Parametric Modelling in Construction: Investigating the Quality of Rule-Based Checking

Abstract

As thinking moves away from 3D visualisation towards information quality and speed of data exchange, [1], the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is seeking efficiency via the automation of checking. This study aims to examine the current quality of the checking in design, how it is controlled, and the adoption of automatic checking using rule-based checking software. It is based on the hypotheses that there is a need for automation that will improve quality; a need of a means to achieve automation and a need for understanding in industry. After the investigation of quality in design, this paper poses three questions: first, can a quality system be applied to automatic checking in design?; second, if the potential for rule-based checking is understood and utilised, could quality be assured?; and third, can we identify the optimal balance between manual and automatic checking? The conclusion shows that AEC professionals have low confidence in the quality of design data; the current balance is heavily in favour of manual checking, and while the potential for automatic checking is known, its current utilisation is lacking due to complexity, poor software support and a lack of training. Alarmingly, there is an indication that the majority who deal with automatic checking have no system of validation for new checking rules and only a minority had training in rule authorship.

Improving Productivity by the Automation of Checking of 3D Parametric Modelling

“…Review of the research literature, software and procedures have shown that rule authoring is a lengthy process, can be complicated, and is error-prone. The research has shown that there are examples of quality frameworks that can be applied to rule authoring [16]. Findings support the hypothesis that there is a need for checking automation, a means to achieve automation and a need for a better understanding of generating rules for automatic checking.…”

“…Results of the questionnaire, supported by expert opinion, show that the main difficulties are the lack of training and the complexity of rule authorship. For examples, see Parametric Modelling in Construction: Investigating the Quality of Rule-Based Checking [16].…”

“…The quality framework [16] is an assemblage of the above. Semi-automatic checking is provided by discrete executable programmes such as Navisworks, SMC, CobieQCReporter and ifcDoc.…”

“…The complexity of rule authorship is often underestimated, and the application of a quality system by design professionals inconsistent [4,16]. Expert knowledge is often required to interpret the meaning of the rules in context with domainspecific assumptions, and manually write Boolean logic tests to represent the constraints and test for compliance [3,5].…”

How to Improve Collaboration Efficiency in the Built Environment of Factories by Using an Integrated Factory Modelling Concept – An Expert Study

“…The problem here is the use of a black-box method which is common for almost all commercial products with proprietary processes and file formats. The consequence is that rules cannot be transparently traced or changed, and new rules can only be added in a rather complicated way (in this case, by using the Solibri API) [26].…”