Week 10 – Couse Reflection

When I signed up for this course, I had imagined that we would be covering topics which would allow for the creation of buildings that are “better” or substantially “different” than existing buildings. In a way, we covered some topics which fit my initial framing of the class such as 3D additive manufacturing of cement and plastics and BIM but I was somewhat surprised by the discussions of sensors and database.

I’m usually not very fond of in-class speakers for the primary reason that the majority of the time the discussion ends up being very one sided (it’s all on the speaker) and somewhat boring, especially if you just ate a heavy dinner and run the risk of falling asleep. In Intelligent Buildings, however, the speakers were on average much more interesting and engaging. I was very intrigued by the variety and scope of BIM and how it is used/viewed in the industry nowadays and how this technology takes time to reach contractors in the construction world. Some speakers made me appreciate the work they do in the database or sensors realm, which were some of the topics I found least interesting in this course.

Even if I didn’t particularly enjoy the database assignment, it was still worthwhile to experiment with it since I had no prior experience of using MS Access. Learning how to create families in Revit was very worthwhile and made me appreciate the program and discover more of its capabilities. As for the paper we had to write on a specific IB topic, I chose to investigate the potential for using additive manufacturing in construction to create objects with multiple material types in one “print”. I could not find any one example since nobody has developed the technology or the method but I researched current examples of simple additive manufacturing and used my knowledge of the class so far to outline what needed to be done for this particular process to exist.

The blog posts were an intelligent way to get all of the student discussion out in a single, easy to read forum. I suspect this class format would not be this way a few years ago when not everyone had a gmail account, and I suspect this class will continue to evolve as new technologies in the building world continue to surge. Overall, I thought this class was very well worth my time.

Week 10 Blog Post

D. Barbalace

I like to think that this course was less about what I learned, and more about how I was able to develop a new method of thinking about buildings.  I've had experience with BIM, and I was already aware of many of the ways robotics, databases, and sensors are used in engineering design.  This class allowed me to take everything I already knew on these topics, broaden my existing knowledge, and then consider ways of combining them to create intelligent designs.

I've spent a lot of my time at Drexel being impressed with building's that have one or two "main attractions," meaning that the design or operation incorporates a few intelligent systems but is otherwise an average building.  While buildings like these are important stepping stones to the end goal of creating a truly intelligent building, we won't get there until all of a building's systems are capable of interacting with both one another and the humans that inhabit it.  Utilizing green infrastructure, computerized systems, mechanized systems, building information modeling, and efficient spacial design are, in my opinion, the most important aspects of the intelligent building.

When I start my career as an assistant project manager at LF Driscoll this June, I'm certain that I'll be able to use everything I learned in this class in my work.  As a building contractor, I'll be responsible for performing work in an safe, timely, and cost-effective manner every single day.  I hope to utilize database and sensor technologies to organize my work and check site conditions on a consistent basis.  I firmly believe that artificially intelligent robots will transform the construction industry during my career, and I can only hope to be on the forefront of using these machines.  Another responsibility of mine will be to oversee construction of intelligent systems within the buildings I am working on.  Having taken this class, picking up on conversations regarding these systems will likely be significantly easier.  Furthermore, I will be sure to solidify the contractor's part in the building's lifecycle as early as possible in order to reduce the amount of conflicts later on.

I really liked this class, and I would definitely recommend it to other students in the future.  It does a fantastic job touching on a subject that is otherwise nonexistent in our curriculum, which is of extreme importance due to the ever-increasing utilization of intelligent building design in the professional world. 10/10 would take again.

Comment's on other's posts:

Audrey:  I like that you touched on the guest-speakers, as I completely forgot to mention them in my post.  They really were great.  I learned a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of all the major BIM softwares, and got a glimpse into exactly how important they are becoming in the professional world.  Great post!

Ryan:  My favorite part about the "you get out what you put in" mentality was that it gave us a lot of freedom to write the posts how we wanted to write them.  We were able to research our topics and establish our own ideas instead of everyone reading the same source and summarizing it.  That mentality, in my opinion, made the class much more fun.

Week 6: Database in the Construction Industry

The key to a successful construction firm is the ability to get jobs done on time and on budget.   A 1998 report by J. Egan addresses the importance a project manager has on the performance of the construction of a building.  While databases are ever improving, the concept of having all data pertaining to a project in a centralized location available to all stakeholders of the project holds true.  A major factor that has driven the need for the construction industry to improve and embrace the use of project management and BIM software is the complexity of projects (Alshawi).  Not only are project becoming more complex, but are having expedited construction schedules and tighter budgets. 

A few factors that Alshawi discusses in his 2003 paper on web-enabled project management are:

·      Lack of adequate communication

·      Lack of integration between project teams

·      Lack of integration in software

·      Lack of a standard process for project management

·      Lack of adequate project planning software

Although there have been great advances in the software for use in the construction industry, this list is still prevalent today as we have discussed in past posts and class discussions. 

Bentley, as discussed last week, is in a partnership that will allow for a searchable database of specifications accessible by construction firms.  Having a centralized, standard database for specifications would save significant amount of time in the construction industry.   The traditional method of specifications would be print outs in binders stored in the trailer on site.  The first step would be to, at the very least, computerize these files that would, at least, allow for a ‘search’ command to be performed.  However, Bentley is taking this one step further and making a web-based (cloud based) system; which would allow for instant updates to every team member and access anywhere there is an Internet connection on virtually any device.

The few papers I read on the topic were prior to 2008, when the construction industry was hesitant to move to computerized web-based managing systems/software.  I find it very enlighten to read older papers such as those that I referenced because it shows the progress the construction industry is making. 

References:

Alshawi, Mustafa, Ingirige, Bingunath.  "Web-enaabled project management  an emerging paradigm in construction." Automation in Construction, Elsevier. 2003.

Bentley, Spec-Wave. http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/SpecWave+Composer/

Egan, J. "Rethinking construction: report of the construction task force on the scope of rim proving the quality and efficiency of UK construction." London, 1998.

Cheung, S. et. al. "PPMS: a Web-based construction Porject Performance Monitoring System." Automation in Construction, Elsevier. 2004.

Comments on Others:

Mike Wright:
Mike, this was a great over view! I knew nothing about SQL and I think your post makes a good introduction/small history lesson. I find it interesting that this was standardized by two organizations. The Bentley guy last week commented on the fact that even though they are 'standardized' doesn't mean firms have to use them. Is that the case in with this?

Signe

Did you find any research that said how databases have improved the work done by design firms?  You reference BIM, what type of information can BIM store/how is that utilized specifically by the design firm, or is it information that will make the construction progress more efficiently, etc.?


Michael Kilgallon

I agree with Ivan, your post explained a relational database very well.  It is interesting to see how many different ways information has to be processed within a database and how different methods handle the data.

Week 6 - Uses of databases in construction firms

Database could help identify construction firms within various localities. Database applications or software helps the constructions firms to keep track of their work process in much easier way. However, using excel spreadsheets or paper to document or track the project is too limited and time consuming. Also, Paper records cannot measure up to the capabilities of these databases. Using database not only faster, but also the can put all of the project’s documents and data in a good organized way to use. There are different kinds and brands of databases applications worldwide, and they all share the same function of tracking and documenting the work process.

Database applications also help in tracking the parts and materials that have been ordered for a project. Many of the constructions firms nowadays using handheld database application to help track the materials and parts that needed for the project. Their materials supervisors are using this handheld PC database application to carry around the whole project inventory. Each items should has a barcode that is linked to a central database that provides all of the necessary information for each item. The application allows the constructions firms to track its location, check its conditions, its arrival date and time, and all of other details.

In case of a large constructions firm, database applications are really important as well. Since they mostly mange subcontractors, using database application could help them to mange the subcontractors faster and easier. The reason behind this is that when the subcontractors request or pick up materials from the storage yards, delays in processing paper records or insufficient tracking meant that items had a tendency to become lost or misplaced. Therefore, using database to keep tracks for each item solved the problem for constructions firms.

In addition, Database applications can help to determine how a work stage depends on one another, which helps constructions firms figuring out solutions when something goes wrong. This will helps the constructions firms on track and budget.

Last, projects produce a large amount of information that can be complex and depend on different factors. Managing this information effectively and assures its availability and accuracy is an important task for constructions firms. This prevents any delays on the project, and insures that the project is making a good progress.

Comments:

Comment on Mike Wright’s post:

Great post Mike, I like they way you organized your post starting by giving a background and history about SQL. I had no idea what SQL before, but no I know. It’s amazing how it’s developed through the years. SQL will really helps in the industries since it allows the users (construction firms) to controls the collected data easily and more faster and accurate way.

Comment on Yoon’s post:

Yoon I totally agrees with what you said about that computer database has became the main source of power to all source of complicated work. I like the way you covered your topic. Comparing OODE with the traditional database is a good idea to shows how nowadays can save time and give a lot of details about an item as the example you stated of the retail store. Well done.

Comment on Dongyan Qi’s post:

I think the uses of database on design offices are as important as in construction firms. I agree with you on that for sure it became a great and important tool for both design and construction firms since  as you stated  more than one group of engineering can share the data and work on the same project on the same.

References : 


"Handheld Database Applications Solve Large Construction Problems." Handheld Database Applications Solve Large Construction Problems. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
"14. Organization and Use of Project Information." Project Management for Construction: Organization and Use of Project Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

Bruder - Databases in Construction Firms

For this blog post we were to research databases, and their use in different situations. My group, Group E, was required to research the uses of databases in construction firms. A database is ‘a usually large collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval (as by a computer)”. (Merriam-Webster)

Databases can be used in many different occupations and many different applications. The more advance technologies get the larger their file size becomes. Using a database reduces the need for multiple copies of a particular file. As construction companies transition into more technological advances like Archicad, Revit, and other BIM services, they are using more mobile computing devices that cannot hold the information they need without using databases. Construction companies can use databases just as efficiently as any other companies.

“Construction projects inevitably generate enormous and complex sets of information. Effectively managing this bulk of information to insure its availability and accuracy is an important managerial task.” There are many different ways for a construction company to use databases. They can use databases in the more general sense, or they can use a database that is over a cloud service. Both have their benefits over another, such as a cloud service does have limitations on storage amounts and download speeds, while an in-house database has larger storage capabilities but you have to be connected to that database through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, which requires you to be within close proximity.

I think that databases are an essential part of a construction company, especially now a days. I remember my second co-op where their database was just a row of filing cabinets with a bunch of unorganized documents and drawing. This made it very difficult to find a particular drawing of file that I would need and took up valuable company time. With databases that are well organized, data can be found quickly and efficiently, which will save time thus improving overall company efficiency.

In conclusion, I think it is imperative for construction companies to have a very formal and well organized database. It makes finding information quick and efficient. There are different types of databases to choose from, so some research should be done to find the best database that suits your companies’ needs.

Comment on other posts:

Comment on Ian’s Post: I had a similar experience as your first co-op with my second co-op. It was really a shame since a lot of companies are willing to distribute tablets as a company expense. So you are pretty much getting a free tablet. It was good to find out that during your third co-op they were more open to the idea and were starting to convert to digital. Good post though!

Comment on Matt's Post: Thank you Matt for that very informative blog post. Do you have any ideas of what the next file storing is going to be? Do you think that the next big thing is already here with cloud databases? I like how you included photos for a more visual representation of how a database works.

Resources:

1.    ASCE. "The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025." Asce.org. ASCE, 2007. Web. 10

Feb. 2014. <http://www.asce.org/uploadedFiles/Vision_2025_-_New/TheVisionforCivilEngineeringin2025_ASCE.pdf>.

2.    "14. Organization and Use of Project Information." Project Management for Construction: Organization and Use of Project Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

3.    "Database." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.

Week 6 – Databases in Construction Firms

As construction firms move towards a more technological approach to site inspections, construction, and management, they are increasingly reliant on having an accurate electronic database. Portable information appliances, which can be carried or worn by the user, have the computational and connectivity capacity to perform those tasks. Retrieving and storing data needs to be simple, as the user will also be moving around the job site inspecting various items and checking the quality and performance of other ongoing objectives. Some examples of these appliances are the PDA, tablet PC and iPad and Android Tablets and smartphones.

A company database needs to be established so that the superintendent of the firm can readily access the database from any site and capable device as he or she needs information for various tasks. These tasks include comparing planned to constructed conditions, completing punch lists, Coordinating scheduled events and site deliveries, among others. Because each construction site is unique, the chosen device must be adaptable and flexible.

During my experiences in co-op I was able to interact with construction workers on a daily basis. On my first co-op, what struck me the most was that the construction industry was very resistant to change as they resisted the use of tools such as tablets for use in jobsites. There was paperwork everywhere, and much of the information was buried in the file cabinets and hard to retrieve. By the time I was working my third co-op, this mindset was changing and they were converting all paperwork to be stored on hard drives or online databases such as e-builder, where information can be searched for at the click of a button or the swipe of a finger. In my experience, e-builder is an adequate database for sharing drawings and spec sheets between owner and contractor, which could use some improvements in user interface but the idea is great.

This change in mentality took so long because disruptive technology is difficult in the construction field for many reasons:

·         Field managers often rise through the ranks and learned from their predecessors on how to run a site (who had little to no interest in current tech).

·         Field work is demanding and rough, so suitable tech needs to be durable (and therefore difficult to build) because a slip up in the tech means the schedule gets pushed back which means increased costs.

·         Construction is very schedule driven, and the time investment to learn how to operate a new tech is often too steep to implement it.

Comments on other posts:

Brian Benson - So SEED is a program designed to suggest specs for building structures, piping, duct sizing, and other utilities? Does that mean it comes with a default database of suggestions or does it need to have a database of previous projects input by the owner? Great post!

Ivan Pineiro - I enjoyed this read on RDBMS. It is great to see the progress of database management headed in this direction, as this ties in very well to the integrated design process we were taught in AE 390/391.

Yijun Qian - A very good post on how databases can help the construction industry. A construction firm has a list of priorities which a properly created database, such as e-builder, can help address.

Group D: Uses of Databases in Design Offices

Databases are widely used in Modern CADD and BIM design software. These databases, often called relative databases, utilize information that is stored within several different spreadsheets. Those spreadsheets have information stored from user-inputted values that are then used in later calculations.  The database utilizes those tables. The number of tables in a database can range from 10 to over 1,000. The information in each table column or column can “key on to [and] connect to the information” in other tables [1]. A relational database management system, RDBMS, keeps track of all the data kept in all the columns of every table. This program controls the storage, retrieval, deletion, security and the integrity of the data. The benefit from using a RDBMS system is being able to create specifications from relative databases. From reading Audrey's blog post, SQL, Structural Query Language, is the primary software language used to manage relational databases. SQL was standardized by the American National Standards Institute in 1986.

Traditional construction specifications were word-processed files base, which are now obsolete in comparison relational databases. After reading Michael's blog, I learned that the concept of a relational database originated back in the 1970s. Specifications differences between a word-processed program and a relational database are significant.  The text of each document is regarded as one field in a database that includes other information of various hierarchies and linkages to explanatory notes located in other tables. These links allow related information to be activated, highlighted or suppressed. Using a relational database system also provides the benefit of organizing all specification data into one single output file. This one file can then be adapted and formatted to adjust its appearance and content to provide an outline of short form or full construction specs. 

A relational database management system has other benefits as well. The first is the intelligent linkage of text within and between sections. This multiplies productivity and improves coordination. The modification of key terms, units of measurement, publication dates, etc. are made universally across all project-documented information. Master and project notes are kept separately from specification text. This information can be exposed and concealed when needed. A relational database also enables the ability of tagging text. This function allows for an automated report to be generated without the need to re-open multiple files and search for the information. Page formats and templates for the entire project are established and consistently carried throughout documentation.

Provided the exceptional advantages of relational databases, it is logical to expect the incorporation of RDBMS software in the future within the design process, by improving specifications, cost estimating and graphic building design. To maximize operability, a firm needs to become effective and efficient in using relational databases for successful Building Information Modeling. This is the future “to achieving better quality, greater accuracy, increased efficiency and improved productivity” [1].

Comments:

Micheal Kilgallon's Blog
I enjoyed reading the history of how relational databases were created. Knowing that the concept of relational databases originated back in the 1970s is kinda eye-opening since it is becoming more mainstream now. The handling of large quantities of data provide substantial benefits to design offices.

Audrey Ryan's Blog
I found SQL quite interesting because of its development over the years. I also had no idea that SQL is the most popular software language for relational database models. I was aware of management systems, but of not any particular language used within the database.

Brian Benson's Blog
I found your blog post quite interesting. The functionality of SEED appears to be similar in purpose, but different in execution for relational databases. Im curious on how SEED was conceived and developed.

Source:

[1]: "BIM Interoperability and Relational Databases." Continuing Education. Building    Systems Design, Inc., n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2014. <http://continuingeducation.construction.com/crs.php?L=12&C=838>.