A unified approach for modelling construction information

Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) is currently a priority subject area for information technology research in the construction industry. Published research results have so far tended to be either verbal discussions of the overall concept of CIC and its potential benefits, or descriptions of some restricted aspects of the overall CIC process using formalized data or activity modelling tools.This paper attempts to extend the scope of such formalized approaches by suggesting how object-oriented conceptual modelling techniques, which until now have been used mainly for product modelling, could be used to define a framework for the overall information management in a construction project. Such a framework could be used as a basis for the development of more detailed standards, placing them in a more general context. It could also help in setting strategies for the development of construction computing applications, which in due time will become parts of a CIC environment