B7 - Course Reflection

Course Reflection

I went into this course with some expectations as to what I was going to get out of it. Primarily this was to become familiar with BIM software. While I'm glad that I have been able to walk away with a good understanding of how Revit works, I am also glad that we focused on other things as well. I particularly enjoyed the first few classes where we were able to research and think about ways buildings and building construction can make advances in technology. It was also great to hear other students opinions and read their blog posts. It definitely gave me some things to think about. I also went about thinking about these topics in a personal way. By this, I mean that I went into these assignments focusing on what improvements could be made in the fields that I plan on working in. 

I did like the Revit assignment and the lectures on BIM and how it can be used in the future. I would have liked to spend a little more time on actually using Revit versus talking about how it can be used in the industry. As was pointed out in class, being competent with Revit is a big deal in the job market right now, and if we spent more time on learning Revit, I think it would have made us a little more marketable in when looking for jobs. 

Probably the only part of the class that I did not enjoy was the databases. I think I was able to get a basic understanding of relational databases. I did have a very difficult time trying to figure out how databases might apply to me in the future. I understand that Revit families are part of databases, but failed to see how understanding how relational databases work is of great importance. Perhaps one day in the furture it will all click. 

Lastly, I would like to point out that I really enjoyed our guest speakers. They were able to bring us a perspective of what it currently being used in the industry and where they think it will be going. It is easy to dream big in academia and think that in 20 years everything will be done by robots with AI. Understanding the real world is of great importance and I hope that these speakers come back next term. Overall, I think I got more out of this class that I anticipated, and that is always a good thing.

Peer Comments

Arthur McCloskey - I too am planning on going into the construction management field and I also thought that the presentation by Whiting-Turner was really good. Your point about perhaps using databases to manage equipment or materials on site is a good one which I did not really think about because I have always used Excel to do that type of work.

Sarah Maminski - I was also blown away by some of the technology that was brought up in the first half of the course. I am also excited to part of an industry that may be seeing a lot of change too. I definitely reminds me that I need to be on top of new technology as time goes on.

Paulina Gawor - I can also relate to the way you describe the construction industry you experienced first hand: reluctant to change. I agree that it is exciting to think that this industry may be changing in short oder.

B5 - Object Oriented Databases

Object Oriented Databases

Object oriented databases is a database where information is represented as objects. Now, for someone with little to no experience with databases like me, this makes almost no sense. To try and get a better understanding of object oriented databases, one must understand relational databases. A relational database can be thought of multiple tables of data that are linked together to produce comprehensive sets of data. 

Object oriented databases were developed in the 1980s because it was thought that relational databases were not the best solution in some instances. For example, if there is an object in a relational database, the information about this object must be scattered over several tables which can be convoluted. An object oriented database can have information about very complex objects in a single table because the information can be nested within. You can think of this as folders within folders. This has advantages over relational databases in that it is better at modelling complex objects and can have better performance. 

Object oriented databases are of particular usefulness for the construction industry. Complex objects can have all of their information stored in one database and is easier to manage. For instance, you could have a database of windows. Then within that have different types, and then within each type you could have the size. Within each size you could have the manufacturers who make that window, and then within that you could have all of the data about that exact window, such as price, R-value, etc. This is much easier than having all of this information scattered in different areas. 

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_database

http://www.25hoursaday.com/whyarentyouusinganoodbms.html

http://www.odbms.org/introduction-to-odbms/definition/

https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~fms27/db/tr-98-2.pdf

Comments

David Sanchez: I could definitely see how databases could be used to more accurately and more quickly be used to estimate costs in the construction industry. Also, as you pointed out, another advantage is that if there is an error, the correction that is applied will update things across the board. 

Brennan Connolly: I really liked your explanation of the difference between relational and object oriented databases, it definitely makes it easier to understand the difference. You airplane analogy also makes it easy to understand what an object oriented database is. 

Paulina Gawor: I am very new to databases and your explanation of SQL certainly helped me understand what it is a little better. You pointed out that SQL can be used to obtain information from a relational database, but that has me wondering what can be used to obtain information from an object oriented database. I will have to look into that. 

Week 5 Group C Discussion

BIM Challenges for the Future

Some of the challenges BIM will face in the future include unsustainable file size, lack of backwards compatibility, accessibility for new users, difficulty in learning more complex software, more complicated building design that the software may not be able to handle, usage of different software and inability to compile their plans, the software may become too expensive for the average user, and it may put people out of work due to not needing technical knowledge to use the software.

Dressel - B3 - Group C

What are the possible future advantages of Revit/BIM?

When considering the possible future advantages of BIM, there are almost as many as the imagination can come up with. One of the more realistic ones, and one where we are already seeing BIM trend is towards building management. Once construction is completed, the owner is able to utilize the BIM files to more efficiently maintain the building.

It is also easy to see that as BIM becomes more popular, entire sets of building plans may be generated from BIM models. This makes sense due to how easy it is to make a sheet from a model. Schedules can easily be pulled from the model and also put into the sheets. Where this may develop even further is the reduction or elimination of paper plans from the job site. For example, I know from first hand experience, one of the companies that I worked for, all of the field engineers and superintendents were issued iPads. This enabled them to look at any drawing at any time anywhere in the field.

Another way I can see BIM being leveraged in the future is on the construction side. Since the entire building, including MEP and architectural finishes will be created in the model, this model could then be used to find a way to pre-assemble parts of the building off site. This would be done similar to pre-fab buildings, but could be done on a larger scale.


Sources:

http://blog.synchroltd.com/bim-where-is-it-headed

http://archinect.com/firms/release/67343028/why-bim-revit-are-the-future-of-digital-building-construction-industry/149960572


Comments:
Ziyang Lin: It becomes clearer what the future applications of BIM could be when looking at the current advantages of BIM. As you said in your point number 5, BIM already can create sheets and plans. Extrapolating this to the future use, it appears to mesh with my prediction that entire sets of plans could be genereated from a BIM model.

Paulina Gawor: I can certainly agree with the learning curve being a disadvantage for BIM. I have never used Revit before this class, and I definitely needed the video tutorials. I think it should be noted that for all of the disadvantages BIM has, I believe that they pale in comparison to the benefits and BIM will be used more and more in the future.

Andrew Ng: As with Paulina, I believe the benefits of BIM outweigh the disadvantages. However, it is good to know the limitations of the software. Also like Paulina, you pointed out one of the current problems is the lack of electrical support in the BIM software that needs to be addressed. 

Week 3 - Group C - Future Advantages of Revit

Future Advantages of Revit

Possible future advantages of Revit include 3D printing full scale Revit models, energy analysis incorporation, robotic installation of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical building components, increase project collaboration between different disciplines, fix clashes automatically using AI, better cost analysis, labor cost estimates using factors such as union rates, more user friendly API, embedded geotechnical surveying that can be imported, and inform the user of code violations.

Organizational/social changes that will come with BIM use

Less mistakes will arise on the construction site, shorter project design and construction times, require Revit experience, and engineers/architects will have a greater understanding of other discipline's roles in their projects.

B2 - Chapter 4

The applications of BIM have many positive aspects in building construction design. One of the areas that is often forgotten is the usefulness of BIM to the owner and facility manager. There are many ways an owner can utilize BIM such as increasing building performance, reducing financial risk, shortening project schedule, obtaining accurate cost estimates, ensuring program compliance, and optimizing facility management and maintenance.

BIM can have a large impact when used during the design process. Traditionally, the designer would have to walk the owner through the different design areas, as well as having sketches or other methods of conveying ideas. By using BIM an owner can see every design aspect of the building and can make changes early on, reducing time and saving money. Different ideas for a design can be studied to see which is most efficient. Other types of simulations can be run, such as crowd behavior during an evacuation.

Another way BIM can benefit an owner is that it can enable them to have a more complex and integrated building. By using BIM, sensors and MEP can be planned for before construction which will reduce construction time, costs, and delays if there is a conflict in an area between 2 or more MEP conduits. Not only can BIM help an owner have a more integrated building, it can also help them have a more green building. Leveraging BIM, optimal lighting, heating, etc. can be designed.

BIM can also assist the owner in receiving more accurate estimates, earlier on in the process. This is not only a good thing for owners, this is also a good thing for the contractor and designer. By being able to deliver a building that is built on time and within budget will make the owner very happy and could increase future work for the designer or contractor.

Lastly, for facilities managers, BIM can help them run the building. When leveraging sensors, managers can locate problems within the building quickly. By having all of the details of parts used in the building, new parts can be ordered very quickly and can ensure that they will work when they arrive.

Sources:
Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook : A Guide To Building Information Modeling For Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers And Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 24 Jan. 2017.

Comments:
Ray Powell (Link) - One of the things I did not think about, and which may also be beneficial is using BIM to generate contract documents. And using BIM to conduct lighting and acoustical analyses is also beneficial to the owner. As you pointed out, using BIM to generate quantities and estimates is certainly beneficial to everyone.

Ronald Park (Link) - There are several areas that you mentioned that I did not realize BIM could do. For example, it makes sense that BIM would be able to know ASTM standards and would know if a design fit within those constraints. Collaboration on a project should also be much easier when using BIM, and having engineers that specialize in certain areas can focus on those areas and work together to get the project done.

Maissoun Ksara (Link) - It seems that parametric modeling has a few good things about it, but also has a couple negatives. I can certainly see how if a part is updated, parametric modeling will update the drawings that use those parts, this could certainly be a good thing. However, this could also have unintended consequences, such as if updates are made and those updates could break a model. 

Week 2 - Term project topic

Team member: Samuel Kim, Joe Dressel


We decided to do the BIM for the term project. We want to integrate our work with the senior design project which is modeling a pilot plant in the Drexel campus for research purpose. Foundation and Structure component of the building, HVAC, Hydraulic piping, floor pan, furniture in the projected building and etc. will be modeled using one of BIM software(possibly Revit). The term paper will also include what problems we went into, how we over came those problems, other potential uses of the BIM and more.

Group C - Week 2 Group Blog Post

Future Advances in Robotics, AI, and 3D Printing

We expect that in the next five to ten years AI would have the capability to recognize patterns and adapt to new workplace scenarios in an attempt to self improve similar to how algorithms are used with AI to play games. We also expect that robotics will become more widespread and cheaper. With the rise of STEM education we also expect that with more people knowing how to program, robotics and AI will be easier to implement into construction projects. 3D printing will also have more options in regards to materials and this will greatly increase the capabilities of 3D printing technology and it's place in construction. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, we expect that they may start delivering construction supplies to sites as well as doing site work such as grading and moving obstacles onsite.

Assignment B1, Group C

One of the greatest advancements in technology over the last couple of years has been Artificial Intelligence, or AI. While the majority of this technology has been in use by Google or Amazon, it is easy to see the potential in construction applications, especially in conjunction with robots. Imagine a drone that does a site survey and tells a boring machine where to conduct boring samples. This machine could then drill and analyze the soil without needing a human to conduct tests on the soils. These types of advancements could reduce construction times as well as lower costs.

3D printing is another area of technology that has exploded in recent years. It's applications could also spread to building construction. 3D printed buildings are still in their infancy, although large leaps in technology every year could mean that an actual 3D printed structure could be built and occupied in short order.

I think the most likely approach is that a building could be designed in BIM, AI could then figure out where any problems would be and correct them on it's own. The parts could then be assembled off site by robots, and then an autonomous vehicle could bring them to the job site. Other robots could perform work on the job site, such as laying brick.

All of this translates in to reduced time and costs, at the expense of a shrinking construction workforce. The societal impacts are also something that must be considered. By elimnating large number of trade jobs, people will have to be retrained so that they can still work and earn money.


Sources:
https://www.wired.com/2016/12/2016-year-deep-learning-took-internet/

https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/20/the-white-houses-report-on-ai-and-the-economy-warns-of-increasing-inequality

http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11652--d-printing

Comments:

Alexander Koo: It is definitely easy to see how narrow AI could move into a strong AI and accomplish a multitude of tasks. While we have not really touched on the medical aspects of AI in class, it could certainly be used there and improve many people's quality of life.

Hayley Selden: Database management is a critical area where AI could be used. As more and more information is gathered, humans will no longer be able to effectively manage all of that information. As AI evolves, it could fill that role. It is also important to remember, as you said, ethical implictions of AI controlling data must be considered.

Christopher Sager: Your post was very interesting. While it is easy to see how drones could be used in construction, there are definietly applications where the could be used, but probably shouldn't. Their use in site layout, or other simple tasks could see their use, actually constructing a buliding with them is impractical at this time. Perhaps in 20 years or so, we may see drones being used this way though.

Group C - Week 1 - Implications of intelligent buildings

Implications of intelligent buildings

Efficiency is increased by eliminating the need for menial labor force as much as possible.
Overall production cost may be reduced once the system becomes more affordable.
Less room for human error; work will become more precise and accurate
Timely completion of the project
Less overhead and provision required in construction

Joe Dressel's First Post

My name is Joe Dressel, I am a senior Civil Engineering Student and my concentration is construction management.

I have almost no experience with BIM or databases. However, I just completed a two-week internship with Whiting-Turner over the winter break, and the project I was on did have a BIM model of the structure. I found it fascinating that I was able to see what the final outcome would be, as well as seeing where all of the mechanical systems were. My previous co-op did not use BIM, and it is easy to see how it could be implemented to make the project run more efficiently. I can also understand why it was probably not used because we were building around existing infrastructure and many components of which were not on any existing plans.

I expect to get out of this class a good understanding how to use BIM in the workplace as well as how it can be used to increase the efficiency of buliding construction. I am also hoping to become proficient with the software, which will help me in finding a job after graduation. I am also interested to see how databases will be used as I have never really worked with them.

My initial definition of an intelligent building is a building that uses sensors and computer systems to alert the building manager of any problems, as well as controlling to the climate controls, security systems, etc. 

Names Placeholder Post for Labels, Tags

This post creates the first half of the last names of everyone as a label/tag in the class as of 1/4/2017.  I have to add in several posts because it’s limited by Blogger.