Utilization of semantic web technologies to improve BIM-LCA applications

摘要

Currently, designers require to use numerous incomplete data sources and make multiple assumptions to conduct an LCA. We argue that traditional methods are incapable of addressing LCA data requirements, and for such a data and meta-data intensive task, the semantic web is the only logical choice of technology. This paper presents a review of the semantic web and its applications in the construction industry, along with an overview of the current LCA tools. LCA challenges are thoroughly discussed, and a framework using the semantic web is developed to address the data management issues of BIM-LCA applications. For comparison, the implementation is also done using an LCA tool (Tally), and a method using Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). Results show that the proposed method is superior to RDBMS methods in terms of capturing semantics and can improve LCA tools by providing reliable data in the early design stages.