Research on IFC instance data based on topology induction network

Shi-Dong, L and Zhao-Dong, X (2024) Research on IFC instance data based on topology induction network. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 20(3), pp. 526-558. ISSN 1745-2007

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) can store a large amount of civil engineering information and has become a high-value economic and social resource. To improve BIM data interoperability, Industry Foundation Class (IFC) was proposed. However, the IFC instance data usually exceeds megabytes, and the logical relationship of the data is complex and changeable. Therefore, how to further enhance the usability of IFC instance data will become very important. To this end, this paper proposes a data deconstruction model 'Topological Induction Model (TIM)', which deconstructs the IFC instance data into a network structure 'Topological Induction Network (TIN)'. Through the analysis and operation of TIN, more effective utilization of IFC instance data can be realized. Based on TIN, the skeleton structure, citation structure and corresponding acquisition algorithm of IFC instance data are discussed, and the hierarchical characteristic, internal aggregation characteristic and data similarity of data topology are found. Subsequently, the working performance of TIM (TIN) is evaluated and compared with existing data deconstruction strategies. The results show that the overall performance of TIM (TIN) is better than traditional methods. Finally, we show how TIM (TIN) can be used in a graph database to enhance the usability of IFC instance data.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: architecture; civil engineering; industry foundation classes; graph database; complex network; algorithms; usability; topology; building information modeling
Index terms: acquisition, building information modelling, data interoperability, database, topology, industry foundation classes, strategy, high-value, usability
Subjects: data exchange, user-centered design, economic analysis, management, computational design, data management, business, information systems, geometry and topology
Topics: Research Practice, Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Design Practice
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here