A Multi-Story Expandable Systematic Hierarchical Construction Information Classification System for Implementing Information Processing in Highway Construction

Abstract

In the field of infrastructure construction, progress in digital transformation remains limited; this is particularly true in road construction, an infrastructure facility involving design, construction, and operation stages. Many construction subjects are involved at each stage of this cycle, generating substantial construction information. To drive the digital transformation of the construction industry, a construction information classification system is necessary for the development of a systematic construction information model. This study focuses on categorizing construction information into objects and activities, defining unit work by combining these two categories, and allowing for the flexible processing of construction information. A construction information classification system was developed, representing the evolving construction-related methodological information throughout the project’s lifecycle. Applying this multi-story expandable systematic hierarchical system to a highway project demonstrates the representation of key tasks in each construction phase, enabling the future stage-specific expansion of construction information for individual tasks. The proposed system could advance the digital transformation in infrastructure construction.

1. Introduction

1.1. Background and Purpose of Research

Historically, the productivity of the construction industry has been lower than that of other industries, such as manufacturing. However, a newly emerging argument suggests that embracing digital transformation may lead to productivity improvements similar to those observed in other industries [1,2,3]. Achieving such a digital transformation within the construction industry requires a method for systematizing construction information and converting it into digital data [4,5]. Furthermore, establishing approaches for its production, storage, delivery, and utilization is equally important. The extent and diversity of construction information make it challenging to precisely specify its scope. Hence, an appropriate construction information classification system must be developed to effectively store essential information in a digital format. However, the existing research on construction information classification systems primarily focuses on completed facilities, concentrating solely on storing and retrieving facility-related information. These existing systems are inadequate for comprehensively managing task-based information throughout the construction project lifecycle.

In particular, infrastructure construction projects involve long-term endeavors that span planning through operation. Therefore, they require the continuous securing of digitally transformed construction information throughout the project lifecycle. Ensuring the continuity of construction information throughout the infrastructure construction process facilitates the easier acquisition, analysis, and sharing of the required data at each stage. Thus, it enables prompt decision making and optimizes project outcomes.

This study proposes a construction information classification system that ensures the integration of information throughout the lifecycle of road construction projects. The primary aim is to generate construction-related information as digital data during the construction process and utilize various software tools for their analysis, transmission, and application. Thus, the proposed system aims to accelerate information dissemination in construction projects, optimizing resource allocation throughout the construction project’s lifecycle.

1.2. Scope and Method of Research

Road facilities represent essential infrastructure assets, and road construction projects constitute long-term public undertakings involving multiple entities. Throughout their lifecycle, these projects require the continuous acquisition of digitally transformed construction information. While road construction typically follows the sequence of facility planning, design, construction, and operation, the most significant amounts of digital data are generated and processed during the construction phase. Therefore, focusing on the construction phase and developing a construction information classification system would enable the effective collection, classification, and analysis of construction information. This facilitates its utilization throughout the entire construction project lifecycle. Consequently, our study aimed to develop an information classification system that targets key tasks in the construction phase of road construction, applying it to processing, safety, quality, and progressive billing management in highway construction projects.

Figure 1 illustrates the research flow. To achieve the research objective, we conducted a literature review of construction information classification systems. Currently, the existing systems are being utilized to investigate ways to enhance the usability of road construction information. Based on the literature review, this study established a novel approach that differs from those employed in previous research.

First, while most existing construction information classification systems are based on construction objects, classifying information based on activities is a more effective means of handling the information generated during the construction process. Second, construction information is organized by dividing it into the construction object information of the target facility and the activity information of the construction process. Third, a combination of hierarchical and facet classification [6] is applied during the information classification process to enhance intuitive understanding and ease of use, depending on the specific needs. Finally, rather than uniformly applying a fixed number of levels in the hierarchical classification, the number of levels is flexibly determined based on the requirements. Consequently, the construction information classification system ensures the user’s flexibility to respond to changes in construction information owing to technological development or changes in conditions. According to the direction of development, definitions were established for objects, activities, and JOBs, representing unit work, through connections with objects and activities. Roles, interrelationships, and construction details were digitized by creating corresponding specifications. Using these three concepts, a framework for the construction information classification system was constructed, and a pilot application was implemented in highway construction, performing actual classification.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Traditional Construction Information Classification System

The construction information classification system originated in the United States in 1920 with the American Institute of Architects (AIA); it initially classified building materials and later expanded to include building types. In 1963, the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) introduced a standardized format for building specifications, which rapidly became the industry standard. Subsequently, in 1966, the AIA, CSI, and other stakeholders collaborated to develop this system into a unified framework for construction specifications, data filtering, and cost accounting, facilitating the organization and exchange of technical information across the construction industry [7]. These collaborative efforts led to the revision and renaming of the system as MASTER-FORMAT in 1978 [8]. In the United States, the classification system primarily focuses on cost management, specification organization, project management, and data consolidation [9,10].

In 1945, the Ministry of Construction Library in the United Kingdom extracted only the construction elements from the International Decimal Classification, a general book classification method, and presented the Universal Decimal Classification extraction method. The British Standards Association officially announced this method in 1948 [11,12]. In 1947, construction companies centered around the Swedish Institute of Architects collaborated to develop Samarbetkommitten for Byggadsfragor (SfB) [13], a system that classified a construction information classification system into three facets: functional elements, construction types, and materials. The concept behind SfB significantly influenced many subsequent classification systems, leading to the creation of various forms of classification system [14,15]. The first classification system designed for computer processing, known as the Coordinated Building Communication System, was developed in 1963. It enabled the generation of computerized itemized statements for construction purposes. Later, in 1968, the Royal Institute of Architects in England introduced the Construction Index/Samarbetskommitten for Byggnadsfragor (CI/SfB) classification system [16]. This system expanded the classification into five facets (facilities, parts, construction types, materials, and other) by applying an analytic–synthetic classification system [17]. Major construction companies in South Korea began adopting the CI/SfB system in the 1980s.

The Technical Subcommittee TC59/SC13 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has overseen construction information classification systems since 1988. However, individual countries have the flexibility to propose their own classification systems based on specific needs. In the United Kingdom, the NBS introduced UniClass2015 as an integrated classification system for the construction industry, whereas the CSI in the United States presented OmniClass [18]. These classification systems establish a standardized foundation for classifying construction information throughout the entire project lifecycle. Furthermore, they are actively being developed for the digital transformation of and integration with building information modeling (BIM) in the construction industry.

Previous studies focused on classification methods for information related to completed buildings within the construction domain. Therefore, these methods have limited applicability to infrastructure facilities, which often exhibit atypical features, such as varied topography. Figure 2 presents an analysis of all the items in UniClass [19] and OmniClass [20], indicating that information elements directly associated with infrastructure construction represent 17% of OmniClass and 13% of UniClass. Uniclass also considers the infrastructure sector [21]. However, its utilization in infrastructure is low because it primarily focuses on buildings [22]. Omniclass makes similar assessments [23,24,25]. In addition, various national and international classification systems are also in place, such as CoClass [26] and Byggandets Samordning AB [27] in Sweden, CCS [28] in Denmark [25], and Talo [29] in Finland. However, no case has been optimized for infrastructure.

In the international standards ISO 12006-2 and 12006-3, which pertain to construction information classification systems, business information, construction object information, and construction process information are closely interconnected [30,31]. However, practical construction projects might encounter difficulties in effectively utilizing the system owing to the potential impact on information associated with individual construction objects when linked activity information undergoes changes.

2.2. Object-Oriented Information Classification System

Studies focused on constructing an effective construction information classification system continue to be conducted separately from international standardization efforts. However, all classification systems are designed for the integrated management of substantial construction information, surpassing a simple arrangement of construction data [32,33]. Although the developed classification systems are designed to conform to existing systems and enhance usability through careful analyses of requirements, design and construction work remain disconnected. Therefore, an information classification system that is widely used throughout construction projects is necessary. Some cite the lack of publicity and voluntary participation as reasons for low utilization in the early stages [34]. Nevertheless, the fundamental cause lies in the lack of integrated development for construction information classification systems.

Cerezo-Narváez et al. [35] proposed an integrated approach, combining the cost breakdown structure and work breakdown structure (WBS) to facilitate budget management and quality control in construction projects. Their method involved breaking down project information into smaller cost-calculating scales and defining unit tasks, allowing its integration with BIM. This integration proved significant as it enabled the representation of construction information in a visual format, centered around the subdivision of information units based on construction costs. However, a challenge arises when directly linking construction cost units to tasks, making it difficult to handle information processing in scenarios involving changes in the project scope or construction methods during the construction phase. Reevaluating and reestablishing the construction information classification system is necessary to overcome this challenge and enable effective information processing, particularly concerning the interconnection of various stakeholders during construction.

Research has been conducted from various perspectives on using BIM to digitize the construction industry. Specifically, in the context of architectural structures, studies focusing on the concepts and structure of object classification systems within BIM revealed that shape information for defined components could be systematically managed. This was achieved through the integration of the object breakdown structure, WBS, and project numbering system, as demonstrated in the construction of timber structures [36]. This approach is particularly suitable for buildings with independent spaces for completed objects. Developing specialized software to implement this approach can further enhance its effectiveness.

Research on the requirements of information classification systems based on BIM information frameworks in infrastructure construction in South Korea yielded two key findings. First, it is necessary to implement three-dimensional (3D) integrated information, preferably linked to existing classification systems. Second, a comprehensive perspective calls for an integrated standards system rather than fragmented standards tailored to individual purposes [37].

Revising the construction information classification system is necessary to effectively utilize BIM, as it allows for the connection between BIM objects and items within the construction information classification system. Additionally, it should incorporate geometric and attribute information, representing it in 3D models, and enable the linking of attribute information to define individual objects [38].

Research was conducted to expand the model breakdown structure under the component classification system of the construction information classification system, which is based on the WBS used in road construction projects in South Korea. The primary aim was to develop an information classification system incorporating the existing facet-based and object-oriented classification systems [39,40]. It is feasible to develop a BIM that aligns with widely used construction information classification systems and organizes construction information based on an object-oriented approach. However, further research is necessary to address the flexible handling of construction information during its generation and adaptation to meet specific requirements at individual construction sites.

3. A Construction Information Classification System for Construction Lifecycle Information

Construction information should be classified to facilitate the use of BIM. Using this approach, information from throughout the construction lifecycle is represented as a 3D information model, enabling the easy generation, storage, exchange, and utilization of digital data. To achieve this, an object-centric approach should be adopted, enabling the informationization of activities and providing flexibility through expansion and merging.

3.1. Object-Oriented Construction Information Classification System

The existing construction information primarily serves as a tool for delivering concepts and terminology to experts. However, digitally transformed road construction information is represented as a 3D construction information model using digital data, enabling the conveyance of additional information through spatial representation. Therefore, to ensure efficient utilization, construction information should be classified based on the construction objects represented in 3D models.

Road facilities can be designated as a single construction object or divided into segments. Additionally, the individual facility elements constituting the road can be designated as separate construction objects. The designation of construction objects can take various forms, depending on the most suitable form for delivering the required construction information. The construction objects that must be represented in three dimensions are defined by their shape, location, and attribute information, as shown in Figure 3.

Linking information concerning the individual works performed during the design and construction phases of a road project to individually defined 3D construction objects enables the classification of information. This classification allows users to intuitively understand and convey the information.

3.2. An Information Classification System That Separates Construction Objects and Activities

As road facilities are created through design and construction, it becomes challenging to entirely segregate the associated activities. Therefore, most existing information classification systems define construction information by linking construction objects with activity details, as shown in Figure 4. While this approach maintains flexibility for partial changes in construction objects or activity information, it cannot adequately accommodate significant modifications in the scope of construction objects or activity content. To address this issue, this study adopts an alternative approach that completely separates construction objects and activity information. As shown in Figure 5, we developed a construction information classification system for each information type. This allows for independent modifications of construction objects, such as splitting or merging, and the replacement of all the activities assigned to construction objects without modifying the other data. The connection between construction objects and activities is established by referencing the unique IDs assigned to each of them.

3.3. Information Classification System for Construction Objects

Construction objects are discrete 3D units within road facilities; they possess engineering significance. These objects can be identified independently, allowing for their classification as singular construction units for the entire road facility or as distinct portions. This enables a hierarchical classification of all construction objects. For example, an entire road facility can be designated as one object, while the portion constructed as a bridge can be designated as a bridge construction object. Furthermore, detailed elements, such as piers, copings, abutment concrete, and bridge supports, can also be identified as separate construction objects using the same method. These construction objects are classified within a hierarchical structure that falls under the infrastructure facilities category. Information concerning road construction is defined for the completed facility and various types of objects required during construction, as shown in

Table 1. Types of construction objects.

Object		Definition
Target product	Facility	A functionally defined object that describes the target product or its parts
	Elementary	An object defined as a component of the target product, without functional information of the target
Auxiliary product	Temporary	An object describing a temporary installation used to construct the target
	Intangible	An intangible object used to describe the procurement or construction process of the target

.

In construction, facility objects represent the structure of a facility, either in its entirety or in part. They are implemented as 3D models corresponding to the final products after the construction process. However, it may not be appropriate to rely only on facility objects to represent all construction activities throughout the construction lifecycle. To address this limitation, different types of objects have been defined. Element objects refer to specific components, such as reinforcing bars and concrete. These elements are subdivided to a level where functional aspects, which are necessary to achieve the purpose of the facility, are not considered. Construction-related components, such as temporary facilities, are collectively designated as temporary objects. These temporary objects are then assigned as sub-elements under the main facility object, enabling hierarchical structuring. Intangible objects cover construction elements not explicitly assigned to 3D visible facility objects but rather associated with higher-level facility objects.

Each construction object within the hierarchical structure carries distinct associated information that should be inheritable based on the hierarchy. If the information does not follow an inherited relationship, separate branches must be defined for construction objects.

3.4. Information Classification System for Activities

Road construction projects involve various activities contributing to the design and construction of facilities. Figure 6 illustrates how these activities constitute a collection of unit works focused on constructing the components of the road. Each unit is further subdivided to achieve certain objectives, such as safety, quality, and process management, providing detailed information. Moreover, these activities specify the necessary resources and conditions for their execution. These activities are interconnected with the construction objects, presenting independent information that can be classified hierarchically and facet-wise. They can be grouped based on similarities or hierarchically arranged by dividing or merging unit activities.

When an activity is linked to a construction object, it modifies the attribute information of the construction object, indicating the allocation of resources and ongoing on-site construction processes. Therefore, information regarding which activities are connected to specific objects becomes a critical aspect of the construction information model, providing insights into the execution of construction projects.

Infrastructure is managed and constructed by national or public institutions, each with its own distinct method for overseeing construction objects and activities. Consequently, the volume of construction information to be produced and managed may differ significantly. It is unfeasible to implement a universal regulation system for construction information models across various facilities managed by different public institutions. Therefore, an information classification system that permits flexible adjustments to be made to the construction information model is necessary.

In principle, construction objects must be associated with one or more activities. While some objects may not be directly linked to any activity, one or more intermediate objects between the top- and bottom-level objects must have assigned activities.

Highway construction in South Korea falls into six main categories: earthwork and drainage, bridge, pavement, appurtenant, and tunnel works. Approximately 10,733 activities were classified hierarchically. These activities can be further categorized based on their information utilization, as shown in

Table 2. Types of activities.

Activity	Definition
Billable	An activity responsible for changing the state of the target product (e.g., construction, modification, maintenance, and demolition), and determines its unit cost.
Grouped billable	A group of similar billable activities associated with a specific target product and collectively influenced by the condition of that product.
Elementary	A unitary activity constitutes a billable activity, and it may necessitate quality assurance and safety enforcement.
Intangible	An activity that cannot be directly tracked from the target product’s state but is still billable. Safety enforcement activities serve as an example.

.

The unit construction cost is assigned to activities classified as billable, while activities of the same type but applied differently based on conditions are grouped as billable activities. These defined activities comprise multiple smaller unit activities grouped together to facilitate process management and progressive billing. Various types of construction information, including the materials, equipment, and personnel, define these activities. Time information related to the duration of unit activities can also be included. If a specific unit activity requires special management, such as safety or quality control, it was classified as an elementary activity. General management activities that could not be specifically identified in the construction process were classified as intangible.

3.5. Unit Works Defined by Construction Objects and Activities

Road construction projects encompass various works during the design and construction phases. Notably, the specifications of the target facility may undergo changes, and the content of activities can change throughout the construction lifecycle owing to advancements in engineering technology, the development of new construction methods, and fluctuations in social conditions. Therefore, effectively managing construction information involves maintaining continuity between stages, ensuring that the changes occurring in each stage are recorded and traced back to the preceding stages.

In cases where construction plans are modified, the hierarchical structure of the construction objects enables the easy selection and modification of objects that need revision. Simultaneously, associated activities can be modified concurrently or at a later stage. During the execution of the unit work, activities can be assigned or newly specified.

As shown in Figure 7, we generated unique identifiers for the construction objects, using a hierarchical classification system. Similarly, activities within the faceted classification areas also received unique identifiers based on their hierarchical classification. These identifiers were then employed to associate and digitize the pertinent information. In road construction projects, a unit work can be represented as a combination of these unique identifiers for construction objects and activities. To achieve this, we formulated a unique identifier for a unit work, referred to as a JOB, by combining the respective unique identifiers using Equation (1), allowing for the seamless linkage of relevant information.

$$\mathrm{J}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{B}\left({id}_{JOB}\right)=Construction Object\left({id}_{co}\right)+Activity\left({id}_{ac}\right)$$

(1)

When changes occur in either the construction object or the activity of the JOB, a unique identifier is generated using Equation (1), combining the relevant information. This approach involves defining the construction object and activity individually and combining them as required according to the multi-story expandable systematic hierarchical (MESH) system.

The generated JOB inherits information from the construction object and activity without requiring any separate attribute information. Managing the construction object and activity information separately and applying the MESH system significantly enhanced the flexibility of the road construction information.

3.6. Characteristics of the MESH Construction Information Classification System

The proposed MESH construction information classification system has several characteristics incorporating the specific needs of the construction industry. First, the system ensures information continuity by leveraging expertise to select essential information at each individual stage. This approach is necessary as the work contents in the design, construction, and maintenance stages differ significantly from each other. Second, the developed information classification system is highly practical, catering to the requirements of various stakeholders in the construction industry. This includes clients, construction companies, and construction managers at each stage of the process. Third, the system exhibits remarkable versatility and expandability, enabling the digitization of work content in the construction industry. It accommodates changes in construction methods or information owing to new developments or evolving techniques. Fourth, the design of the system prioritizes maintaining consistency through division and expansion, allowing for interoperability with existing information classification systems. This seamless integration ensures consistency across the board. In conclusion, the MESH construction information classification system effectively addresses the unique characteristics of the construction industry by providing practicality, versatility, and interoperability with existing systems. Thus, it ensures the continuity and efficient management of construction information throughout all stages of a project.

4. Applying the MESH Construction Information Classification System to Highway Construction

The construction information for highway projects implemented by the Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) follows the MESH construction information classification system. This system allows for the production, storage, integration, and utilization of construction information, aligning with the construction management techniques of KEC for highway construction projects. The composition of objects and activities refers to the Highway BIM Data Creation Guidelines [41] and the Objective-Based Design Documentation Standards for the Systematic Management and Enhanced Utilization of BIM Design Outcomes [42] for utilizing the existing BIM, which includes 3D shape information.

4.1. Classification of Construction Objects Based on Activity Information

The KEC employs a dual approach to construction management, utilizing a cost-breakdown structure for managing construction costs and the WBS for process management. To integrate and manage these aspects, the MESH construction information classification system was adopted, dividing the objects based on their activities. This enables the allocation of construction costs and the efficient management of related activities for facility objects by defining them as 3D shapes and connecting them to specific activity details. Consequently, construction information is systematically processed and managed based on the divided objects.

Table 3. Number of activities per layer of the activity classification system for the division of construction objects.

Facet	Layer 1	Layer 2	Layer 3	Layer 4	Layer 5	Layer 6	Layer 7
Sum	6	291	1913	5235	8300	9378	9400
Earthwork	1	35	150	403	449	466	466
Drainage work	1	57	517	1351	1933	2130	2152
Bridge work	1	99	601	1987	3044	3372	3372
Pavement work	1	19	160	360	600	715	715
Appurtenant work	1	63	286	560	1091	1403	1403
Tunnel work	1	18	199	574	1183	1292	1292

provides a breakdown of the number of activities per facet used for object division during various stages of highway construction, totaling 9400 types of activities distributed among the facets. The classification of activities follows a hierarchical structure based on specific requirements, leading to varying numbers of hierarchical levels and activities per level. Divisions are tailored as needed, particularly for activities involving safety, quality, and process management. Additional subdivisions can be implemented to accommodate further requirements.

Specifications are defined and documented through activity specifications to manage the safety, quality, and processes of individual activities. These specifications can be modified as necessary to accommodate changes in the requirements.

4.2. Classification of Construction Objects Based on Objects

Construction information at the level of the construction object can be represented using 3D shapes for effective management. These construction objects encompass various types of information, which can be organized based on their characteristics, enabling the provision of visual representations to enhance communication.

Highway facilities, including general roads, bridges, and tunnels, can be classified based on visual criteria. Each segment comprises various construction objects. By dividing these objects according to activities, as shown in

Table 4. Number of construction objects by layer for highway construction information allocation.

Facet	Layer 1	Layer 2	Layer 3	Layer 4	Layer 5	Layer 6
Sum	6	289	1572	2220	2586	2722
Earthwork	1	35	104	167	172	172
Drainage work	1	56	436	584	630	632
Bridge work	1	98	525	716	832	911
Pavement work	1	19	82	99	106	106
Appurtenant work	1	63	244	349	498	551
Tunnel work	1	18	181	305	348	350

, they can be identified and categorized into 2722 types of construction objects. The classification is based on typical highways managed by the KEC. In practice, the number of instances generated, based on the highway length, can significantly vary depending on the scale. Despite the vast number of instances, digitizing highway construction information remains crucial. This involves defining each instance as an object to efficiently manage the information.

4.3. Definition of Unit Work through the Connection between the Construction Object and Activity

Information related to road construction projects is defined by integrating construction objects and activities into a unit work. For example, when building a road in a mountainous area, the process can be represented by connecting the earth excavation activity to the terrain object. The material of the construction object—in this case, the terrain—is evaluated and defined during the design phase, involving works, such as digging, ripping, and blasting. However, during the construction phase, actual geological variations may arise, affecting the properties of the construction object and subsequently leading to changes in related activities. This approach ensures the accurate representation of the specific unit work involved throughout the construction process.

The MESH construction information classification system can handle changes that occur at construction sites more flexibly than conventional classification systems by applying specific unit works. Figure 8 illustrates an example of the MESH classification system adapting to changes in construction methods. When the parallel-type wing wall is changed to the curved-surface-type wing wall owing to a change in the construction method, new activities, such as the installation of a curved surface concrete form and dowel bars, are added to the existing hierarchical construction objects (concrete, formwork, etc.) and activities (concrete placement, formwork installation, etc.). This creates new JOBs. Thus, the MESH classification system can aptly represent construction changes resulting from construction method changes by either utilizing or adding to the pre-established hierarchical construction objects and activities.

5. Discussions

Traditional construction information classification systems, such as Uniclass2015 [6] and OmniClass [43], are structured using a facet approach. Uniclass comprises 10 tables including complexes, activities, entities, and elements. OmniClass defines 15 tables, including construction entities, spaces, and elements, according to function. Each table can be used independently or in combination to classify specific types of information, offering the advantage of categorizing complex subjects. However, accurately implementing precise construction information requires a thorough understanding of the relationships between classes in various tables and can therefore be challenging.

Consistent information transmission is crucial in relation to the construction data generated throughout the phases of road construction, spanning from design to construction and maintenance. For instance, during the road construction process, tasks such as commencement, completion, and maintenance are executed based on electronic design drawings. Although design drawings evolve into construction-specific drawings, such as as-built, design-change, and completion drawings, maintenance activities often rely on the original design drawings stored by the client. This results in a discontinuity, such that construction information is not consistently conveyed.

By contrast, the MESH construction information classification system, which connects construction information generated on the construction site, such as objects and activities, through a hierarchical structure, clarifies the sequential relationships between objects and activities. This enables effective process and payment management. The MESH allows for the representation of all situations and information arising in road construction sites by defining JOBs using creating a 1:N relationship between them through the dualization and hierarchization of construction objects and activities. Consequently, the MESH ensures the consistency and continuity of construction information throughout the entire lifecycle of infrastructure facilities.

6. Conclusions

This study proposes a construction information classification system that is significant for the digital transformation of the highway construction industry. The key principle of the MESH system, an activity-based object classification system, involves defining unit works (JOBs) through the combination of objects and activities. The MESH construction information classification system was piloted in highway construction projects undertaken by the KEC. The required construction information can be consistently utilized even when changes are made to the classification method, the definition of construction objects, or the detailed content of activities linked to methods. Consequently, the continuity and consistency of information, previously fragmented by construction phases, are ensured. Ultimately, the MESH classification system could accelerate the digital transformation of the construction industry by facilitating smoother information exchange between various software tools and contributing to productivity enhancement within the construction sector.

The MESH classification system is limited in that the misclassification of objects, activities, and JOBs can lead to partial errors within the entire system. To address this, a system for checking such misclassifications will be implemented in future works. Furthermore, this research aims to expand its scope to encompass various road types and maintenance aspects, with the additional objective of BIM software development.