Blog 5 - SQL

This assignment required students to read about databases with a particular topic in mind. Each group had a separate topic to explore. I will be reading and discussing about Structured Query Languages (SQL) using information found online.

First, a SQL is a means of communicating with a database and has been adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as the standards. Various commands of SQL are present in the different database systems but the simple ones are capable of doing almost everything a user needs ("Sqlcourse - Intro" 2019).

Relational database management systems present data in tabular format. Searching, creating, populating, updating, and deleting are basic functions in SQL that most people will do with a table whether or not it is through using SQL.

Why is using SQL important? Well, most things can be represented as points of data and a large compilation of data into big data can be daunting to use and maintain. However,

SQL is able to perform functions across the entire database meaning that as long as the user has some idea of what they are looking for, they can use a combination of functions to narrow down the data until they find what they want ("Sqlcourse - Intro" 2019). This is why it is important to design a database properly. Proper management of a database using SQL prevents any hiccups in the future and provides better user experience.

After reading Nick Maloney’s post, I interpreted his idea of BIM using “massive amount of data in order to perform their intended functions” as manipulating the elements and their properties in the model and having Revit show the user what the model looks like on the front-end of the software.

It is even more important to companies who provide a service such as insurance or social media. These types of companies can have records of millions of people and they can have actuaries who can determine how much people should pay for insurance or marketers to personalize advertisements on social media.

While SQL may not be a necessary skill to have in the near future, being able to maneuver through data in a table has been a useful skill since the creation of spreadsheets.


Sources:
Maloney, Nick. 2019. "B5 - What Is SQL And Why Is It Important?". Ae-410-510-Ay18-19.Blogspot.Com. https://ae-410-510-ay18-19.blogspot.com/2019/02/b5-what-is-sql-and-why-is-it-important.html.

"Sqlcourse - Intro". 2019. Sqlcourse.Com. http://www.sqlcourse.com/intro.html.


Comments on colleagues’ posts:
Blas Andres Rodriguez Vieira
With the advent of big data being used in most companies, it is becoming more important to be able to manipulate data. When we were freshmen/sophomores, we were taught how to use MatLab and Excel but I feel like it will no longer enough in the coming years. Thankfully, the freshmen now are learning programing languages that I feel like it is incredibly useful when learning SQL.

Nana Lin Rasmussen
I think that the tabular method is very easy for beginners whereas more networks of data can be trickier to learn about. I didn’t feel like I was able to handle the database assignment in this class but I feel more confident now that I know how simple it can be.

Yicheng Li
It looks like you have experience with MySQL. What do you think of the usefulness of SQL in the job market today? I don’t have any experience with big data so if you think this is useful then I might be inclined to pick up some SQL.

Use of Databases in Design Offices

Databases are typically used within design software. Information in stored in programs such as AutoCAD and Revit to be used during design – material sizes, qualities, and others information that is used constantly in the programs and also stored for future use. While these databases are used within the programs, there’s also continuous growth past what information is currently stored. Work is being put towards creating a more integrated process overall within the design process and going into the manufacturing process. While it is known that CAD is used for the design process, CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) is used within the manufacturing process the same way CAD is used – CAD automates design, and CAM automates the manufacturing process. To create a more integrated process, databases are made between both CAD and CAM so that the planning and management of the operations can be done by a computer, and then the database utilizes the information from a CAD program to transfer it to CAM systems. This CAD/CAM database pulls together data from the design phase (dimensions, necessary parts, etc.) in combination with data needed for manufacturing (tools necessary, timing, quantity, etc.). (1) While databases are used on within a single program, it’s important to see how they can be used to overlap different steps of a project to create a smooth-running project overall.

Even on a smaller scale, databases will become more regularly used, specifically in the technology within an office. Amazon’s Alexa devices utilizes database information to give quick responses. Currently, Alexa devices are being introduced to some university students (Georgia Tech, Arizona State, etc.) to utilize during the academic year. Utilizing these devices on this level, students can ask exam grades, upcoming assignments, etc. While this is obviously relevant to students, the same technique could be implemented in other settings as well, including design offices – “Believers say that the use of the technology will only expand” (2) and while the article specifically talks about the expansion within a school setting, it can go much further than that. In a design office, the use of products like an Echo can pull together databases to relay the information (regarding previous projects, standards, etc.) faster than going through books and other methods.

References:

(1)    Khemani, Haresh. “CAD Applications: CAD/CAM Database” https://www.brighthubengineering.com/cad-autocad-reviews-tips/19615-applications-of-cad-software-cadcam-database/

(2)    Ellis, Lindsay. “Hey Alexa, Should We Bring Virtual Assistants to Campus? These Colleges Gave Them a Shot” (August 2, 2018) https://www.chronicle.com/article/Hey-Alexa-Should-We-Bring/244129?cid=wb&utm_source=wb&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=fca8c6a17b7943d696dd417c6c7d660f&elq=02622bf46f104a1d98af1a2355bb2f4b&elqaid=19988&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=9293

Responses:

To Alkiviadis Tsitsios, you bring up really good points about how important databases are. Like you said, databases are being used for more than just storing information, but as a way to share it with other parties. This creates a better communication within construction, which is something that is often difficult in the field.

To Hailey Ihlow, I’m also in the database class, and you bring up a great point about how difficult it can be to actually put together a database and manage it. Applying the knowledge is more of an advanced thing, I agree, because the effort “behind the scenes” is a lot more difficult when it’s not transferring information from tables.

To Aaron Goldberg, you explain the relational database theory well - databases in general is not something I know much about, and your post helped explain past how databases are used generally. I think it’s interesting how it looks towards the future and what can be expected and the idea that companies such as HP are potentially expanding technology even further is quite interesting.

Blog Post 5: Object-Oriented Databases

Object-oriented databases differ from relational databases in which information is shown in the form of objects. The benefit of using object-oriented database management systems (OODBMS) is that they allow you to create an object, store it, and then replicate or modify existing objects to make new ones. The object is represented the same way between the programming language and the OOBMS so that there is consistency. This is different from relational database management systems (RDBMS) where the database model is separated from the application of the database. 

  

OODBMS store data and relationships between data directly, instead of sorting through rows and columns like a RDBMS. RDBMS require intermediate tables to maintain relationships between data. Both intermediate tables and relational mapping code are not required while using OODBMS unless you are incorporating new features. This obviously saves a lot of time while developing the database. 

  

RDBMS are far more popular and more widely used compared to OODBMS which have been implemented into RDBMS via object-oriented features. It also used to be very costly to make the change from RDBMS to OODBMS even if companies saw the benefits. However, open source implementation has become popular in recent years and has now allowed for low-cost solutions to become available and more common.

Sources

1. https://database.guide/what-is-an-oodbms/ 

2. http://www.odbms.org/introduction-to-odbms/definition/ 

Comments

1. Aaron Goldberg

This is a very interesting theory that I am not familiar with. Do you know when HP integrated this theory into their products or when they expect to complete it? If the performance increases are as dramatic as they say, I look forward to the new ways that the much more powerful computers will be utilized.

2. Alkiviadis Tsitsios

I like that those of us who strictly researched databases are able to understand the benefits that they have in the construction industry. I am not familiar with the Database Manager Program and it sounds like a useful software that construction firms can integrate into their projects. It is impressive to hear that you are able to use as many attributes as you need within your database.

3. Nana Lin Rasmussen

This is a good summary of SQL and databases. I like that you list off common RDBMS that utilize SQL because it shows how common the language is. The advantages of SQL are interesting, specifically, that coding is not required in SQL. 

Blog #5: Uses of databases in construction firms_Wenhan Fu

Database can be defined as an organized collection of data. In modern society, we usually refer it as the web-based database system. The advantages of it includes but not limited to the ability to process huge volumes of data; sharing between multiple concurrent users and lastly, minimize the human errors.

There are three most popular and widespread web-based database system in use. In the essay “A Web-Based Database System for Managing Construction Project Knowledge” from Belize Ozorhon et al, it stated that the three most commonly used systems are “the fee-based project management service, the build it yourself solutions and the web-enabled software for the construction industry” (Ozorhon, 2014). Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages in their own prospective and are suitable for different types of company. For example, the fee-based project management services which is provided by an IT company, has advantages include low cost, need for less IT experience, however, there are also limitations regarding the volume of the data and others, this system will be more fit to the startup companies. On the contrary, the build-it yourself solutions allow the larger companies to process more heavily sets if data. It has its own limitations still including the investment requirements of the application, outsourcing and long development cycle.

To sum up, database is a modern technology for construction industry as well for the future to handling the large amounts of data. It will provide huge assists in multiple prospects. However, the limitations still exist. The main obstacle for the development of the databases is the types of databases has it own focus, and some of them will abandon some of the fixture in order to stand out in other criteria. The future development of the database in construction industry will be hugely focusing on the balance of the database and less complex for the none computer specialists.

Citation: Ozorhon, B., Karatas, C. G., and Demirkesen, S. (2014). “A Web-based Database System for Managing Construction Project Knowledge.” Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 119, 377–386.

Comments:

Harvin Bhandal: Your post on the relational database theory is interesting. It is unexpected the Retional Model was created way back to 1970. Also, there organize structure is also remarkable and still helpful in nowadays database development.

Yidi Li: My post has the same topic as yours. It is interesting the construction industry is one of the field databases actually can help a lot. I think the database will connect the industry even closer and we all can be benefit from it.

Maalik Kaptue: Your post give me a better understanding on how the database can help the design specialists. Indeed, even using the Revit to develop a project contains using the database. The development of  the Revit community is also the development of the database for the design firms.

B5: Use of Databases in Design Offices

    In simplest terms “a database is a collection of information... organized in a way to be easily accessed, managed, and updated.” [1] This “information” can refer to anything from the names, positions, and other data populating a given company’s operational-level employee database all the way down to the content of a single excel sheet on a company’s intranet. Due to the flexibility and ubiquity of the term itself, databases are essential to most modern companies, and design firms are no exception to this. 
    Databases allow for massive quality of life improvements in the day-to-day operations of a design firm. The databases built into applications like Revit allow designers to apply and reference data such as material dimensions, weight, and other engineering considerations to their BIM designs. These modeled objects and their various associated properties (Tuples and Attributes, in terms of Relational Database Theory) are observed throughout a suite of software for easy cross-referencing between different engineers and designers. This creates a quantified, object-oriented approach to BIM engineering through documenting physical properties of known materials in a digital format before a structure is even designed. [2]

    The existence of a centralized cross-reference database is perhaps more important than the existence of a database for any one given application- A database is only as useful to a firm as it is accessible and legible to all relevant employees. Also integral to the usability and benefit of a database is the depth to which it is detailed; The more a tuple is described with ample, descriptive, and most of all relevant attribute data, the easier it is to find and assess for use in multiple future design scenarios. 
    I would go further to posit that a solid understanding of Relational Database Theory is useful to all professionals, engineers and otherwise. The logical reasoning and mathematical syntax behind selection of tuples and attributes in a system such as SQL is in itself an engineering challenge- one that must be explored in order to full understand the ways in which databases can be used to their maximum potential within our industry.

Sources:
https://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/database

https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html#14.4%20Organizing%20Information%20in%20Databases

Comments on others:
Hanyan Chen: You wrote a very well-detailed explanation of OODB systems. I understand some rudimentary RDBT concepts from a class I previously took on SQL, but this post helped me understand a little more of the core tenants behind how RDBT is implemented.


Calvin Tang:
I agree that knowledge of SQL code fundamentals and syntax may not be necessary to all, a decent grasp on the theory behind the syntax is absolutely a great asset for any engineer or other STEM professional to have. SQL syntax is derived from discrete mathematics, after all. 

Laney Fries:
You did a good job of explaining the multiple ways that CAD can interface with CAM over a centralized database. The implication for different phases of a construction project all being able to interface so seamlessly is really exciting. 

B5: Uses of databases in construction firms

A database is simply a collection of stored information that can be used by management and applications within a certain enterprise. The construction industry is a prime example of an industry that could benefit from the use of a database. More specifically the construction industry can benefit from relational data model databases. The relational data model is a database that can be organized in a series of relations. On the left-most side, there will be a column of attribute names, with subsequent columns having descriptors of the attributes listed. According to Carnegie Mellon, some data that is important to keep track of in the construction field are: intermediate analysis results during planning and design, design documents, including drawings and specifications, construction schedules and cost estimates, quality control and assurance records, chronological files of project correspondence and memorandum, construction field activity and inspection logs, legal contracts, and regulatory documents. [1]

All this data can be incredibly useful on a construction project, but it is also important that there is a centralized database management system. This ensures that everyone on the project would have access to the data with proper authentication. This reduced redundancy because it eliminates the need for multiple databases for different areas of the project and it also reduces inconstancy because all the data is constant across the board. If one data value is changed then it changes for everyone.

The data here can then be used in certain applications used in construction. These values can be the input to perform tasks such as structural analysis, heat loss computation and material quantity calculations. Having a centralized database also make it easier on the application side of the project. If a project had multiple databases with all different layouts, then each application would have to be configured to work with every database type instead of just one. The additional programming required for that configuration would cost the firm unnecessary time and money.

Comments:

Blas Andres Rodriguez Vieira- I agree that SQL is a skill that many more people are going to need in the future. With the use of databases only increasing over the years, we are going to need more people to know how to manage them.  

Tyler Madden- I never thought about location disparities when I was looking into databases for this assignment. I think that’s a very important reason that databases are so important in the industry. A lot of the time, people that are working on a project may not be on the project site. Having a central internet connected database allows anyone to work on the project from anywhere.

Julie Hansted Anderson- Good job at explaining rational database theory. The visual really helps put into perspective how the items are related to each other.

Citation:

[1] https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html#14.4%20Organizing%20Information%20in%20Databases

B5 - Relational Database Theory

Relational database theory is a new concept that has the ability to revolutionize the computing industry, making computers more powerful, have higher storage, and run faster than currently available models.  This theory uses tables (called relation or base relvar) to store data in rows (called records or tuples) and columns (called attribute or field).  The system works by storing different types of data in different tables, and for each table to have a column for a relationship value to a different table.  For example, if there are two tables, and table 1 identifies each of its rows as “P-1”, “P-2”, P-3”, etc., then table 2 can have a column that has those same identifiers to relate the two tables together.  This way, data can be organized into a single, massive array where everything can be referenced quickly.  This is much faster than the existing systems in solid state drives and hard drives where there are layers to their memories, which have to be sifted through before collecting the requested data.

Relational database theory was developed based off of the relational model of data, which was developed by E. F. Codd in 1970 [1].  Since that time, the related technology has been developed to be able to handle and apply this memory storage and processing system.  Hewlett-Packard spoke in 2014 about developing this technology and integrating it into commercially available computers that “…could offer six times the performance requiring 80 times less power.  [They] expect that the first prototype that HP is working on will have 150 compute nodes with 157 petabytes of addressable memory.” [2]. This was estimated to be complete by approximately 2016.  Compared to commercially available computers today, which typically can only handle 1 terabyte of storage memory, HP’s prototype can handle 157,000 times more data, and should still be able to run faster than current computers.  As stated, this technology has the ability to revolutionize the computing industry, as well as many other industries like construction who are moving towards larger file sizes, more complex softwares, and requiring high processing speeds to handle these new advancements in construction.

Citation:

[1] “Relational Database.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 Dec. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_database.

[2] Jackson, Joab. “HP's Radical New Machine Could Start Computing by 2016.” PCWorld, PCWorld, 31 Oct. 2014, www.pcworld.com/article/2842252/hps-radical-new-machine-could-start-computing-by-2016.html.

Comment 1 Julie Handsted Anderson:

Julie, you’re explanation of relational database theory is much more condensed than mine, and I think you did a much better job of explaining it haha.  The image that you inserted in your blog post helps to understand the theory significantly, and I appreciate it.  I think the effects that this will have on the computing industry will significantly help the construction industry as computers become more powerful.  15 Years ago, we used floppy disks with about 200 megabytes of memory, and that was all that was needed.  Today, we are looking at files that are 5 gigabytes.  15 Years from now, we will probably be looking at 250 gigabyte files, which is the size of a single hard drive in computers today.  These developments in computing power are important and necessary to continue growing society.

Comment 2 Richard Kimball:

Richard, learning about normalization of tables in the relational database theory was a great learning experience that I did not come across in my research.  Getting that in depth into this research has clearly provided you an extra level of understanding on the subject matter.  If most databases aim to reach 3NF, you mentioned that some databases require a higher level of normalization.  Are there any that require to reach 6NF, as the maximum level?  I would be interested to learn which databases require this, and what their primary uses are.  Also, I am curious about the same topic, but for 1NF.  Why would a database strive for the most basic level, when the norm is 3NF?

Comment 3 Albert Hanan:

Albert, you gave a very nice synopsis of what relational database theory is, and its history.  I was unaware that Amazon Aurora uses this theory, and that there were also added security benefits to using this system as opposed to a NOSQL system.  Being 5 times faster is a huge benefit to a corporation as large as Amazon, as I would believe a processing speed that fast would be a necessity, as opposed to just being something nice to have for them.  I believe that as the world moves more towards larger databases and more storage requirements, this type of technology will become more and more necessary to continue the development of the world at the speed it is currently moving, and for each individual industry, including construction.

B5 - Relational Database Theory

The use of databases is relevant in nearly every industry. The ability to store enormous amounts of data in database is useful in many ways such as being able to find (manually or electronically) any piece of data and its associated properties in an organized manner.

One model used to create databases is the Relational Model. This model was created by E.F. Codd, an IBM programmer, in 1970 [1]. Instead of traditionally organizing data sets in a hierarchical form, Codd proposed using tables instead. The tables consists of both rows and columns. Tables are referred to as relations, whereas rows are known as tuples and columns are attributes. Each tuple represents a different element, or a unique key to represent different instances of data entries. One analogy to describe how a relational database works is to define a relation as a set with two elements; a head and body. The head then contains the different attributes such as {ID, email} and the body shows the tuples such as {1, bob@msn.com} [3].

A relational database is usually maintained by SQL ( Structured Query Language) [2]. To access data, queries use operators such as select, project and join. Select identifies tuples (rows), project is for columns (attributes) and join is a combination of both [2]. Its main advantage over traditional organizing systems is that it reduces redundant data by its ability for users to filter and queue for the exact data they need [1]. Another advantage is that new entries can be put in without having to modify the entire database. The mathematical operators within each attribute help to make the organization more practical and efficient. However, one disadvantage to using a relational database is that it may take time to set up (still faster than manually inputting a large amount of data) and is highly variable in the way its programmed.

A relational database is a great innovation that has been used almost everywhere since its inception in the 1970s. It helps companies store huge amounts of data and retrieve necessary information with the use of queries. Companies, such as Microsoft are actively working on new and improved database organization systems, such as graph databasing to make the process work through “large analytical work loads” [4].

[1] Biscobing, J. (2018, May). relational database. In TechTarget. Retrieved from https://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/relational-database

[2 ]Wikipedia contributors. (2018, December 7). Relational database. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:16, February 12, 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Relational_database&oldid=872459713

[3] Relational Database Theory (2014). In O'Reilly Media. Retrieved from http://archive.oreilly.com/oreillyschool/courses/phpsql2/phpsql203.html

[4] Martin, A. J. (2017, February 20). Love lambda, love Microsoft's Graph Engine. But you fly alone. In The Register. Retrieved from https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/20/microsoft_graph_database_the_big_difference/

Comments on Others

Weiyi, I really like that you inputted a picture in your post. Databases are somewhat of an abstract concept - and it can get cumbersome to describe through text alone. Use of images really puts what you are trying to convey in a concise and understandable manner. I originally thought of databases as mainly useful for housing information such that you’d find in a phone book. However, your post shows its capabilities in office buildings, with the capability to estimate energy saving potentials.

Jenny, you did a great job in explaining what an object oriented database is and what its used for. I think the use of object oriented databases could speed up the manner that engineering drawing files are transferred from person to person. From experience, I know that takes a while. Also, with its emphasis on using a visual aid, I think it would be more intuitive to utilize over other types of databases.

Tyler, I can totally see the importance of databases in construction industry. As one of my coops was in a construction consulting firm, there is truly a lot of information that needs to be kept track of. Businesses that have a database system that is carefully curated and maintained tend to be more organized.

Blog 5 - Uses of Databases in Construction Firms - Alkiviadis Tsitsios

There are numerous methods and organizational tactics for the gathering of information in project management and construction. Databases are useful because they provide a computer based system that helps manage information for the users. Warehouses are used by many construction firms to store equipment and provide an inventory of the materials that are used for projects. Written records have always been used, but now databases can be used to store that information forever, while having the ability to share it with other parties. Computer based database systems also have the significant advantage in the ability to rapidly retrieve the information for immediate use while lowering costs. The database requires a great amount of attention to guarantee that the program can accomplish all tasks.

The Database Manager Program is a software that directs the storage, maintenance, manipulation, and retrieval of data. By issuing specific requests to the DBM, users have the ability to retrieve and store data. The DBM helps free the user from the detail of HOW data is stored. A wide range of users with different needs can use the same database by utilizing DBM. For example, the DBM can be used to report on all project tasks which have been scheduled to be underway at a particular date or time. Using a query language, the DBM will be available to the user in this way. A conceptual data model exists which shows the user an abstract representation of the data. The overall configuration of the information is called the conceptual schema. Within a record of a datafile, a piece of data may hold value. In this case, the datafile may consist of a series of records that contain predefined variables. These variables may be text characters or numbers. There is also the relational data model, where the database is organized in relations, or tables of data which are arranged in ways detailed inthe data dictionary. Tables can illustrate “DESCRIPTION”, “ITEM_CODE”, OUTPUT, TIME_UNIT, and other inputs. The data recorded in each row can be obtained during bid preparations, whether taken from past projects, or commercial services. The number of attributes in a relation can be expanded however much desired as well. There are many uses for databases in construction.

Formative vs Summative Assessment - Eberly Center - Carnegie Mellon University, www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html.

JULIE HANSTED ANDERSEN
Well thought out descripton on rational database theories, which I was uninformed about prior to reading your post. Its use in managing databases. Using links to relate tables between one another is a useful tool that can be used in engineering and construction.

MAALIK KAPTUE
Because I wrote about database management in construction firms, learning about its impact in design offices is helpful. Having the ability to view material schedules, and observe components of architecture is very beneficial in the design of a project.

BLAS ANDRES RODRIGUEZ VIEIRA
Thank you for informing about SQL, as it is the standard language for relational database management. Having a language that can be understood universally is very useful. Because it is the standard language, it can be used to perform tasks and update data.

Blog post 5: Rational databases theory

Rational databases are relationships between data which is represented in tables. It is a way to structure and organize data. This theory was developed by E.F Codd in 1970 and have been used since then to manage databases.  A table characterizes one entity type where the rows represent each types and the columns represent the value for the type. The row has its own unique key which is called a primary key. By linking the key with other keys from other tables it is possible for the data to be related with other types. This creates a relationship between other tables and creates specific data. It could be a useful information in a building project where you would like to get information about e.g. the different door which are used in different rooms. A table would then describe the doors with an ID number, name of the door, and material. An other table would describe the rooms in the building also with an ID number, name of the room and size of the room.  Each table could have information about all the doors in the project where many of them has the same name and material but the ID is the unique key. The same is for the rooms where the ID for the room is the unique key. A new table with only the ID numbers of the doors and the rooms can then show the connection between the doors and the rooms. It can then tell how many of a specific door is in a specific room.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvrpuBAMddw

https://aws.amazon.com/relational-database/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_database

Blas Andres Rodriguez Vieira: Your post made it easy for my to understand what SLQ is and why it is important. It is interesting how you in the end of your post describes how important it is for almost all business to be able to understand the language of the databases because almost very thing becomes digital and we therefore store more and more data.

Tyler Madden: Interesting how the databases can be used in the construction business to improve effectivity and thereby save more. In the company where I work we sometime makes databases of tables when we are doing inspections of a lot of buildings where we have a specific ID for each building and then we can put in data for the roof, walls, foundation etc. It is a very easy way to get collect all the information we have for each building. And a easy way to get the information further to the owner of the building to tell them how the conditions is of all the e.gs roofs at all the buildings.

Weiyi Tang: Well described how the data in the design phase. It made think of how the simulation programs for energy and indoor climate actually works with the different input data we use.

B5: Relational Databases and SQL

A relational database is a set of interconnected tables, which can be queried, or called for, to display the data in new ways without the restructuring of the tables themselves. Databases are useful for managing and organizing large quantities of data, and are therefore, a useful tool for the AEC industry. [1]

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the primary “... computer language for relational database management and data manipulation.” [2].  SQL is the standard query language, and is the primary interface to communicate with relational databases. The common language makes interoperability possible; SQL is “... supported by all popular relational database engines.” SQL is used to query, insert, update and modify data.” [2]

Very simply, a query is a question. In the context of a database, there are numerous types of queries including a “select query” and an “action query”. Select queries are for data retrieval. Data is stored in tables. The tables are tabular, similar to formatting for an Excel document. Each table has numerous fields (the columns) in each table, and records (the rows) exist for each field. Typically, the records are auto-numbered with a specific ID. However, databases differ from an excel document with the use of relationships. Relationships can be created between numerous tables, which link the information, and allow for information to be called for in a “select query”, even if all the information desired is not in the same exact table. The select query presents the selected data results in a new and separate data sheet.

Action queries can be used to change the field values in the database. Instead of just altering one table and field at a time, entire groups of records can be called for with a select query, and then altered with an action query, which then changes the database. Action queries can also be used to make new tables, append specific tables. The SQL also has built in functions to aggregate the data values. Specific queries can be ran for selected fields to analyze the data. SQL has functions for count, average, sum, max and min, standard deviation, and others. SQL can also be setup as a search function, which looks for the user inputted characters that match with the record text in the specified tables or a formulated select query. [3] If the tables are structured and interrelated correctly, SQL allows for the acquisition and analysis of data in virtually any way the user would like.

Sources:

[1] Rouse, Margaret. “What Is Relational Database? - Definition from WhatIs.com.” SearchDataManagement, May 2018, searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/relational-database. [2] “What Is Structured Query Language (SQL)? - Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, www.techopedia.com/definition/1245/structured-query-language-sql. [3] “Designing Action Queries in Access.” 2010. PDF file.

Comments:

Tyler,

I agree that the use of databases in the AEC industry is becoming more common, and more crucial to managing building information. Revit, and BIM itself, is a large of database with a plethora of interrelated tables of family information and properties. A well formulated and utilized database can increase firm productivity and save a lot of time. Being able to pull up only the specific and relevant information for a certain construction task is an incredibly helpful ability  when trying to determine how one aspect of the design will influence another.

Alec,

Great introduction! I think when most people think about data it is more related to internet browsing and consumer purchases. While it is obvious that the construction industry also generates a lot of data, I do not think it is typically seen as a data source. Databases are good at storing and sharing information, making them a great way to help with construction coordination and time management. I agree, that if companies invest the time into developing and utilizing databases, company productivity and success will surely increase.

Jenny,
Object oriented databases seem to me like a more intuitive form of database. I think people would have an easier time to think of information stored as an object with a visual aid, than as a bunch of interrelated tables. Applying an object database to engineering drawing files seems like a great way to expedite the drawing process, while keeping all of the database elements up to date in whatever file they are used in.

Blog 5- SQL - What is it and why important

SQL is an abbreviation of Structured Query Language. The main function of the SQL language is to establish contacts and communicate with various databases. According to ANSI (American National Standards Institute), SQL is used as the standard language for relational database management systems. SQL Server is a relational database management system (DBMS) developed and promoted by Microsoft. SQL Server is a relational database management system (DBMS) developed and promoted by Microsoft. It was originally developed by Microsoft, Sybase and Ashton-Tate. And in 1988 launched the first OS/2 version. Microsoft SQL Server has been updated in recent years. In 1996, Microsoft introduced SQL Server 6.5; in 1998, SQL Server 7.0 and users met; SQL Server 2000 was introduced by Microsoft in 2000, and the latest version is released in 2017. SQL SERVER 2017.

The characteristics of SQL are:

1. The real client/server architecture.

2. Graphical user interface makes system management and database management more intuitive and simple.

3. A wealth of programming interface tools provide users with more choices for programming.

4. Support for Web technologies makes it easy for users to publish data from a database to a Web page.

5. Supports XML (Extensive Markup Language), supports OLE DB and multiple queries, and supports distributed partitioned views.

The advantages of SQL mainly include:

1, easy to use

MySQL is a high-performance, relatively simple database system that is less complex than the setup and management of some larger systems. MySQL databases are favored by Web developers for their ease of use and productivity capabilities.

2, reliability and safety

MySQL's InnoDB transactional storage engine follows the ACID model with improved data protection capabilities, including point-in-time recovery and auto-commit. InnoDB provides additional data integrity by supporting foreign key constraints, preventing inconsistencies between tables. MySQL is fully networked and its database is accessible from anywhere on the Internet, so you can share the database with anyone, anywhere. And MySQL has access control to control who can't see your data.

3, opening

MySQL can be used under an open source license, allowing free use and modification of source code. MySQL is fully networked and its database is accessible from anywhere on the Internet, so you can share the database with anyone, anywhere. And MySQL has access control to control who can't see your data.

Why do we have to design a database? Because when the database is more complicated (such as large amount of data, many tables, and complex business relationships), we can save data storage space by using SQL, which can ensure the integrity of the data and facilitate the opening of the database application system. However, if the SQL design is not appropriate, it will lead to data redundancy, waste of storage space and abnormalities in data update and insertion. SQL is like the memory system of the human brain. Without SQL, there is no memory system. Computers will not develop so quickly. The application of SQL has penetrated into every aspect of life and work. The development of SQL reflects the level of information development in a country, and many of the development of computer software is based on SQL.

Reference:

“Amazon Aurora -Relational Database Built for the Cloud- AW”, Juil 26,2018, https://aws.amazon.com/rds/mysql/what-is-mysql/

Tim R. Ford,“How NoSQL, Relational Databases Do (and Don't) Help Companies Meet GDPR Requirements”, Apr 27, 2018,

https://www.itprotoday.com/no-sql/how-nosql-relational-databases-do-and-dont-help-companies-meet-gdpr-requirements

Chad Brooks,“What is SQL?”, Business News Daily Senior Writer, Jan 21, 2014, https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5804-what-is-sql.html

Comment：

Tyler Madden

   I agree with the articles of Ozorhon, Karatas and Demerkesen you quoted, in a building database, a cost-based project management service can reduce the time and money spent on software, but the lack of customization that attain With the in House services. I have to admit that databases are important in today's society. Database technology is an important technical tool for scientific research and decision management.

Alec Silverstone 

    As you said, databases are very popular and important in our lives. In the information society, fully and effectively managing and utilizing various types of information resources is a prerequisite for scientific research and decision management. Database technology is the core part of various information systems such as management information systems, office automation systems, and decision support systems. In a construction company, implementing a database system to manage project data is a good way to increase productivity.

Weiyi Tang

   I really like your example of database application, analyzing the natural light going through a glass curtain wall. This is a clear introduction to the role of the database in real life. The database brings convenience to the inquiry, creation, modification and maintenance of the daily information processing.

B5-Uses of databases in design offices

In my opinion, the most obvious character that the database is playing in office buildings is to control the energy system. The book, Energy Buildings is saying: “The resulting database and model are expected to provide the simple, direct decision-making process for helping estimate the energy-saving potential of some energy conservation measures to retrofit existing office buildings quickly.” For example, the picture below is showing a schematic outline of the research for developing an energy prediction model, which can quickly estimate the annual electricity use of office buildings. 

                                                

By the database, the energy treatment methods can be listed out. So how? The database can organize various results by a list of input variables. For example, for previously analyzing the natural light going through a glass curtain wall, the input can be the properties of the curtain wall, the building location characters and the time of the day, so the output can be the amount of energy going into the building, the serving area of the natural light and the efficiency of the wall. The engineers do not need to build the actual sample wall first and then go collecting the data for estimations. The database can serve for the building load and the HVAC system. By putting the data into the database, such as the building envelope, the building thermal mass, the system operations, the refrigeration and heat rejections and so on for the energy control, the tables can be created for each of them, and the tables can interact with each other.

For example, after input a thermal mass table, and a heat rejections table, we can do this in the database (Linux) to get what the thermal load should be in the office building A during the winter:

SQL> SELECT minimum thermal mass required in the office, the maximum heat rejections
1    FROM thermal mass, heat rejection
2    WHERE season= ‘winter’
3    AND building_name= ‘office A’;

Then the possible range for the thermal load will pump up as a result table. By the database, the using time of the energy systems can also be controlled. We can select the office closing time and the office opening time from the time table, and then the unoccupied period for every day through the week, the month, or the year will be listed out, so the heating or cooling systems can automatically switch on an off according to that unaccompanied period. From my Blog 1 (link), you can learn why the time control for the energy system is essential.

After the prediction designs based on the databases, the time and the money which will be used on estimating the energy system in the office building could be reduced, because the data will be organized and shared, so for the operation of the building or the other similar building, the same database can be referenced again for higher efficiency.

Works Cited:

Mao, Jiachen and Pan, Yiqun and Fu, Yangyang. Towards fast energy performance evaluation: A 

pilot study for office buildings; Energy Buildings. Volume 121, 2016, Pages 104-113, ISSN 0378-7788, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.03.077

Comments:
Yicheng Li
Yes, as you said, the SQL can help us to organize the large databases and it became the foundation of many nowadays' computer software. For SQL, the data input methods are various and simple enough to be understood, so it has already envolve in our daily life.

Tyler Madden
I totally agree with you that the smarter "relational" databases can improve the efficiency of production because the data tables are separated but they can interact with each other, and the users can use various data sets at the same time and come out with another table for showing the results. Besides Microsoft's SQL server, for the Mac system, the terminal is the SQL server.

Alec Silverstone
Agree. The data appear during the building design, and construction processes are very complex, and if there is not a database to organize those data, the mistakes and misunderstanding between the engineers and the constructors will occur frequently, and to find the reason of the error will be a suffer work. Therefore, the database is essential for construction.

B5- Databases in Construction

     In today’s world, everything is data. From the products we buy to the shoes we wear, everything we do is stored somewhere as data values. It’s no wonder that big companies turn to data to target products to consumers. But with all the potential behind data management and processing, can data be used for other industries besides the commercial realm?

     As it turns out, data and databases have hugepotential for the construction industry and firms that deal with construction processes. Quite obviously, there is a lot of data to handle in a construction firm. As a few people from the Department of Civil Engineering at a university in Istanbul put it, “knowledge management is considered to be one of the key sources of success for construction projects” (1). An effective way to ensure organization and management of data is to make use of databases. Databases “aid construction companies in capturing, storing, sharing, and using project and corporate information.” It seems almost like common sense, but it is true that implementing a database system to manage data for projects is a great way to improve work efficiency. In addition to just storing information, databases can be used for analysis to address discrepancies or follow trends. 

     So why are databases so important, especially with respect to the construction industry? As we know, the construction industry and its firms have projects that are often “held in dispersed locations, by different parties involved, [and] with variable objectives” (2). The process of capturing, organizing, and maintaining all the data is quite daunting, so there needs to be a system in place for this task. Construction firms may utilize databases to properly keep track of projects, even if projects differ in type, location, cost, etc. 

     It is often that firms tend to “do it how they’ve always done it” to minimize employee discomfort and stress. I believe that now is the time to drop that archaic frame-of-mind for the improvement of workflow and data management. Databases are powerful tools for ensuring a company’s success, and I have no doubt that the big firms in the construction industry will shift towards a database implementation if they have not already done so. 

Works Cited

(1) Eken, Gorkem, Bilgin, Gozde, Dikmen, Irem, M. Talat, Birgonul, A Lessons Learned Database Structure for Construction Companies. Procedia Engineering, Volume 123, 2015. Pages 135-144, ISSN 1877-7058

(2) Ozorhon, Beliz. Cenap G. Karatas, Sevilay Demirkesen, A Web-based Database System for Managing Construction Project Knowledge.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Volume 119, 2014, Pages 377-386, ISSN 1877-0428

Comments on others’ posts

Albert, your background on this topic was appreciated, at least by me, as it gave me a good basis of knowledge about this topic. Having not worked with databases at length before, I definitely needed that introduction. It’s interesting that the idea and origin of databases date back to the 20^thcentury even though high-level data management and technology has come about only relatively recently. Your example of modern use was also really good, thanks for that great information!

Nick, similar to Albert’s post that I read earlier, I liked your good introduction to relational databases. As we have yet to cover them in class and I have little exposure to them, it’s nice to get a good understanding from peers. You did a great job describing SQL and furthered my knowledge more than I could have expected. You put its importance into perspective and provided good context.

Maalik, I really like how concise and well-explained your post is. You include key information like the role of databases in popular programs and the possible interfaces users may experience. I really liked that you hone in one specific software tool that is popular in this industry and put things into perspective for readers like myself. Great work!