An integrated construction planning system using object-oriented product and process modelling

An interactive planning system approach poses challenges to the efficient integration of the design and construction planning process. Current research is focused on organizational knowledge processing in building design and construction, such as the representation of object-oriented planning models and constraint management incorporating design, engineering and construction planning through several planning stages. Since building construction involves cooperation among designers, engineers and project managers, comprehensive organizational planning and management tools are relevant. The integrated construction planning system (ICPS) aims to cover a wide range of knowledge processing based on formalization and representation of building and construction systems. To realize the integrated construction planning system, appropriate modelling techniques need to be introduced. This paper presents the results of research on several issues such as formalization and representation of interactive design and construction planning processes, methods for incorporating project information, knowledge and constraints and the concept of applying an object-oriented paradigm to interactive building and construction system planning. A prototype system is also presented which integrates building space planning, building system planning, construction system planning, construction activity planning and construction site layout planning.