Bim-Based Risk Identification System in tunnel construction

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative approach of integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and expert systems to address deficiencies in traditional safety risk identification process in tunnel construction. A BIM-based Risk Identification Expert System (B-RIES) composed of three main built-in subsystems: BIM extraction, knowledge base management, and risk identification subsystems, is proposed. The engineering parameter information related to risk factors is first extracted from BIM of a specific project where the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard plays a bridge role between the BIM data and tunnel construction safety risks. An integrated knowledge base, consisting of fact base, rule base and case base, is then established to systematize the fragmented explicit and tacit knowledge. Finally, a hybrid inference approach, with case-based reasoning and rule-based reasoning combined, is developed to improve the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the system reasoning capacity. B-RIES is used to overcome low-efficiency in traditional information extraction, reduce the dependence on domain experts, and facilitate knowledge sharing and communication among dispersed clients and domain experts. The identification of a safety hazard regarding the water gushing in one metro station of China is presented in a case study. The results demonstrate the feasibility of B-RIES and its application effectiveness.

Keywords:

• knowledge management
• tunnel construction
• risk identification
• decision analysis
• construction safety

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Limao Zhang

Limao ZHANG. He is a doctor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and is a visiting scholar of Project Management Centre at University of Maryland, College Park. He obtained his Bachelor in Project Management at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2009, and immediately entered a Master-to-PhD combined program in Construction Engineering & Management from School of Civil Engineering & Mechanics at the same university. He passed his doctoral defence on October 10, 2014. His research interests are construction safety management and decision support systems.

Xianguo Wu

Xianguo WU. Dr, is a Professor in Project Management in the School of Civil Engineering & Mechanics, at the Institute of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. Prof. Wu received a PhD degree in Structural Engineering at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her research interests are construction engineering and management.

Lieyun Ding

Lieyun DING. Dr, is a Professor in Project Management in the School of Civil Engineering & Mechanics, at the Institute of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Prof. Ding received a PhD degree in Project Management at Tongji University. His research interests are construction management and web-based systems.

Miroslaw J. Skibniewski

Mirosław J. SKIBNIEWSKI. Dr, is a Professor of Project Management in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to his current appointment, he served for 20 years as a faculty member and administrator at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He received his M.Eng. Degree from Warsaw University of Technology, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University. Prof. Skibniewski is also alum of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Management Development Program. Prior to his academic career he worked as an engineering professional with the 130+ years-old Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory, a nationwide construction engineering consulting firm in Pennsylvania later renamed to Professional Service Industries, Inc. where he led structural and construction safety investigations, design quality reviews, construction claims reviews, value engineering, and forensic engineering projects.

Yujie Lu

Yujie LU. Dr, is an Assistant Professor of Department of Building, School of Design & Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Prior to his current appointment, he obtained his Bachelor in Civil Engineering (structure) from Tongji University in 2006, immediately entered a Master-to-PhD combined program in Construction Engineering & Management from School of Economics & Management at the same university, and completed his doctoral degree in March 2012. His research interests are sustainable infrastructure and built environment.