Course Reflection:

The class purpose is to give students the tools to learn as much as they want about databases, sensors and intelligent/green buildings. The basic of this class is focus on student doing research for these main topics, learning and discussing the different aspects of each.

At the start of the class I believe the topic I knew most about was green and intelligent buildings, because it has become very popular in the past years.

To myself I believe I got most from the sensors, robotics and database topics because I wasn’t aware about the variety and influence they have or will have in our life and profession.

Dr. Il-Yeol Song was the guest speaker I learn the most from. His presentation was enjoyable and easy to follow with tons of new information that I had little to no knowledge about. I feel all guest speakers should do their presentations on a classroom. Being in the computer lab makes people loose focus easily from having a computer in front of them.

I would recommend Prof. Mitchell in the future to make requirements for the database project clearer. I personally feel that on my final database project I got points out for not doing forms, but when I check the assignment details I believe forms where not required. I might have missed this due to the different places where information is put at. For future, maybe only have one page people can refer to.

For the homework deadlines I feel there were weeks in which there was only a blog due and then next week there was database, blog and draft. I would personally prefer that the amount of work is spread out evenly among the weeks. 

Overall, I feel the class is structure in a way that it’s up to students decision how much work and time they want to put into it. The requirements (homework’s, projects, blogs) are definitely enough to keep people interacting and continuously researching on the different topics. I would definitely recommend this class as a professional elective. 

Flow Sensors (Fluidic-flow measurement sensors)

            Flow sensors are devices that sense the rate of fluid or gas flow. The sensors installed in different field varied depending on the properties of the fluid or gas being measured. Sensors have different meters and principles therefore, the most appropriate should be chosen for the desire application. The most common sensors in our daily life are the ones used to measure water flow and electrical consumption at our home.

During my research through AccessScience I found two types of Fluidic-Flow measurement sensors known as fluidic-oscillator meter and fluidic flow-sensor. The fluidic-oscillator meter works on the principle of Coanda effect. The Coanda effect of a jet fluid attaching to a nearby surface, and it remains attached even when the surface curves away from the initial fluid direction. In the case of the fluidic-oscillator meter the fluid comes into the device and the fluid attaches to one of the side walls (see attach figure). Part of the flow splits off and goes through the feedback passage forcing the incoming flow to attach to the other side of the sidewall. The frequency of the oscillation back and forth is proportional to the volume flow through the meter. The sensor records the oscillations and transmits the signal to record the flow. These types of meters can be used for fluids and flow meters. The fluidic-flow sensor measures the flow of gas. It consists of air or another gas directed from an outer nozzle onto two small openings. The flow of the gas being measure will bend the air or gas and therefore changes the relative pressure on the two ports. This activates the signal and allows recording the gas velocity.

Rita Pauliushchyk on her blog decided to focus on the common types of flow sensors such as flow of water and energy consumption of a building or household.  These are sensors we use/activate every day for our usage. This sensors are the one in charge of saying how much we have consume at  home shown in our monthly bills. Sensors although they are measuring fluid, gas, air they are also helping to control the usage. Sensors are today recording and serving data to make building more efficient and sustainable. They are a powerfull device that is making buildings sustainable. It is important to know which sensors to install accordingly to the application and characteristics.

Uses of databases in design offices

Database consists of a collection of data for multiple uses.  They are structure to collect and store information so the users can add, update or retrieve the information automatically. Databases are use daily in a wide different range from cellphone contact lists to architectural elements.  Daily architectural and engineering firms are being influenced by computer technology. Due to the advance in software (BIM) and hardware there is a greater access to more information or data. For architects and engineers, the main purpose of a database in a design program is that it stores real size elements of buildings, and enhance its design.

In design offices where building intelligent model is being use databases are more commonly created and apply throughout building design process. Being able to use this data architects have realize they save significantly on time and costs in work functions such as documentation and cost estimating. These benefits occur because databases allowed change to be made in the design and automatically updated in other design documents. When a door is deleted in a plan view the same door is deleted in the section view and the door count is automatically updated in the schedule. Another important benefit is the fact that databases are share with multiple users independent models such as architectural, MEP and structural can be created independently and merged periodically. 

Companies that make building element/fixtures have also take advantages of database by providing firms models of their product to store and use on their designs. This facilitates the architect when designing because they are using real size fixtures/element in real life spacing, while companies advertise and sell their product. This improves the projects coordination and space efficiency. While researching this topic I found Focal Point BIM database, which provides files for use with Revit MEP and Revit Architecture for the different designers needs.

While reading Elda’s blog I realized and learn that databases have a greater range that I was aware off. Database managements systems are (DBMS) are use by humans daily. People use their baking systems, ticket reservations systems, among others. These databases are powerful tools safe time for the customers who can do this from the comfort of their homes. This tool allows people to link information between programs and store data. 

Sources:

http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=12&C=838&P=1

http://www.arcadisus.com/Content/ArcadisUS/docs/Buildings/ARCADIS_White_Paper_Building_Information_Modeling_Halvorson.pdf

http://www.focalpointlights.com/resources/BIM.html

Final Project: Robotics in Construction

The topic my partner (Elda Cilifgu) and I will research about is Robotics in Construction. This was the one of the topics suggested by Prof. Mitchell of most interest to us.

Building objects are generally produce by people who perform a task using an equipment. Generally the worker performs several tasks and the equipment does the rest. Nowadays due to the increase in technology newer and more suitable machines are available in the market. Being able to design and create this robots and automated construction process has provided multiple benefits in the construction department. Some of the major benefits are reduction of time and cost, better performance, improve working condition, avoid dangerous work, and perform jobs that people cannot do. Robotics in construction is related to intelligent building, because the making of this robotics is directly affecting human building process. Intelligent building is not only in the technology inside the building but the one use to construct it.

The research will focus on the study of 4 robots: Wall and Brick assembly robots, Tele-operated concrete distribution, automated building construction system and robotic arc welding system.  Tele-operated concrete distribution is a material manipulator machine. Its purpose is concrete placing with higher quality and safety, while reducing the number of worker required. Wall and brick assembly robots are machine operated by a human in which are being use to assemble or dissemble wall panels in high-rise buildings. The main benefit of this machine is that it provides great safety to workers. Automated construction system is a new construction method that installed steel members, panels among others on high-rise buildings. It defers form the conventional tower crane system, because it integrates weather warehouse facilities, automated conveyor equipment and computer controls. It job is to increase the productivity and improve the working environment. Robotic arc welding system is a performed and controlled by a robotic working in high duty cycles. Our research will finish by talking about the future of robotics in the construction industry and its social impacts. The main challenge we could phase, is finding enough information on the future robotics in construction.  There are so many ideas but not all might be realistic.

My classmate Rita Pauliushchyk and her team have a very interesting topic for their final project. They will study and analyze the library to see how people feel in its environment and related to sensors (temperature control, humidity levels, noise from HVAC equipment). I believe they will come back with interesting information from the students. I personally believe the library is lacking in many basic needs. Depending in where you are it can get really hot when it is crowed and uncomfortable to study in. Im looking forward to hear what you guys find. 

BIM for Architects and Engineers

Building information model (BIM) has changed the aspects of traditional drawing production. Unlike CADD that just enhance and automated the aspects of traditional drawing, BIM has change the vision toward design.  It offers greater detail, higher precision and innovative models. It replaces the old 2D drawings with modern 3D.

 For architects and engineers BIM has brought many benefits. It helps to redistribute the effort by allowing more emphasis on conceptual design. It allows the integration of early decision, which today is considered one of the most important steps during initial phases of construction design. BIM permits building to become more sustainable by using simulation tools that address energy efficiency, sustainability, cost, and value. These tools analyze the building’s orientation, space, energy, operation costs, construction costs, and outputs the entire building’s behavior. Therefore, engineers are able to redesign any faults the building could potentially have.

BIM also integrates the design with the construction. It helps structural, mechanical, MEP, electrical steel, precast fabricators to plan accordingly and collaborate toward an integrated design. BIM has a high construction level modeling for details, specifications and cost estimation, which is one of the greatest strength this design-modeling tool offers.

Some of the major issues that firms have encounter when adopting BIM have been: being able to use automated drawings and preparations, managing the high level of details within the models, development of libraries components and assemblies, and integrating specifications and cost estimations. For architects and engineers bringing 3D model tools implies high additional costs.

Implementing this new system means having to train staff, development of new procedures, office preparation, initiating a BIM projects, planning ahead, among others. Some might believe that making the transition is not worthwhile, but its results that there is a high productivity benefits at the construction document level.

In general BIM has increase the value that both architects and engineers can offer to their clients and public. It is a tool that most engineers and architectural firms should start implementing. Despite the fact that it’s a relative new technology and adopting have been slow people need to start gaining confident and allow BIM to be a crucial tool in the building design and documentation process. It is going to be a great tool of great importance in the near future where sustainable and green designs are becoming more important. 
My classmate Rita Pauliushchyk focuses on her blog on conceptual design and how BIM puts an emphasis on bringing multidisciplinary professionals  to execute the design and construction of a building. I agree with her because in this stage in which various professionals share, discuss, and combined ideas for one final product. This process is commonly known today as integrated design. I do believe this is one of the main keys to the success of BIM modeling. Firms have realized that conceptual/integrative design has multiple benefits designs become more sustainable, have greater space usage, higher efficiency and many others. 

Source:

BIM Handbook 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_information_modeling#Origins_of_BIM 

http://www.laiserin.com/features/issue15/feature01.php