A Conceptual Framework for Managing Higher Dimension Knowledge in BIM Environment

Sharing of information and knowledge effectively and timely among the team members in the construction industry is critical to improving the productivity of the industry. Following the proliferation of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) or n-D modelling technology, a new form of higher-dimension (i.e. 3D and higher) information and knowledge has been created. Compared to the lower dimension (i.e. 2D or lower) information and knowledge, such as 2D design drawings which can be printed on paper, the higher-dimension information and knowledge are deeply embedded in the n-D models created using the BIM systems. Such knowledge can be leveraged for the improvements of on-going projects, or adapted to resolve problems encountered. The prevailing methods, however, are unable to represent the rich information and context of knowledge that are associated with the 3D and higher dimension model. Hence, a new approach to address this problem is needed. This paper presents a conceptual framework for a Building Knowledge Information Modelling (BKIM) system, whereby the mechanisms for managing construction knowledge will be closely integrated with a Cloud-based BIM system to facilitate the management of higher dimension knowledge. The framework presented focuses only on the management of knowledge related to contractual claims at this stage. It is envisaged that this could improve the current practice with regard to the management of higher dimension knowledge, and help move “Level 1 Lonely BIM” to “Level 2 BIM” or even the higher maturity of BIM, namely “integrated BIM, iBIM”.