Application of PSL to construction process information specification and exchange

This study explores the potential use of PSL as a standard language for process information exchange between software applications in construction. The applicability of PSL in construction was investigated and the impact of the language on software interoperability was evaluated. To investigate the applicability of PSL in construction, the construction process information representations (data types) within the pre-construction stages were identified through a technical analysis of the supporting software applications. Then the construction process information representations' (the applications data types) semantic concepts were mapped against the manufacturing process concepts of the PSL ontology to determine the level of applicability of the PSL language in providing neutral definitions for the construction process information representations and establish the need for new extensions to PSL ontology to incorporate construction process concepts. To evaluate the impact of the PSL language on construction software interoperability, the language was Implemented m a construction scenario within the pre-construction stages for process information exchange between AutoCAD, CCS, and Microsoft Project software applications. A number of conclusions were drawn from the results of the research, PSL is applicable in construction provided that extensions are developed to the PSL ontology to incorporate some of the construction process concepts that the current PSL language cannot capture; PSL is a promising standard language for process information exchange between heterogeneous construction software applications, the use of PSL in construction as a standard language offers the potential for integration within construction and between sectors such as construction and manufacturing. Finally recommendations are drawn for further research to provide information on the Issues that need further investigation and methods of research.