Bridging the Semantic Gap: A Review of Data Interoperability Challenges and Advanced Methodologies from BIM to LCA

Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers a pivotal opportunity to automate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. However, seamless integration is persistently hindered by a semantic gap, a critical misalignment between the object-oriented, geometric definitions of BIM and the process-based material data required by Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) databases. This paper presents a comprehensive review of data interoperability challenges and evaluates advanced methodologies designed to bridge this divide, moving beyond simple tool comparison to analyse structural integration barriers. Through a systematic review of 124 primary studies published between 2010 and 2025, this research inductively derives the BIM-LCA Interoperability Triad. This framework analyses causal dependencies across three dimensions, including Semantic and Ontological Structures, Workflow and Temporal Integration, and System Architecture and Interoperability. Furthermore, by establishing a comparative challenge–solution matrix, the analysis reveals a maturity paradox in current methodologies. While semi-automated commercial plugins dominate practice due to accessibility, they frequently function as opaque black boxes with limited transparency. Conversely, advanced approaches utilising Semantic Web technologies and Machine Learning demonstrate superior capability in resolving terminological mismatches but currently face significant barriers regarding infrastructure and expertise. This study contributes a novel theoretical model for understanding integration failures. It concludes that future research must pivot from static schema mapping towards AI-driven semantic healing, dynamic Digital Twins, and explicit system boundary harmonisation to achieve truly automated, context-aware environmental assessments and support whole-life circularity.