Knowledge dynamics-integrated map as a blueprint for system development: Applications to safety risk management in Wuhan metro project

Safety has always been a persistent problem in the construction industry, particularly for tunnel construction projects due to the inherent uncertainty in geotechnical conditions and the complexity of the tunnel construction process. Literatures and practices highlight the importance of safety knowledge to the construction safety. However, safety knowledge is not always provided in a convenient and timely manner. This paper develops a Knowledge-dynamics Integrated Map (KIM) to visualize safety knowledge flow in tunnel construction safety risk management. The KIM highlights the what, the who, and the why of knowledge flow by portraying its dynamics associated to the working processes. With the use of KIM, the safety knowledge flow barriers are identified so that knowledge flow facilitators can be designed. The KIM has been applied in Wuhan metro project as a blueprint for systematically developing effective safety knowledge management systems.