A common data environment framework applied to structural life cycle assessment: Coordinating multiple sources of information

Xiang, Lini, Li, Gang and Li, Haijiang ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6326-8133 2025. A common data environment framework applied to structural life cycle assessment: Coordinating multiple sources of information. Buildings 15 (8) , 1315. 10.3390/buildings15081315

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Abstract

In Building Information Modeling (BIM)-driven collaboration, the workflow for information management utilizes a Common Data Environment (CDE). The core idea of a CDE is to serve as a single source of truth, enabling efficient coordination among diverse stakeholders. Nevertheless, investigations into employing CDEs to manage projects reveal that procuring commercial CDE solutions is too expensive and functionally redundant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small research organizations, and there is a lack of experience in using CDE tools. Consequently, this study aimed to provide a cheap and lightweight alternative. It proposes a three-layered CDE framework: decentralized databases enabling work in distinct software environments; resource description framework (RDF)-based metadata facilitating seamless data communication; and microservices enabling data collection and reorganization via standardized APIs and query languages. We also apply the CDE framework to structural life cycle assessment (LCA). The results show that a lightweight CDE solution is achievable using tools like the bcfOWL ontology, RESTful APIs, and ASP.NET 6 Clean architecture. This paper offers a scalable framework that reduces infrastructure complexity while allowing users the freedom to integrate diverse tools and APIs for customized information management workflows. This paper’s CDE architecture surpasses traditional commercial software in terms of its flexibility and scalability, facilitating broader CDE applications in the construction industry.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	MDPI
ISSN:	2075-5309
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 April 2025
Date of Acceptance:	14 April 2025
Last Modified:	20 May 2025 13:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/177767

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