A Semantic Framework for Formalizing Stakeholder Information Requests in Construction

Abstract: The construction industry relies on answering recurring questions, yet the evidence required to answer them is typically fragmented across heterogeneous data sources, including digital models, schedules, and project documentation. This paper introduces a semantic request framework that formalizes stakeholder questions as first-class information objects. Reusable question templates are derived from an exemplar construction process, aligned with established domain ontologies such as DiCon, ifcOWL, and BOT, and operationalized through parameterized graph query patterns over federated knowledge graphs. Concrete information requests bind these templates to project-specific instances, enabling evidence-based evaluation of readiness, approvals, constraints, and resource availability.