Automatic generation of BIM-based construction schedule: combining an ontology constraint rule and a genetic algorithm

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to automatically generate a construction schedule by extracting data from the BIM (Building Information Modeling) model and combining an ontology constraint rule and a genetic algorithm (GA).Design/methodology/approachThis study developed a feasible multi-phase framework to generate the construction schedule automatically through extracting information from the BIM, utilizing the ontology constraint rule to demonstrate the relationships between all the components and finally using the GA to generate the construction schedule.FindingsTo present the functionality of the framework, a prototype case is adopted to show the whole procedure, and the results show that the scheme designed in this study can quickly generate the schedule and ensure that it can satisfy the requirements of logical constraints and time parameter constraints.Practical implicationsA proper utilization of conceptual framework can contribute to the automatic generation of construction schedules and significantly reduce manual errors in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Moreover, a scheme of BIM-based ontology and GA for construction schedule generation may reduce additional manual work and improve schedule management performance.Social implicationsThe hybrid approach combines the ontology constraint rule and GA proposed in this study, and it is an effective attempt to generate the construction schedule, which provides a direct indicator for the schedule control of the project.Originality/valueIn this study, the data application process of the BIM model is divided into four modules: extraction, processing, optimization, and output. The key technologies including secondary development, ontology theory, and GA are introduced to develop a multi-phase framework for the automatic generation of the construction schedule and to realize the schedule prediction under logical constraints and duration interference.