Izmir municipality housing and zoning code analysis and representation for compliance checking

Abstract

Systems for code compliance checking of building projects require representation of building codes. Building codes are complex, and the development of computer implementable representations is challenging. As a case in point, this paper reports on experiences gained while modeling ̄zmir Municipality Housing and Zoning Code (IMHZcode). First, IMHZcode was analysed to understand the various types of information contained in it in order to develop a comprehensive building code model. The rules were classified according to their formalizability and self-containedness. Then, existing modeling approaches were evaluated to find the most convenient method that meets the needs for modeling IMHZcode. A key criterion used in this evaluation was ease of maintenance by non-programmers. The paper concludes with an illustrative example of the selected methodology's application within the context of IMHZcode.