Ontology-based BIM-AMS integration in European highways

Abstract

BIM tools enable decision-making during the lifecycle of engineering structures, such as bridges, tunnels, and roads. National Road Authorities use Asset Management Systems (AMS) to manage and monitor operational information of assets from European Highways, including access to sensor and inspection data. Interoperability between BIM and AMS systems is vital for a timely and effective decision-making process during the operational phase of these assets. The European project Connected Data for Effective Collaboration (CoDEC) designed a framework to support the connections between AMS and BIM platforms, using linked data principles. The CoDEC Data Dictionary was developed to provide standard data formats for AMS used by European NRA. This paper presents the design and development of an Engineering Structures ontology used to encode the shared conceptualization provided by the CoDEC Data Dictionary. The ontology is evaluated, validated, and demonstrated as a base for data exchange between BIM and AMS.