AE 510 Sensor Technology Power Point

AE 510 Sensor Technology Power Point - Michael Kilgallon & Matt Morimoto

In order to save paper we have made our PowerPoint available online #green #AE510 #sorrynotsorry

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14bReKXi15KzMedQLVBXoDycDsrdWPgeTEasg6zrVIYI/edit?usp=sharing

Week 10 - Michael Kilgallon - Course Reflection

When I came into this course ten weeks ago, I had a very vague definition of what an intelligent building was.  Originally, I just assumed it was a building that was able to monitor the activity that was going on inside and around it.  This assumption wasn't wrong, but the facts that I learned throughout the term regarding intelligent buildings were more complex than I could have imagined. 

It was really interesting to see how sensors, databases, networks, and even robots could come into play when discussing future buildings.  I had an idea regarding how sensors were used in buildings since they are relatively common currently, such as thermostats or pressure sensors for pipe networks.   However, I didn't realize how these sensors could be incorporated with networks and databases to create a “living” building.  The way these sensors could gather data, store it in a database, and have a network communicate that data to different areas of the building really is a revolutionary concept for building design.  This intercommunication between sensors and different parts of the building will allow for more LEED certifications as theses systems reduce emissions and make buildings much more energy efficient.

As these technologies begin to work with each other more and more in the future, the structures that they are incorporated with will start to simulate a “living, breathing” being.  This sounds very science fiction, but it isn't too far-fetched when you think about it.  The building would, in essence, emulate the way the human body maintains itself with the database being the brain, the sensors being the nerve endings, and the network being the whole nervous system that connects all parts of the “body” together. 

Regarding the effect this course will have on my future and my future profession, I would say this course has helped in introducing me to the whole concept of intelligent buildings.  As I stated before, I had an idea about how sensors were incorporated in to buildings, but I never knew the extent to which there were implemented.  After taking this course, I have learned that these improvements to existing buildings and to future building designs will be at the forefront of design once they become economically beneficial for owners and investors.  Additionally, learning about the benefits of these advancements is also very valuable to my future profession because it will allow me to see if any of these pieces of technology are useful and worthwhile to implement in building when going over the building design.  It will give me, and even my employer, a leg up over the competition when it comes to this type of advancement in intelligent buildings.  


Comments:

Phil: I do agree with you statement that you were afraid that this class would not be beneficial to you.  I was on the same boat at first because I was unsure what the whole outcome of the class would actually be.

Steve: Like you, that Revit project we had to do was very beneficial for me because I always wanted to use Revit again after the project way back in sophomore year.  This project was a great learning experience for me.

Bruder - Movement Sensors- Group E

Movement sensors, or motion detectors as they are usually referred to as, are used mostly indoors to control electric lighting. Motion detection can be defined as “the process of detecting a change in position of an object relative to its surroundings or the change in the surroundings relative to an object. Motion detection can be achieved by both mechanical and electronic methods. When motion detection is accomplished by natural organisms, it is called motion perception.”[3] Movement sensors have many different uses however. They can be used for burglar detection, automatic doors, automatic sinks and paper towel dispensers and soap dispensers, anything that you could think of really. What I’m trying to get at is that they are very multi-useful. Most of the motion detectors that we see in everyday life are passive systems that detect infrared energy.

“These sensors are therefore known as PIR (passive infrared) detectors or pyroelectric sensors. In order to make a sensor that can detect a human being, you need to make the sensor sensitive to the temperature of a human body. Humans, having a skin temperature of about 93 degrees F, radiate infrared energy with a wavelength between 9 and 10 micrometers. Therefore, the sensors are typically sensitive in the range of 8 to 12 micrometers.”[1] The sensors do not just pick up of the heat given off, what they are really looking for is a dramatic change in the infrared light the sensor is changing.

Some of the other types of movement sensors include ultrasonic, microwave, and tomographic motion detector. An ultrasonic sensor works by sending “…out pulses of ultrasonic waves (acoustic sound waves above the frequency that a human can hear) and measures the reflection off a moving object. Motion causes the frequency of the reflected wave to change (Doppler effect).”[2] A microwave sensor works by sending “…out electromagnetic pulses and measures the changes in frequency (Doppler) due to reflection off a moving object.”[2] Finally a tomographic motion detector works by sensing “…disturbances to radio waves as they pass from node to node of a mesh network. They have the ability to detect over complete areas because they can sense through walls and obstructions.”[2] All of these different types of motion detection sensors all have advantages and disadvantages. That being said, their uses are possible for just about anything your mind can imagine.

Comments:

Michael: I had no idea the importance of pressure sensors. I never realized how common they actually are either. I really liked how you included many different uses for a pressure system; it really puts the importance into perspective. Really well written post, two thumbs up!

Audrey: I think it’s awesome that different types of temperature sensors had different limitations, so each sensor has a different uses. I was surprised to find out that the majority of the sensors that require contact to the heat source could contaminate the readings. Do you think there is one sensor that is the best for universal use? Very informative post!

References:

[1] "How do motion sensing lights and burglar alarms work?"  01 April 2000.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/question238.htm>  17 February 2014.

[2] "Motion Detector." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.

[3] "Motion Detection." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Oct. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.

Week 7 - Pressure Sensors

When discussing the subject of Intelligent Buildings, many different topics come to mind: databases, BIM, and innovation.  One common topic that is always brought up with the subject is sensors.  Sensors can range in usage, price, size, and efficiency.  Their usages are very beneficial to a building when it comes to analyzing what goes on in and outside of the structure.  This could be as simple as measuring the temperature of each room to observing how often a room is in use for.  For this particular post, Professor Mitchell has designated that the pressure sensor should be discussed.

To start off, what is a pressure sensor and what are their purposes?  Pressure sensors, as the name states, are sensors that are able to detect changes and monitor pressures.  When something is detected, that detection is converted to an electric signal so that it can be sent to a processor.  Originally, the types of pressures that are monitored were liquids and gases.  The need for pressure sensors for these two types arose once steam began being a primary source of energy. Pressure sensors are necessary so that data can be collected on a certain system and to keep track of any changes that may occur in that system.  By monitoring a system, like a pipe network, they are able to give warnings if a change has occurred in the network, and in some cases, can respond to those changes to protect the system from a failure [3]. 

            Pressure sensors, although a small part of bigger systems, are a necessity for many industries.  These sensors are a standard in many industries like the automotive, aviation, and bio-medical industry.  In the automotive and aviation fields, for example, sensors are used to monitor and maintain the different pressures that the parts of the craft and engines are experiencing.  For cars, this could be delegating a safe pressure for the oil and coolants, while an airplane uses the sensors to maintain a correct balance between cabin and atmospheric pressure for passengers and equipment alike [2].

            One future use of pressure sensors that is being explored at the moment is the use of pressure sensors in contact lenses.  One company in Switzerland has tested the use of pressure sensors in contact lenses to detect any changes in pressure in the user’s eye to help identify glaucoma [1].  Before this can be a reality and a standard, many more tests must be done; however, it does show the future of this kind of sensor.  For buildings, this same technology is used today in non-destructive testing to monitor the members of a structural to make sure that it is structural sound.  With the research being done with the contact lens, it could be possible in the future to use the tech behind that in intelligent building design.

Comments:

-Steve: I like how you talked about the different types of pressure sensors there are.  It's interesting to read about these different types of pressure sensors.  Although they all monitor pressure, it is neat to read how each one does this differently.

-Audrey: I like how you said that each temperature sensor has their own advantages and disadvantages.  I suppose depending on the situation those benefits and drawbacks really need to be considered when pickng one of these sensors.  For instance, I would assume price versus accuracy would be one comparison that would need to be thought over.

 Sources:

[1] "Google Isn’t the Only One Putting Electronics into Contact Lenses." MIT Technology Review. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. <http://www.technologyreview.com/view/523761/google-isnt-the-only-one-putting-electronics-into-contact-lenses/>.

[2] "Pressure Sensors." EngineersGarage. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2014. <http://www.engineersgarage.com/articles/pressure-sensors-types-working>.

[3] Whatley, Tiesha. "How Do Pressure Sensors Work? | EHow." EHow. Demand Media, 28 Oct. 2008. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. <http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4564501_pressure-sensors-work.html>.

Week 5 - Relational Database Theory

            The word database has become synonymous with the advent of computers.  Databases are used all over the world and are used by both companies and individuals alike.  Not only that, databases can be comprised of many different things; for example, Drexel has databases that keep account of student finances, student enrollment, and even has subscriptions for databases in the library that allow students to search numerous sources to gather information for projects.  One well known type of database is the relational database.

            A relational database is a database that organizes all of its information into separate columns.  These columns could have several different categories of information in each one that would relate to a particular topic [3].  One example is a payroll database that has rows of employee names with their respective salaries, tenure, and position in different columns. 

Despite the having “relational” in its name, this database does not use that word in a context one would think.  One would assume that the “relational” part of this database comes from relating data to data, but it really comes from mathematics [3].  This goes back to math because of the thousands of possible tables that have data that each table can target onto when retrieving the information.  This mathematical property would allow the user to access the data without having to fully understand the physical design of the database [2].  

This whole concept came from the engineers and researchers at IBM in the 1970s.  Dr. Codd from IBM designed the idea that data could be gathered from all over the database without the database knowing exactly where it is when searching for it.  This was accomplished by using a value that was assigned to the data instead of using the data itself when searching for it amongst the thousands of data entries that were scattered in the database [2].  This was revolutionary idea due to the major leaps in efficiency that it brought to the data world. 

Some turbulence was brought into the “relational database world” when sites that require “Big Data” started to emerge.  At first, the sites claimed that relational databases built from SQL were not appropriate for their sites.  However, as time went on, some problems began to emerge [1].  Although not using SQL relational database was quick to form and manage at the start, as more and more information was included, many different issues arose which made it more complicated to control all of the data.

In summary, relational databases are a great tool to use when controlling large amounts of information in databases.  It allows the user to find the relevant data more quickly due to the relations between tables and columns throughout the databases.

             

 Comments:

-Steve: I like how you touched upon the use of databases in Intelligent Buildings.  I'm surprised that I looked over that completely despite that being the overall course topic.  Intelligent Buildings and databases will go hand in hand due to the amount of information that sensors and other pieces of technology will provide the structure.

-Audrey: It was interesting to read about SQL from what you posted since my topic kept referring back to SQL numerous times.  I did read something about NoSQL databases like you touched upon.  From the source I read, the expert being interviewed said that issues like bogging-down the system are a very prevalent issue, and it is making some companies rethink the way they hold information and data.

Sources:

[1] "Don't Write Off Relational Databases For Big Data Just Yet." ReadWrite. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2014. <http://readwrite.com/2013/01/21/dont-write-off-relational-databases-for-big-data-just-yet?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+readwriteweb+(ReadWriteWeb)#awesm=~ovpPXysQhbhQKU>.

[2] "Relational Database." IBM100 -. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. <http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/ibm100/us/en/icons/reldb/>.

[3] "What Are Relational Databases?" HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. <http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question599.htm>.

Week 5 - Sensor Technology and Capabilities in the Modern World

Sensor Technology and Capabilities in the Modern World - Mike Kilgallon and Matthew Morimoto

Description of the Project and why we chose it

The topic of our term paper is based on the evolution of technology in the construction and design field.  Although this could be a broad topic, we are going to narrow down our focus to how sensors are and will be used in construction and design.   This topic could range from the use of data gathered from sensors to help apply better techniques for real time construction to passive information that can be utilized to enhance the design of a building.

Why we chose it

We felt that this topic had a variety of applications that could be researched because it will one day be integrated into almost every part of building systems and might hold information that engineers and companies in the future will need.  Looking at present day tech, it is evident that more and more sensors and programs are being used in buildings.  Understanding how and where these systems will be built, placed, and operated is important in finding efficient ways of using the data garnered so that maximum profit, cost, and energy can  be saved.  As in many fields, it is always best to gain an understanding of new tech so that you aren’t left behind.

Challenges

Some of the challenges that we might face is gathering some concrete numbers on the use of sensors in the construction field.  What we are researching is fairly new ground, and with new ground comes a lot of unknown searching and discovery.  Although there have been articles relating new technology to design innovations and gathering data for buildings - through preliminary research - we have not been able to find any definite uses of sensors in construction by the likes of google glass.  More time will be put forth on this issue so that a better understanding on the topic can be discussed.

Deliverables
The main deliverable for this project will be a well-researched and thought out paper that will identify the advancements sensor technology is bringing to the table in the construction and design field.  If possible, we may try and find a case study that has this in action, but the main deliverable will be the paper.

Relation to Intelligent Buildings

This topic is very relevant to the concept of intelligent buildings.  With new tech being brought into the industry, programs such as BIM have really revolutionized the way buildings are modeled in the designing process.  BIM itself is causing a change in how to approach design which is also disturbing the status quo of billing and collaboration between contractor and engineer.  With newer sensors, it will only be a matter of time before these new pieces of hardware will affect the construction and design phase with the information that they can collect.

AE 510 Final Project Outline

Team: Michael Kilgallon

Matthew Morimoto

Topic: The Future of Buildings: How Technology will Change Construction and Design

1. Introduction

1. Background of Construction and Design

• Challenges in modern day applications

2. Types of Enhancements that Tech is bringing to field

• Overarching technologies

2. Sensor Evolution

1. Sensor Technologies

• Probably the first sensor used in buildings were the egyptians
2. How sensors are incorporated in buildings today

3. Changes in Construction & Design due to sensors

1. Affect Construction Process

• Better Data from other job sites on how different techniques work

• Able to determine how a building is to be laid out on a site (google glass)

• Efficiently measure times for welding and pouring concrete

• ETC.
• Makes renovations and expansions easier due to the data of how the building is performing and is acting

2. Affect Design Process

• Influence of future innovations regarding assembly

• Able to take more accurate measurements of loads over time
• Can make measurements of wearing over time
• Able to detect early fatigue and failure
4. Drawbacks

1. Socioeconomic impact on people

2. How will innovations hurt people

• Past examples

• Industrial Revolution

• Deindustrialization after WWII

5. Methods to ease impact on society

6. Conclusion

1. Closing statements

2. Reiterate the possibilities in the future

7. Bibliography

Other group comments

Ryan Taylor -  Good luck to you.  You are going after a very ambitious project especially for someone that doesnt have a lot of BIM experience.  My suggestion would be to try to get as much knowledge of families as you can.  Use Revitcity.com or other sites to download families and make them your own.  Additionally while your project is very work intensive I think that you definitely need something to define it as your own.  You talked about how a lot of people will be doing BIM modeling in one way or another but I think that if done right you can really shine and use this project for future work.  Yet again the best of luck!

D. Barbalace - Dave I really like the applications of your topic.  3D printing is definitely going to be something that will revolutionize the field of building systems.  However I am not sure if your project is extremely ambitious or totally feasible and I am disillusioned.  From my knowledge you intend to make 3 Revit models that can be at this point in time be made in a 3d printers.  First how do you know the largest size of segment you can create in one production period? Second will these houses have a price tag incorporated or is the essence of your project figuring out how much 3D printing is feasible?   Thought you might be interested in these questions before you begin your project.  

Group A - What changes do you see coming in the way BIM works?

BIM is an evolving software.  New things are beings added each year by companies.  Many changes are going to be added to BIM software as years go on.  Some of these are:

• More calculation heavy
• Fabrication will have more BIM features involved
• Interoperability: Disciplines work with each other more, more software will communicate with each other
• BIM software will be involved in projects from beginning to end.  Goal is to have same model for all disciplines
• Cloud computing will change the game for processing completely for Revit models.  Unlimited space to save models

Aside from the general future aspects of BIM, some more futuristic possibilities are possible throughout different industries.  Some of these could be:

• Robotic systems are hooked up with BIM models to give ergonomic space for movement in an area
• BIM models can use sensors to analyze the environment inside and out of a building so that money can be saved in regards to energy consumption and mechanical systems in a structure
• BIM models can use databases to give real time feedback on different variables in a structure

Source: 

Eric Kuszewski

Week 4 - BIM will Improve Buildings instead of degrade them

For years, buildings were designed through the use of a 2-D CAD program.  These programs allowed architects and engineers to build the floor layouts, the HVAC systems, and other plan sets that were vital to constructing a project.  However, this is slowly changing with the advent of BIM software packages being utilized in firms around the world.  As many of the readers of this blog know, BIM is a 3-D modeling tool that allows engineers and designers to create and work on projects in three dimensions.  For the past few weeks, the class has talked about how BIM is making the lives of engineers easier with its parametric functions.  However, I would like to discuss the advantages BIM brings to the table in regards to the final product, the value of a finished building.

            Using the old method of design, CAD software, designers were not able to create structures that had a framework or shape that was “too complex”.  With BIM however, this issue has been reduced, and as a result, the function of these creations has been optimized.  The spaces that are designed and created are made to enhance the environment in a space so that it can be more ergonomic and more efficient for the people who are using the space [1].  One prime example of this being used in action is by a firm called AnyBody Technology.  This company has been using the parametric modeling of BIM to simulate a human body maneuvering in an area.  These simulations, although great at showing ideal cases, still cannot count for the erratic behavior someone might have in the area. Nevertheless, using BIM in this case allows engineers and designers to use spaces to their fullest.

            Another advantage BIM brings to new buildings is the ability to design and analyze a structure so that it is energy efficient.  As time goes on, society in general is becoming more and more energy efficient.  Using BIM in buildings is allowing owners to determine better ways to use existing resources to save money on variable energy costs.  Some of the features that are utilized help analyze how much sunlight enters a building, how the HVAC systems affect different rooms, and how other utilities can be reduced in different circumstances [3].  These aspects of BIM give much more value to a building because of the intelligent features it has to save on energy, money, and the positive effect on the environment.  Additionally, BIM can help determine trends with a building so that it can adapt to its uses.  These trends could use factors such as the occupancy rate of a room to the global data, like GPS information and surface data, to see what would be the best way to control the interior of the structure [2].

            In conclusion, BIM is a great tool for architects and engineers alike.  Although BIM can aid greatly in the design of a building, it also improves buildings much more in the short and long term.

Comments:

-Esther: I was going to do the advantages and disadvantages of BIM until I saw your post.  That graph you put in the post pretty much speaks for itself when it comes to using BIM whether or not in a project.  Clearly, costs can be saved since most major work is done in design rather than later on in a project's life cycle.  One short term disadvantage that I think could be noted is for companies that are switching over from CAD to BIM due to the learning curve to adjusting to BIM.  I remember reading in one article (I wish I had the link for it) that said some companies might lose money on the first few projects that they use BIM for, but in the long run, those loses turn to profit because of faster turn around times.

-Steve: Everything you discussed pretty much covers all bases about why BIM is a great advantage for engineers.  Although it does take awhile to learn BIM inside and out like CAD, the features like parametric modeling are such a huge benefit for designers when making a project.

Sources:

[1] Arieff, Allison. "New Forms That Function Better." MIT Technology Review. N.p., 31 July 2013. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.

[2] "Going Green with BIM." Going Green with BIM. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.

[3] "How Building Information Modeling (BIM) Helps Buildings Go Green | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building." Inhabitat Sustainable Design Innovation Eco Architecture Green Building How Building Information Modeling BIM Helps Buildings Go Green Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.

BIM Tools and Parametric Modeling - Group A - Week 3

The subject of concern for this week’s blog is in regard to the BIM handbook.  This handbook is a great introduction to what BIM modeling is, what it does, and the major uses of BIM.  For my group, Chapter 2 is the main focus for this post.

The chapter first begins discussing, briefly, the history of BIM modeling.  This was quite interesting to read because it gave a foundation of how BIM started out and how it became the powerhouse program that it is today.  The most interesting part about its history was the fact that two different modeling techniques were actually competing with each other for several years before finally joining forces.  Boundary representation approach (b-rep) defined shapes as “closed, oriented set of bounded surface” while the other approach, constructive sold geometry (CSG), did not bound the shapes, but instead had the shapes correspond to algorithms and values that could be used to calculate different features of the shape, such as points, radius, or diameters.  You wouldn’t be able to tell, using modern programs, that these two were separate entities until finally coming together in current modeling software.  CSG is great for real time editing, and B-rep is good for measuring and gathering information regarding the model.

            The next section discussed how different types of software can only account for certain types of predefined objects that are used in the design process for the construction of a project.  Two tables are given, 2-1 and 2-2, which give the built in families and predefined objects for a range of programs.  These two tables illustrate an important fact: each program has its own niche that it fills.  Although all of them are used in design, each one has its own strengths that it brings to the table.  For example, Bentley Mechanical and Electrical has objects for the HVAC systems in a building, while Tekla has more objects that relate to the structural aspects of a building.  Additionally, each of these programs has complementary programs where data can be transferred easily.  When it comes to parametric design, the user can pick their poison and decide what would be the best program for design.

            One last topic that this chapter covered was how parametric design is useful in making edits much more easily in the program.  For example, if one part of a wall needed to be changed, that change can be made so that the walls and shapes around it updated accordingly.  This in turn can allow the properties and attributes to update so that all relevant information can be automatically changed so that no time is wasted manually changing these values.  This is huge step from CAD programs where these pieces of information did not have the luxury of this.

            After reading this chapter, I did learn a little more about BIM modeling.  I never really used Revit much, but this information does make Revit seem like a great tool that I should learn to use.

Source:

Eastman, C. M. (2011). BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Comments:

-To Matt:

That point you brought up regarding the computational power regarding the parametric modeling is on point.  I completely overlooked that aspect of the advancements of parametric modeling.  Although that type of modeling does make it easier for properties and attributes to update, it’s still important for engineers to be careful when designing so that if a future edit is made, the program doesn’t crash due to insufficient power.

-To Steve:

You’re very lucky to work with EwingCole and have that experience using Revit for projects.  I know some companies I interviewed with were hesitant about switching over to 3D modeling but from the sounds of it, it would be a worthwhile endeavor for companies to do.

-To Esther:

I like how you touched upon the specific strengths and weaknesses between Revit and Tekla.  I was going to do something like that in my post, but you beat me to the punch.  I never used Tekla as a program before either, but it does sound quite useful for structural design.

The Future of Buildings: How Technology will Change Construction and Design

The future has always been something that humans have tried to predict.  From the days of our first ancestors, man has tried to circumvent fate through foresight attained through religion, science, and sometimes luck.  However as humans have evolved, we have also been able to understand the world around us more with each passing year.  With the advancements in technology, humanity has been propelled into an age in which the unknown is less terrifying and better understood to the point where foresight isn't a myth but a way of life.  While predicting the future is not perfect, technology has ascended man to be able to look at the past and present to understand future trends and needs.

This principle is especially true in the field of intelligent buildings.  Technology is developing  faster than any one person could have originally expected.  In the not so far future it will regulate almost every aspect of design and construction.  This in turn will affect the discipline of engineering over the next century.

Over the last ten years have dramatically changed and become cheaper and easier to install and use.  From occupancy monitoring to fire suppression, the use of sensors has grown drastically.  Additionally, they have become smaller and more energy efficient allowing them to be used in areas that were originally off limits to such devices. However, the application of these sensors do not end with the ones that are just installed by the construction crews.  Over the next decade sensor technology will develop to incorporate building health from the structures supporting members to regulating energy use through the entire building.  

With the advancements in mobile devices such as Google Glass and Mobile Cellular devices the world of sensor technology will boom.  Imagine a world in which your construction crew know exactly where a beam is to go visually without having to interpret a single line diagram or a building system that uses cell phone signals to map which rooms need heating and cooling at any given time during the day.  In the not so distant future such sensors will be available in every application of building. The future use of technology will affect the way projects are constructed and designed.

Team:

Michael Kilgallon

Matthew Morimoto

Term Project Ideas

Some ideas for a term project:

-Affect of automation on jobs and construction

-Types of data that is needed for automation

-Value in having intelligent buildings and why the initial cost would be worth it

-How newer technologies will change how construction and design are done

Group A Summary of Analysis Techniques

After discussing with the group, three main topics were discussed that we all agree upon regarding analysis techniques for the future: data mining analysis, nondestructive testing, and automation of many things.

Data mining analysis:
The use of gathering and analyzing data in the future will be extremely useful for designing and constructing projects.  When gathering data for a particular region, the data from various aspects of a building and construction that were done can be referenced so that similar mistakes and factors can be compared.  By using data from multiple sources, a project can learn from past mistakes and use data so that time, man power, and money can be saved.

Non-destructive testing:
In the future, NDT will become more prevalent in construction and engineering lifespan analysis.  NDT can be used in many application and is an efficient way to make sure that existing structures are safe and structurally sound.  Through the use of multiple testing methods, NDT can analysis a variety of structures, systems, and members.

Automation:
Like many industries, the future will incorporate a lot of methods for construction and production through automatic and robotic means.  This means that many tasks that are done by people today will be done faster, more accurately, and cheaper than people.  With technology growing much better each year, this is huge possibility in the years to come.

Week 2 - Future Analysis Techniques - Group A

Think back in the last decade.  How much has technology improved over the past ten years?  Ten years ago, I was still using a 3.5 inch floppy disk to save word documents which would only hold 1.44 MB of data.  Fast forward to the present, I have a 16 GB flash drive that puts the old floppy to shame.  As time progresses, more and more improvements and advancements in technology will arise, giving way to more uses and easier access to data.  In addition, the way these new inventions and data are used will affect the way professionals will analyze different aspects of design.

The way professionals are using technologies to perform analyses is already being researched and used in many different fields.  One prime example is the use of AI algorithms to analyze and evaluate a treatment for a patient in the medical field.  According to researchers, the algorithm that they tested was not only able to give a better diagnosis of the patient by 41%, but it also significantly reduced the cost of the whole situation by up to 58%.  Since the AI is a computer, it uses data and historical details to diagnose a patient, rather than a human doctor’s intuition [3]. 

Although this is occurring in the medical, this same sort of use of future tech can be used to analyze the structures of today and of the future.  Companies like GE are already using this approach of intertwining technology and their production to more efficiently control their different departments [1].  This method that GE is doing and the way the tech is used in the medical field could be implemented into a building to help automate the whole structure through its construction and lifetime. During construction, BIM modeling can help stream line the design process by having the model ready for all parties involved, and during the lifetime of the structure, the different pieces of tech can relay messages regarding different aspects of the building.  For example, by having the computers analyze the data from the outside temperature and the data of how often doors and windows are open, the system can help regulate the HVAC systems more efficiently.  GE does this in regards to manufacturing.  By having the processes and the tech used effectively, a building can add thousands to its value, and in GE’s situation, add a trillion dollars to the company’s value [1].

One final bit of future analysis that could be used in intelligent buildings are data algorithms that can detect changes in a material’s behavior.  By using cameras, a computer could analyze the pixels of an image and decode those pixels to determine what was being seen in the photo.  It could then use pattern recognition to determine what is going on in the image and determine if any action is needed [2].  This is a great tool that could be used in the future to put cameras in different parts of structure for structural health monitoring.  With the cameras hooked up to a system, the code of a program could determine if a crack was generating in a weak spot and send notification that a plan of action must be taken.  My colleague, Matt Morimoto, goes more in depth about ways to test different structures and seeing if failure is possible in that structure.

With technology changing faster and faster each year, the possibilities of future analyzing techniques are endless.  Only time will tell regarding how these techniques will turn out.  One interesting advancement that can be seen in my group members post, Steve Bartel, is the ability of programmers creating robots that can adapt to situations by using data mining to gather several parcels of information to analyze a situation.

References:

[1] "General Electric Adds to Its ‘Industrial Internet’." Bits General Electric Adds to Its Industrial Internet Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

[2] "Real “touch” Screens and Tasteful Computers: IBM Predicts the Future — Tech News and Analysis." Gigaom. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

[3] "Researchers Say AI Prescribes Better Treatment than Doctors — Tech News and Analysis."Gigaom. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

Group A Intelligent Building Defintion

Intelligent Building

Use of computer technology to follow the progress from design to construction for a project.  It can keep track of the features within the building for both client and drafter.  Allows for easy interaction between various disciplines.  Combines various systems such as HVAC, structural, architectural, etc.  

This definition was created by combining the minds of Stephen Bartal, Phil Brubaker, Matt Morimoto, Michael Kilgallon, and Esther Ninshuti.

Michael Kilgallon's Initial Blog Post

Background regarding intelligent buildings:
-Dabbled a bit with Revit, but I am more fluent with AutoCAD
-Never really heard of the term until this class actually

Expectations:
-To learn what Intelligent Buildings are, why they are beneficial, and how to implement them in the design process
-To learn more about BIM and see how useful it is in the construction of new buildings and projects
-Learn how to incorporate robotics and networks into buildings and building design

Initial definition of "Intelligent Buildings":
-A building that has its features recorded fully through design, construction, and completion, so that updates on each step of the process can be seem by all parties involved in its creation.
-It would allow projects to become more streamline to save time and cost in construction.

Student Names–To Create Topics

Here are your names.  I’ve also used this post to create labels that are your last names.  Please use those labels when posting so it’s easy for people to see what you’ve written.

Abdulrhman Alkraidees - Architectural Engineering
Antonino Badalamenti - Architectural Engineering
David Barbalace - Architectural Engineering
Stephen Bartal - Architectural Engineering
Brian Benson - Architectural Engineering
Adam Brooke - Architectural Engineering
Phillip Brubaker - Architectural Engineering
Edward Bruder - Architectural Engineering
Ryan Donahue - Architectural Engineering
Signe Jakobsen - Study Abroad Visiting
Michael Kilgallon - Civil Engineering
Ian Lagrange de Carvalho - Architectural Engineering
Matthew Morimoto - Architectural Engineering
Esther Ninshuti - Civil Engineering
Andrew Paladino - Architectural Engineering
Dongyan Qi - Architectural Engineering
Yijun Qian - Civil Engineering
Audrey Ryan - Architectural Engineering
Jeremy Sulak - Architectural Engineering
Ryan Taylor - Architectural Engineering
Nameita Toure - Architectural Engineering
Weiyang Wang - Civil Engineering
Melanie Wayne - Civil Engineering
Tyler Woyshner - Architectural Engineering
Michael Wright - Civil Engineering
Kyung Yoon - Architectural Engineering