Ontology-Based Knowledge Modeling for Frame Assemblies Manufacturing

As modular construction becomes popular, an increasing number of products are prefabricated in an offsite construction environment. While improving the productivity and efficiency of construction-oriented production, it also raises the complexity of process planning. Although the specifications of a product are fully defined by Building Information Models (BIM), no information is provided on how construction products are manufactured and assembled. This paper proposes an ontology-based approach aimed to link construction-oriented product assemblies and manufacturing resources using manufacturing operations. By identifying intersections of connecting members of a product assembly, feasible manufacturing methods and resources are determined based on expert knowledge and machine configurations. The proposed approach is validated using a wood frame assembly.