New method for classifying construction information

Abstract

Classification plays a vital role in construction specifications, structuring of construction documents, measuring bills of quantities, and calculation of construction costs. A multitude of classification systems exists in the global construction market with very little commonality among them. With continued globalization of the construction industry and the rapid development toward a computer integrated construction process based on computer-aided product data modeling, the need for a uniform general classification system is felt more than ever by the construction professionals. The purpose of this study is to analyze the major classification systems of construction works, such as MasterFormat or UniFormat used in the United States, and SfB, CI/SfB, or UniClass used in the European countries and elsewhere in the world, and to describe the adaptability of a new system for Relational Database Management System. Based on the results of study, an interactive database of new construction information classification system is constructed. This study will be useful as a foundation for an identification of construction works uniformly on a global basis.