Generation of Entity-Based Integrated Model View Definition Modules for the Development of New BIM Data Exchange Standards

As a subset standard for domain-specific building information modeling (BIM) data exchanges, a model view definition (MVD) has been developed under the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) schema. When a MVD is constructed, specific domains have employed numerous concepts that entail modularized definitions for entities, attributes, relationships, and properties to avoid redundancy in data exchange requirements. Few underlying frameworks, however, assist in either the reliable development of MVDs or the reuse of related concepts, leading to both inconsistent data mapping among information delivery manuals (IDMs) and MVDs and the creation of heterogeneous MVD definitions and structures among the various industry domains. To address this demanding issue, this study proposes an entity-based integration approach for generating encapsulated MVD concept modules from integrated MVD libraries. Such an approach allows new MVD developers to identify targeted concepts or data exchange requirements from predeveloped MVD data and retrieve the associated concepts that facilitate new MVD development. Adopting the mvdXML format, this approach incorporates existing MVDs of precast/prestressed concrete, steel, and concrete domains and provides entity-based concept modules that can be analyzed and implemented by query language. This new approach is expected to not only deliver a robust knowledge foundation that embraces current MVD data but also accelerate consistent MVD development. The approach will also provide developers with access to reusable concept modules of existing industry domains via the sharing of exchange information.