Managing construction information using RFID-based semantic contexts

Quick and correct information capturing, archival and retrieval in construction sites is essential to support project management. This paper presents a new methodology for managing construction document information using RFID-based semantic contexts. The methodology deploys four main tools for construction document archival and retrieval: (1) template document metadata modules that formulate document information; (2) semantic ontologies for indexing construction documents; (3) RFID framework for automatic identification of construction concepts; and (4) an ontological indexing mechanism to reason about ontological semantic relationships and infer applicable concepts for indexing. To demonstrate the role and contribution of the new proposed methodology, first a template for construction problem documents module has been constructed. Then, a new object-oriented Java-based prototype was developed to leverage RFIDs and OWL (Web Ontology Language)-based ontologies for reasoning about indexed construction concepts. Finally, a case study has been performed to validate the new methodology's capability of supporting users through available RFID information in the selection of construction concepts for archiving and retrieving related, stored documents from a relational corporate database of construction problems. The new methodology implementation shows a number of direct impacts such as the effectiveness of document archival and retrieval and the efficiency of fusing information. The new methodology is described in the paper, including findings obtained from the case study and a discussion of future research.

Research Highlights► Onsite construction problem documents are structured in metadata modules that automatically generate instances of classes of: (A) metadata attributes; and (B) concept information. ► Semantic ontologies are used as an indexing mechanism to structure construction concepts and enhance the archiving and retrieval processes of construction documents stored in metadata document modules. ► Ontology-driven reasoning mechanisms enable users to search for specific construction documents based on automated inferred related “concepts, rather than mere user-specific keywords. ► Component identification technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can semi-automate the capturing process of construction concepts and effectively support the information archival and retrieval on site.