The problem of definitions and classification of theoretical models of construction planning, design preparation and building technology

Introduction. Presently, definitions applied to the concepts of “modelling” and “model”, which do not specify their affiliation, are widely used in research, development and education. They deal with design preparation, construction planning, buil­ding technologies and other related areas. The purpose of this study is to propose and justify the classification structure for research and engineering models, focused on the tasks of construction planning and building technologies during design preparation and performance of construction work. This classification will make it possible (a) to structure model names and related methods used to solve problems of building technologies and construction planning, (b) to mutually relate models as well as solution methods, and (c) to limit the application of general definitions to special research and engineering models. Materials and methods. The author analyzed information modelling standards in construction, general definitions of mo­dels and modelling frequently used in construction planning, design preparation and building technologies. Research and engineering ideas, concerning the tasks of modelling and classification of models, are provided in the article. The pattern of theoretical classification of modelling types and cases of theoretical attribution of models are presented. Results. The author classified some research and engineering models used in design, construction planning and building technologies. The author interpreted the continuity equation of mathematical physics, performed the analysis and attribution of the mathematical model of a construction process flow, and confirmed the need to perform the attribution of models on the basis of variables, physical parameters and the essence of problems that they solved. The author proposed a record format for a theoretical model name in the above-mentioned areas of construction research. Conclusions. The conclusion is that there is a need to introduce the attribution of current and new theoretical models into the practice of research in construction planning, design preparation and building technology; there is a need for consistency of research, engineering and educational terminology applicable to descriptions of theoretical models in construction planning and building technology. The procedure of attributing theoretical models is proposed.