A SURVEY AND ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATED PROJECT DATABASES

This paper is concerned with the development of an integrated project database for the construction industry. It briefly reviews the background to the growing interest in an integrated project database (IPDB) for construction projects, and examines the fundamental concept of an integrated project database by discussing the various definitions that have evolved, as well as the various approaches to its development. A detailed survey and analysis of recent UK projects that have sought to develop integrated project databases is also presented. The analysis is based on several criteria such as the application area, development environment, modelling approaches used, reusability, hardware and software requirements, and the use of standards. The paper concludes with an identification of gaps in current research and strategic advice on the future development of integrated project databases.