An ontology of the uses of building information modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) does not change the purpose for performing a task related to delivering a facility – only the means by which the purpose is achieved. Currently, no common language exists for the purposes of implementing BIM. This lack of a common language makes it challenging to precisely communicate with others the purposes for implementing BIM. The goal of this research is to create that common language by developing a BIM Use Ontology. A BIM Use (Use) is defined as a method of applying Building Information Modeling during a facility's life-cycle to achieve one or more specific objectives. The BIM Use Ontology (the Ontology) provides a shared vocabulary that is applied to model (or express) the BIM Uses, including the type of objects (or terms), and concepts, properties, and relationships that exist. The methods performed to develop the BIM Use Ontology included: 1) defining domain and scope, 2) acquiring domain knowledge, 3) documenting domain terms, 4) integrating domain terms, 5) evaluating (refining and validating) the BIM Use Ontology, and 6) documenting the BIM Use Ontology. Overall, the BIM Use Ontology classified over 550 BIM terms into a defined ontological structure. Before the BIM Use Ontology was finalized, this structure was validated through competency questions, term mapping, industry interviews, and focus group meetings. The research methodology implemented to develop the BIM Use Ontology was designed based on the following criteria: clarity, comprehensiveness, extendibility, minimal bias, and minimal ontological commitment. The BIM Use Ontology primarily classifies the BIM Uses based on the purpose of implementing BIM on a facility or within an organization; and secondarily classifies BIM Uses based on characteristics of the BIM Use. The BIM Use Ontology classifies BIM Uses into five primary BIM Use Purposes: 1) Gather, 2) Generate, 3) Analyze, 4) Communicate, and 5) Realize. After the BIM Use Purpose is determined, an implementer can identify more detailed BIM Use Characteristics such as facility element, facility phase, author discipline, or level of development. Depending upon a particular implementation of BIM, the process, information, infrastructure, maturity, benefits, and references are determined. The characteristics make the BIM Use Ontology applicable and usable by industry. The BIM Use Ontology provides a structure for the purposes by which BIM can be implemented during the life-cycle of a facility. The BIM Use Ontology provides the fundamental terminology and organizational structure for the purposes for which BIM is implemented throughout the life-cycle of a facility. The BIM Use Ontology can be applied within procurement language and BIM planning to define exact requirements of various parties. The BIM Use Ontology can also be applied to standardize process and information exchanges. This standardization is critical to the U.S. National BIM Standard. Overall, the BIM Use Ontology allows for better communication of the purposes for implementing Building Information Modeling throughout the life of a facility.