineering and construction-facilities management industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits and key issues associated with COBie datasheet handling and identify the key technological solutions, which can help in mitigating the identified issues. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to identify the key benefits of using COBie and issues, which are associated with COBie datasheet handling. This paper has also designed a questionnaire based on a literature review and surveyed professionals who are well versed with handling COBie datasheet. Using responses, the issues are analyzed and discussed using non-parametric statistical analysis. Findings A total of 9 key benefits and 24 key issues categorized under three groups of usability issues, technical issues and organizational/other issues were identified. The results from the survey agree with all the key issues associated with COBie datasheet handling (with 86 responses). This research also proposes key ideas, that can help in mitigating these issues. Originality/value There is a paucity in published literature, which discusses in detail about the various issues associated with COBie datasheet handling. This research study aims to address this gap by identifying key issues by looking at the entire COBie data-capturing process holistically. Finding from this study can help professionals to understand these issues and develop appropriate technological solutions, which can make COBie data capturing and understanding easier. The findings could also assist in increasing the adoption rate of COBie, which could be achieved through mitigation of identified issues.

Developing building information models (BIM) for building handover, operation and maintenance

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjan Sadeghi ◽  
Jonathan Weston Elliott ◽  
Nick Porro ◽  
Kelly Strong
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Information Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operation And Maintenance ◽  
Information Models ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Essential Input ◽  
Construction Operation

PurposeThis paper aims to represent the results of a case study to establish a building information model (BIM)-enabled workflow to capture and retrieve facility information to deliver integrated handover deliverables.Design/methodology/approachThe Building Handover Information Model (BHIM) framework proposed herein is contextualized given the Construction Operation Information Exchange (COBie) and the level of development schema. The process uses Autodesk Revit as the primary BIM-authoring tool and Dynamo as an add-in for extending Revit’s parametric functionality, BHIM validation, information retrieval and documentation in generating operation and maintenance (O&M) deliverables in the end-user requested format.FindingsGiven the criticality of semantics for model elements in the BHIM and for appropriate interoperability in BIM collaboration, each discipline should establish model development and exchange protocols that define the elements, geometrical and non-geometrical information requirements and acceptable software applications early in the design phase. In this case study, five information categories (location, specifications, warranty, maintenance instructions and Construction Specifications Institute MasterFormat division) were identified as critical for model elements in the BHIM for handover purposes.Originality/valueDesign- and construction-purposed BIM is a standard platform in collaborative architecture, engineering and construction practice, and the models are available for many recently constructed facilities. However, interoperability issues drastically restrict implementation of these models in building information handover and O&M. This study provides essential input regarding BIM exchange protocols and collaborative BIM libraries for handover purposes in collaborative BIM development.

scholarly journals BIM-based facilities information: streamlining the information exchange process

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1304-1322
Author(s):  
Sandra Matarneh ◽  
Mark Danso-Amoako ◽  
Salam Al-Bizri ◽  
Mark Gaterell ◽  
Rana Matarneh
Keyword(s):  
Information Flow ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Exchange Process ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Survey Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Models ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Building Information Models

Purpose The purpose of this study is to address challenges in the current information exchange process between building information modelling (BIM) and facilities management (FM) systems and to propose a workable solution. This study’s objective is to identify the information exchange requirements and to develop methods for seamless information flow between building information models and FM systems. Design/methodology/approach Data collection and analysis was based on an extensive literature review of similar studies followed by a questionnaire survey with a total of 112 participants and 2 focus groups with a total of 12 participants to validate the conceptual framework. The outputs of the survey analysis formed the background of the proposed framework to streamline information exchange process between building information models and FM systems. Findings The study findings form a foundation for enabling the integration of various data sources including building information models. Such integrated platforms will enable automated information exchange between the various data sources and FM systems. The study also provides key information requirements sources to complement the existing construction operations building information exchange information and to support standardization for information exchange process. Originality/value The contribution of this study is the identification of information exchange requirements and sources to enable seamless information flow between BIM and FM systems. The study findings will also lay the basis for research studies using the developed framework context to enable the identification of specific data outputs for FM systems inputs.

Building information modelling, integrated project delivery and all that

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Rowlinson
Keyword(s):  
Information Exchange ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Integrated Project Delivery ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Integrated Project ◽  
Successful Change

Purpose This paper aims to review the development of building information modelling (BIM) and integrated project delivery (IPD) in recent years and the process changes that BIM and IPD require. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was applied which involved a comprehensive review of relevant literature leading to a better understanding of the history and development of BIM and IPD. A way forward is suggested for the future development of BIM and IPD. Findings The research revealed that the IPD approach is already ingrained within certain organisations and their supply chains. The issues of political will and business desire to change the existing procurement systems are examined. The need for fit with regional and national economic and cultural characteristics is a pre-requisite for successful change. Collaborative working, information exchange and trust only exist within the context of a trusted and reliable building information model that all can access, understand and manage. Originality/value This research pointed out that there is a need to overcome the institutional inertia that besets governments and their agencies and suggested that exemplar institutions and their projects are needed to lead the industry by integrating BIM into IPD through process change.

BIM for FM

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 378-394
Author(s):  
Sandra T. Matarneh ◽  
Mark Danso-Amoako ◽  
Salam Al-Bizri ◽  
Mark Gaterell ◽  
Rana T. Matarneh
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Information Requirements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Models ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Building Information Models

Purpose This paper aims to identify a generic set of information requirements for facilities management (FM) systems, which should be included in BIM as-built models for efficient information exchange between BIM and FM systems, and to propose a process to identify, verify and collect the required information for use in FM systems during the project’s lifecycle. Design/methodology/approach Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied at different stages of the study’s sequential design. The collection and analysis of qualitative data was based on an extensive literature review of similar studies, standards, best practices and case study documentation. This was followed by a questionnaire survey of 191 FM practitioners in the UK. This formed the background of the third stage, which was the development of the information management process to streamline information exchange between building information models and FM systems. Findings The study identifies a generic list of information requirements of building information models to support FM systems. In addition, the study presents an information management process that generates a specific database for FM systems using an open data format. Originality/value The existing literature focuses on specific building types (educational buildings) or specific information requirements related to particular systems (mechanical systems). The existing standards, guidelines and best practices focus on the information requirements to support the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase in general. This study is different from previous studies because it develops a set of specific information requirements for building information models to support FM systems. FM organisations and owners can use the proposed list of information requirements as a base to generate specific data output for their FM systems’ input, to decrease the redundant activity of manual data entry and focus their efforts on key activities.

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