Term Project Post

TOPIC:

The topic I chose for the AE510 Term Project is “Databases in the Design World” concept. For this topic, I will have two deliverables: a Microsoft Access database and a comprehensive report.

DELIVERABLES:

The database will be designed specific to being valuable to an A/E/C design firm. It will encompass a two-step process. The first step will be to make the following determinations:     

• users
• who maintains and inputs data
• how it will be accessed and who has access to it
• how to keep it secure
• type of database
• what information is to be recorded and maintained
• will there be links to files

The second step will be the actual creation, design, and coding of the database, using Access and providing the following criteria:

• drawing name
•  drawing number
• discipline
• date of drawing
• date last edited/accessed
• project name
• project number
• checked by
• logged by
• link to file

These criteria are essential to data management, organization, and ease of access for engineers and designers. In order to maximize ease of access, I will also code queries that will create a Google-type search screen for users.

The report will accompany the database in an analysis fashion. I will include the following topics in the report:

• the significance of using databases in the design world
• how databases keep data organized and easily accessible for engineers
• how databases impact design, if at all
• what types of drawings are important to keep stored in databases
• how electronic file storage is better than paper storage for benefits of increasing usable office space, decreasing maintain time, and decreasing environmental impact
• document my expectations, experiences during process, and lessons learned after completion (accomplished by keeping a daily work log)

This report provides a comprehensive look at the various benefits of databases in the design world and how they are becoming essential, rather than just simply a convenience.

WHY I CHOSE THIS TOPIC:

I chose this topic for a few reasons. The first being gaining further experience in Access and knowledge of data management systems (DMS) will be valuable as I exit Drexel and enter the design world. I also find the databases in the design world concept very interesting. I have seen first hand how important effective organization and data management is in the workplace. Poor organization leads to mistakes, inaccuracies, and wasted future costs. During my time at AZ, I was responsible for cleaning up and creating the DMS into brand new, efficient databases that housed over 16,000 drawing files and over 100 master drawing PDF files. Being able to work on this project and implementing it as an office standard was a great experience and I got to see both sides, one unorganized and the other a well organized machine.

AWARENESS OF OTHER STUDENTS’ POSTS:

I also chose this project because I saw a great opportunity to learn new material. Additionally, after reading through the blogs this week, I’ve noticed that a very large majority of the class has chosen projects about 3D printing or BIM topics. I wanted to take this opportunity to do something different and expand on my knowledge base of Access and databases in the design world.

RELATION TO IB CONCEPT:

I strongly feel that this topic relates to IB in many ways. Many of our topics thus far have been about BIM. Most BIM software are simply large databases. Soon, we will advance to discussing databases and their importance to design, efficiency, and saving money for maintenance projects. Proper data management is something that belongs in most fields, but it is especially important for A/E/C firms.

CHALLENGES:

I expect to face some challenges during the progress of this project. These mostly are inherent from the actual design and creation of the Access database. The coding can sometimes be detailed and challenging, especially when taking on the search queries. However, these challenges are to be expected and can be overcome with attention to detail.

COMMENTS ON OTHER STUDENTS’ POSTS:

     Nameita & Esther's:
I really like your project topic and ideas! For this project, I didn't think of using BIM to create a model of an existing structure. This is a great topic to choose to learn more about BIM as well as to learn about the house you have chosen. There definitely will be some challenges and issues with BIM being restrictive in certain aspects when recreating the house. But I'm sure you will do great and I look forward to seeing your final deliverables!

     Audrey, Jeremy, Tyler's:
Your team has picked a very interesting topic for this project. The dangers of maintenance, especially on modern high-rise structures are something many engineers may not really consider or think of during design but it is definitely a very important consideration. Investigating ways to be able to improve safety, especially during maintenance applications is a great topic for this class and relates well to the IB concept. Good pick and good luck!

SOURCES FOR MY PROJECT:

[1.]  ASCE. "The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025." Asce.org. ASCE, 2007. Web. 29 Jan. 2014. <http://www.asce.org/uploadedFiles/Vision_2025_-_New/TheVisionforCivilEngineeringin2025_ASCE.pdf>.

[2.]  Fenves, Steven J., and William J. Rasdorf. "Role of Database Management Systems in Structural Engineering." Carnegie Mellon University. CMU.edu, 1 Jan. 1982. Web. 29 Jan. 2014. <http://repository.cmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1011&context=cee>.

Group C - Week 4 - BIM makes the Engineer's Work Easier vs It makes the Engineer's work Harder

Group C

BIM makes the Engineer's work easier:

• With experience, BIM can save a lot of time.
• Easy visual communication with clients and contractors.
• Easier to visualize during design and construction.
• Allows for integrated design.
• More flexibility in design.
• Continuous use of the same document throughout a buildings life cycle.
• Aid in building operations and maintenance.
• Easier to detect or plan for construction errors in advance.

BIM makes the Engineer's work harder:

• BIM programs require significant computing power to operate smoothly and to maximize the number of functions they're capable of performing.  This increases costs for engineers.
• The file sizes are often very large and can be difficult to share with others due to size restrictions and upload times for email and cloud based services.  Organizations that use BIM programs often have to purchase a lot of extra hard drive space.
• The learning curve for existing BIM programs is large.  Simple projects (like the ones we complete in class) are easy to complete but realistic, full length projects require years of experience using the program to be successful.  Fighting through the learning curve can be frustrating.
• The programs themselves are expensive.  This increases costs for engineers.
• Models are often delicate.  If someone tries to make changes to a complex model and they are inexperienced or incorrect they can severely alter the model and its outputs.

Week4 - BIM will improve buildings.

Nowadays we have the ability to design and visualize a building in three dimensions. This ability can help people to understand their buildings better, such as improve building efficiency, reduced the associated risks and control the budget, etc. BIM is a platform that can provide a comprehensive and interactive assembly of the components in a building and BIM model is closer to matching the real world building itself.

One important feature about BIM is important for improve buildings is because BIM can calculate the most efficient array of pump size, duct size, etc by analyze the building throughout the day. By increase energy efficiency to meet the requirement, designer could use the data to translate a better design.  This ability saves time for designer and help them to turn out a energy efficiency building. Compare to hundreds years ago, designers can only use 2D drawings, they can not design a efficience building like BIM does.

The other reason of BIM can improve buildings is BIM can measure things. Some high-tech building owners currently require that the building energy model be maintained and updated throughout construction and building commissioning. To measure and monitor the energy use is a very important ability that BIM can provide. It has been documented that providing building users with the measuring and monitoring of their impact on building energy has resulted in changed behaviors and reduced energy consumption. Measuring and monitoring of energy use provides the information for users to make the proper decisions to reduce a building's energy use.

The last reason of why BIM can improve Buildings is BIM can do a long term job than designers and the construction managers. Designers and managers may be responsible for buildings for one to two years, but they do not have the responsibilities for the life time of the building's operation, maintenance, and renovations. But BIM can provide users with information on their energy use, environmental benefits to the site and community and more. Finally, the application of BIM, which could provide more information on how buildings are used and perform over their life cycle, will be invaluable in the design and construction of new buildings for the future.

Comments:

To Yoon:

http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/bim-advantages-and-disadvantages.html?showComment=1390948033939#c6844176844966728377

To QI:

http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/bim-advantages-vs-disadvantages.html?showComment=1390947292493#c7129731163193449254

References:

http://www.facilitiesnet.com/green/article/BIM-Contract-Requirements-Help-Standardize-Results--14298?source=part

Week 4 - BIM makes the Engineer's Work Easier vs It makes the Engineer's work Harder

BIM software has shown a rapid growth in popularity the last few years and seems to be for the greater good, but some still question if it is a positive direction. A further examination of the positives and negatives will help to shed some light on whether it makes engineer’s work easier or harder.

Engineers have to work with many other disciplines that often hinder the ability to coordinate and complete tasks as efficiently as possible. With BIM software, less explanation between disciplines is needed because of the vast information provided in the model. For instance, Contractors might have questions about dimensions and/or locations of certain components that would normally have to be answered by an engineer, but with the implementation of BIM this question could simply be found by looking at the model. A similar scenario arises when the clients are having trouble understanding the complex ideas of a project that can be clearly conveyed through BIM’s visual representation of that project. Both of these examples reduce the amount of time spent explaining details that can be found and easily understood with the BIM model.

            

BIM software also offers a feature that is referred to as clash detection, which will identify any conflicts that occur between the different discipline’s models. This feature ultimately reduces the costs associated with clashes that go undetected through the design stage and improves the accuracy of construction bids. As a result, the clients and construction companies are pleased with the engineers work and are more inclined to work with them again.

            

Although arguments can be made about the initial cost of the software and training involved to properly use the software, they are minute compared to the effect BIM has on making an engineer’s work easier. The more substantial argument results from the difficulty of using BIM software’s when other companies are using CAD software’s. There are not yet viable solutions to this problem other than clients requiring that a certain project be done in one or the other. It would be a wise prediction to say that this problem will not exist in the near future but regardless of outcome it is clear that the use of BIM software makes an engineer’s work easier.

Works Cited

http://udsummit.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Russell.Rachel_Presentation.UDS5_.pdf

http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xbcr/infocomm/Brochure_BIM.pdf

Week 4 - BIM makes the Engineer's Work Easier vs It makes the Engineer's Work Harder

D. Barbalace

It seems as though the majority of my classmates who have posted on the blog so far this week have chosen the same topic as me.  Ted Bruder strongly feels as though BIM is a helpful application for engineers.  Matt Morimoto did an excellent job at highlighting both the positive and negative aspects that BIM has on engineers' work and their wallets.  Stephen Bartal touched on the cons of using BIM but decided that the pros far outweighed them.

I decided to focus my post on the cons rather than the pros.

The major issues with engineer's utilizing Building Information Modeling are as follows:

• BIM programs require significant computing power to operate smoothly and to maximize the number of functions they're capable of performing.
• The file sizes are often very large and can be difficult to share with others due to size restrictions and upload times for email and cloud based services.  Organizations that use BIM programs often have to purchase a lot of extra hard drive space.
• The learning curve for existing BIM programs is large.  Simple projects (like the ones we complete in class) are easy to complete but realistic, full length projects require years of experience using the program to be successful.
• The programs themselves are expensive.
• Models are often delicate.  If someone tries to make changes to a complex model and they are inexperienced or incorrect they can severely alter the model and its outputs.

Engineering, Architecture, and Construction firms rely heavily on one major concept:  making money.  When a firm cannot make money, the firm will cease to exist.  For many companies, especially smaller companies with less projects and less employees, investing in BIM software could cripple their firm.  The initial investment is large enough in itself; multiple computers capable of running the software at an efficient speed, external hardrives or a large server for storing files, and multiple licenses of the program itself. Autodesk Revit costs $5,775.00 for a single license! [1]  After the cost of equipment comes the cost of time.  All engineers expected to use the program on a regular basis need to be trained.  The time spent training employees is time lost working on money making projects.  While large contractors or engineering firms may be able to handle training programs with ease, the thousands of smaller companies who can't afford to lose money and time could actually be hurt by an increased use of BIM in larger firms.

A study conducted at Illinois State University showed that projects that utilize BIM have varying success based on the modeling experience of the team working them. [2]  While many of the aspects of projects with design teams that had 5-10 years of BIM experience scored very well, all of the projects worked on design teams with less than two years of experience suffered.

The study reinforces the notion that successful projects that utilize BIM are the result of experience of the design team and that with inexperience, BIM can hurt a project more than help it.  Until prices of the software and the computers required to run them decrease significantly, the majority of smaller design and construction firms that attempt to utilize BIM run a large risk of failure by adopting these programs.

Comments on other's posts:

Ted Bruder's Post - (http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/week-4-blog-post-edward-bruder.html?showComment=1390943873903#c1307551764480024605)

"I like your enthusiasm! The fact that you didn't really touch on the negatives of BIM inspired me to write my post as an antithesis to yours. It was tough. The points you mention in this post really show how beneficial BIM is for engineers. I like how you mentioned BIM's recent transition into 4D modeling, and how a lot of the programs are capable of evaluating aspects of the building life cycle over time."

Ryan Donahue's Post - (http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/week-4-bim-makes-engineers-work-easier.html?showComment=1390944985505#c5586812948847869318)

Your post is amazing. My favorite part is when you discuss the frustration that comes along with the "adjustment period," when new software is incorporated into the design process of a firm. Many of the older engineers can be resistant to change, and they feel that the introduction to such a new way of doing things is a waste of time. However, you totally hit the nail on the head when you said that after the initial adjustments, BIM can make an engineers job much easier!

References:

[1] Autodesk Store.  http://www.autodesk.com/store/revit-architecture?mktvar002=knc_wwm_amer_us_nc_gglpf__revitarchitecture2014__

[2] Eisenmann, Sydney.  "Building Information Modeling's Impact on Team Performance."  Associated Schools of Construction.  2012.  Web. 28 Jan. 2014. <http://ascpro0.ascweb.org/archives/cd/2012/paper/CPRT150002012.pdf>

Ways that BIM Makes An Engineer's Work Easier and More Difficult

The majority of articles that I have read on the topic of how BIM has influenced engineers work are dated before 2008.  BIM is only about 20 years old.  Until recently, most engineering firms weren’t requiring the use of BIM in their projects; it was only used if it was required for the project.  A good reason for this comes from Erleen Harfield (Thornton Tomasetti): She describes the transition from 3D to BIM as being more difficult than when the firm switched from 2D to 3D because BIM requires engineers to change their process (where 2D to 3D was the same process on a different platform.)  It was noticed early on in BIM’s history that an engineer had to be the modeler; initially companies would hire someone familiar with the computers, but it created a lot of problems because they were not familiar with the parts they were modeling.

Another difficulty that arose for engineers working with BIM is the nonstandard BIM software. All participants have to have compatible software and be familiar with the other software being used.  All participants have access to each other’s models, but if a person accessing the model is unfamiliar with the program, you run the risk of the modeling being altered in an undesired manner. 

A specific challenge mentioned in a news article I read (Fortner), is the inability to transfer the analysis data directly to the model.  Ryan mentioned in his posting the struggles he faced on co-op from working with BIM as opposed to AutoCAD.  Going back to what Harfiled said, the process is different from what engineers are used to using.  The learning curve suggested (in 2008) was between three and six-months.  Fischer and Kunz discuss the need for software support to speed up analysis time and reduce errors.  

I talk about a lot of these items making the work of an engineer harder, however, once we know the process (and the software becomes more compatible, which it has over the years), time and money is saved.  This is most blatant when you consider RFIs.  By the time a request comes to the engineer, the engineer has already moved onto a new project.  This requires the engineer to take time out of that project to familiarize themselves with the problem area, redesign the area, and send the response off to everyone on the project (and hope it works).  Most problems are mitigated before construction even starts.  Additionally, all project documents are linked, which is not only good for engineers,  but construction managers as well (BIM Handbook: Chapter 6)

REFERENCES:

1. Fortner, Brian.  Special Report: Are You Ready For BIM.  Civil Engineering The Online Magazine.  May 2008.
2. Fishcer, Martin, and Kunz, John.  "The Scope and Role of Information Technology in Construction." Stanford University.  February 2004.
3. Strafaci, Adam. What Does BIM Mean for Civil Engineers. CE News. October 2008. http://www.cenews.com/magazine-article----what_does_bim_mean_for_civil_engineers_-6098.html

COMMENTS ON OTHERS POSTS:

Ryan:
I appreciate that you shared your experiences.  Everything you mentioned about your experiences lines up with what I read about!  Granted, my articles were from 2004-2008, but I feel like the only ways to point out the cons for engineers and BIM is discussing the transition made from 3D models.  Overall, after the learning curve, I agree that the advantages out weigh the time spent learning.

Michael:
I like how clearly you identified the advantages of BIM to improve the functions of a building, but did any of your research discuss ways BIM has degraded buildings?  With the research I did for how BIM relates to engineers, most of the ways BIM hindered the work of engineers was in the early stages of firms adopting BIM due to the learning curves for employees.  I feel like the only ways I would see BIM harming the design of a building is if the software was incompatible and lead to wrong results, or someone interpreted the results improperly due to insufficient use of the software.

Brian:
I found it interesting that Autodesk acquired Revit. I always assumed Autodesk built it. Additionally, the fact that they foresaw the need for a program to include all of these things and invest that much money into a software for an industry that has a history of being fairly static.