B6: Course Reflection

Before taking this class, I was only slightly familiar with the various technologies and programs that can be used in the engineering, design, and construction fields. My awareness of these tools stemmed from the exposure I’ve had with BIM interfaces like Revit, as well as the common knowledge I had in regards to robotics, AI, and sensors. I really feel as though this class benefited my general understanding of the abilities we as an industry have at our fingertips and showed how these increasingly incredible advancements impact the work we do daily. I think the most beneficial aspect of the course for me was the exposure to more BIM programs and how they can be integrated into the work of any trades in the field. The main goal I have as I near my entrance into working in as an engineer is to design sustainable and green buildings, which can be greatly benefited by the use of various BIM interfaces. This topic ended up being a common point of discussion for my project group, which ultimately led to our discussion of BIM advancements on sustainable design. At first, I wasn’t too sure how these programs could influence me as a structural engineer, as it is very easy to see the impact programs like eQUEST have on MEP engineers and their work. However, after further exposure to innovative ideas in this class, I think these programs can be beneficial for structural engineers for a multitude of reasons. The first idea, which I discussed in the database reflection, is how the use of relational databases and Dynamo can help with the organization of structural components of design for various buildings or projects. This can potentially eliminate change orders that result in the redesign, manufacturing, and production of structural elements. This concept ties into the second major impact on structural design, which is the use of these BIM programs to efficiently design the structural systems. Interfaces like Athena Impact Estimator allow for the measuring of the energy usage of structural materials from production to demolition, ultimately providing an analysis on the environmental impact each stage of the structural design of a project has. This class has exposed me to certain technologies and allowed for me to explore different ones, like Athena, that pertain to my future in the field, and I hope it isn’t the last time I experience them and I can continue to use the knowledge I gained through this class to grow as an engineer and make a difference, specifically in terms of making energy efficiency and sustainability concepts that are evaluated more thoroughly throughout structural design.

Comments:

Mika,

I completely agree with everything you said. I was unsure about what the course would cover at first, but knew we’d be learning a lot with Professor Mitchell. I wasn’t sure how our futures would be linked to some of the information taught, but this class really made it easy to understand the importance of integrating technology into what we do, especially as the industry grows.

Isabel,

I really enjoyed reading your reflection, especially given your perspective of someone outside of the major. Like you mentioned, the different types of assignments allowed us to be exposed to all sorts of applications that go beyond one specific major. Ultimately, I think this course is a great way to tie everything together and expose people with different backgrounds and experiences to things we’ll all use in some capacity in the future.

Ina,

I completely agree with your post, especially in regards to how AE 410 allows us to stay up to date on the technology used in our field. I particularly enjoyed learning about the use of robots and drones throughout the construction process, and it’s definitely something we should become familiar with given that they’ll become more prevalent as the industry continues to advance.

B5: Object Oriented Databases

Object-oriented databases (OODB) are a means of identifying components of a system as objects and classes in order to store data and perform tasks or functions. The ability of objects to be defined and referenced later as one unit is different from other database features. As someone with limited knowledge regarding databases, I found an example of the theory behind OODBs very helpful. Object oriented databases are similar to a car engine when it comes down to basic principles of function. There are several components that are identified individually with specific functions that, once machined into one object, are then known and function as an engine. The article I read goes on to talk about a basic database example: how a vertical and horizontal line oriented perpendicularly with a set grading scale are then known as a graph and can serve the new functions of analyzing and organizing data.

Although it is said that this type of database programming is difficult to learn, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with coding, OODB provide several important advantages that can greatly impact our field. OODBs are persistent, resilient, and secure, which make storing data easier and safer. Typical relational databases store data in rows and columns that need to be continuously stored, converted, and loaded in order to assign data, and thus function, to program objects. OODB allow for data to be persistently stored so that this repetitive process is eliminated.  I think the biggest impact OODB have on our industry is that it allows for a more seamless sharing and integration of information. Because of how object data is stored, different operating systems, coding languages, BIM programs, and AI technologies can be used by various trades and people involved on a project without the worry of incompatibility. Thus, its shown that object-oriented databases aid in interoperability, the ability of data and information exchange between various systems. This would have a direct impact on file and model sharing between architects and engineers, for example, because it eliminates any lack of coordination on the technological side to ensure the project can run as smoothly as possible.

Sources:

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/8639/object-oriented-database

https://people.cs.pitt.edu/~chang/156/19oodb.html

https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/what-are-object-oriented-databases-and-their-advantages2/

Comments:

Ina,

I really enjoyed the quote you included and how you summarized your post because it really brought light to the fact that how databases are used and information is stored is up to the specific company and is based on its needs, as well as the needs of the users. Like you mentioned, SQL can be formidable for simpler tasks, but with the advancements being made for different programs and websites, a means of processing more complex data might be necessary.

Dane,

I agree that databases can benefit the construction field in a multitude of ways throughout the design and maintenance portions of the project. Efficiently and effectively storing drawings and mark ups throughout the design process allows for clarity in terms of possible change orders and RFIs, while proper up keeping of these drawings makes maintenance much easier.

Mika,

I enjoyed hearing about the differences between SQL and NoSQL database management systems, and why SQL might be the preferred system. I think a lot of times, people think that the more complex of the options will be the most suitable, but, as you mentioned, SQLs have more advantages than NoSQL, such as its integration with other coding languages like you mentioned.

B4: Project Description

Mika, Brian, and I decided to research different types of BIM software and programs that can aid in producing sustainable and green building designs. We also plan on discussing the direct impact these tools have on the various people involved on a project, such as owners, facility managers, and the different trades. Firstly, the definitions of sustainability and green were determined in order to better understand how BIM can be used to achieve these types of designs. It can be argued that the two terms are the synonymous or have differences when it comes to building design. As a team, we decided that green falls under the larger category of sustainable, which is essentially the desire to lower the demands a building places on the environment. This can be done through several means, such as lowering a building’s energy usage, designing a carbon neutral structure, installing systems that conserve water, and improving indoor air quality. By monitoring these various aspects of the building throughout its life cycle, as well as making changes to the equipment and materials used that impact sustainability, different criteria, such as cost and time, can be greatly impacted.

There are various BIM software that can monitor and recommend changes to the equipment and materials, such as the HVAC system servicing the building and types of glass and wall constructions, being used for a specific project. In order to better understand the capabilities and specialties of different programs and plug-ins and refrain from analyzing a very broad topic, we decided to analyze the results produced by three different programs for one common building. These programs are Revit Insight, eQUEST, and Autodesk Green Building Studio. Each of these interfaces have various capabilities with the common goal of designing a sustainable building by helping provide multiple layers of analysis for the different people involved on the project, such as the architects and engineers. Throughout our analysis, we plan on discussing which programs would be better suited for various needs and trades, as well as what type of inputs, outputs, and recommendations each interface can suggest when it comes to making decisions that impact the overall design process. In addition to these points, we would like to tie everything together by discussing the intentions of LEED certification, what that rating system means, and how it can affect the building owner and facilities managers specifically, as it impacts energy usage, materials, and the equipment being used and maintained throughout the building’s life cycle.

Comments: 

Ina,

I really enjoyed reading about your topic. Although I personally have never seen robots work on site, I think the there is definitely the potential for them to grow as a more common tool in our field. I also liked how you are going to talk about the pros and cons to the argument, especially because acknowledging the opposing side can strength yours. I’m excited to hear about the examples you’ll encounter in research, like the drone video where they built a bridge, and how you think technology will advance in the future of our field.

Dane,

I think your topic is really interesting! I’m not really familiar with the concept of generative design, but it sounds like there are so many possibilities to explore in terms of new design ideas. Inspiration can come from anywhere, like you mentioned in regards to new design materials and current events that change design, and I think this type of design method mixed with the technology we have and will continue to develop in the future and will allow for so many different ideas and exploration of varying materials, aesthetics, and solutions to issues.  

Abdul,

I think it’s really important and interesting that you plan on discussing the advantages and disadvantages in order to strengthen your side of the argument for in AI is something that can ultimately benefit our fields. I personally think it’s such a great advancement, especially given the points you discussed, such as reducing human errors and increasing accuracy. However, there are always going to be negatives to these positives, and I think the major one would be trying to figure out how to have humans work harmoniously with robots in order to combat the issue of unemployment and allow for both the people with experience and the robots that can achieve what humans can’t to help in different types of engineering projects. I’m excited to see how the project turns out!

B3: Possible Future Advantages of BIM/Revit

     Building Information Modeling (BIM) has allowed for so many advancements to be made when it comes to the design, construction, and maintenance of a building. It plays very distinct roles for the various trades like engineers, contractors, and architects, as well as the stakeholders and facility managers. BIM allows for cost to be minimized and time to be maximized in several ways, such as mitigating issues and areas of possible RFIs and COs throughout the construction processes, monitoring energy usage and the equipment to be installed so that the most economical options are being used, and the building is maintained properly to extend and maximize its life. When giving her presentation, Dr. Fiori mentioned several advantages of BIM, such as its ability to allow for better communication and collaboration between trades and throughout the design and construction process, cost estimation based on the designed model to ensure savings when necessary, and increased productivity and prefabrication of pieces used in construction because of how accurate the designs are thanks to BIM. These are all important ways to ways to maximize the overall efficiency of the project.

     Dr. Fiori also mentioned the use of BIM in the field, which allows for the connection of the office and on-site work. She mentioned that Bluebeam is one of the most used BIM programs because of this ability to be used in multiple settings and well beyond the office. I used Bluebeam a lot at my past Co-Op at a structural engineering firm, most notably for quantity takeoffs when going into the field with the restoration department. The capabilities of Bluebeam allowed for the team to bring tablets into the field and mark where any façade issues, like spalling and cracking, are located in order to ensure the safety and proper maintenance of the building. This use of the program lets the team ensure accurate representation and organization of the types, sizes, locations, and severity of the problems observed on site that might not be as accurate by just taking pictures and hand drawing the size onto a set of drawings, once again contributing to the minimizing of cost and maximizing of time spent on a project.

     The last thing that really stuck with me was Dr. Fiori’s mention of the use of drones for construction. She talked how this type of technology can be used to detect issues on construction sites before projects are completed, such as with the twisting of the elevator shaft at a project in Center City. I think the use of drones to take pictures, especially of specific locations, can be beneficial for the restoration work I’ve been involved in. I’ve never seen nor heard of drones being used to analyze façade and structural issues that might be beyond reach. I know it’s important, for this type of work specifically, to see the problems up-close to note severity. At my Co-Op, I was able to ride a lift that was extended over 100 ft. to inspect a smoke stack, but there was still a portion of the structure that was just beyond our reach given the capabilities of the lift. In this instance, where most of the structure was observed up close, I think a drone would be useful and could lead to further uses and advancements in the field. This is just one of the possible future benefits BIM technologies can have on our field, and I'm excited to see what's to come.

Comments:

Mika,

I completely agree that the technology we use in our field is evolving at such a fast pace and that it sometimes makes it difficult to keep up. There are always going to be new developments, and they have the potential to benefit the way our industry is moving, but with that comes the need for proper training. I know my Co-Op held a course for newer employees in the office that entailed Revit training so that everyone was at least familiar with the program and had the capabilities to advance and continue learning once new features became available. I definitely think that this practice should be implemented across the industry and kept up with so everyone is able to utilize the capabilities of the program as it advances.

Jake,

The advantage that stuck out to me was “no paper documentation”. This is something that was implemented at my previous Co-Op, as we tried to keep everything organized through BIM models, scanned and program generated calculations, and revisions made through Bluebeam. Obviously, this is difficult to implement completely and hand calculations and physical drawing sets are inevitably going to be produced at some point throughout a project, working towards a paperless job allows for better organization, easier changes and revisions through the use of various BIM programs, and, of course, an attempt to make our industry green.

Ina,

I like how you talked about the learning curve and process of mastering any sort of BIM program. It’s so important for people to work together within the firm, and sharing knowledge about a BIM interface like Revit is something that requires communication and a flow of teaching and learning. Effectively utilizing time is such an important part of our industry, but there are certain instances like with the learning of a program where investing some time now will prove to be beneficial for the firm later.

B2: BIM & Owners and Facility Managers

     BIM is an incredible tool for everyone involved in construction projects, but the features have a unique impact on the jobs of owners and facility managers. The use of building information modeling software and programs is to ultimately produce a building with higher quality in a multitude of ways. BIM is beneficial for owners because it allows for more control early on in projects, collaboration between trades, and increase the sustainability of the structure. This leads to a reduction in time, as there is less of a need to focus on unforeseen issues that arise due to lack of communication between trades, thus shortening the project schedule and leading to a reduction in cost. In addition to helping make the owner’s life easier by ironing out issues in early phases of the project through proper coordination and drawings, BIM also aids in facility management. Most notably, it allows for ongoing updates to be made on the building, as well as make maintenance and life cycle costs easy to manage.

     My only experience with BIM was some slight exposure to Revit for structural engineering at my previous Co-Op, so I found it really interesting to learn more about the other ways BIM is used to design efficient and sustainable buildings. Approximately 40% of energy use in the United States is due to heating, cooling, and lighting systems in buildings. In order to manage these costs and make buildings as green as they can be, programs like Legion Studio are used to properly estimate energy usage of buildings and influence the overall design of the structure. In conjunction with the ability to monitor energy consumption, BIM allows for coordination of design in order to positively impact the users of the space. One fact that really caught my eye while reading is that 92% of operation cost is spent on the users of the building. It’s ultimately important for the owner to invest in equipment that saves energy while the building is in use, as well as for money to be used in order to ensure the space is a productive environment. This can be achieved in many ways, such as ensuring good air quality with proper HVAC equipment and maximizing architectural design that uses natural lighting to increase productivity. Through the use of BIM, owners and the facility management team can ensure that the design process goes smoothly and that the overall operation of the building is a success throughout the building’s life.

Work Cited:

Chuck Eastman et al., BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors (3rd Edition Wiley, 2018)

Comments:

Ina:

I found it really interesting to learn about how the different files and data are converted between programs and the necessary steps of filtration that need to be taken in order to be efficient and precise. The issue with translation is something that really caught my eye. I read about the impact of BIM on owners and facility management, which discussed many things, but focused heavily on the importance of collaboration early on, throughout, and even after a project’s life. With the technology that we have available to aid in design comes the ability for so many different people from around the world to work on a single project, so it’s definitely important to not allow the incredible possibilities for design advancements to be hindered by something like a language barrier. I’m happy to hear that IFC solved this by allowing property name translations with their buildingSMART Data Dictionary, and I hope it expands beyond this and allows for further collaboration in the future.

Spencer:

Knowing the type of technology and BIM software we use for design and construction now makes looking back at the past methodology so intriguing. I can only imagine what the future design process will utilize that will make our current means feel as crazy as designing a building entirely by hand does now. The fact that the modeling software in 1980 cost what is now in the ballpark of $80,000 is so insane to think about, especially because of how common design programs are in our industry. The software that we have is so incredible and allows for so much to be done, and I can’t wait to see what advancements will be made in the future as technology and demands for design change.

Andrew:

I agree with the points you brought up, specifically the focus on how each feature and positive of using BIM in design will allow for better manipulation and estimation of timing and cost, two very important aspects of any construction project. There are so many different ways BIM can be used throughout  the design process that can impact cost and scheduling, such as properly designing and working through energy problems, as well as allowing for proper documentation for servicing the building throughout its life. These technological advancements allow for every trade involved on a project to be on the same page and take care of any concerns and issues before it’s too far into the project when change orders and RFIs can alter time and cost significantly.

Amanda Kolar B1: AI, Robotics, and 3-D Printing

AI

https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&n=2638fbb6-3685-459d-8fcb-873c1dea0989

     I searched the “future” and “AI” tags and read the article titled “What Will the Future of Work Look Like?”, which discusses the various Industrial Revolutions throughout history and what is to be expected from the current changes. Over the past 260 years, there were three revolutions, those involving steam power, electric powered mass production, and computers, but we are currently experiencing the fourth, which is the rise of artificial intelligence. This revolution is happening 10 times faster than the previous three, and could potentially result in significant changes to the workforce. The article states that about 375 million people globally would need to find a new job by 2030 due to the rise of AI in various types of work. These changes are occurring for both blue and white collar professionals because there are several jobs in the middle class that can be performed by technology. A study by an economist named Carl Benedikt Frey shows that approximately 47% of US, 69% of Indian, and 77% of Chinese jobs are at risk of automation, or the idea of completing/producing something multiple times without the need for human interaction. There are several proposed ideas in order to slow automation and make up for the loss of employee taxation, such as imposition of a robot tax like in South Korea, and altering the traditional work week schedule, but the general population trends can be used to predict what could occur in the future when it comes to work and technology. Jobs that require human interaction, like teachers, for example, would prove to be more important, because they are jobs that robots could not complete. However, on a more positive note, it is expected that the jobs that will be created will be more than those destroyed by technological advancements in the workplace. There will be a greater need for professions in the fields of healthcare and medicine in 2030 due to the amount of people that would be near and over the age of 65 at that time. However, proper changes in training are proving to be incredibly important, because without it, unemployment could rise and salaries would drop.

ROBOTICS

https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&n=a5c50975-825c-4bfb-a069-b90118182b29

I chose the article "5 Major Robotics Trends to Watch for in 2019" because I thought it would be interesting to reflect on the advancements made in the past year based on predictions previously made. These advancements were discussed in regards to fields like healthcare and distribution, among others, due to the need for repetition in production and manufacturing. Among the different types of robotic advancements discussed, such as cobots, those that work in conjunction with humans in the workplace, the one prediction that stuck out to me was the use of robots for deliveries. They are used in workplaces for small package deliveries, as well as larger indoor spaces like warehouses, but the advancement called Nuro made in Arizona by Google engineers is a delivery service that uses robotics to bring fresh groceries and temperature sensitive foods to consumers. This, as well as Google’s autonomous taxis in Phoenix, are noted to work due to the grid-like streets of the area.

3D PRINTING

https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&n=ea50c0fe-fc13-4e38-a85f-23d348ad9ae0

The article "DIY Market Slows Dramatically as 3-D Printing Hits Its Industrial Stride" discussed the use of 3D printing in for hobbyist and do it yourself individuals in terms of the advancements the technology was experiencing in professional and industrial settings. The consulting and research firm Wohlers Associates reported that 3-D printing goods and services reached $2.2 billion in 2012, which is “a compounded annual growth rate of almost 29 percent…[from] 2011” (Wohler Associates). They go on to discuss that approximately 6.5% of the 3-D printing machines sold were those geared towards hobbyist and crafters, which indicates a decrease for this market segment from the previous spike. Professional markets, however, exhibit surges in the buying of these products, with products transcending specific fields or uses, most notably for pieces in jet engines and hip replacements. Because of the nearly limitless avenues the professional landscape has for 3D-printing uses, the report states that this service and product will become larger and more important in the years to come, which was clearly proven to be true with the advancements made revolving around 3-D printing since the article was written.

Sources:

Marr, Bernard. "5 Major Robotics Trends To Watch For in 2019." Forbes, 8 Mar. 2019, forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/03/08/5-major-robotics-trends-to-watch-for-in-2019/#4d9177b05650. Accessed 11 Jan. 2020.

Wired. Conde Nast, 24 May 2013, www.wired.com/2013/05/3d-printing-hits-its-industrial-stride-while-the-diy-market-slows-dramatically/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2020.

Comments:

To Manon:

The first article you talked about got my attention because I own a Google Home. These technologies are become more and more prevalent in homes and can monitor just about everything going on in the space when connected and controlled properly. This type of advancement is really intriguing to me, because it seems almost futuristic in that we as humans don’t have to put as much effort into things like checking the weather, setting reminders, and controlling different aspects of our houses like temperature and lighting. At the same time, it’s also somewhat haunting to think about the trust and control we put into technology and the amount of personal information they store.

To Ina:

I really enjoyed reading about your discussion regarding technological advancements and structures. It’s always really interesting for me to hear about the different inspirations behind design ideas, so hearing about the use of airplanes from World War II in the design process is so intriguing. That example really shows how new design and be influenced by older pieces that don’t even necessarily have to be taken from other architectural pieces.

To Michael:

I like how you talked about the positive and negative affects of technology in the schools and other learning environments. When I was first reading your post, I was questioning the positives because of the negative affects of technology that you talked about, such as self-esteem issues. I think it’s definitely important to monitor and use the technology in a way that is aimed towards bettering students’ learning because the tone of the use of such technology can be skewed and changed very quickly.

First Post - Amanda Kolar

Hi, my name's Amanda and I'm a junior AE student with a structural concentration. My expectation for this class is to learn more about how technological advancements are being used throughout various aspects of the design and construction processes, such as the use of BIM in design and AI in the actual building phases.

The evernote note that I found the most interesting was in regards to sociology, and was titled "Internet Giants, Defied by Bitcon, Now See Its Tech as Remedy". This note discussed the use of software like Bitcoin being used to give companies like Twitter and Facebook less control over users' personal data, giving this power to users and outside programmers. Bitcoin uses a decentralized server that manages their currency with no one actually in charge, which inspired the idea for other companies.

My initial definition of intelligent building is as follows: The use of modern technological advancements in order to enhance and control design and construction of the various systems within the building.

Students in the Intelligent Building

These students are taking Intelligent Building in AY19-2.   This post is mostly here to allow creation of the labels.

Varsha Ajith Abdulrahman Alhafath Dane Bell Douha Alqudaihi Mika Awai Isabel Brooks Cory Christopher Manon Flamini Jacob Hall Brian Huynh Vishist Jain Spencer Kociba Amanda Kolar Abigail Kryszan Michael Manley Reece Masucci Brian Mynaugh Andrew Norris Liam Ossenfort Stephen Pettit Pritesh Prajapati Michael Sciarra Ina Sison Madeleine Walker-Elders