B5 - Object Oriented Databases

Objected oriented databases are a type of management system which links information to an object. These objects contain identities, attributes, references, relationships and associations. This type of data base combines features of object-oriented systems with database systems [2]. Revit is an example of a software which uses this type of database. Information can be tied to devices which are modeled within a building [1]. With object oriented databases you are able to create hierarchies with types. An example of this would be Revit Families. Revit families are first categorized by what type of model component they are. Within a family you can also create types of that family. Although all 2x2 light fixtures would use the same family in a project, you would create different types under that family for the various manufactures and lumen packages. The data for each of the types of the fixtures varies greatly, so although they look a like on a plan view the data within each of the family types is different. This will influence the lighting levels produced for lighting calcs, lighting fixture schedules outputs, as well as the circuiting if the wattage is different.

Object oriented databases, are more complex. They not only include information, but graphics and visuals. Continuing with the example of Revit. As you draft and populate objects in the model. The database builds and information is gathered. This is because the objects themselves are tied to the properties and data pertaining to the object. From this you are able to collect the data and create schedules as a way to organize the data.

Sources:

[1] “A Brief History of BIM.” ArchDaily, VELUX, 7 Dec. 2012, www.archdaily.com/302490/a-brief-history-of-bim/.

[2] “Object-Oriented Databases (Version 2010).” ODBMS Industry Watch, www.odbms.org/2010/01/object-oriented-databases-version-2010/.

Responses:

Julie, great description. The diagram you used to explain what a relational database is was extremely helpful. Your example helped me better understand how the information is linked and relationships are formed between the data.

Blog 4 - Project Outline

Senior Design - Dynamo

Abstract

-       Our team will be creating Revit Families needed for senior design, primarily electrical devices and fixtures. We will also be using dynamo to create sheets, schedules and manage data that is input into the model and families. The design process used to accomplish these tasks will be discussed in the paper.

Division of Labor

-       Samantha’s Tasks:

-       Place electrical devices

-       Circuit devices?

-       Schedules (creating and exporting)

-       Report - document the steps used to create code

-       Presentation

-       Jennifer’s Tasks:

-       Renumber Rooms by Level

-       Project Setup (ex. Sheets and templates)

-       Schedules

-       Report - document the steps used to create code

-       Presentation

Challenges and Limitations

-       Dynamo uses visual nodes to help connect inputs and outputs to make accessing and repeating tasks easier.

-       Challenges stem from never having used the program. We will have to learn how to build scripts within dynamo to eliminate typically repetitive and time consuming tasks in Revit.

Conclusions

-       Summary

-       Use Dynamo to complete tasks within Revit more efficiently. In the first few weeks we intent to become familiar with dynamo by watching tutorials and following along. After we will attempt to write our own code to complete the outlined tasks in our senior design revit model.

Resources

-       Lynda

-       Coworkers who use Dynamo

Schedule

-       W4 - Define tasks and watch tutorials

-       W5 - Watch tutorials, follow along and work with practice models provided

-       W6 - Begin to develop own script/ Rough Draft of Report

-       W7 - Draft due/ Work on script

-       W8 - Finish script/ Final Report

-       W9 - Final Report due/ Work on presentation

-       W10 - Presentation

For this project Jenny and I will work together using Dynamo to eliminate repetitive tasks in Revit. We will be using our Revit model for senior design to complete this project. Using visual programming we will create code to accomplish tasks such as creating sheets, schedules and placing devices throughout the building. We will also attempt to use Dynamo to circuit devices once they have been placed. We will first have to familiarize ourselves with Dynamo before attempting to write our own code. This will be accomplished using the knowledge of coworkers and workflow tutorials on Lynda. Dynamo uses input and output functions to control devices and parameters within the project. Our report will be a summary of the steps we took and tasks we performed/attempted. 

Responses:

Qiaodan, I enjoyed reading about your topic. I think the benefits of using BIM for residential design are often overlooked. As BIM becomes more popular and the programs become more affordable we will see it used more for residential.

Kyle, great topic but an outline would have helped understand your project a little better. I think choosing one material to focus on was a great choice. This will allow you to be more specific about  how 3-D printing will effect engineering and the construction industry.

Blog 3 - Future of BIM

Last week we were asked to predict where we thought BIM would be in 10 years. My opinion is very similar to the opinion of my groups. I believe BIM and more specifically programs such as Revit will continue to be a useful tool in Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

I think over the next few years the applications of BIM in construction will increase significantly. The integration between design and construction is becoming more common. With advancements in modeling it is easier to resolve many issues, that were in the past solved in the field, in the design phase. With the help of programs such as navisworks you are able to do clash detections and see conflicting elements. BIM also helps with constructibility, having the construction team involved early on in design by showing them the model they are able to input their opinions and help come up with solutions.

I believe that we are just getting started with the use of BIM and that there is so much more to come. One example of this is the use of applications and add ons such as dynamo to input information into models. Using coding as opposed to modeling elements and creating schedules individually helps to increase efficiency and accuracy. More add ons and programs are being integrated into Revit everyday. There continues to be improvements and modifications that not only make things quicker, but limits errors by not having information stored separately in two places. An example of this is using add-ons to integrate excel with Revit such as RushForth. When the excel file is directly linked to the Revit model the information contained in it tends to be more accurate. When the files are separate there is the constant need to export and update the information manually. I think in the next 10 years we will continue to see information being integrated into models.

Responses:

Jacklynn, I agree that the lack of integration between the new and old versions of Revit can be an issue. However there is a way around that by exporting the model to a different file format then importing it to the old version and converting, but similar to when you upgrade a model there is the risk of losing some information. Typically companies will keep all versions of Revit on company computers and will not upgrade models. This allows you to continue working on a project in an old version with out risking losing information.

Yicheng, I agree that lack of synergy and keeping up with the needs of BIM are two major problems that many companies still face. As the popularity of BIM continues to increase companies have to adapt to these changes. Many companies are now implementing BIM departments in addition the IT department. These employees are focused on keeping up with software updates and challenges. Creating a more collaborative environment would also be beneficial to these companies. When architects and engineers stop thinking about their components and building systems alone and think of the project as a whole when working to resolve issues such as clashes in the models things become a little bit easier.

Jenny, great point about how BIM helps both the client and sub contractors get a better idea of what the final product will look like and how you can accomplish building it. Walk through videos are a great presentation tool for showing the owner progress through out the design phase.

Chapter 4 - BIM for Owners and Facility Managers

This chapter discusses the benefits of using BIM processes for owners and facility managers. BIM is not only used for creating drawings and 3-D models of the building, BIM can also be used to perform analyses such as energy and lighting. These analyses often lead to a more efficient building and improve the overall performance of the building. Another benefit of using BIM is that it helps to shorten the project schedule. BIM coordination in the design phase helps reduce the amount of coordination done in the field by resolving clashes between elements in the design phase. Prior to BIM clashes were resolved on site, in some cases solutions for clashes were not able to be found. This could result in the need for more interstitial space and would ultimately have to shift levels and or have to make the building larger to accommodate all the plumbing, mechanical and electrical elements.

Cost estimates also tend to be more accurate with the use of BIM. BIM makes it easy to create schedule and takeoffs so you are able to obtain quantities of elements as well as estimation of lengths for conduit, ducts and cable tray. Facility manager’s benefit from the use of BIM. Models and drawings tend to be updated throughout construction, therefore as built drawings and models are as accurate as possible. Facility managers also benefit from the data stored in the model and elements. Many devices and equipment contain information regarding specifications and manufacturer information, this information is useful for maintenance being performed of the equipment.

A challenge projects and owners face with BIM is defining the scope. There are many advantages of using BIM, but understanding what is expected of you as a designer or contractor by the owner is important. Although clash detection and energy analysis can be done using BIM processes, the owner may not necessarily want it to be done. Completing these tasks can take time and will add to the design schedule. It is important that owners understand the need to define the scope of the project and to make sure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration is a key factor that contributes to the success of using BIM on a project, therefore it is important that the owner, architect, engineers and contractors are working together throughout each stage of the project.

Source:
Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, 2011.

Responses:

Jacklynn, I agree that the ability to see all components in one model is beneficial. Although each disciplines model is typically separate and linked together, it is easier to manage links in Revit than it was in CAD. I think the use of BIM definitely helps when changes are made on a project. When equipment and devices are hosted correctly to walls it decreases the need for each department to make changes. For example, when an architect moves a wall the devices that were hosted to it will move with it. You also make a great point that having everyone trained who is working in the model is important. Having someone who is not properly trained to use the technology can often lead to many issues later on in the project, this is something I have witnessed many times at work.

Laney, you make a great point about success with BIM on projects using Integrated Project Delivery and Design-Build. For Design-Build projects, with this method the architects, engineers and contractors are all working together. Since construction begins during the design phase, contractors are able to bring up issues that arise and receive answers from the design team. Therefore issues can can be resolved before they lead to delays with the construction schedule.

Blog 1 - Robotics, AI, 3-D printing, Future

Over the past few years there has been a significant increase in the use of AI for everyday tasks. Over the years various industries have made advancements and incorporated these technologies into their work. AI is most commonly known for its use in places such as hospitals and warehouses. These robots and drones are used in place of humans to complete tasks and tend to do so more accurately and efficiently. In more recent years AI is proving to be more versatile than it was originally thought to be, proving to have a creative side as well as a technical side. AI and more specifically robots are now being used for art. This includes sculpting, glassmaking, tattoos and music. Not only are these robots able to mimic artists movements to replicate their artwork, some are able to work on their own and analyze materials in order to create artwork. An example of this is artist Prokop Bartonicek and Benjamin Maus use of a robotic arm in order to analyze and organize river rock. The robot was able to sort the stones by their geological age creating a history base art installation [1]. Another project I found interesting from the article, "10 Mind Blowing Projects of Robots in Creative Industries" was the 3D printed rock installation. The rock print was an example of fully reusable structures. The 3-D printer used loos granular material and wraps it in a textile filament as it is constructed. In this type of construction, the material is not changed and upon deconstruction of the structure the material can be reused [1].

Originally 3-D printing was done using a plastic material. Now there are 3-D printers for many different types of materials including: metal, plastic, glass and clay. MIT recently announced their new 3-D printer, G3DP2, which prints molten glass into 3-D structures. The system not only is able to create decorative pieces, but glass structures that can be used for building [2]. These are just a few examples of advancements that have been made with AI, 3-D printing and robotics in recent years. Its expected that these technologies will continue to advance and become a larger part of our everyday lives.

[1] “10 Mind-Blowing Projects of Robots in Creative Industries.” Designboom | Architecture & Design Magazine, 21 July 2017, www.designboom.com/technology/robots-in-creative-industries-07-23-2017/.

[2] Biggs, John. “MIT Researchers Are Now 3D-Printing Glass.” TechCrunch, TechCrunch, 31 Dec. 2018, techcrunch.com/2018/12/31/mit-researchers-are-now-3d-printing-glass/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%2BTechcrunch%2B%28TechCrunch%29.


Responses:

Jenny, you make a great point about how using AI in construction can reduce risk and improve efficiency. I think another area of construction this technology can help with is when projects run into delays. Often times construction companies will spend money to increase the number of workers, overtime hours and number of shifts. Overtime hours can take a toll on workers and reduce productivity. A solution to this would be to use AI to work the additional shifts and overtime hours. With AI you don't have to worry about them getting tired or have concerns about them working late at night and early in the morning when it's still dark outside. There is definitely still a concern though that over time we will use this technology not only to help with tasks, but we will rely on the robots and drones to do the task entirely and replace people.

Laney, I agree that sensor technology is important for HVAC. I think the Keen Home vents are an interesting use of this technology. In a way this technology advances residential HVAC design by creating zones that are on a schedule. In most homes vents are always open because people don't think to close them when they are done in a room, by automating this aspect of HVAC you improve the efficiency of a residential system.

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Intro/ Definition - Samantha Huttick

My name is Samantha Huttick. I am a senior studying Architectural Engineering with a concentration in digital buildings and a minor in Construction Management. I am originally from Bucks County, PA which is located approximately 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia.

For my first and third co-op I worked at Integrated Project Services (IPS) in Bluebell, PA in the electrical department working on the design of buildings for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. In addition to co-oping at IPS I worked as a part time employee for the last 3 years while in classes. My second co-op was at Robert E Lamb in the structural department working on the design of control centers and industrial facilities.

Intelligent Buildings are buildings which make use of various systems to effectively manage resources in a coordinated mode to maximize: technical performance; investment and operating cost savings; flexibility. These buildings are typically capable of adapting to their environment through the use of building systems.