B2-BIM for Contractors

From the reading of the Chap 6, I learnt the BIM will bring lots of benefits to the contractors. In the building construction phase, there are several different types of the cooperation methods which include design-build, design-bid-build or the Integrated Project Delivery. The BIM will provide the different benefits to different approaches.

In the construction process, there are many steps like schedulding, cost, and planning. This is a complex and many parties involved process. If we used the traditional software or the methods to work,  like CAD drawings, it will cost extra time and resources. For example, in my previous coop experience, we have to print out our design drawings and mail it to the subcontract. The subcontract had to mail us back their shopping drawings with the equipments specification information to confirm. Then after we confirmed, we need to mail back the confirmed paper drawings one more time. During this period, mailing the paper drawings cost lots of time.

But when the contractor used the BIM, they can get information from the BIM model. Like the detailed building information, specification information associated with each buildings, analysis data related to performance levels and the project requirements, design and construction status. The contractors will be able to get information very effectively and easy instead of the traditional paper  mailing method.

The BIM model for the contractors can start with the beginning with design team. The design team provide the 3-D model and the contractors to add the details to the model to make model visualised to owner and use the model to do the further work. Or the design team provides the 2-D drawings to the contractors, they manual entered the drawing to the 3-D model and to do the further work.

BIM model will be able to export and work with other estimating software for planning, costing, scheduling. The BIM today, it can put the unit contrate information in the software to estimate the total concrete cost for contractor. For the BIM in the future, it might including the different concrete transportation cost, contrate work planning depend on the weather information.

4-D BIM model is a great tool to help contractor to do the construction planning. For example, the model will be able to show the foundation, steel erection. Also, it can review the site crane reach, clearance and conflicts. It will help the contractors to know the status of the site and fo the planning work.

In summary, the BIM tool will be able to help contractors to develop work easy and quick. To use the BIM is a future requirement skill for the contractor.

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 to Classmates' Posts:

Yosep Bak (link)
From the reading of your post, I learnt the benefits to the owners. Before reading your post, in my mind, the BIM is more important for the design team or the contractors who are the technical people. But after reading, I feel like it is as important as owner, especially for the owner who can't read the CAD drawings, the 4-D and 3-D visual image will help them to understand the building. 
Samuel Kim (link)
From Samuel's post, I learnt a brief history about the BIM which is great for me. BIM was worked as Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) and Boundary Representation (BREP) in the early history time. Also, the compare 2009 and 2013 the BIM files, which has 2700% increase which really give a strong feeling about the BIM is tool for the future. 
Ziyang Lin(link)
From your post, I learnt that the General Service Administration(GSA) has made a standard for models that could be considered as a BIM preliminary concept design. Also, the example about the requirements are including “floor slabs defined with target thickness and floor-to-floor distances also applied to depict roofs” and “north arrows for building orientation” in BIM is cool. 

Abdullatif Alkandari - B2

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an integral part in any project and holds great significance for many reasons. It benefits many aspects of the project, but I am going to focus the specific impact it has on the owners and facility managers. Using BIM can help with obtaining accurate cost estimates and optimizing facility management as well as maintenance hence improving the overall quality of the building. Due to the constant development that BIM, it is able to help buildings preform better and gives the work team better control of the project. Because it is capable of having multiple users working on it at the same time, collaboration among the team and their communication is very effective in turn saving time and money.

In going about the design process, BIM gives the owner the ability to observe and comment on the ongoing work of the design team without leaving his office. This replaces the tedious process of having to meet with the design team and requesting the plans and drawings. Aside from avoiding the inconvenience, introducing BIM allows the owners to make early changes if they detect abnormality rather than having propagations of an error that would be more likely to get neglected when using traditional way of managing a project.

With all the features BIM has to offer, owners can get more accurate estimates in the early stages of the design. By keeping up with the changes to the design in real time, the team will be constantly updating the program for the owner and contractor to work with. Furthermore, BIM can reveal details like light fixtures as well as their energy usage and similar future modifications. This is another example where convenience can come a long way in contributing to both the performance as well as the efficiency of the project.

BIM can also be used as a foundation for good space management, because facility managers can reduce vacancy and achieve major reductions in real estate expenses based on the information they get from the models. They can also contribute to economical retrofits of the building as having 3-dimensional aspects of the building can reduce the complexity of the building renovations and consequently reducing the cost.

Some building design professionals are introducing data on life expectancy and replacement costs on BIM models in an effort to help facility managers and owners figure out weather it would be worth investing more in some materials based on a better payback over the life of the building. I expect this type of technology to be revolutionary as most project managers are willing to invest more in initial cost if they can guarantee that it would be a better investment for them on the long run after factoring in the maintenance cost of the building. Given how much this can enhance the lifecycle management of buildings, I see that BIM will have an even brighter future.

References:

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

“The Benefits of Lifecycle BIM for Facility Management.” FM Systems. N.p., 27 July 2016. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.

< https://fmsystems.com/blog/the-benefits-of-lifecycle-bim-for-facility-management/  >

Comments:

Samuel Kim: I found your post quite enjoyable to read, the part I liked most about it was when you put the huge spike in BIM models in perspective. The numbers you provided were astonishing, knowing that number of BIM files in the Aconex collaboration profile experienced a 2700% increase shows how far BIM has come and will hopefully go even further in the years to come.

Ray Powell: I think the part you included about BIM was important, because in spite of all the advantages this tool offers, it is important to know that not everyone can intuitively learn to work with it. In some cases, outside help may be required to get the current staff acquainted with the modern technology in BIM and along with that, I see a new job opportunity for people who can pass on this skill to other employees and in effect make them more valuable to their respective companies.

Taryn Francischetti: The family concept you introduced was a very practical tool to be used in BIM, I like the fact that it is so convenient and is capable of fitting multiple objects together. This can significantly aid in facilitating the design process and saves time and effort. I was also surprised to learn that Revit has mechanical, energy and environmental components that contribute to the overall quality of the design.

B2 - Chapter 5 - BIM for Architects and Engineers

Comparing to CADD, BIM concentrates more on conceptual design and gradually changes the design process and methodology. The chapter discusses the influences of BIM from three perspectives: integrated services, conceptual design, and construction-level modeling.

Traditional design services tend to be a time-related single-line workflow process such as design-bid-build or design-build, and a new form called Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) was introduced with the application of BIM. Unlike the traditional delivery, IPD provides a more dynamic collaboration and communication form, thus the design will be more efficient.

Starting from the information development, which is the first step of the design a building, it can be divided into low end and high end spectrums. BIM offers a shortcut for the design of the low-end buildings with fixed characters and functions. The design of the high-end buildings with new functions often requires a large amount of information exchange within the design team and between the team and the clients, during which BIM can be a handy tool. 

When it comes to the design part, BIM benefits our architects and engineers with conceptual design, building system simulation and analysis, and construction-level modeling. Traditional conceptual design is mainly sketched freehanded, and that is the basic media of documentation and communication. Nowadays, although many designers still adhere to freehand sketch, more have accepted the use of quick 3D sketching tools such as SketchUp. These tools make it more convenient for people to modify, understand, and track the drawings. The build-in elements in the software also allow designers to generate the sketches more quickly.

(tbc)

B2 - Group C - Andy Dinh - BIM for Owners and Facility Managers (Chapter 4)

BIM software can offer many benefits to owners and facility managers to receive better overall higher quality buildings. The use of BIM can also provide buildings with better performance within their systems. Buildings will have different functions for different owners and managers, but BIM with its continual development allows for a wide range of building planning. With different people being able to collaborate on the same BIM model, it allows for better communication of ideas with less errors. With this reduction, project time and cost can also be reduced. BIM certainly is not for everyone, and it will take time for those who are new to it to learn, but the development of software and technology has certainly made it easier than it has been in the past. BIM can provide many benefits to building program through such areas as:

Performance of buildings: Use of lighting and energy based programs through BIM, building performance can increase overall with better accuracy through these programs. This will help in reducing costs overall through building efficiency and with better turn over time for projects.

Project Management: All the ideas and designs of the buildings are just as important as the building itself. As an owner or manager, having a small understanding of BIM technology can help communicate ideas between you and the designers. Better communication within projects can lead to shorten project schedules and a reduction in errors by knowing which owner and local code requirements to follow.

Reduction of costs: Money always plays a big part into any project. Projects can be stalled if not enough financial backing is provided. With more reliable cost estimates, owners can get better feedback on the design of the building which can allow for allocation of resources needed in other departments. Providing earlier feedback in the project's lifetime is very beneficial as well when decision making is needed on what is to be provided.

Information streamlining: As stated a few times above, communication is a pretty big factor. It is not just about communication between designers and constructors, but it is also as important to relay information to the owner or facility manager. This allows for the owners or managers to play a bigger role within the building industry, rather than being left to just handling typical problems like delays and quality issues. There are even tools specifically geared towards owners and facility managers to gather the information they are looking for.

References:

http://osp.mans.edu.eg/elbeltagi/Fac%202%20bim%20facility.pdf

http://www.mpwengineering.com/bim-benefits-for-owners/

http://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/solutions/bim/BIM_for_Owners.pdf

Comments:

Hayley Selden (link) - It was an interesting take to read about how BIM is for others involved in the building concept. There are definitely different advantages for contractors and owners through BIM software, especially through implementation. Owners know what they want out of a building versus contractors knowing what is possible to be built. Communication of these ideas and restrictions helps a project move along much more smoothly.

Maissoun Ksara (link) - Knowing how much parametric modeling has developed certainly puts a perspective on things. I like being able to see how modeling has developed over the years, allowing for more complex creations. Your listing of the pros and cons certainly highlights the advantages of such modeling techniques, and how beneficial it can be. Seeing how popular Revit has been among the industry (at least in my experience) really does show how much it has come along to help contractors.

Nick Pawlikowski (link) - Before this class, I had never really heard of the word interoperability. Things can be assumed of it based on what is within the word, but reading your post helped me gain a lot better insight as to what it stands for. Having the ability to give data across to others to work on a joint task is very useful, especially in our class with a focus in construction and buildings. The different formats companies have to work around with and how complex is has gotten with the development of newer software and technology does provide a challenge. Having the answer in using building model repositories is smart and hopefully this helps in reducing further issues that interoperability still has.

Alsaleem B2 - Group C BIM for Owners and Managers

There is no doubt that BIM has transformed the engineering and construction industry in a very effective way. BIM introduced efficient methods for planning and designing structures of any size. BIM can also be worked throughout the lifecycle of an entire portfolio of amenities. As any system and new technology, the BIM technology has its pros and cons especially on the owners and facility managers. 

Figure 1: BIM for Facility Managers

The biggest advantages of BIM use for owners and facility managers are: 

Enhanced planning and design: By using the BIM technology, facility managers have the ability to visualise the resulted building and study all its components. This allows them to adjust specifics, add few details before any field work even starts!

Efficient use of Energy: BIM can help facilitate to analyse and compare various energy alternatives to help facility managers reduce environmental impacts and operating costs. By analysing the costs and the savings of various facility improvements, facility managers gain a tool to optimize building performance over the life of the building.

Streamlined Maintenance and Fewer Reworks: The information about building equipment stored in BIM models can eliminate hours of effort to accurately manage maintenance systems. BIM allows managers to see potential problem areas and fix them before the error is committed physically on the construction field. This reduces the need of costly work and revision.

However, the cons of BIM use for owners and facility managers are: 

Inconsistency with partners: BIM is not yet universally used among professionals in the field. There is always the possibility that one of the partners or subcontractors may face difficulties using the BIM technology.

Cost of software: BIM software requires large investments in new technology. The advantages usually make the investment worthwhile, but only if the software is used to its full capacity. Not every manager will take the risk on running on the technologies, especially the smaller companies.

Lack of experts in the field: The relative newness of BIM means that there are limited numbers of experts working in the field. The software purchase may require an additional investment in training and education. Having the system without the professionals is just a waste of money.

Sources:

https://fmsystems.com/blog/the-benefits-of-lifecycle-bim-for-facility-management/

https://www.constructionmonitor.com/blog/2015/12/03/pros-cons-of-using-a-bim-model-for-your-next-project/

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118382811.html

http://www.facilitiesnet.com/software/article/BIM-who-what-how-and-why-Facilities-Management-Software-Feature--7546

Figure: http://www.areadevelopment.com/AssetManagement/Q2-2013/building-information-modeling-facility-management-0272892.shtml

Responses:  

Ronald Herazo: I enjoyed how you wrote much in depth about the 3D modelling explaining it all from the beginning. It was nice to learn the history of how engineers started to specify the shapes in these softwares identifying the elements and defining them as angles, attachments and etc.

Hayley Selden: It was interesting reading your blog and how there is different use of BIM software between owners and contractors. I like how you explained all the ways of BIM implements and how contractors can benefit from. I knew about managers of facilities from the readings, but also I expanded my knowledge after reading yours learning from more aspects in the field. 

Drew Hovey: you explained a very interesting tool, the parametric modelling, to design and easy way for construction. As I read the blogs I learned that there are many tools that can be used and every tool or software has its benefits and cons. I also benefited from the example of John Deere that you mentioned, but if I can ask. Do you think that sending design-for-manufcaturing will be expanded to even small companies, or is it going to vanish with all these new tools and people can rely on their creativities to produce various products? 

Interoperability

Interoperability is original form computer world and it describes the extent to which systems and devices can exchange data, and interpret that shared data. For two systems to be interoperable, they must be able to exchange data and subsequently present that data such that it can be understood by a user. No single computer application can support all of the tasks associated with building design and production. Interoperability depicts the need to pass data between applications, allowing multiple types of experts and applications to contribute to the work at hand.

For intelligent building, the design and construction of a building is a team activity and increasingly, each activity and each type of specially is support and augmented by its own computer applications. in order to analysis those issues such structural and energy analyses and material layout, the interoperability identifies the need to pass data between applications, and for multiple applications to jointly contribute to the work at hand. Interoperability also eliminates the need to replicate data input that has already been generated, and facilitates smooth workflows and automation. In the same way that architecture and construction are collaborative activities, so too are the tools that support them. in the same time, the interoperability shorten the duration to generate another set of data instead of interoperating other existing database. 

the principle of interoperability is data exchange and share. Data exchanges between two applications are typically carried out in one of the four main ways. 1. direct, proprietary links between specific BIM tools. 2. proprietary file exchange formats, primarily dealing with geometry. 3. public product data model exchange formats. 4. XML-based exchange formats.

in building or bridge industry, the interoperability is an common concept and terminology. Through its Building Technologies Office (BTO), the United States Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE-EERE) is sponsoring an effort to advance interoperability for the integration of intelligent buildings equipment and automation systems, understanding the importance of integration frameworks and product ecosystems to this cause. This is important to BTO’s mission to enhance energy efficiency and save energy for economic and environmental purposes. For connected buildings ecosystems of products and services from various manufacturers to flourish, the ICT aspects of the equipment need to integrate and operate simply and reliably. Within the concepts of interoperability lie the specification, development, and certification of equipment with standards-based interfaces that connect and work. Beyond this, a healthy community of stakeholders that contribute to and use interoperability work products must be developed.

As intelligent building, it should have certain communication to the surrounding environment. such as how this building will affect the whole society and how surrounding population contributed to the buildings. no different than those techniques like 3D printing and robotic construction. 3D printing is advanced science that using automation and programming technique. also, the robotic control require advanced program and controlling. if engineers can combine these two techniques and use for construction application which is progressing, it is a such evolution for construction field. 

Although interoperability goals and objectives are highly dependent upon the requirements of specific connectivity interfaces, general characteristics or indicators of highly interoperable connectivity have been identified by the GWAC’s IMM. For intelligent building field, there are some general interoperability goals. for example, technical goals that correspond the structure and format of information exchange are define and management of a network between interacting parties is aligned. also, the operation and performance goal incorporate common understanding of quality of service, time, and scheduling exists. moreover, performance and reliability expectation are defined within operation and performance goal.

http://bgintegration.pnnl.gov/pdf/BuildingLandscapeReport.pdf

Eastman, Charles M. BIM handbook: a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.

Peer Comments:
https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/b2-group-b-week-2-blog-post-chris-sager.html

1. Chris talked about the interoperability in the computer language field such as EXPRESS language and the design software such Autodesk and 3D geometry model. also, he brought the BIM handbook to introduced and discussed the topic of interoperability. it is good include all the parties such as owners, engineers and contractor. it is very important to share the different perspectives from different stand points. it is a really implication of interoperability in the really world.

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/b2-interoperability-paulina-gawor.html
2. in Paulina's blog post, she covered three topic which are introduction of interoperability, consequence of poor interoperability costs and challenges in achieving interoperability. however, there are some limited information about the application and benefit about the interoperability. she focused on more about the theory side instead of real world application. in really word construction , the interoperability plays the vital role about sharing the information. the as-built data is very necessary information for similar construction. for example, it save plenty of time to run again the geotechnical investigation for the soil condition for foundation. the contractor could use previous investigation for surrounding building.

Assignment B2 - Group B - Maria Raggousis

Chapter 3 - Interoperability

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

Brief Summary & Overview:

This chapter in regards to BIM software was explaining the purpose, needs, types, and limitations of "interoperability" of software. In particular, file formats and the way that data is stored and translated from one software to the other so that the original content is retained. We are all familiar with these things even if we have only been exposed to PDF files of JPEG files - technically these are ways of storing data and viewing them across multiple computers and software platforms.

In this industry it is extremely important that we can share the files and electronic data that we have from the Architect to all of the Engineering Departments - structural analysis - HVAC analysis - plumbing analysis - etc. The Chapter refers to many forms of this translation of data - the ones I was most familiar with due to my experiences on co-op are DXF (Data eXchange Format) and the GIS systems of SHP (Shapefile) and SHX (Machine Code version of Shapefile). My understanding of these file formats is that you take the file in one software and export and package it as this file, send it over somewhere else, then that software decodes the items inside and basically has a set of spatial points and visual graphic data that you can then work from so you are not doing the files from scratch.

The chapter goes on to indicate various types of ways that we use this interoperability - private & public - and specific scenarios of what warrants what and details on how the process is done and who (groups & agencies) is interested in the furtherance of these file exchange formats and what the fture might be for this after 2007.

Further Explanations:

I just wanted to look in to and point out a few more details that the authors bring up, a system that I was not familiar with: IFC (Industry Foundation Classes). I wanted to find additional information beyond what is presented in the text because I did not understand what it is, what purpose it serves, and how to use it.

From the AutoDesk Revit Forum:

IFC is an open and neutral file format maintained by buildingSMART. It is ISO certified which means it meets international standards and is considered a standard interoperability system. Files in one system can be saved and exported in to the IFC file format (.ifc, .ifcXML, .ifcZIP) and then imported and "translated" into the next system, whether that is for an analysis program use or to send to a different company with different software.

We are familiar with Revit's library of things (walls, property definitions, thickness, height, attributes) and that is the type of information that an IFC stores so information, time, and quality can be preserved in all stages of a project.

Additional Thoughts & Comments:

Wrapping up this blog post - this Chapter is a little bit out dated - in 10 years a lot can happen in the BIM world and has in the computer world. AutoCAD, Revit, Bentley, and GIS Software have gained traction so much that non engineers are utilizing them for their everyday projects. Interoperability in this day and age is crucial and it will continue to get better. Talking with the industry professionals during my co-op interviews - they have seen Revit in the industry for the whole time that it was there and the compatibility that they have seen between the software has really multiplied lately. Maybe in our lifetimes the systems will become seamless and all systems will be able to read each other or maybe I am just dreaming.

Comments for Other Students:

Peter Dannemann - Chapter 4: I wanted to read your post so that I could learn more about Chapter 4 which comes right after what I was reading on compatibility of files between BIM software and methods. It brings up a great point about its accessibility and use as a tool for everyone, not just the designer. How can we expect other people to understand what they are paying for or spending on their energy or how structurally deficient something is without showing it to them - they can keep inventory on all things related to their buildings - no matter what kind of position, company, or personal scenario that gives way to using BIM tools. 

Drew Hovey - Chapter 2: Your chapter in the book is interesting in that it explains what BIM is and the different uses for it - mine explained the file sharing and data storage so I was confused what other types of data might be stored but after reading your summary regarding parametric modeling, I understand that there is much much more to these models than just a shape file that I was mostly used to from my co-op. I think utilizing these simulations is very important to get ideas of energy costs since we are so focused on sustainability (as we should be). I wonder if they can be or already are integrated with the codes so that the systems can be checked that way in an operational point of view. I feel like a lot of buildings claim energy consumption is down while they are being designed but I want to see buildings that are actually operated that way with the data to show it. I think that is where BIM can go in the immediate future. (Sorry if that was a tangent). 

Nick Pawlikowski - Chapter 3: I like that even though we read the same chapter, our takeaways are different. I think the proprietary programs do have a place in this industry because it cannot all be open source translators - specific companies need to have their own controls to do these translations and interoperability to what they might want to import in their own programs. I unfortunately don't see the future of XML based review but maybe for specific aspects of this industry it is possible to expand on that. I completely agree with you that management of these files is going to be the most challenging part in the next couple of years. 

Week 2 - Term Project Idea

At the moment I think the topic for my term project will be robotics in operation. I am interested in how buildings operate and doing research as to how the normal operations could potentially change with advances in technology seems fascinating.

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.

Project Ideas

I'm interested in working with BIM for the term project. Looking into the project ideas on the website, I was most interested in potentially creating a loadable family.

Joseph Chaudhari Class 2 Blog (In-Class) Term Project. Week 2

I would like to work on robotics for the term project. I think robots are the future in high risk fields such as bomb detection, highly radioactive zones, and warfare. Robots can indirectly save human lives by taking their place in these high risk areas of work.

Assignment B1: Maissoun Ksara - A-Team

Tags: AI, future, software, computer

Our drive for a more advanced and innovative society is increasing like wildfire. Research and development of more technologically capable tools is a priority in many fields, one of them being the construction industry [3]. In the video “How will artificial intelligence benefit the construction industry?” the Arup director Tim Chapman defines artificial intelligence (AI) to be the ability for machines to think. It deals with the engineering of intelligent machines or computer programs that understand human behavior and intelligence [1]. 

AI will have a significant impact on construction in terms of design processes and making the construction process more streamlined and efficient. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers states that robots are being increasingly used for tasks such as demolition, welding, bricklaying, and concrete dispensing on jobsites today [2]. When I first watched the video in class that involved bricklaying performed by the robotic arm, I was excited because I saw how beneficial this technology would be in the future of construction. Using AI also means avoiding human risk for errors and an increased accuracy. Further, it creates more safety on the jobsite. Since safety is one of the most important values of various construction firms, AI gives an extra edge. 

In the article “Artificial intelligence has a big year ahead”, a discussed use of AI is in predicting bridge failures. A combination of data and software is all it takes to prevent a bridge failure in simple steps. Not only does this save lives, but also a large amount of time and labor. 

In his TedXUCLouvain talk, Pierre Latteur describes the impact of robotics in construction as the newest revolution. He specifically talks about drones to carry out tasks like bricklaying using a  completely automated process. Figure-1 below shows an example of how using only 2 drones, a 16 square meter masonry unit can be build in only 2 hours with a total cost of only 4 euros per square meter. Latteur says this is 10 times cheaper and 5 times faster.  

Figure-1: Drone Building

Several challenges exist in this sector, including positioning problems of the drone carrying masses under the influence of wind. Also, as the concrete elements get larger and heavier, there are more challenges with accurate positioning of the element. I was first skeptical about topic because I was wasn’t sure if the drones would be strong enough to carry the concrete loads. I also have questions about the grip strength of the drones and several safety concerns without UAV’s flying around a jobsite. All in all, this seems like an exciting and highly innovative tool for the future of construction.

Comments to others:

Peter Dannemann: I have never heard of Quicabot before and I’m very glad I came across this! It seems crazy and exciting to me that Quicabot can inspect a building in half the time a human can, with more reliability. I can’t help but think what the construction industry would look like in several years. It would be completely taken over by robots. In the event of a malfunction, I am curious to know how this would impact the construction. This would put a building in risk of collapse due to a software error, or even a hacker. Despite this, I see much potential in this field. 

Egla Qori: 3-D printing is a concept that I believed was applicable in many fields, however, construction was not one of them. I think it is absolutely fascinating how entire homes can be 3-D printed. Using this technology, the possibilities are endless to designing and constructing entirely innovative and efficient structures. As you mentioned the egg-shaped form, the printer removes the risk of human error in designing it and proves total safety. New shapes can be created that were never introduced before.

Nick Pawlikowski: Reading about the work that MX3D has done in 3-D printing blows my mind. Sometimes I forget that we live in “the future”, since advances like this are quickly taking over. I wonder what the cost of 3-D printing a whole structure is compared to conventional methods of building. It makes sense that there is still a decade of work needed for full development. I’m excited to see where this technology goes in the coming years.

References

1. http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/node1.html
2. https://www.aem.org/news/october-2016/how-artificial-intelligence-could-revolutionize-construction/
3. http://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/august-2016/artificial-intelligence-in-the-construction-indust/