Development of BIM Platform for Semantic Data Based on Standard WBS Codes

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become an indispensable tool for risk management and construction oversight, especially in the case of complex and irregularly shaped buildings. BIM’s ability to reduce construction errors has been proven through advanced features like clash detection, schedule forecasting, and cost estimation. As the adoption of BIM grows, software providers such as Autodesk, Bentley, Trimble, and Nemetschek have developed advanced tools that incorporate Project Lifecycle Management (PLM). However, these tools are not easily transferable to Asian countries, where construction management often uses unit pricing rather than the more intricate systems common in Europe and the US. Legacy data also play a crucial role in Asian construction management, impacting risk profiling and cost predictions for similar projects. This study explores the integration of 4D BIM data within a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) framework in a real-world setting. The first step was the creation of an in-house BIM platform, CEV (Civil Easy View), built on the Autodesk Forge viewer. CEV is designed as a BIM viewer tailored for field staff and supervisors. This 4D BIM application showed strong connectivity through standardized WBS codes, allowing for automatic synchronization between object and schedule data.

1. Introduction

The construction industry has been grappling with significant productivity challenges and sluggish progress in automation and digitalization, particularly compared to sectors like manufacturing and services. According to the latest McKinsey & Company report on digital transformation, construction remains one of the slowest industries to adopt digital tools and technologies [1]. The report also emphasizes the increasing need for automation and digitalization in construction, particularly as infrastructure ages and workforce constraints become more pressing. Many advanced economies have addressed this by institutionalizing BIM through national strategies led by quasi-governmental organizations, focusing on roadmap development and regulatory frameworks for BIM adoption. In this context, valuable lessons can be drawn from one of the global leaders in BIM, the United Kingdom, where BIM Level 2 (partial design) is now mandatory for central government projects [2]. Additionally, a development roadmap toward BIM Level 3 (integrated design) includes the incorporation of emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D scanning.

In South Korea, the fact that initial efforts to introduce BIM into public works have gained significant momentum since the early 2010s, driven by key government initiatives such as the 5th and 6th “Basic Plans for Construction Technology Promotion” [3] and the “Smart Construction Technology Roadmap” [4]. Several researchers have developed detailed authoring methods for information delivery [5] and digital information creation for an integrated master model [6], highlighting the potential benefits of adopting BIM approaches. On the other hand, BIM-based applications have recently been prototyped and widely implemented in practical projects, demonstrating outstanding performance in infrastructure management [7,8,9]. Despite these efforts, BIM adoption in infrastructure projects remains limited due to several challenges. These include low demand from procurement entities, the lack of cohesive policies and strategic roadmaps, insufficient comprehensive guidelines and technical expertise, high implementation costs, and a shortage of skilled professionals and educational resources. Nationwide adoption has faced significant difficulties due to inconsistencies in application guidelines and master plans across various public agencies, such as the Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (KWRC). These disparities have hindered the development of unified BIM practices. To address these obstacles, the Korean government has introduced overarching frameworks, including the “Construction Industry BIM Basic Guidelines” [10] and the “Construction Industry BIM Implementation Guidelines” [11]. These initiatives aim to standardize BIM protocols and facilitate their integration into the construction sector.

The challenge mentioned above, which is not only faced by South Korea but also many other Asian countries, stems from the fact that most construction management practices are traditionally based on itemized data systems rather than object-based methodologies. This reliance on itemized lists, often compounded by legacy data systems, presents significant obstacles to adopting object-oriented BIM frameworks. Furthermore, the complex relationships between processes and data within these itemized systems create difficulties in aligning them with BIM’s object- and schedule-driven data structures, further complicating integration efforts.

To address these challenges, this study highlights the development of an innovative platform by DL E&C’s Civil Engineering Business Unit, designed to shift from record-centric data structures to object-oriented BIM frameworks. This platform utilizes existing construction records, transforming them into actionable insights that are compatible with BIM systems. The study proposes a comprehensive methodology for integrating legacy data into BIM workflows, offering practical applications and validation processes to showcase the potential for enhanced productivity through digital transformation. A detailed development roadmap for the BIM platform will be presented, followed by an in-depth look at the implementation and field verification of the CEV viewer. Case studies are included to demonstrate its practical functionality and effectiveness in real-world construction scenarios.

2. State of the Art

From the perspective of construction companies, BIM is typically adopted in two key stages: the bidding phase and the construction phase. During the bidding phase, BIM is mainly used to identify and mitigate potential risks, review and refine design elements, analyze quantities, assess project workflows, and identify Value Engineering (VE) opportunities. In the construction phase, BIM plays a crucial role in facilitating review processes, evaluating the effectiveness of BIM-driven reviews, measuring post-implementation improvements, assessing Return on Investment (ROI), and converting project data into reusable assets for future projects. In this context, practical BIM applications during the construction phase typically include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) precise construction management, (ii) verification of quantities for major structural components, (iii) phased execution for managing complex construction sequences, (iv) spatial analysis to align design models with actual site conditions, (v) feasibility studies for accurate equipment placement, (vi) evaluation of intricate structures that are difficult to interpret through traditional 2D drawings, and (vii) integration with smart construction equipment tailored to specific site requirements. These applications highlight BIM’s potential to enhance project management, accuracy, and operational efficiency. However, challenges such as limited usability and perception barriers still hinder its widespread adoption and the full realization of its benefits. Therefore, this research emphasizes the need for targeted educational initiatives and tool optimization to support BIM adoption and improve construction project outcomes.

Regarding field operations, effective BIM utilization—focusing on construction management and operational efficiency—is more important than simply generating BIM models. In Korea, particularly, success in BIM adoption should be defined by its practical application in the field, driving productivity gains and risk mitigation. BIM specialists at headquarters should focus on extracting value from BIM attribute data to support real-time field operations. Meanwhile, field teams should prioritize the effective use of existing BIM models to proactively address process delays and obstacles, ensuring smooth construction workflows.

Furthermore, to fully unlock BIM’s potential in construction processes, systematic integration is needed between design documents, drawings, and BIM-model objects. This interconnection ensures that BIM models stay up-to-date and consistent with project information. Establishing a standardized, code-based framework to link these elements is crucial. Such a framework would not only improve the usability of BIM models but also enable advanced analysis and more efficient use of additional data, maximizing the benefits of BIM in construction workflows. By addressing these challenges and focusing on systematic integration, construction teams can better leverage BIM’s capabilities to enhance workflow efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall project outcomes. This approach underscores the importance of connecting BIM tools, processes, and data to drive meaningful advancements in construction management practices.

2.1. 5D & WBS Standardization

BIM in Korea has evolved significantly from its initial focus on traditional 3D modelling and 2D drawings. Today, the application of BIM seeks to integrate 4D (time) and 5D (cost) functionalities to manage the entire lifecycle of construction projects. This integrated approach promotes seamless collaboration among stakeholders, bridging design, construction, and maintenance phases to improve efficiency and decision-making. By prioritizing process-oriented BIM design and utilization, the construction industry aims to create cohesive frameworks that align project workflows with cost and time management. Despite the potential of BIM to revolutionize construction management, practical implementation in Korea faces considerable challenges. Chief among these are the limitations of itemized systems imposed by national contract laws and the lack of standardized WBS. These constraints hinder the efficient integration of process and cost components into BIM frameworks, leading to fragmented adoption and reduced effectiveness.

Efforts to address these challenges have been a central focus of domestic research. Several frameworks for integrating cost and process management using object-based BIM modeling have been introduced [12,13]. These approaches break down project composition information into structural, cost, and process components, highlighting the need for work classification systems that link BIM models with cost data. Similarly, a standardized classification system has been developed, combining Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS), Object Breakdown Structures (OBS), and WBS to facilitate quantity takeoff and 4D process analysis for civil engineering projects [14]. Their research validated the potential of combining object properties with process and cost classifications to implement 5D BIM in practice.

Building on these concepts, recent research has implemented a user-customized 4D and 5D BIM system using tools like Revit, MS Project, and Navisworks [15]. They developed custom processes with Excel VBA to review construction workflows and analyze material quantities, demonstrating the value of user-specific adaptations in BIM utilization. Globally, research into 4D and 5D BIM has focused on overcoming data integration challenges and improving project outcomes. On the other hand, machine learning and optimization techniques have been developed to enhance resource allocation, reduce costs, and streamline scheduling [16]. A case study highlighted BIM’s benefits, including improved visualization and clash detection, while also noting challenges in data management and team coordination for large-scale infrastructure projects [17]. Another case study showcased the advantages of 5D BIM in cost estimation and scheduling accuracy [18]. They proposed an implementation strategy that addressed project requirements, software compatibility, and staff training to maximize BIM’s benefits. Similarly, some research has emphasized BIM’s ability to simulate construction scenarios [19], improving communication and efficiency while significantly reducing schedule generation time. Time and cost data can be integrated into BIM models for infrastructure projects [20]. Their process focused on data standardization and stakeholder collaboration to ensure effective implementation, showcasing enhanced visualization and coordination through integrated project management. The web-based platform enables real-time 4D BIM updates, demonstrating the potential of continuous model adjustments to improve communication and coordination among teams [21]. For prefabricated construction, a 5D BIM system that integrates design, cost, and scheduling data into a unified framework has been introduced [22]. Meanwhile, the benefits of 5D BIM in the construction industry are becoming more widely recognized, despite ongoing challenges in adoption [23].

The integration of 4D and 5D BIM in construction management has shown clear benefits, including improved accuracy in cost estimation, better project planning, and more efficient scheduling. However, widespread adoption requires tackling key challenges such as inadequate data standardization, interoperability issues, and fragmented collaboration among stakeholders. To fully realize the potential of BIM, efforts should focus on establishing standardized frameworks that connect design, process, and cost data. Collaboration among industry stakeholders and continuous advancements in data management technologies will be essential to achieving a more unified and effective BIM implementation, paving the way for the future of construction project management.

2.2. CDE Platform

The adoption of BIM and smart construction practices is gaining momentum across various stages of construction, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance. As the industry undergoes a digital transformation, the volume of digital data generated has grown exponentially, making this data an essential intangible asset for construction companies. The increasing value of this digital information presents not only opportunities but also challenges: managing it using traditional analogue methods is becoming less effective, while fully leveraging the performance-based digital data generated during construction processes remains a significant obstacle.

As structures and facilities become increasingly complex and sophisticated, BIM and smart construction technologies are becoming essential for achieving optimal project outcomes. Collaborative approaches that leverage BIM are crucial for maximizing the potential of digital data generated throughout the construction lifecycle, offering companies a competitive edge. As the value of data grows from the design to the construction stages, effective platforms for storing and utilizing this information are emerging. Notably, web-based digital collaboration platforms are being developed by various software vendors to support this process.

However, the implementation of BIM-based digital collaboration systems as effective software tools for the construction industry is still in its early stages. Despite the rapid development of foundational systems by large foreign vendors, many of these solutions are not yet fully adaptable to the unique needs of domestic construction companies. This creates a potential reliance on foreign software solutions, which often provide basic functions that may not align with the specific requirements of local firms. Such dependence could slow the advancement of domestic construction technology and lead to market distortions due to the high costs of proprietary software solutions.

The differences between domestic and international collaboration platforms are outlined in

Table 1. Commercial BIM CDE.

Vendors (Nationality)	Name	Characteristics
Cospec Innolab (Korea)	KBIM Collaboration	A collaboration platform developed through a research project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, designed to support the sharing and management of project information, collaboration-related data, and submissions (BIM models and deliverables) generated during the design process.
Autodesk (Korea)	BIM 360 Construction Cloud	A cloud-based integrated platform developed by Autodesk that connects project teams and data from design to construction in real-time.
ONUMA System (U.S.A)	ONUMA	A web-based BIM tool that operates in a web browser, requiring minimal hardware specifications and no need for separate software installation.
Trimble (U.S.A)	Trimble Connect	A cloud-based BIM platform that facilitates collaboration in the architecture sector.
TEKLA (Trimble) (U.S.A)	TEKLA BIMSight (Trimble Connect)	The model is stored in Tekla BIM and includes a messaging feature that allows comments to be added for each absence, facilitating real-time communication between on-site users and designers.
Graphisoft (Hungary)	BIM Cloud	Offers solutions tailored to cloud functions.
Bentley	ProjectWise	An engineering collaboration software designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry that supports over 50 formats created by various software types and generates rendering, drawing, and 3D model information in PDF or its own format.
BIM Track (Canada)	BIM Track	A cloud-based collaboration platform that incorporates features designed to enhance team coordination and streamline workflow.
BIM Collab	BIM Collab	Offers software to support BIM collaboration.
CI Factory (Korea)	Project Works	Offers function for on-site BIM collaboration, document management, and construction management. Implements 5D with the concept of composite unit pricing.

, highlighting the unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each system. This comparison aims to inform stakeholders in the construction industry about the current landscape of BIM-based digital collaboration tools. It underscores the need for further development of solutions tailored to the specific needs of the domestic market. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of BIM and smart construction technologies, ensuring that domestic construction companies maintain a competitive edge in the evolving digital landscape.

The adoption of Common Data Environments (CDE) in construction projects has been gaining momentum worldwide, with notable implementations by various public authorities. In 2017, the Road & Transport Authority (RTA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) required the use of CDE for the Dubai Metro project, marking a significant step toward improved digital collaboration in infrastructure development. Similarly, Transport for London (TfL) partnered with Bentley in 2016 to create a digital workflow that efficiently shares design information based on BIM, further demonstrating their commitment to digital transformation in public transport projects. In Australia, the North-East Link Project (NELP), managed by a government procurement agency under the Victorian state government, developed a customizable collaboration platform called Teambinder, utilizing Bentley’s ProjectWise technology. This initiative aims to streamline project management and improve communication among stakeholders. Similarly, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) is promoting the use of InSIGHT, another platform built on Bentley’s ProjectWise, for government procurement projects. In the Philippines, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is developing a Project Management Information System (PMIS) that integrates BIM functionalities using Aconex, a widely used document management software.

The momentum toward CDE adoption is partly driven by the increasing implementation of these environments in advanced countries. In the UK, for instance, CDE has been established since the introduction of the national standard BS1192:2007 [24], with ongoing efforts to expand its application across the industry. This push is further supported by the publication of ISO 19650, an international BIM standard, which enhances the understanding and utilization of CDE. While BS1192:2007 primarily defined CDE as a repetitive development and management process for “design documents”, ISO 19650-1:2018 [25] broadens this definition to include an agreed information source for the “relevant project and asset’. Additionally, ISO 19650-2:2018 [26] addresses the procurement relationship of assets, and ISO 19650-3:2020 [27] focuses on the operational stage, thereby extending the CDE concept to cover the entire project lifecycle, from procurement and design to construction and maintenance.

Recently, there has been increasing focus on CDEs being developed or planned by both domestic and international public procurement organizations, particularly with an emphasis on the operation and maintenance phases, often accompanied by the term “digital twin”. However, despite these advancements, there are still few established systems that fully integrate and utilize data from all project stages, even in leading international markets. This gap highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving comprehensive data management and collaboration within the construction industry, underscoring the need for further development and standardization of CDE systems to support effective project delivery across all phases of the construction lifecycle.

3. Methodology: A BIM Authoring for Platform Development

As previously mentioned, the systematic storage and reuse of data throughout the construction lifecycle—from design to maintenance—remains a major challenge. In today’s construction industry, the Common Data Environment (CDE) enables the creation, sharing, storage, and partial collaboration of data at each project stage. While the value of data is increasing across construction and other industries, simply having data do not automatically create value. It is essential to unlock and leverage the potential value of this data as they are applied, ensuring its long-term usefulness through effective management. For example, personal data may have limited value on their own, but identifying and utilizing their additional potential can lead to meaningful results. The effective use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) requires a clear definition of its scope and objectives. Practically speaking, the primary concern on construction sites is to ensure that work progresses smoothly and follows established processes. Meanwhile, office environments must focus on strategies to manage operations efficiently and translate those insights into the field to reduce overall construction costs.

This study aims to create a platform designed for efficient use across these objectives. Many newcomers to BIM often hold misconceptions about the complexity of BIM authoring tools, leading to resistance in adopting them—especially when encountering features that are rarely used. The main goal of developing this platform is to build a web-based CDE viewer based on standardized WBS codes, along with a system that collects and automatically processes field performance data, ultimately boosting productivity in office environments (see Figure 1). The development of this platform has two key objectives:

• Utilization Perspective:

  ▪

  Develop a user-friendly viewer that is easily accessible for field personnel.

  ▪

  Create a data analysis system capable of processing field performance data to generate value.

• Development Perspective:

  ▪

  Ensure data continuity throughout the construction lifecycle.

  ▪

  Focus on essential functions tailored to user needs, minimizing unnecessary complexity.

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  Establish a standardized system that facilitates data reuse and processing.

Figure 2 outlines a methodology for effectively utilizing data generated throughout the construction lifecycle, from planning to maintenance. Validation can be performed to ensure the automatic linking of models and processes based on standardized codes aligned with the platform’s development plan, while also exploring its practical applications within the construction industry. This research seeks to establish the foundation for a comprehensive CDE that not only optimizes project data management but also improves collaboration and efficiency across all stages of the project.

3.1. WBS Standardization

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is an essential framework designed to clearly define the work scope required to achieve project goals, improve communication among stakeholders, and efficiently track project progress and status. By outlining the key phases of a project, the WBS enables the strategic allocation of resources based on time, cost, and deliverables. The structure of the WBS can vary widely depending on its purpose, with elements organized by cost, time, or deliverables. As more detailed tasks are added, the complexity of the WBS naturally grows.

In South Korea, a standardized system for classifying construction information has been established in line with the Construction Project Information Management Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). This framework organizes the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) into seven categories: facilities, spaces, parts, trades, resources, and more. The use of this classification system is legally required for government-commissioned projects, ensuring consistency across different construction initiatives.

After World War II, there was a significant demand for efficient building supplies to support post-war reconstruction. This demand led to the creation of a standardized system for classifying construction information. However, no single global standard exists; various regions (including ISO, North America, and Europe) each have their own classification systems. For example, ISO formed a technical committee to standardize construction information classification, which resulted in a standard model being presented in a 1994 report. This effort ultimately led to the development of ISO/DIS 12006-2 [28], which defines a framework with 16 facets to structure project management information. In addition, the object-oriented standard, ISO/PAS 12006-3 [29], was introduced, where the classification system is built by combining objects that have different attributes and relationships.

In Europe, individual countries have developed their own classification systems tailored to their specific objectives. Notable examples include Uniclass and CI/SfB. Uniclass, created in Europe based on ISO/TR14177 [30], consolidates several existing classification systems, such as CI/SfB, CAWS, and CESMM3. Worldwide, construction companies rely on these systems to systematically manage the vast amounts of data generated throughout the construction process (design, construction, and maintenance) thus enabling more efficient use and exchange of construction information. However, a major challenge remains in the differing work and information classification systems among domestic clients, who often lack a unified code. This inconsistency results in inefficiencies for construction companies trying to integrate and use data effectively. In many Asian countries, construction costs are primarily calculated based on detailed construction specifications, which guide project management.

DL E&C, for example, has been managing construction projects using itemized data for over 80 years, overseeing not only on-site construction but also aspects such as safety, quality, and defect management, all based on the standardized WBS of PMIS Level 4, as shown in Figure 3. The data managed by DL E&C are interconnected through a WBS developed independently from existing analogue data accumulated over the years. To effectively integrate this legacy data with BIM while maintaining its integrity, several approaches have been considered: (i) linking processes and models: establishing connections between processes and models based on the current WBS (Level 4); (ii) creating a new object-based coding system: developing a new object-based coding system that aligns with current practices, even if the existing data cannot be directly used; (iii) establishing a connection code: creating a new connection code to link the current itemized WBS with process plans (tentatively named the “Connection Code”). Ultimately, the decision was made to link processes based on the existing WBS without disrupting the current system. This approach aims to leverage extensive performance data, which are valuable assets for construction companies, enhancing BIM integration and improving overall project management effectiveness.

The current WBS code used by headquarters is arranged in a hierarchical system with four levels, as shown in Figure 4. The structure is as follows: Level 1: “Facilities”; Level 2: “Structures”; Level 3: “Elements”; and Level 4: “Activities and Works”.

In this context, “Activities and Works” at Level 4 refers to on-site construction actions but does not necessarily represent distinct processes. A key challenge arises because, while Levels 1 to 3 can be effectively associated with physical objects within the BIM framework, establishing a direct link for Level 4 remains difficult. The current standard for Level 4 makes it challenging to assign unique codes to each object, limiting the potential for data utilization.

The classification at Level 1 is intended to define the structure’s segments and directional attributes. However, the WBS code standard at this level can be applied to multiple objects that share the same code, creating challenges in distinguishing between specific objects. At present, the WBS classification for Levels 1 to 4 uses a 6-digit coding system for each level, adding up to a total of 16 digits when combined.

To improve the specificity and functionality of the WBS codes, it is proposed to add a 6-digit extension to the existing 6 digits at Level 1. This extension will help define the orientation and position of structures and facilities in more detailed segments. As a result, Levels 1 and 2 will expand to a 12-digit system, as shown in Figure 5. The new 6-digit extension code will consist of three letters representing the structure and direction and three letters indicating the segment and location.

These rules will be predefined and consistently applied across the project to ensure uniformity and clarity. Additionally, the standard code from the process sheet will be used for objects in the same way, allowing for automatic linking between processes and models. This approach will not only improve the clarity and functionality of the WBS but also enable smooth data integration across different construction stages, optimizing project management and execution.

3.2. Civil Easy View (CEV)

As previously mentioned, a web-based viewer specifically developed for field use has been created using the standard WBS to optimize its practicality (see Figure 6). This viewer, called Civil Easy View (CEV), is built on the Autodesk Forge Viewer platform. The main goal in developing CEV was to simplify field tasks while ensuring the platform was intuitive and accessible to all stakeholders via the web. The following are its key features:

• User-Centric Design: CEV prioritizes ease of use by streamlining the interface to focus solely on the essential functions for field operations. Unnecessary features have been removed to ensure a straightforward user experience.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Developed by our in-house team, CEV is available free of charge with no user restrictions, setting it apart from commercial platforms that often have limitations or fees.
• Core Functions Integration: CEV seamlessly integrates essential functions like model viewing and construction management. It offers project management tools similar to those found in commercial programs such as Synchro Pro and Navisworks, along with robust web-based collaboration capabilities.
• Standardized WBS Code Management: The platform uses a standardized WBS code for managing field operations. Processes based on this code can be accessed and managed within the integrated model management menu.
• Version Control: CEV allows users to manage version history, tracking changes in models and processes efficiently. The drawing management menu also ensures up-to-date management of 2D design drawings and construction documents.
• Automatic Linking of Objects and Processes: One of CEV’s key advantages is its ability to automatically link objects and process activities using standardized codes, improving data consistency and usability throughout the project.
• Future Data Analysis Potential: The standardized code system in CEV is compatible with data analysis tools like Palantir, enhancing the platform’s future analytical capabilities.

By linking objects and processes using standardized codes, CEV facilitates the implementation of 4D BIM. This core capability enables the potential inclusion of pricing data for 5D, as well as facility and document management systems for 6D. The design of CEV is intentionally structured to support expansion into multi-dimensional (n-D) modeling, opening the door to more comprehensive project management and analysis. The development of CEV marks a significant leap forward in the application of BIM technology, offering construction professionals a powerful and intuitive tool that boosts collaboration, efficiency, and data management across the project lifecycle. Its emphasis on standardization and integration provides a solid foundation for future advancements in construction data analysis and management, making it an essential resource for industry stakeholders.

The subinterface, as shown in Figure 7, is activated when selected objects within the CEV platform are assigned both standardized codes and their corresponding object properties. This integration ensures that all objects and processes are assigned standardized codes as part of their attribute data, enabling a unified management system as outlined below:

• Object Properties and Hierarchy: The hierarchy of the model’s object properties has been carefully structured to align with the process table, using the i-Construct add-in for Navisworks. This alignment is crucial for maintaining consistency between the physical project elements and their associated processes, thereby enhancing the overall coherence of the data.
• Key Functionalities

  ▪

  CEV offers a powerful process simulation feature that visually depicts the construction workflow. During simulations, the transparency and color of objects dynamically change to reflect the progress of each stage in real time. This visual feedback enables users to quickly assess task status and identify potential issues.

  ▪

  Seamless Integration: One of CEV’s standout features is its ability to integrate seamlessly with the company’s existing business systems. The platform supports Single Sign-On (SSO), eliminating the need for users to manage separate logins. This integration streamlines access to the CEV without requiring additional installations or program launches.

In summary, CEV’s design emphasizes user accessibility and operational efficiency. By combining standardized object properties with a simulation feature and enabling integration with business systems, CEV serves as a powerful tool for managing construction processes. This approach not only simplifies operations but also fosters collaboration among stakeholders throughout the construction lifecycle, positioning the platform as a significant advancement in using BIM to achieve improved project outcomes.

4. Results: Initial Prototyping Application of CEV

To evaluate the practical applicability of the developed CEV, a pilot test was conducted at a domestic railway construction site. The selected site involved the construction of railway tracks and stations within a 4.67 km cross-section tunnel, consisting of a main tunnel and three ventilation shafts. This site encompasses a range of construction activities, including tunnel excavation, vertical construction, and the installation of ventilation shafts and tunnel stations. Due to the tunnel’s predominantly linear structure, it serves as an ideal setting for validating the CEV’s ability to link data through coding.

The software used for developing and validating the CEV includes Autodesk Revit, Civil 3D, Dynamo, and Forge. When creating a BIM framework, identical sections are typically modelled by distributing linear objects along the designated section using the model’s families. To enable an effective simulation of the construction process over time, these modelled objects are subdivided into distinct parts or units, as undivided objects cannot be sequentially simulated and would otherwise be processed simultaneously.

The tunnel’s endpoint and cross-section coordinates were extracted using Civil 3D, allowing for the creation of a linear object through Dynamo. This linear object serves as the foundation for generating sections that align with the tunnel’s geometric design by segmenting it according to the predefined process plan. To facilitate this segmentation, a dedicated Dynamo script was developed, implementing a logic sequence that assigns section patterns to the linear object based on its segments, as shown in Figure 8.

Furthermore, for tunnel stations where the process direction does not follow a fixed orientation (e.g., left to right or top to bottom), the modelling was carried out individually in Revit, with unique codes assigned to each element. This systematic approach ensures that every component is accurately represented and seamlessly integrated into the overarching CEV framework.

The original coding system includes designations such as WF1570, WS1613, WE2100, and WA4760, each representing different aspects of the tunnel construction process. Specifically, WF1570 indicates the tunnel’s direction (north), while WS1613 refers to the primary excavation section. WE2100 signifies the upper half of the cross-section, and WA4760 corresponds to blasting excavation. By assigning extension codes at Level 1—covering both direction and section—and at Level 2, which specifies associated facilities, a comprehensive and distinct coding system is created.

The resulting codes, defined by the assigned extension codes, are as follows: WF1570CES024, WS1613MEP016, WE2100, and WA4760. The rules governing these extension codes are outlined in Figure 5. The code definition framework follows the standard six-digit code format, supplemented by a six-digit extension code. This extension code includes one digit indicating direction, two digits specifying construction type, and three digits representing location information. For instance, the letter “C” denotes the main line’s common direction, while “ES” signifies excavation activities related to tunnel stations. The location information is determined as “001” based on predefined station identifiers, resulting in the extended code WF1510CES024.

The designation WS1613MEP016 represents the Main Line Excavation Pattern associated with primary excavation operations, where the tunnel excavation pattern is indicated by a predefined three-digit sequence number. Notably, the codes assigned to Levels 3 and 4 maintain the standard six-digit format, as shown in Figure 9. This structured coding system ensures clarity and consistency across different levels of tunnel construction activities.

Multiple objects defined by standard codes can be assembled into a unified model using Autodesk Revit or integrated into Navisworks. The CEV utilizes an integrated model executed in Navisworks. During this process, an NWD file is generated and subsequently uploaded to BIM 360, as shown in Figure 10. This approach enables the seamless loading of the integrated model into the CEV.

While the unified model can be uploaded directly to the Forge Viewer, using BIM 360 for model management offers several advantages. It allows for the configuration of access permissions, ensuring secure and controlled access to construction-related data. Additionally, it facilitates efficient documentation management, maintaining a comprehensive history of both the model and construction processes. This enhances collaboration among project stakeholders while improving data security and integrity.

The key advantage of the CEV platform is its ability to automatically link (Auto-Matching) models and processes using standardized coding systems. Each object, subdivided according to the process plan, is assigned a unique WBS code. This structured approach enables flexible adaptation to frequent on-site modifications, significantly reducing the time needed to re-establish links between the model and related processes.

The CEV platform is particularly effective in complex construction projects where numerous interconnections exist between objects and processes or in large-scale projects with extensive process plans. Additionally, by analyzing the code definitions of automatically linked levels and the corresponding codes assigned to model objects, users can utilize the filter function to identify occupations with similar codes. This capability enhances the verification of the construction plan, ensuring no outstanding tasks are overlooked.

In addition to these features, the CEV platform streamlines the search for standardized codes and drawing names within the documentation, making it easier to retrieve design information such as 2D drawings and construction plans, as shown in Figure 11. This robust functionality improves the overall efficiency of project management and execution.

On-site construction management is a key factor closely tied to rising construction costs, making the efficient handling of process delays essential. The CEV platform provides a comprehensive construction management function that is crucial for on-site operations. By enabling a comparison between the planned schedule and actual progress, CEV supports the implementation of corrective measures to address any delays.

Additionally, when a visual review of constructability is needed due to changes in an object’s geometry, the model comparison feature can be utilized. This functionality allows for an intuitive assessment of both the model’s shape and coding, as shown in Figure 12. These capabilities enhance overall construction management effectiveness by ensuring that discrepancies are quickly identified and resolved.

5. Discussion on the Future Development of CEV

The platform, currently in development, is designed with a dual focus on both creation and use. Features are being gradually integrated, allowing users to tailor the platform to their specific needs and goals. The broader development strategy aims to strengthen its functionality across the design, construction, and maintenance phases, enhancing on-site usability while delivering added value through data analysis and processing at the organizational headquarters.

Currently, the main focus of development is on the utilization aspect during the construction phase. However, future updates will include features for the design phase through collaboration with Dynamo Logic, enabling the generation of optimal linear designs and expanding capabilities like approximate construction cost estimation. To improve on-site usability, the CEV will be enhanced to support a Paper-Free, Safety-Free, Space-Free, and Human-Free environment. This will involve advancements in coordinate-based automatic linkages with topographical data, such as MC/MG, automated document creation, and the integration of a dashboard function.

Ultimately, additional functionalities will be added to support data integration between the construction and maintenance phases, such as features for crack management and tracking construction history. This holistic approach is designed to streamline the construction management process, boosting overall project success. The next phase of the CEV platform is currently in development, focusing on how data analysis and processing can enhance construction productivity by leveraging Palantir software, an innovative tool in the construction industry.

6. Conclusions

This study presents a methodology for integrating models and processes using WBS codes, with its validity confirmed through practical application. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is both effective and adaptable in real-world construction scenarios. While n-D BIM systems typically expand on information regarding processes, costs, and other object-related factors, current platform development trends have mainly focused on process planning. By extending the coding system without modifying existing legacy data or standard WBS codes, this study successfully achieved integration between models and processes, which was validated through practical implementation.

From the CEV application prototyping and observation, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• The CEV platform, developed using the WBS standard code and focusing on on-site usability, proved to be well-suited for on-site process management. Additionally, the simulation of LOD 350-level modelled objects, seamlessly linked to WBS codes, was carried out without any technical issues.
• The study confirmed that a code-based automatic linkage system ensures flexibility in process management. By simply adjusting the planned or actual dates, the methodology accommodates frequent changes in process plans. Moreover, this approach is scalable and can be applied to a wide range of construction projects, including railways, tunnels, roads, ports, and water resource developments.
• The generation of planned and actual process data lays the groundwork for a data-driven engineering platform. The efficient use of standard WBS codes allows for effective data linkage and utilization, as demonstrated by the integration with Palantir, a data analysis platform.
• The newly developed CEV platform overcomes the limitations of customization in commercial software. It supports integration with an organization’s existing legacy data and systems through unique codes. Additionally, the platform enables functional scalability and improved data linking capabilities, ensuring adaptability and broader applicability.
• Finally, this study reinforces the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in strengthening the connection between models and processes. The findings provide a solid framework for advancing construction management practices and underscore the potential for future applications across various construction sectors.