B5 - SQL - Paulina Gawor

What is SQL?

SQL is short for “Structured Query Language.” SQL was developed in the 1970s to query data from relational databases. It is a programming language made up of two parts: Data Definition Language (DDL), and Data Manipulation Language (DML). DDL is used to create or modify relational schema, for example relating university department to an offered course. DML is used to retrieve or modify data in a schema. SQL is centered around set theory and establishing joins between different sets of data.

Relational database management systems, powered by languages like SQL, are useful in many cases. A simple example would be a database of student information at a university. Each student might have an ID number, a log-in, a password, a date of birth, and GPA, among other data points. Each entry must have a unique entry acting as an identifying  primary key, in this case, it would be the ID number. Establishing this data set would appear as below.

The ‘not null’ indicates the field must be filled, ‘varchar(128)’ indicates alphanumeric input, and unique indicates the attribute or combination thereof must be unique in the data set. Beginning with a simple database like this, multiple sets of data can be used, referencing one another. A database can be searched for information about certain students, filter out students by GPA or age, and more. The student database can be cross referenced with registering for university classes, or classes can be associated with faculty information, creating information for payroll, financial, or other statistical analysis.

SQL queries can be used to easily retrieve and filter data from a database. It is established as a standard for all database relational schemes. A database must be simple to create, read, update, and even delete. Having information is useless if there is no good way to analyze or access it.

References

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/odbc/reference/processing-a-sql-statement

INFO 210, Professor Michelle W. Purcell, Drexel University, Winter 2016.

Comments

Ronald Herazo

Ronald, it was very interesting to learn about these different conceptual schemes for how databases work. Relational databases are the framework for how SQL works. I was curious as to what a flat database is in comparison. Also, are there any downsides to using a relational structure versus an object oriented one?

Ray Powell

Ray explains where databases are used in design offices. They are what informs the use of BIM practices. Storing material information, its energy performance, ‘green’ factors, in addition to dimensions and finishes, are what makes modelling so valuable. It allows for lower propagation of errors, is more easily updated, and helps inform more complex life cycle analyses of projects.

Kerry Vogler

Kerry shows how databases can be useful to the construction industry. Databases are important in most businesses, whether the details are handled in house or outsourced is another manner. The first thing that I can think of is payroll. There is a significant amount of information in everyone’s tallied weekly hours that determines how clients are billed, and how subcontractors are paid. There is also security issue of billing information and bank accounts being handled by the software of choice. I agree with you that databases can be hugely useful for contractors, especially in creating estimates, as these can vary greatly by region and productivity of individual team.

Week 5 Class Discussion - Group B - Opportunities in BIM

Opportunities in the Future of BIM

• Virtual Reality Building Modeling with simulation and real world & hand drawings turns into the computer model

• Scanning of 2D drawings and turning that in to a Computerized plan

• Specifications - the ability to create and edit specs based on Revit models

• Better interaction between modeling and analysis software

• Room scanner that doesn't just do geometry - identifies objects and models them automatically

• Glasses for construction workers that can show and tag items while they are on the site

B4 - Paulina Gawor - Project Description

Project Description

My term project will focus on how BIM and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) can be used to develop more sustainable projects. Construction generates the largest amount of waste, and represents the heaviest use of resources and energy compared to other industries. Using BIM and LCA, the communication, scheduling, and budgeting practices of a project can be greatly improved. A soft value like environmental impact can be more easily represented numerically through LCA, and shown to project stakeholders. The lifetime impact of a project can be assessed, from construction and operations to retrofit and eventual demolition.

One of the topics I hope to investigate is the interoperability of how LCA programs are used, and if they are adequately supported by Revit. So far it seems there is a great deal of transferring information between platforms. One workflow showed a transfer from Revit to IFC to Excel to Ecotect. Autodesk’s Green Building studio has been using a data transfer protocol called gbXML.

I am excited to learn more about implementing the use of a new type of software and workflow process in an office setting, as well as the specifics of model sharing in Revit. I believe just as many architectural and engineering firms have been transitioning to BIM design in the last five years, there will be greater demand for information about the energy use and value of building projects. I have not had the chance to work with this apart from basic use of classroom E-Quest projects, so it will be interesting to see what software and solutions in this field are currently in use. Performing the Revit families exercise in AE 510 has also helped me familiarize myself with family types and properties that are a major part of performing a building’s LCA.

References

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705814018918

http://itc.scix.net/data/works/att/w78-2012-Paper-24.pdf

http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:566319/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Comments

Abdullatif Alkandari

Abdullatif, I would be curious to find out more about how you find robotics integrated into building construction and even operations. I can imagine a great deal of uses in prefabrication of larger scale elements for construction. You mention that finding investors for this type of research will be challenging. In this very old profession, I think the greatest barrier to implementation will be the human element--the existing construction and machining workforce and their unions.

Hayley Selden

Hayley, I also find the greater integration of sensors into building systems to be very interesting. Some friends I know use Nest and Phillips remote bulbs to monitor and adjust their home energy use. The concept of regular measurement, and even gamification of energy savings has great potential for raising public awareness of their personal carbon footprints and energy use. This is a great project and will focus on the intersection of intelligent and green design.

Yipin Geng

Yipin, I am also interested to see what type of uses you will be able to develop with Revit Macros. In the past I have run some very simple LISP scripts in AutoCAD that would sum total line lengths for me. I would be interested in developing a macro for an automated sprinkler head design layout. If your programming skill is not so high, it might be worth looking into Dynamo to develop your programs.

Abdullatif Alkandari - GroupC - B3

Possible Future Advantages of Revit

Revit has proven itself among the leading software programs in building design and has developed overtime. It now features 3 separate templates in order to allow the user to choose whether an Architectural, Structural or Mechanical one is most suitable to the intended project. And within each template, the user has a variety of component options to work with (Families). It is more user-friendly compared to some other BIM programs and provides the opportunity to get a realistic view of the project in order to put it into perspective. With these features in mind, it is expected to see future enhancements to the software that can make it even more capable and practical.

From a structural perspective, Revit can be expected to take its design capabilities to the next level. Perhaps it is possible for the developers to include the International Building Code (IBC) design requirements into the software. A feature like this can make Revit more insightful for the user as it will inform the user if he/she are violating any codes with their design in progress, and this will effectively save time and effort as errors detected in the early stages of design are easier to remedy rather than if are realized later. And the IBC is one of many standards relating to structural design, so this code additions can be one of many that can work in Revit.

And when we look at the mechanical properties of Revit and the great details within the program, I think it would be possible to make the software more involved in this aspect of the design. One way to achieve this is installing a built-in HVAC energy analysis software similar to eQuest or any other program that can deal with heating zones and energy consumption estimations. Having this technology within Revit can make it more well-rounded and perhaps one day, all the design parameters needed to commence the building stage of the project can be solved for from Revit directly.

And with regards to the Architectural portion of Revit, it can be expected to have better performance and yield better results via adding features such as sun studies and simulations of the design on the proposed site in order to have a better understanding of the aesthetics of the building and how it can interact with its surrounding environment. The software can even have the topography & geology of the site which can in turn give crucial information to the structural engineer regarding the foundation recommendations.

Resources:

http://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/whats-new-revit?mktvar002=673405&mkwid=szamvBE5B|pcrid|138352073180|pkw|revit|pmt|e|pdv|c|&&gclid=Cj0KEQiAiMHEBRC034nx2ImB1J0BEiQA-r7ctn0JbKsfz681DBiOTKPCIW4uBZQedEhe_QavW_0Ep0EaApen8P8HAQ

Comments:

Taryn Fracischetti: You have shed a light on a very important factor that needs to be considered regarding Revit and the latest development in the BIM world. The fact that companies are now steering towards hiring employees with BIM software experience rather than actual knowledge of the engineering behind the design processes can be quite catastrophic, especially if people find a better career in BIM as opposed to Engineering majors.

Ziyang Lin: I enjoyed how informative and well-organized your post was as it made really good points regarding the current advantages of BIM. Personally, the “Simulation and Error detection” was helpful to know where Revit stands right now from this point of view in order to expect where it can be in the near future. The “workflow” was another good point that makes collaboration among fellow designers more convenient and productive.

Paulina Gawor: I agree with what you had to say about the representation of the electrical industry in BIM, the programs do not provide the required equipment for electricity. BIM doesn’t have good circuit designs available and that is why I believe that this is an important factor to consider for future BIM updates in order to make them more integrated and serve a wider range of functions.

Gawor - Current Problems with BIM

Current Problems with BIM

Using BIM for project design requires more work upfront. The process inherently is more collaborative. It requires greater initial communication between designer, owner, and contractors. The effective use of BIM software is highly dependent on how it is implemented. Good use of software like Revit requires intimate knowledge of the program, establishing client needs, office standards, and new design practices. The use of BIM can require a great deal of licensing and training, and often requires hiring several individuals to oversee implementation of these programs and practices in office.

A lack of standards on how building models should perform is another issue. Drafted drawings were read as showing design intent, but now modelled buildings may be read as instruction for construction depending on their level of detail. Ensuring accuracy in a BIM model suggests maybe more risk than that of a drawing set. The ownership of the BIM model and its data are uncertain.

There is a learning curve with BIM, and smaller practices might not have the resources or time to invest in this new software, making for a longer learning curve and time of adaptation. The transition from drafting to modelling can take many months, even years. If a model is meant to be used long term to inform building operations, it will take more time and input from the owner to assure engineering teams this is something they want and will use.

The electrical industry is not very well represented in BIM. Most BIM software do not provide electrical elements out of box, nor have they developed the type of compatibility that is not built in to running piping or vents. There is no intelligent circuit design available. Other issues that need to be developed in BIM software include better representation of architectural planning processes, more intuitive user interfaces, integration with GIS systems, integration with energy modelling, connection to real world capture and feedback. [1] Developing the design for a building usually involves some amount of information collection and abstraction. Buildings are not born perfectly in the mind of a single architect, ready to be represented in highly detailed 3D but are a process of adjusting, elaborating and correcting upon a concept.

Resources

[1] http://usir.salford.ac.uk/12898/2/PaulCoatesLimitationsofBIMICSU.pdf

[2] http://www.caed.calpoly.edu/content/pdci/research-projects/simonian-10

Peer Comments

Taryn Francischetti

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/taryn-francischetti-team-blog-post-3.html

Taryn, I agree ownership of these BIM models and how they might be used post project construction is a big issue that is yet to be resolved. There is no benefit for the design team to share their model, as they might be held liable for discrepancies in the model post construction. Specialty contractors working on the model might want to maintain their rights to their details of design. Proprietary information left in the hands of an owner could find its way to a competitor. The desire to use the models for future repair and maintenance of the project will have to be balanced with liability issues.

Peter Dannemann

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/b3-group-c-peter-dannemann.html

Peter, you are right geotechnical and site related work is underserved in existing Revit design.There is also minimal integration with GIS systems. The location of the project so greatly informs a project and its performance that it seems a ridiculous omission.

Hayley Selden

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/selden-b3-revit-vs-other-drafting.html

Hayley, with respect to your comparison of Revit and Sketchup you are completely right. Sketchup serves as a more intermediate design concept phase of a project, more than a platform for detailed design, especially when it comes to detailing or engineering systems. This ‘concept’ or planning part of the design process is not really built into Revit. You touch on the distinction between drafting and modelling. For me this is another interesting problem. Drafted drawings are read as showing design intent, but now modelled buildings may be read as instruction for construction depending on their level of detail. Ensuring accuracy in a BIM model suggests maybe more risk than that of a drawing set.

Week 3 Class Discussion - Group B - Current Problems with Revit/BIM

We have discussed many current problems with Revit and BIM modeling based on our experiences.

Firstly, just as Kayleigh mentioned, he Phasing of projects has very little capability without making new models. It can get tedious and hard to make sure you are not interfering work between each construction phase.

Another problem that we have observed is that the file size can become very large very quickly and the computers cannot handle those files. Revit Models frequently crash and lag behind - this is both an issue in compressability and the massive amount of information in the model. It would appear that the code is not optimized and is hard on your graphics card to handle.

The next problem we discussed is that we notice the Electrical Engineering field has not had attention in the BIM - it is hard to model because of all the components and there are not these quick fixes that we may see in MEP models. Turning the 3D model in to a 2D CAD printed drawing to be used in construction is also sometimes difficult - lines don't translate as well as symbols do and there is this "double" work that technicians are doing, one for the 3D and one for the 2D.

We also feel that it takes longer to understand the Revit model - it takes more time to set it up in the beginning of the project and may come more easily at the end. Because it is so powerful, there are so many features and it is complicated - so balancing an easy user experience to the capabilities could be improved.

B2 -Interoperability- Paulina Gawor

Interoperability

Interoperability is the need to share data between multiple software types. In the building industry, this data include the geometry of a project, but also structural and energy calculations, fabrication information and more. Ensuring some standards of interoperability ensures that several different groups of specialists will be able to work on a project without having to recreate work that has already been done. It increases speed of delivery of a project, provides more reliable information over a project lifecycle, and decreases supply chain communication costs. BIM has been placed as a center of data mapping and project integration in the construction industry. It helps automate a great deal of the design process, can help in customizing workflows, and makes project data easily available.

Poor Interoperability Costs

There can be a significant cost to developers and engineers when the exchange of electronic data is not fluid. Based on results of a 2002 study[2], the highest cost of interoperability issues, about two thirds, were borne by owners and operators. Poor communication of as-built data, lack of standardization, and lack of information about project life cycle calculations resulted in greater costs for O&M staff. It was found that interoperability issues stemmed not from a lack of available technologies, but lack of incentives to improve operating standards that contribute to redundancy in the design and engineering processes.

Challenges in Achieving Interoperability

BIM is an increasingly popular alternative to complex file management systems. Building Models allow more efficient queries, updates, and project management methods. There are issues of data ownership. Engineers will not release open plan sets to construction management teams. CM teams are often working with flat PDFs, making frequent RFIs necessary. There are concerns over proprietary ownership of engineering designs being made completely transparent.

Resources

[1] C.  Eastman, BIM handbook, 1st ed. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, 2008, pp. 65-92.

[2] http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build04/PDF/b04022.pdf

Comments

Ronald Park

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/b2-group-d-bim-for-architects-and.html

Ronald’s post addresses the benefits of BIM for designers. Concept designs can be quickly generated and edited, plans can hold several sets (structural, mechanical, architectural, energy) of information and calculations, and can help model the construction process. Keeping this type of information easily available in the building plans helps inform design decisions of other trades. In my experience, it has been really evident how improved BIM technology helps in the project design process. It allows different trades of my MEP consulting firm to see in Revit, in three dimensions how portions of a duct layout can interfere with the plumbing design, for instance.

Andy Dinh

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/b2-group-d-andy-dinh-bim-for-owners-and.html

Andy’s entry reviews the benefits of BIM for owners and building engineers. This is a category I have had minimal real life experience with. The main benefit of BIM seems to be planning for better energy models and performance in buildings. It also seems that BIM can provide more informed and accurate budget information. BIM can help owners make decisions on construction based on lifecycles of materials and products they choose to invest in.

Maissoun Ksara https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/maissoun-ksara-b2-chapter-2-bim-tools.html

Maissoun’s post reviews parametric modelling. This means objects modelled have geometric and non geometric properties that can be easily updated. It also means that objects are modelled in relation to each other. This allows models to be quickly updated, and families can be adjusted. This type of modelling is found in Revit, and is useful because a change in an object’s model can be propagated throughout the entire design.

Paulina Gawor - Term Project

I would like to investigate the 'ideal' building sensor. This would include how it monitors, how often, how it can inform building operations, andwhat technologies would be used.

Group B - Week 2 In Class Discussion

Today our group came together to make a prediction of what we believe is going to be the most impacted in intelligent building design within the next 5 or 10 years. Our main focus of our discussion was to discuss the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in the operation and construction of structures. We also concluded that the use of BIM software in line with AI could be beneficial in referencing repetitive circumstances that would not be cost efficient to the project. While it's already minimally implemented in some BIM software, we believe within the next 5 years this same software would be able to give the user more automated information to cut costs and improve design. The software would dramatically improve circumstances.  Next, we believe the future of construction is based on 3D printing and more customized materials, shapes, sizes. Within the next 10 years, we concluded 3D printing could certainly become advanced enough to implement this less expensive and cumbersome form of design in construction with numerous options for owners and designers to choose from.

Assignment B1 - Paulina Gawor - B-Team

BIM, 3D Printing, Structures & the Future of Building Design

Introduction

The development of 3D Printing, or additive manufacturing is a process by which layers of material are stacked to form a 3D object, based on electronic data points. This contrasts the more typical machining methods of grinding or cutting, and allows for more delicate and unique shapes to be formed. 3D printing is often used in product design, or to make small architectural models as a method of rapid prototyping. Currently, it is a slow method for fabrication of larger projects, but some companies are experimenting with the technology.

Construction Applications

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have demonstrated some success in using 3D printing to develop a green 450-square-foot carbon- fiber-reinforced ABS plastic structure. A benefit of a 3D printing method is the efficient use of material--there is much less scrap than in traditional construction. The printed material was a series of identical C shaped channels, with a grain like that of wood. Post tensioning tendons were incorporated in design to account for lower strength in the grain direction. [1] Interior materials and insulation were produced in a traditional way.

Arup developed a unique shape for street lights in the Hague. Their construction consisted of 1,200 steel pieces, few of which would be identical. Additive manufacture of metals involves using metal alloys in powder form, which are heated with lasers. Unused powder can be collected and reused. The number of unique pieces is difficult and expensive for manufacture, so 3D printing was used. The resulting pieces were some 50% lighter than they might have been if they were produced with traditional machining. [2]

Chinese construction company WinSun constructed a five story 3D printed apartment building. The primary material was a recycled mix of ground construction and industrial waste, around a base of quick-drying cement. The walls were backed with appropriate insulation, and steel members. WinSun estimates this process decreases construction waste by 30-60 percent, and labor costs by 50 percent. [3]

Benefits of 3D Printing

The benefit of 3D printing is that it can produce very complex shapes with great precision. This will make it easier to realize architecturally complex projects including those with organic, curved forms. Printing will likely be most seen in custom building elements, modular elements, or those with great variation in form. Facades are a likely target for additive manufacture. Additive manufacture is also environmentally friendly in terms of material use--there is very little or no scrap material, as only what is needed is custom made. 3D Printing can be used to develop cheap disaster housing, easily replicated, and produced around the clock.

Limitations of 3D Printing

Still, the technology to print a complete building system is still some years away. Printing structural elements is what there has been most development in, both as accessory components, and larger members. We do not yet have the technology to print insulation, glazing, piping, ductwork, or electrical equipment. Even once we have the technology to print these elements, we will have to test them extensively to ensure they meet the same technical requirements our traditionally manufactured materials do. Even if all of these materials are printed successfully, there will still have to be a great deal of assembly on site.

Resources

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

[2] http://www.asce.org/magazine/20140624-engineers-testing-3-d-printing-of-steel/

[3] https://www.cnet.com/news/worlds-first-3d-printed-apartment-building-constructed-in-china/

B Team

We do not believe automation advancements in the construction process will be implemented in the very near future (approx.30-40 years) because of current technological innovations, expenses, and social aspects.  However, advancements in the design process will most likely be quick to advance; some advancements are already being seen today.