Optimising construction waste management with BIM and semantic technology
Project update
A research highlights the importance of adopting advanced digital tools for sustainable construction practices
Managing construction waste (CW) is a pressing issue in the construction industry. Addressing it effectively begins at the design stage, where preventive measures can significantly reduce waste. However, current methods that integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with CW management face challenges in scaling up for automated and interoperable workflows.
To tackle these challenges, researchers have developed a new framework that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Semantic-Web-Technologies (SWT). This innovative approach enables precise quantification and optimisation of construction waste from the early design stages of a project.
The integration of the BIM with this advanced technology establishes more standardized and detailed information. It links building materials directly with CW data, enabling accurate tracking and analysis.
The benefits of this framework are transformative. Firstly, it improves the interoperability of systems involved in CW management, making data sharing easier and more efficient. Secondly, automation is enhanced, reducing manual effort and potential errors in the process. This leads to more accurate and reliable waste assessments.
Moreover, the framework supports better decision-making by providing timely and integrated insights during the design phase. This proactive approach fosters better communication and collaboration among all supply chain members, from architects and engineers to contractors and suppliers.
By combining BIM and semantic technology, the industry can move towards smarter, more sustainable designs, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Full analysis and results are available in this paper written by Subarna Sivashanmugam, Sergio Rodriguez Trejo, Farzad Rahimian of Teesside University.
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