A framework for integrating syntax, semantics and pragmatics for computer-aided professional practice: With application of costing in construction industry

Shen Xu, Kecheng Liu, Llewellyn C.M. Tang, Weizi Li
2016 Computers in industry (Print)  
1 Producing a bill of quantity is a knowledge-based, dynamic and collaborative process, 2 and evolves with variances and current evidence. However, within the context of 3 information system practice in BIM, knowledge of cost estimation has not been 4 represented, nor has it been integrated into the processes based on BIM. 5 This paper intends to establish an innovative means of taking data from the BIM 6 linked to a project, and using it to create the necessary items for a bill of quantity
more » ... 7 will enable cost estimation to be undertaken for the project. Our framework is 8 founded upon the belief that three components are necessary to gain a full awareness 9 of the domain which is being computerised; the information type which is to be 10 assessed for compatibility (syntax), the definition for the pricing domain (semantics), 11 and the precise implementation environment for the standards being taken into 12 account (pragmatics). In order to achieve this, a prototype is created that allows a cost 13 item for the bill of quantity to be spontaneously generated, by means of the semantic 14 web ontology and a forward chain algorithm. Within this paper, 'cost items' signify 15 the elements included in a bill of quantity, including details of their description, 16 quantity and price. As a means of authenticating the process being developed, the 17 authors of this work effectively implemented it in the production of cost items. In 18 addition, the items created were contrasted with those produced by specialists. For 19 this reason, this innovative framework introduces the possibility of a new means of 20 applying semantic web ontology and forward chain algorithm to construction 21 professional practice resulting in automatic cost estimation. These key outcomes 22 demonstrate that, decoupling the professional practice into three key components of 23 syntax, semantics and pragmatics can provide tangible benefits to domain user. 24
doi:10.1016/j.compind.2016.08.004 fatcat:jjbdltszbnaonlxqxqsxabtd4q