Week 10 - Course Reflection

When first registering for this class, I honestly did not know what to fully expect or what I was getting myself into.  My best guess as to what this class was going to be about was going to be to design a structure of sorts in a relevant software being used today and then incorporating the different aspects of BIM into the design and life cycle of that structure.  I also thought this class might be about how all of the different software being used today interoperates with each other.  Either way, I knew BIM would be an important topic discussed in this class and I wanted to learn more about it since I know I will be using it extensively in my career.

To an extent, my preconceived ideas of this class were correct in some topics, but wrong on others.  But, not wrong in a bad way.  All of the guest speakers who appeared gave great examples and descriptions of how BIM is incorporated in everyday life how it is applied to a myriad of engineering applications across several disciplines.  Also, in terms of the guest speakers who spoke specifically about a type of software, I enjoyed learning what was different between them and how some software is better for some projects than others. 

In terms of the main ideas and themes of this class, learning how “intelligent buildings” earn that title and how they will continue to become more intelligent in the future interested me a lot.  It is always fun to watch videos online about the houses or businesses of the future, but this class was good at discussing just exactly how those future structures will happen.  The incorporation of sensors that monitor every activity imaginable and then store all of that data in databases capable of sorting it and producing more information was interesting to learn.  I never realized just how many data sets or how much storage and memory is needed in order to fully operate some of these more intelligent systems. 

This class did a great job of introducing all of the details that are associated with the many topics in this class, but I feel as though there could easily be a separate and in-depth class that could be held for each one.  Most notably, the database topic could easily be stretched into a multi-term class to really understand what they are capable of doing. 

Overall, I am glad I took this course and would recommend to others, especially if Professor Mitchell continues to update his lectures and slides as technology improves over the years.

Comments on other posts:

Signe:  I am glad you enjoyed this class and I am curious if there are classes like this back home for you in Denmark that would explore these types of topics, or if their idea of an intelligent building would have a completely different definition. 

Stephen:  I agree with you that the major assignments were helpful learning exercises.  It seems as though getting hands-on with some of the software gives a little better perspective of just how much effort goes into what seems like simple tasks.

Group B Week 9 Story

Link: Click here

Temperature Sensors - Group B

Temperature sensors are used in many modern day electronics to monitor heat levels to avoid overheating.  Since some processes only work within a narrow range of temperatures, accurate measurements are needed so that preventative measures can be enacted, or the system can shut down to avoid any damages.  Also, as Tyler Woyshner described in his blog post, temperature sensors are utilized in many buildings to control the comfort levels of the occupants.  He goes on to mention how measurements can be used to adjust the temperature settings of the building itself.  A variety of sensors exist including thermocouples, thermistors, sensor integrated circuits, and resistance temperature detectors (RFDs).  These are all considered contact sensors which have to touch an object to obtain a measurement.

Audrey Ryan gives a more descriptive account in her blog post about how different types of temperature sensors perform measurements, but to give a brief explanation of how these types of sensors operate, thermocouples work by having “two dissimilar metals joined together at one end, to produce a small unique voltage at a given temperature.” (Hareendran)  These types of sensors can measure a range of up to 1700 degrees but tend to not be very sensitive.  Thermistors measure a change of electrical resistance that corresponds to different temperature changes but have a smaller range of measurements and can be cheaper.  RFDs are sensors “that contain a resistor that changes resistance value as its temperature changes” (Omega) and tend to have better accuracy and stability than thermocouples. 

Temperature sensors monitor “the atomic activity and movement of an object. When temperature sensor devices read an object with zero atomic activity, the temperature point is considered absolute zero.” (DeVale)  The more atomic activity leads to higher temperatures which cause more electronic activity or resistance in the sensor taking the measurements.  Based on the strength of the temperature, the sensor can produce an analog or digital output which can be sent to databases that store measurements, or devices that display the measured temperature.

One form of non-contact temperature sensors are infrared sensors.  These “convert thermal energy sent from an object in a wavelength range of 0.7 to 20 um into an electrical signal that converts the signal for display in units of temperature after compensating for any ambient temperature. “ (Mathas)  Because these temperature measurements can be made from a distance, they are often used in hazardous environments. 

References:

Hareendran, T. K. "Working With Temperature Sensors: A Guide." Electronics Zone, 2012. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://electronicsforu.com/electronicsforu/circuitarchives/view_article.asp?sno=1476&title%20=%20Working+With+Temperature+Sensors%3A+A+Guide&id=12364&article_type=8&b_type=new>.

Mathas, Carolyn. "Temperature Sensors; the Basics." Digi-Key Corporation, 27 Oct. 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.digikey.com/en-US/articles/techzone/2011/oct/temperature-sensors-the-basics>.

"Temperature Sensor: Understanding How They Work." DeVale Industries Inc, 2013. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.devale.com/temperature-sensor/temperature-sensing.html>.

"What Are RTD Sensors? Why Use Them? How Do They Work?" Omega Engineering Inc, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.omega.com/Temperature/pdf/RTD_Gen_Specs_Ref.pdf>.

SQL - What is it and why is it important.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and uses a language that allows for interacting with data in a database.  There are many different databases that exist, but to get them to interact with each other requires them all to have some sort of standardized language or list of commands.  SQL is a program that has been around since the 1970s and “happens to be nothing but an international standard language of communication within databases.” (Chapman) 

Although not always seen, SQL is always there and is used in almost all database transactions.  However, most of the work that it does is covered up by the “large number of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that simplify database administration tasks.” (Chapple).  Many different companies use different variations of SQL that are then used by many third party companies to be coded into their final products.  Therefore, every mouse click or text that is typed by the user can be stored in or used to modify a database of information pertinent to each company.

SQL works similarly to how an excel spreadsheet is set up; it looks at data in terms of tables.  Within these tables, SQL allows the user to place data, read data, change data, and remove data from these tables.  SQL also allows for the interaction of several tables at a time to manage data.  Some modern programmers find this approach to be antiquated because “SQL only knows tables, and every operation produces tables. It either "produces" a table by modifying an existing one, or it returns a new temporary table as your data set.” (Shaw)  This can pose problems with many programs today that utilize object-oriented programming that focus on nested objects and parent-child relationship coding techniques.  However, since SQL only provides basic framework, programmers have learned to adapt and change their programs to incorporate all of SQL’s various functions.

Although SQL is a simplified language compared to others, it is often different for each database for which it is used.  “Some databases execute particular functions that will not always run in others. That's the reason why every company that delivers database products such as Microsoft and Oracle, have their own certification process ensuring that those who take the certification exams are very well prepared and understand the differences between the various models of SQL.” (Chapman)  SQL provides the framework to handle complex functions within each company’s own databases, but it takes specialized knowledge to be able to have these databases interact with each other. 

Comments:
Mike:  I liked how you explained the history of relational databases and how it emerged to make managing large amounts of data more efficient.  With the amount of information be stored continually increasing, managing it and accessing what you need can definitely be a hassle.

Audrey:  Explaining the difference between relational and hierarchical databases is important to know when deciding what type of database may be used for your company depending on how you want your database to perform.  It was nice to hear you mention some advantages of each. 

References:

Chapman, Daniel R. "What Is SQL and Why It Is Important?" Ezine Articles, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 8 Feb. 2014.

Chapple, Mike. "Structured Query Language (SQL)." About.com Databases. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.

Shaw, Zed A. "Introduction: Haters Gonna Hate, Or Why You Still Need SQL." Learn SQL the Hard Way. N.p., 2010. Web. 08 Feb. 2014.

Project Outline: Audrey Ryan, Jeremy Sulak, Tyler Woyshner

Description of project:

Each member of our team has chosen a different hazardous environment to research in regards to the dangers of performing maintenance in that setting.  Three different hazards, repairing facades of tall buildings, hazardous waste disposal and repair, and falls of heavy items, are identified as possible places where robots can improve the process to minimize the danger to humans and increase the economic efficiency.  Each hazard will look into the relevant technologies and materials, how it can be achieved, progress made so far, what else can be done to make it a possibility.

Why chosen:

Collectively we felt inspired through discussions in class about the future of robotics and how they can be used to improve the safety within the building industry.  From this we wanted to see what has been done so far to mitigate these hazards and explore the future of what is possible.

Relation to Intelligent Buildings:

With the increasing number of high-rise and large-scale buildings, modern buildings are becoming intelligent, and are incurring high construction costs and requiring careful maintenance. Maintenance for buildings significantly depends on human labor, unlike other construction processes that are gradually being automated. Accidents may produce very high social and economic losses. Additionally, the reliability of the manual inspection approach is questionable because human judgement is always subjective. Consequently, the poor inspection result will cause either excessive or inadequate repairing work that is undesirable in term of costing and safety. To address this problem, herein, a robotic building maintenance system using multi-robot concepts, can improve the efficiency and economic feasibility of the process. 

Challenges:

Not a lot of progress has been made in relation to building industry in terms of using robots for maintenance; instead the majority of robots have been used towards actual construction of the buildings.  A challenge for us will be to find information related to the future of robotics, specifically for maintenance.  

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

Outline

Intro/Challenges of maintenance/types of hazardous environments

Repairing facades of tall buildings

• ·         Explanation of hazard
• ·         Relevant technology and materials
• ·         How can it be achieved
• ·         Progress made so far
• ·         Work left to do to make it possible

Hazardous waste disposal and repair  i.e. asbestos etc

• ·         Explanation of hazard
• ·         Relevant technology and materials
• ·         How can it be achieved
• ·         Progress made so far
• ·         Work left to do to make it possible

Falls of heavy items

• ·         Explanation of hazard
• ·         Relevant technology and materials
• ·         How can it be achieved
• ·         Progress made so far
• ·         Work left to do to make it possible

Conclusion

Comments to other posts:

Dave, I found your project plan for exploring the future application of 3-D printing to building construction fascinating. Establishing the criteria for materials and technology that are crucial to the success of such large scale printing will definitely be key in implementing this in real-life industry and I'm interested to see your take on it. Creating examples in Revit/SketchUp of building models that fit those criteria is a great way to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology. I also like that you are taking into consideration the potential social and economics benefits of 3-D printed buildings. It's obvious that you have put a lot of thought into your topic and I really look forward to seeing the final project.

Teddy Bruder, I found your idea for your project to be very interesting. As an avid music downloader, I know all about how it is becmoing more popular in today's world to download music illegally instead of paying for it.  This is not only unethical, but it is insulting to the musical artists who are not getting the proper repirations for their hard work.  This can be directly related to 3-D printers and pirating.  There is a lot of excitement about what 3-D printers are going to be able to do, and it would be very unfortunate to have to deal with pirating. I am curious to see if you end up forming any opinions into any future laws that may be enacted to combat this inevitable event and how they would be enforced.  Congress always seems to be a little behind the times when it comes to applying legislation to technology.  

References:

Bing L. Luk, Louis K. P. Liu and Arthur A. Collie (2007). Climbing Service Robots for Improving Safety in Building Maintenance Industry, Bioinspiration and Robotics Walking and Climbing Robots, Maki K. Habib (Ed.), ISBN: 978-3-902613-15-8, InTech.


Lee, Seunghoon, Min-Sung Kang, and Chang-Soo Han. "Sensor Based Motion Planning and Estimation of High_rise Building Façade Maintenance Robot." IJPEM 13.12 (2012): 2127-134. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.

B - What's the relation of BIM to other IT Software?

Although BIM is improving its capabilities and features, it still lacks in terms of what other software such as SAP or eQuest can analyse.

Industry standards such as CAD have dominated the engineering and design atmosphere for so long, and BIM is seemingly putting an end to it.  Typical 2D software is no longer sufficient when the capabilities to manage and model 3D figures are there to help owners, designers, and engineers better visualize the structure under review.

BIM interoperability with different software is allowing groups to use the software of their choice and allowing them to interact with fewer errors between the transfer of data among them.  One of the challenges that faces BIM in industry is the need to link other types of software to the model in order for firms to achieve the level of functionality that they're looking for.  Many designers still prefer to use platforms developed specifically for their individual disciplines.

Week 4 - BIM vs. Drafting (with a CAD Program) - Advantages and Disadvantages

BIM vs. Drafting (with a CAD Program) - Advantages and Disadvantages

As many companies merge towards incorporating BIM into most of their projects, they may wonder if using BIM has more advantages than disadvantages.  The easy answer to this question would be that BIM is much more advantageous due to its ability to perform parametric modeling and incorporate all of the different systems within a building at once.  For example, Dongyan Qi described in his blog post about BIM being able to provide a 3D walkthrough and renderings of all of the systems.  However, BIM does more than just this.  Unlike BIM, CAD is a 2D technology that outputs a collection of lines and text on a page. These lines have no inherent meaning, whether inside the computer or on the printed sheet. . . there is little to no correlation or intelligent connection among them.” (Dzambazova)  If two parallel lines are drawn in CAD, they say nothing about that wall other than it exists.  It does not give the materials that make it or any of the material properties.  BIM, on the other hand, is modeled so that “Each component and material understands its physical properties as well as how it will perform as a building system so we can get rich data out of the model regarding heating and cooling, most efficient building orientation, solar gains, etc.; we can test our building before it’s built” (Webster)  The objects are no longer modeled as just a set of lines that give the dimensions, they can be specified “in terms of its structural, acoustic, thermal or aesthetic performance. “ (Hamil)  Engineers can use this info, which can be updated if necessary, to determine things like how the combined insulation properties of external and internal walls affects the heating and cooling loads that will need to be provided by the HVAC in the building. 

As convenient as it is to be able to monitor and produce models that can provide these properties, it can have some drawbacks as well.  For example, CAD can be seen as being advantageous because it provides “a set of instructions for the intended means of constructing the building. Exact means in this method are hashed out during shop drawings, coordination meetings and often in the field after construction has begun.” (Webster) This allows engineers using a CAD system to speed up the process of erecting a structure.  Many owners of the structure being designed would love to start the construction process as soon as possible, especially if they know that decisions can still be successfully made regarding the design after they have broken ground.  Also, there are many custom made materials and parts that are not included in the libraries of BIM software of objects to be modeled.  Matt Morimoto mentioned in his blog post about conduit elbows sometimes not being able to be connected due to sizing issues.  Although BIM software such as Revit allows the creation of families to model and place new 3D objects, it is sometimes only necessary, and therefore easier, to just provide a simple 2D model that can be easily created in a CAD system.  

Resources:

Dave Webster. "Keys to a Successful BIM Implementation: BIM vs. CAD: Really…What’s the Difference?" MasterGraphics Weblog RSS. N.p., 26 Oct. 2011. Web. 28 Jan. 2014. <http://www.mastergraphics.com/wordpress/2011/keys-to-a-successful-bim-implementation-bim-vs-cad-reallywhats-the-difference/>.

Dzambazova, Tatjana, Eddy Krygiel, and Greg Demchak. "Understanding BIM." Introducing Revit Architecture 2010: BIM for Beginners. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub., 2009. N. pag. Safari. Web. 28 Jan. 2014. <http://my.safaribooksonline.com/book/cad/9780470473559/understanding-bim/how_bim_is_different_from_cad>.

Stephen Hamil. "Isn't BIM Just 3D CAD?" Nbs, Aug. 2011. Web. 28 Jan. 2014. <http://www.thenbs.com/topics/bim/articles/isntBimJust3Dcad.asp>.

Group B - Interoperability

Interoperability allows for different groups of designers and engineers to simultaneously work on a single project.  Using BIM is a common way of allowing these groups to use the same or even different types of software on the same structure.  For example, “a service engineer, architect and structural engineer all working on separate 3D models in their versions of Autodesk Revit. These separate models may then be aligned to show a combined design model and then passed to the construction team to plan the work in Autodesk Navisworks.” (Hamil)  Tyler Woyshner explained more in detail in his blog post about how complex the design process is and why interoperability of BIM is the future of the design process.  For example, BIM can help overcome issues, such as placements of beams or HVAC systems that occur during the design phases, but this brings along other possible errors. 

As design takes place on a structure, it will need to eventually be migrated to and analyzed in other types of software.  “Additional changes that take place after the creation of these dual models can require significant model maintenance, with repeated merges of the [analysis and design] and BIM models. Over time, this "round-tripping" of data from one model to another can lead to data loss and a loss of model accuracy. “ (Burt)  Some of the inaccuracies that may occur could be as minor as the model being shown with different colors.  However, larger errors could be made in the data transfer that could lead to wrong dimensions or missing members, both of which could be catastrophic.  Although compatibility and interoperability is improving with each new version of software that is released, problems could still arise.  For example, if a large project takes a long time to complete design and analysis, and different versions of software are released within that time, then it is possible that the obsolete software may not be read properly by the newer versions.  One way to prevent this would be to have “all collaborators to use the same version of their BIM software throughout the duration of a project.” (Burt)

As recently as 2011, a study of the collaboration of different software has shown that there is still plenty of room for improvement.  The following chart shows where modeling errors occurred when the same data was entered in to different software. (Pniewski)  Every time that a newer version of software is released both the manufacturers and users of that software need to be aware of any new inoperability errors that could occur. 

Blue - All Good

Yellow - Errors Occured

Black - Examination not performed

References:

Burt, Bruce A. "BIM Interoperability." STRUCTUREmag. N.p., Dec. 2009. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. <http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=995>.

Hamil, Stephen. "Building Information Modelling and Interoperability." Building Information Modelling. NBS, Apr. 2012. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. <http://www.thenbs.com/topics/bim/articles/bimAndInteroperability.asp>.

Pniewski, Voytek. " ." Building Information Modeling (BIM) Interoperability Issues in Light of Interdisciplinary Collaboration. Collaborative Modeling Ltd, 2011. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. <http://www.collaborativemodeling.com/bim_interoperability_issues_rev03.htm>.

Ideas for project

• Future of BIM
• sensor application in green buildings
• applicability of 3D printing for load-bearing members
• future of robotic sensing
• using robots for construction in hazardous environments (underwater, etc)
• applicability of different materials to be used in 3d printing

Group B Future of Sensor Capabilities

     Collectively as a group, we have come up with common themes regarding the future of sensors. Firstly, we noticed that as technology advances sensors are capable of doing more descriptive and more detailed tasks all while adapting to their environment. For instance, the Dropcam sensor, which is a video-motion detector sensor, if placed near a window with a tree that moves due to the wind every day, will recognize the tree as a non-threat and routine figure in its field of vision. Secondly, as a new type of sensor is researched and unveiled, they tend to be not as sleek and more expensive. However, as time passes, these sensors can become more affordable and cost effective.
     Sensors can be used in a spectrum of fields in society. Sensors are utilized in the fields of medicine, security, aerospace, and many more. For instance, in the medical field, doctors are capable of putting sensors in the brain capable of moving prosthetic limbs on the patient's body. Additionally, sensors can be used as pacemakers capable of adapting to the varying levels of mental and physical stress within the patient. Sensors are used in the military to detect threats in the field as well as used for radar in a variety of capacities. With regards to buildings, one of the newest technologies sensors are used for are with energy harvesting so that buildings can maximize the efficiency in its usage of energy. These sensors are capable of harvesting energy from vibrations, photoelectric sources, and thermoelectric sources.

Week 2 - The Future of Sensor Capabilities

Many people like to talk about how advanced technology is damaging our way of life by eliminating more and more jobs.  Although that is true for a lot of professions, technological advances are also improving our way of life by making us healthier and safer.  A common trend today is the wearing of different fitness trackers such as Jawbone Ups, Fitbits, and FuelBands that use internal sensors to monitor calories burned, heart rates, severity of sleep apnea, and even slouching (Jones).  This type of sensor technology is a wonderful way of encouraging people to be more aware of their health.  Although these wearable sensors are being sold to the masses for increasingly lower costs, the future capabilities of fitness and medical sensors will be able to monitor and track areas of health that is harder to control and measure. 

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) already have the ability to connect a brain to a computer using wired connections, but want to use that technology to create a sensor that could “lead to unobtrusive, thought-controlled prosthetics and other assistive devices for people with amputated limbs, paralysis, or other movement impairments.” (Sensors)  Although this is a large hurdle for researchers to overcome, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a reality.  It is likely that implanted sensors in the brain could then be connected to other sensors in the body to manipulate and improve other deficiencies such as blindness by connecting the brain sensors with others that may be implanted in an eye. 

Another area of ongoing research is using biological sensors for medical improvement.  One example of this is by using “engineered cells that can be ‘programmed’ with receptors that latch onto specific brain chemicals. The resulting chain of activity causes a protein within the cell to change color that researchers can detect” (Sensors).  Allowing scientists to monitor brain activity in this way can give insight to possible mental disorders.  It can also be used to fight diseases such as HIV that are often hidden in cells and have processes that can be hard to monitor.  One problem with biological sensors is that our bodies tend to want to fix anything that doesn’t belong, including sensors.  Research at the NIBIB is trying to improve sensor abilities against our bodies’ natural defenses by “creating novel types of coatings that improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and stability” (Sensors).

As mentioned in Tyler’s post, future sensors will need to be able to adapt to their environment to be more effective.  Additionally, Audrey’s post mentioned that future sensors need to be able to consume energy from surroundings to remain cost-effective.  While one would like the health of a person to remain steady and in good standing, vital signs and other chemical processes are constantly changing and affecting the health of a person.  Sensors located throughout the brain and elsewhere in the body will need to employ adaptive measures and utilize energy produced by the body to remain both cost-effective and fully functional.

Sources:

Jones, Scott. "The Future of Wearable Technology." Inc.com. N.p., 3 Oct. 2013. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

"Sensors." National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. U.S. Department of Health &Human Services, n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/sensors>.

Group B Intelligent Building Definition

Intelligent Buildings:

A structure that uses technology to respond to its environment and enhance the performance of a building.

Jeremy Sulak's Initial Blog Post

Background:
2 Arch design classes at Drexel that used Revit for project designs.
Used microstation in a prior coop

Expectation:
To learn how BIM is being used in the industry today and get some hands on with Revit.
To understand why BIM is used by more and more companies.

Definition of Intelligent Buildings:
Incorporating the use of technology for all systems in a building through its life cycle.

Dummy for Names

I had to add this post in order to make Labels for all your names (technical limitation).  Please ignore it.

Here’s the post with all your names as of 1/4/2014