Database management is
used in various BIM softwares, as it stores and manages data for building
materials and pieces under its interface when the user is creating each portion
of a project. The role of the database within programs like Revit, AutoCAD, eQuest,
etc. is to develop a data storage structure that links within itself and
through the parameters and the entities of the project being built. When
viewing the databases within these systems, there are multiple interfaces
presented. There is the view of the user’s data, the external model. There is
also the system’s internal view of the data, the internal model. And finally,
there is the logical view, the conceptual model. The external model is what the
user sees, as the BIM software shows data in a table or chart that represents
the dimensions, assembly, and other task-specific information of creations that
were developed into the project. [1]
For example, let’s look
at Revit. Users are able to view a material schedule of all the components of
architecture and design that was integrated into the structure. One type of
parameters that shows in the schedule is Omni Class data, as it shows the “list
of components and its assemblies for families for permanent incorporation into
construction entities”. [2] The keynote and assembly codes of each item in the
schedule can also be listed to format assembly material within a family
project. Ultimately, databases in BIM softwares can be used for “classification
benefits, staying mainly in quantity estimation, cost estimation and planning
and specs”. [2] They work as an assistant to the designers, as they track and
data entries for a project on a step-by-step, piece-by-piece basis.
References
[1] Koriba, Mustapha.
Database systems: their application in CAD design. September 1983. Available
online March 3, 2003. DOI: 10.1016/0010-4485(83)90016-7
https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/science/article/pii/0010448583900167.
[2] Gomez, Almundena.
Revit OmniClass, Keynote and Assembly Code type Parameters. May 19, 2015.
https://www.modelical.com/en/revit-omniclass-keynote-and-assembly-code-type-parameters/
Comments:
Nick Maloney: I agree
with your definition and discussion of SQL, as it is a structured query
language that unlocks the potential of relational databases and structure of a relational
database is such that information is stored in tabular format which links
certain parameter values together by row. SQL is important because programs,
especially some of the highly sophisticated BIM examples that have been shown
in this course, rely on a massive amount of data in order to perform their
intended functions.
Albert
Hanan: You had a great discussion on the theory and purpose of relational model
and how they are built to store connected data in a relationship. The use of
Amazon Aurora is important, as it is built for the cloud that combines the
performance and availability of high-end commercial databases with the
simplicity and cost-effectiveness of open source databases.
Yidi Li: I agree with how important the use of database is in construction, as it controls the cash flow that feeds into a construction project. Database can track quantity estimation, cost estimation and planning and specs of a project; therefore, being on top of it and properly managing these database is essential to the success of a project.
I think you make good statements here about the uses of databases in an office. Revit is for sure one that takes advantage of the databases by being able to populate a table with just a button.
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