Integrating LINE BOT and Building Information Model to develop construction information management system

Abstract

In the lifecycle of construction projects, the participation of various specialized members often leads to challenges in recording or retrieving information in real time. This can result in missing data or inaccurate project control decisions, due to the inability to access essential information swiftly and accurately. Recognizing the ubiquitous use of instant messaging platforms on mobile phones and the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for information storage and management, this research proposes an innovative integration of chatbots with BIM to establish a robust construction information management system. Utilizing “LINE”, a popular communication software, as the foundation, this study develops four specialized chatbots (LINE BOTs) tailored for different phases of construction projects, namely design, construction, and maintenance. These chatbots employ a rule-based and conversational approach to aid construction personnel in real-time recording and retrieval of project information. During the maintenance phase, users can also access relevant equipment objects through the BIM model using mobile smart devices, further improving maintenance efficiency. Moreover, the chatbots are equipped with a string-matching mechanism to enhance the precision of data recording and retrieval processes. The effectiveness of this system is demonstrated through a case study on a public construction project.