An industry foundation classes Web-based collaborative construction computer environment: WISPER

Collaborative working in construction is becoming a reality as many activit ies are performed globally with actors based in various geographical locati ons. This paper discusses the development and implementation of a collabora tive working environment for construction at the University of Salford whic h is known as Web-based IFC Shared Project Environment (WISPER). The enviro nment is based on a three tier architecture, where user interfaces, busines s logic and database are kept separate. A Web and Industry Foundation Class es-based (IFC-based) distributed computer integrated environment has been d eveloped. This environment supports design (CAD), visualisation (VR and Dra wing Web Format - DWF), estimating, planning, specifications and supplier i nformation. WISPER enables project information to be exchanged through a ST EP Part 21 file and shared through the LFC database. Meanwhile, a set of We b pages allows for remote interaction, as well as access to and the distrib ution of applications. This provides gnat flexibility and portability, ther eby enabling construction professionals to contribute as well as to perform and manage their own activities. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.