Team project idea post

·         The feasibility of 3D printing in the future construction.

·         Research on the sensor use, where they should put and what information we should get in order to make a comfortable indoor environment.

qyj0907sz@gmail.com

Week 2 - Term Project Ideas

Ryan Taylor

Term Project Ideas:

• Model a residential building and incorporate a family created by myself
• Research the future of BIM
• Research the impact of BIM on the construction industry
• Research how sensors have been implemented and what the future holds for sensors in residential buildings
• Research the impact of robotics in construction and explore how it has/will effect jobs

Week 2 - Term Project

I have 2 ideas about term project.

1. 3D printing project: Create a 3D model that can  be corroborated with 3D printer. The model can either be a building or a small project.

2. Robotic project: Create an automated window shade that can roll up and down based on the room temperature by mount sensors on the window shade.


ww84@drexel.edu

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

Week 2 - Computer Hardware Technology, Group E

Computer hardware is all of the physical components that connected together to build up the computer system. Hardware has different types that can be installed inside, or connected to the outside of a computer. Computer hardware technology has been developed throughout the years.  Nowadays, the dream of many users to control a computer by thinking at it came true, when Joel Murphy and Conor Russomanno, a designer and an engineer respectively, launched their open brain-computer interface (OpenBCI) project.

Basically, an openBCI is an affordable 8-channel EEG platform that gives anybody with a computer access to his brainwaves. The advantage of OpenBCI is giving users full access to brain raw data with low power consumption. This will allow users to control variety of applications such as the lights based on your brainwaves or mood using software algorithms and signal processing.
The openBCI controller uses the Texas Instruments ADS 1299, which is an 8-channel, low noise, 24 bit analog to digital converter that used to measuring the EEG signals. The device has many bells and whistles to make sure that electrodes are interacting better with the subject.
Throughout the deign process, considering different factors such as comfort, reading signal quality and cost, they came up with the first 3D-printable headset. Since one of their goals was to make BCI to be beneficial, they make their design applied the International 10-20 system into their design. The International 10-20 system internationally recognized method for placing electrodes on the human scalp in the context of EEG. The advantage of the 3D-printable headset is that it has a base for the openBCI board in addition to the rechargeable batteries.

The tools of reading the brainwaves has been around since 1912; however, the technology was ahead to be used since the first digital computer was created later on and the EEG recordings was hard to read. Now, technology has got cheaper and easier to use.

 What makes openBCI different is that it’s smaller and affordable. Although, there are many hardware that can read or translate the EEG raw signals into meaning data, the hardware and software behind the OpenBCI are transparent which make the users have the full access to approach any idea with different skill level. 


Resources:

1. Murphy, Joel, and Conor Russomanno. "OpenBCI: An Open Source Brain-Computer Interface For Makers." Kickstarter. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openbci/openbci-an-open-source-brain-computer-interface-fo>.
2. Yegulalp, Serdar. "Coming Soon: Control Your Computer with Your Brain via Open Source." InfoWorld. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://www.infoworld.com/t/open-source-software/coming-soon-control-your-computer-your-brain-open-source-234025>.

Week 2 - 3D Manufacturing Capabilities

In 1984 the first working 3D printer (or additive manufacturing as it was called) was created by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corp. It has since been redeveloped many times for many different purposes.

3D printing is basically a process, where a three-dimensional virtual shape is made into a solid object. By using an additive process, where many layers of material are laid down in different shapes, the object is created.

At the moment, 3D printers can only print in one material, and most of the commercial 3D printers use cheap plastic. But 3D printing has a lot of potential. It is a fast improving field. Earlier this year, the first professionally certified 3D food printer was launched, and a working 3D concrete printer is fast approaching.

By a long shot, one can say that 3D printing actually started in architecture, when the Egyptians stacked stone blocks on top of each other, layer by layer, and that way created the pyramids. Then some thousand years later, machines were created to help people build, which standardized the buildings. Now everything affordable is defined by these industrial standards. By 3D printing buildings, everything could go back to being customized, as it is only a 3D CAD model that would need changes.

Let’s just say it is possible to 3D print a house. Much less material would be used, as the 3D printer could make hollow walls. These walls would not only be lighter, but could also house all installations and cables, which the 3D printer would make at the same time as the walls (of course the 3D printer works with multiple materials). There would be geometrical freedom and structural optimization. The functions would be integrated and there wouldn’t be any complexity in assembly.

The first few 3D concrete printers have already been created, where the biggest can cover an area of 30 square meters (323 square feet).

If a 3D concrete printer were used instead of pouring concrete into a formwork, it would be a much quicker, cheaper and safer way to build, not to mention the architectural possibilities to create organic shapes.

NASA is currently sponsoring a project (lead by professor Khoshnevis (as Brian also has written about) called Contour Crafting), where researchers claim to be able to build the shell of a 2,000 square feet house in less than 20 hours, and that it is just two years away from commercial use. 

Sources:

Chalcraft, Emilie, "In the future we might print not only

buildings, but entire urban sections", Dezeen magazine, 21 May 2013: http://www.dezeen.com/2013/05/21/3d-printing-architecture-print-shift/

Fairs, Marcus, “3D-printed buildings to become reality

"in the not-too-distant future"” Dezeen magazine, 25 September 2013: http://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/25/3d-printed-buildings-to-become-reality-in-the-not-too-distant-future/

N/A, ”3D printed concrete houses ”two years from market””, 11 october 2013:  http://www.construction-manager.co.uk/news/3d-printed-concrete-houses-two-years-market/

N/A, ”Freeform construction: Concrete printing”, 2 June 2010: http://blog.ponoko.com/2010/06/02/freeform-construction-concrete-printing/

Royte, Elizabeth, “What lies ahead for 3- D printing?”, Smithsonian magazine, May 2013: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-lies-ahead-for-3-d-printing-37498558/#ixzz2qIpbwIPq

                                                                                                                                             

Walton, Jon, ”3D Printing – The Future of Concrete”, 15 march 2012: http://www.constructiondigital.com/green_building/3d-printing---the-future-of-concrete

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfbhdZKPHro#t=177

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehnzfGP6sq4

Week 2 - Future Analysis Techniques

The field of building analysis technique is one in which new methods that are more efficient and economical continually come into the fray.  It is because of this constant improvement on previous techniques, that engineers are able to analyze the buildings being constructed as well as preexisting buildings in order to determine the health and safety of them.  One field that is becoming especially more prevalent in today's engineering and construction world is the technique known as Non Destructive Testing.

Non Destructive Testing is "the process of inspecting, testing, or evaluating materials, components or assemblies for discontinuities, or differences in characteristics without destroying the serviceability of the system.  In other words, when he inspection or test is completed the part can still be used. " [1]

The reason why this method is so important is that it doesn't destroy the structure that is currently erected.  Furthermore most of the techniques that fall under the curtain of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) do not require the system to be shutdown or limit operations which allows for continuous service which is important in the case of buildings.

There are several NDT Test Methods

• Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)
• Sensors listen for energy released from the material due to cracks and defects [2]
• Electromagnetic Testing (ET)
• Electrical current and Magnetic fields are induced inside a test subject and responses are observed [3]
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• By using x-rays to gamma rays, defects are able to be found by displaying the differences in radiation absorption. [3]
• Leak Testing (LT)
• Using fluid and gas techniques, this technique is used to detect and locate leaks in containers
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Using high frequency sound waves measurements about the interior of a structure can be determined. [3]
• Visual Testing (VT)
• Visual Inspection of the surface of a material, does not provide any information about the inside of a member [3]

Each of these tests can be used but most are used in conjunction with another in order to get the best results.  It is impossible to get perfect results as each method has its pros and cons.  Some techniques are more expensive but give better results while others are fast but give only general information of the structure.  However as time progresses these techniques have become more well known and used in analyzing buildings and giving engineers real time data of how a structure is being maintained over time.  In the future it might even get to the point were these techniques will be integrated into the building design signaling when critical parts of the building are about to fail.  

Response:  I was very interested in the Data Mining concept brought up by several of my colleagues.  I was very interested in how it could possibly lead to technology that will be able to design and build on its own.  Furthermore what interested me was that this technology implemented with NDT would greatly change the face of the construction and life cycle analysis of buildings. 

Sources:

[1]   https://www.asnt.org/MajorSiteSections/NDT-Resource-Center/Introduction%20to%20Nondestructive%20Testing

[2]  http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Other%20Methods/AE/AE_Intro.htm

[3] http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/ndt-non-destructive-testing-d_314.html

Week 2 - Computer Hardware Technology

Computer hardware technology has always followed a simple trend of shrinking in size and growing in processing capacity. Just look at the technological progression of cell phones, which were once the size and weight of bricks and can now fit comfortably on the palm of anyone’s hand. The amount of memory and data modern smartphones are capable of processing would have been labeled as impossible 30 years ago. 10 to 20 years from now, we will undoubtedly see new forms of computer hardware emerge and influence various industries.

An article released a month ago talks about a new kind of computer chip, scheduled to be released in 2014, which will change the way computers process information. This neural chip is based on the biological nervous system, how neurons react to stimuli and connect with other neurons to share and interpret information. This is different from modern computing in that computers nowadays are programmed with all the information they need to function, like a recipe. The neural chip allows computers to function on new tasks beyond what they were initially programmed to do as well as other functions which normally would take painstakingly long hours of programming to achieve. This chip design is different than the typical design of computers which were heavily influenced by the ideas of John von Neumann, where microprocessors perform operation in binary code and store information in the processor or in higher storage chips or disk drives. The data are moved from in and out of the processors short term memory while the computer carries out a programmed action. The result is then moved to the main memory. This new processor has connections which mimic the biological synapses, the connections between circuits are organized according to correlations in the data that the processor has already learned. New information changes the network in the processor, programming the next actions of the computer similar to how new information impacts our decisions.

A new generation of artificial intelligence systems may be possible with this chip, as these systems will be able to perform various tasks with ease such as: speech, listen, navigate, see, and manipulate or control objects. Facial and speech recognition will be impacted by such a change, as now a computer system will be able to learn how we look and sound after a few meetings. Imagine that instead of unlocking the door to your house with your key, you could also unlock the door by simply walking up and saying anything (with a little help from biometric sensors and scanners, of course). While these visual or audio locks may already exist, their implementation is limited to certain phrases or functions and even cost.

Another angle to consider this development: we all had to learn how to walk. Sure, our leg muscles weren’t developed enough until we were around 1 year old but we still had to learn how to balance ourselves before we could walk with confidence. Computers with neural chips installed will be able to learn from trial and error on their own, not only to walk if they are a robot but to recognize people, cats, dogs, the habits of ordinary people or even a burglar.

Resource:

Markoff, John. "Brainlike Computers, Learning From Experience." New York Times 28 Dec 2013, n. pag. Web. 13 Jan. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/science/brainlike-computers-learning-from-experience.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=1&>.

Week 2 - 3D Manufacturing Capabilities - Group D

After sifting through many academic journals and articles, I did not ascertain a strong enough understanding for the 3D manufacturing capabilities that truly apply to this course and/or scope of this blog post. In an effort to learn more about the present-day 3D manufacturing capabilities being sold and utilized in today’s work place, I decided to select a rather unconventional source: a company’s white papers on two systems. Certified in 2008 and released in 2010, this Stratasys White Paper document, called “3D Printers vs. 3D Production Systems: 10 Distinguishing Factors to Help You Select a System,” provides a detailed breakdown and comparison of the two systems and their capabilities. The 10 distinguishing factors are:

• Price
• Capacity/Build Envelope
• Materials
• Speed
• Ease of Use
• Accuracy
• Facilities
• Centralized Operations
• Overhead

These characteristics help to differentiate the two systems and ultimately help a manufacturing company reach a final system selection. However, while these factors are presented to assist with selection, the document clearly states in its closing that “the application will drive the decision.”

Figure 1: General comparison breakdown.

Figure 1 above shows the general comparison from the white paper. Let’s dig a little deeper and briefly break down the criteria in an attempt to summarize the similarities and differences.

• Firstly, obviously price (cost) is always a top consideration and the key driver for a business decision. 3D Printers are priced in the range of $10,000/unit to $50,000/unit. 3D Production Systems are priced $50,000/unit and above.
• Capacity/Build Envelope is defined as the size capacity that the unit can manufacture. 3D Printers can handle up to 10” x 10” x 10” while 3D Production Systems can handle greater than 1’ x 1’ x 1’.
• The number of materials each system can utilize is also a key difference between the two systems. 3D Printers can utilize only one or two materials while 3D Production Systems can utilize 8+ materials.
• The fourth factor is speed and the two systems can output at relatively the same speed and this is not applicable when comparing.
• Ease of use, however, is a factor that will need to be considered because the occasional user can operate 3D Printers, but 3D Production Systems require a trained operator. This ties into the next factor of user options, where the 3D Production Systems offer substantial options from swappable parts to settings options.
• Accuracy in dimensions is rated better in 3D Production Systems than 3D Printers, however, it is application driven of course.
• Facilities is defined as the location of where the unit will operate. A 3D Printer unit can be used in an office setting but 3D Production Systems require a lab or shop environment.
• Centralized Operations is defined as the preference between flexibility and independence of a distributed network versus control and oversight of a centralized concept. 3D Printers offer the ability for a distributed network and 3D Production Systems are usually centralized.
• Lastly, the overhead analysis. 3D Printers are user-friendly and have lower overhead burdens as opposed to 3D Production Systems, which have moderate to high overhead burdens.

As you can see, there are only subtle differences in these two systems and a selection will most likely be driven by the application, accompanied by considerations for each of these ten factors. On a brief personal note, I have used a 3D Printer for a project a few years ago when they were still called “rapid prototypers” and the accuracy was only just fair. However, the technology has advanced tremendously since then and the accuracy is much improved.

Surely, this technology will continue to advance and hopefully soon, we will see the capacities of these systems vastly increased and more building materials will be able to be used. Similar to Brian Benson’s comprehensive post, maybe one day there will be the capabilities for full-scale construction. The key will lie in the efficiency, accuracy, and cost while maintaining or improving upon the building material properties. Like Brian stated, the idea of more organic structures is definitely something that is intriguing to ponder, especially being a young structural engineer and seeing this technology advance so quickly. I am eager to see how far away this concept really is from reaching maturity and implementation.

Resource:

Hiemenz, Joe. “3D Printers vs. 3D Production Systems: 10 Distinguishing Factors to Help You Select a System.” Stratasys, Inc., Stratasys White Papers. PDF Document. 2008. Pages 1-8.

Week 2 - 3D Manufacturing Capabilities

3D printing over the past few years has started to take hold as far more than just small toy like plastic models and has started to creep into everyday use as production of large scale models even 3D printed structures is on the rise.  The applications of 3D printing are endless only limited by our imagination.  One researcher, Behrokh Khoshnevis, has teamed up with NASA looking at the potential for 3D printing in space.  Now when talking 3D printing in space we are not talking small-scale parts and pieces we are talking large scale moon and mars colonies.  NASA is hoping to use Khoshnevis’s research to land 3D printing rovers on the surface of Mars and the Moon to first start by laying down landing pads on the uneven dust ridden surfaces of these locations.  Being able to lay these pads without human interaction could lay the groundwork for manned missions to space with greater capacity and safety as one of the biggest obstacles for such a mission is the landing.

Beyond just the futuristic implementation of 3D printing technology in space here on earth the use of 3D printing in all phases of the design and construction are being explored.  Architects and Engineers are using 3D models as a way to move off of the PowerPoint screen and on to the table where their clients can touch and see their dreams come to life.  Just recently a design firm, HDR, used two large-scale 3D printed models to help win a $3.9 billion job for the redesign and construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York.  These models consisted of a 12ft by 5ft high resolution model depicting the bridges entire span down to the houses the brides piers will sit next to on the banks of the Hudson and a 8ft by 3ft section of the bridges towers and structure deck elements.  HDR feels that these models were key to their successful bid for the job.  While these $30,000 models may not be used for every project as cost of 3D printing continues to decrease more and more RFPs may include 3D models.  After the design phase 3D printing may even be used in the construction phase.  Tuner Construction recently used a 3D model to help visualize and coordinate a complex curtainwall construction on one of their projects.  The model actually had color-coordinated pieces representing which trades had what elements of the curtainwall.  In addition to Khoshevis research and its space use he is working on homes formed by 3D modeling.  Using zero-slump concrete he is able to construct homes with an industrial scale 3D Printer.

All these advancements in 3D printing just astound me.  The opportunities in design and construction that are to follow this recent boom are going to push the boundaries.  These ideas once thought impossible or un-constructable are soon to become a reality.  Just think about being able to print a beam or other supporting members along only their principle stress lines?  This could make building more material efficient and lead to more organic interesting structures.

References:

Tom Sawyer, "Bigger Better Faster - Digitally printed 3D models have charm and bid-winning authority-and maybe a role soon in full-scale construction", Engineering News-Record, December 16/23, 2013, Page 24-27