Parametric Information Modeling of Cyber-Physical Systems based on Industry Foundation Classes

Parametric modeling employed in designing cyber-physical systems facilitates semi-automated model adaptations. Through semi-automated model adaptations, model parameters can be modified with regard to performance, reliability,... [ view full abstract ]

Parametric modeling employed in designing cyber-physical systems facilitates semi-automated model adaptations. Through semi-automated model adaptations, model parameters can be modified with regard to performance, reliability, or robustness, which improves cyber-physical system design, thus enhancing cyber-physical system quality. Using conventional design software, cross-software exchange of parameterized, non-parametric building information (e.g. non-parametric geometry, material or cost) is supported by open building information modeling (BIM) standards, such as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. However, cross-software exchange of parameterized and parametric information (e.g. parametric geometry constraints) still poses an open research problem. Although the IFC standard provides an open, parameterized data format for exchanging building information, the description of parametric information with the IFC schema is limited. In this study, a conceptual approach towards BIM-based description of parametric information is presented. Based on modeling languages, ontologies, and research approaches describing parametric information, the conceptual approach emphasizes semantic modeling of cyber-physical systems. Focusing on structural health monitoring (SHM) and structural control applications, the conceptual approach serves as a formal basis to extend the current IFC schema, enabling BIM-based description of parametric information, including information on system dynamics, such as system states and algorithms dynamically adapted to environmental and structural conditions. As a result, parametric information of cyber-physical systems designed for SHM and structural control applications, as well as the dynamics inherent to the systems, can be described in IFC-compliant building information models.