Final Blog Post

In Kayleigh's post she discusses how important it is to stay up to date with current technology to prepare for changes in your field. Rapidly growing technology is a huge part of the engineering field, and therefore it is very important to stay on top of it. I felt that this class gave us a basic knowledge of a handful of important technologies in the engineering field today. The two topics that we covered in this course that I feel will be most beneficial for me in my future career are BIM and databases.

While I know that the term is only 10 weeks long and it is hard to fit everything in, I agree with Gabrielle that I would have preferred if we could have spent more time on BIM. On almost every co-op interview I have been to, the first question they ask is if you have any experience with BIM. While I am no expert in BIM, I do feel that after this class I can confidently say I have a basic understanding of how BIM works. I felt that the project we did with creating a bookshelf and placing it in a small building was a great project to help students learn the basics. It not only showed us how to create a basic building but also gave students exposure to working with families.

For me, the most challenging part of this course was the creation of a database. Prior to this course, I knew very little about databases and how they were created. While doing the assignment, I constantly questioned myself on whether or not I was creating the database correctly. I think that more strict guidelines on what was expected may have been helpful for a technology that such a large portion of students are unfamiliar with. Overall, I found the experience to be very helpful because I felt that I gained a basic knowledge of how to work a program that I had never used before. I also feel that even if I am not able to create a detailed database, I at least understand the basic concept and would be able to further my knowledge, if needed, for my future career.

In summary, I truly thought this class was well structured and thought provoking. I agree with Maria that the class was setup in a way that allowed students to put as much work and time as they chose into it. I felt that the more you put into the course, the more you got out of it. I appreciated that the due dates for all assignments were given at the very beginning of the term, allowing you to work on things at your own pace, but I wish the due dates had been a bit more spread out. I would absolutely recommend this class as a professional engineering elective, as I gained a great deal form the course.

Humidity Sensors

Before understanding humidity sensors, one must first understand what humidity is. “Humidity refers to the water vapor content in air or other gases.” A humidity sensor measures and regularly reports the relative humidity in the air. As Kayleigh's post says, "hygrometer is the proper name for an object which measures humidity or moisture content.” The most commonly used type of humidity sensor relies on the ability of two nearby electrical conductors to create an electrical field between them. A source describes the process; “A polymer film on the conductors collects moisture from the air, and the moisture causes minute changes in the voltage between the two plates. The changes in voltage are converted into digital readings showing the amount of moisture in the air.” Humidity sensors then use the information collected to help regulate the space.

Humidity sensors are helpful in everyday residential uses. For example, people who suffer from conditions that are affected by high humidity, such as allergies or asthma, can have humidity sensors installed in their homes to control humidity. Humidity sensors are also very useful for medical purposes. Hospitals generally use humidity sensors to carefully maintain humidity in spaces containing sick patients. These sensors can also be very useful in spaces that store objects damaged by exposure to moisture. Examples include wine cellars, humidors, greenhouses, or antique storage areas. 

Humidity sensors are also an important part of building design, especially as we move towards green and energy efficient buildings. In an article entitled “Putting Building Science Into Practice,” a retrofit project of Fraunhofer’s new Boston headquarters is discussed. The rehab project aims to test emerging build technologies. One of these technologies relies on the use of humidity sensors to measure its efficiency. “The Showcase building will try many types of insulation on the walls, including vacuum panels that use gas, rather than cellulose or fiberglass, as the actual insulator.” The humidity sensors will collect data that will be used to determine the comparative advantages and worth of the new technology.

When reading over other student’s posts, I found Matthew's post about flow sensors to be very interesting. The comparison he made between the displacement method and the bucket and the stopwatch helped to simplify the method and make it easy to understand.

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/510131/putting-building-science-into-practice/

http://EzineArticles.com/4695977

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-humidity-sensor.htm

http://www.sensorsmag.com/sensors/humidity-moisture/choosing-a-humidity-sensor-a-review-three-technologies-840

Object Oriented Databases

Maria's post describes the overall function of databases, saying:  “They [databases] are structured to collect and store information so the users can add, update or retrieve the information automatically.” There are two major types of databases, relational and object orientated databases.  A simple wikipedia definition of an object orientated database is” a database management in which information is represented in the form of objects used in object-orientated programming. An example of such a database is shown below:

Relation databases, on the other hand, “try to figure out how to represent real-world objects within the confines of tables in such a way that good performance results and preserving data integrity are possible.” Representing real objects in a table in a logical and comprehensive way is not always easy or effective, and so the industry was pushed to look further into object oriented databases. It is clear that, “Object-orientation is yet another step in the quest for expressing solutions to problems in a more natural, easier to understand way.” The major advantage of the objected- oriented databases is that they are able to handle many data types, including: graphics, photographs, audio, and video.

Some common uses of object- oriented databases are in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) applications. These programs all require efficient management of very complex information. Object-oriented database technology is often used in factory and office automation. The attached article uses the example of aircraft manufacturing. Aircrafts have several small parts and pieces that must be organized, tracked, and assembled in different configurations. Object-oriented database systems can greatly aid in a process such as this. Another example is a French electric company, Electricite de France, that uses an object-oriented database to manage overhead power lines. Finally, we see the use of object-oriented databases in the healthcare industry.  Physicians use these databases to store x-rays and transmit them to clinics away from the main hospital. We also see hospital patient care tracking systems using object-oriented database technologies for simplicity.

 Sources:

 http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEQQFjADOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthescipub.com%2Fpdf%2F10.3844%2Fjcssp.2006.781.784&ei=y_kXUdiGH6jA0AHa94CYCg&usg=AFQjCNF0XxkYXMLWX3ZI-QDB8zMfWkRb4w&sig2=iQMS-uW-3UTXvQ7DLetK3g&bvm=bv.42080656,d.dmQ

http://www.personal.psu.edu/glh10/ist110/topic/topic07/topic07_06.html

Term Project

For my term project I will be working with Natasha Martines and Rita Pauliushchyk to optimize the W.W. Hagerty Library building through the use of sensors. The main concept of this project is that no building is an island, meaning it is important to examine how a building interacts with its surrounding environment. We wish to create a smart building that interacts with the outdoor environment and creates optimum indoor comfort levels. IBM calls these economical, operational and environmental friendly buildings “Smarter Buildings”, and is working towards making all their IBM buildings smart buildings to “lead by example,” as David Bartlett, Vice President of Smarter Buildings IBM says. More about IBM’s smart buildings, as well as an example, can be found in the linked video below.

The project will begin by surveying several students who use the library, asking questions about the quality and comfort level of the library environment. Using the results, and researching case studies on similar buildings, we will design a sensor network able to meet requirements determined to be most important. Our ultimate goal is to minimize resource consumption, optimize comfort levels in the building, predict usage patterns, and integrate the building into the urban environment of Philadelphia.

We will first consider what is most important in a library. For example, the temperature of the environment is key. A room that is too hot can make students tired and groggy, while a room that is too cold can make students unfocused. Lighting is also an important focus when you have occupants reading for several hours. Humidity is also a concern to both comfort levels and preservation of books. Finally, it is important to consider objects that use massive amounts of energy and give off ample heat, such as computers. Based on these factors, we will explore the use of sensors to make the building as energy efficient as possible. Sensors will monitor outdoor and indoor climate, energy usage patterns based on occupancy, HVAC equipment, lighting, and water usage. We will decide which sensors we feel are the most necessary, practical, and affordable and build our network based on this information. 

As mentioned previously, one sensor we plan on considering is a sensor to measure occupancy. I had never thought of using this sensor as David mentions in his post. He says "if the number of occupants in a room is known, it is then possible for a system to try and anticipate the levels of CO2 and start ventilating before the CO2 levels reach a high number." I think this is a very interesting concept and plan on reading about it in further detail. 

http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/green_buildings/examples/index.html

The Future of BIM

“We’re really at the tipping point in seeing BIM being adopted by architectural firms, and downstream by engineering and contracting firms as well,” observes Sarah Hodges, senior industry marketing manager for Autodesk. BIM has completely revamped the design process by optimizing designs, shortening construction schedules or reduced change orders, and providing 3D visualization that allows owners to easily toggle through a number of aesthetic design options to choose the most appealing look. All the advantages that result from the use of BIM have caused more and more demand for the required use of BIM in projects. With the extremely rapid advances in technology that we see today, it is obvious we will see great advances in hardware and software in the future. Junwah's post describes a few examples of these technological advances; “estimating cost faster, rendering 3D models quicker, and improving the infrastructure of communications such as data sharing between stakeholders.”

Besides the technological advances, I think the biggest change we will see in the future is the organization of communication technologies involving the use of BIM. Leo Scalce predicts, “More companies will focus on forging new relationships fused by common workflows and technologies in order to operate under a more holistic approach that better serves the bottom line.” Just as most engineering firms have established a book of CAD standards and requirements, I believe we will see standards for BIM modeling and sharing become more and more prevalent. Kayleigh's blog even discusses the possibility of a future creation of a specific position within companies to ensure the all BIM standards are meet.

Another change I think we will see more and more in the future is the rise in graduating college students educated in the use of BIM. We are already starting to see this change take place.  At the beginning of the term Dr. Mitchell surveyed how many students had experience with Revit. Most students had very little experience, if any, and a few were advanced in the subject. This is because, currently, taking a course that teaches BIM techniques is optional. I believe this will change in the future. BIM technology courses will become mandatory and in the next 5 to 10 years we will see all students studying engineering or related fields graduating with full proficiency in the use of BIM.

Sources:

http://www.structuremag.org/article.aspx?articleID=1433

http://www.edcmag.com/articles/88814-continuing-education-unit--the-bim-revolution

BIM for Owners and Facility Managers

BIM software is pushing to become more prevalent in today’s world. In Ryan Krall's post he states, “One thing that is needed as the industry transfers over into the BIM world is the inclusion of contractors along with every member of the design team.” It is important to include the ideas and requirements of all members of the design process when creating building models, especially those of the owners and facility managers. The fourth chapter of the BIM Handbook discusses the benefits that BIM programs have for owners and facility managers.  Generally, owners and facility managers are largely interested in being cost effective and getting the buildings up and running as quickly and safely as possible. The Handbook stresses that BIM can reap great benefits for owners and facility managers. 

First, BIM’s greatest advantage is its ability to link design information with cost estimating and sales forecasts. It allows owners to create extremely accurate cost estimates and avoid cost overruns and unexpected costs by making design changes easier and allowing documentation to automatically update. It also allows for crowd behavior, manufacturing, hospital procedure, maintenance procedure, and emergency evacuation or response simulations. Another important part of BIM software is it can rapidly reconfigure and explore design scenarios, allowing several different design scenarios to be looked at and evaluated before choosing the best one. BIM is also capable of recognizing code violations and performing accurate energy analysis. In Kayleigh's blog she further describes BIMs energy analysis capabilities, saying "In terms of energy savings, Revit has the ability to render full scale simulations of energy modeling through daylighting." These are just a few of the capabilities available by BIM that make it easy to see how owners and facility managers can benefit from this software. 

This chapter also discusses the responsibilities of the owner needed to make the use of BIM as successful as possible for a project team. First, owners must educate themselves on BIM capabilities. Next, they must choose a qualified team with experience or training in use of the software, making sure all members can contribute to the creation, modification, and review of the building model. Finally, they must set forth standards for BIM requirements. They should set standards in the contract that require the use of BIM software. They should also set standards for keeping the files updated, and the techniques of file exchange that will be used. It is important for them to consider the design process when deciding these standards. The Handbook talks about a new approach called Integrated Project Design that forces participants in all facets of the design process to work together. Terry D. Bennet says, “Using models and a BIM workflow to facilitate discussion on the design are an ideal complement to this delivery approach.” I think we will see this approach used more and more in the future!

Source:

http://newsletters.agc.org/newsandviews/2010/07/07/the-impact-of-bim-on-the-engineering-and-heavy-construction-workflow

Robotics of the Future

The definition of the future is a lose concept and varies depending on the terms in which it is being considered. In reference to advances in technology, I would consider the near future to be within in the next ten years, and the distant future to be anytime in the next century and beyond.

Where do we expect to see robotics go in the future? Rodney Brooks, CEO of Rethink Robotics predicts “Over the next twenty years no one is going to mistake a robot for a person, but nevertheless, we will interact and collaborate with robots and they will become as common place in our lives as turning to a search engine is today.” Another source, Forbes, predicts that robots will aid in several different aspects of our every day lives, as well as aid in the advance of research in future. I think Forbes prediction is both reasonable and probable. Robotics will perform tasks involving deep sea and space exploration, processing waste, helping the police, helping the elderly and handicapped live better, longer lives, medical surgery that can do what a human can’t do, cleaning our homes, smart homes, cars and cities.

Next, it is important to consider what implications these advances have on society. There are several people out there who shun these advances, arguing that advances. They may argue that advances in robotic building technology, such as that shown in the video in class, demonstrates great advances in construction means but leaves the questions of safety and human interaction that may result in injury or lose of jobs. While I agree that this could create less human interaction, I believe that if we allow robots to perform tasks that are feasible for a robot mind, such as placing blocks in specific locations, while still making sure that humans are working hand in hand with these machines, that they could reap great benefits. Robots being able to perform these types of “mindless” tasks can save both time and money.  

In both Kayleigh and Junwah's discussion posts they bring up the intriguing topic of robots teaching the children of future generations. Kayleigh mentions that children are not able to utilize computers, but have the ability to interact with robots resembling humans. While the initial thought of children not being taught by other humans is baffling, the use of these robots may allow children to begin absorbing information at a younger age then the use of current technology would allow. I am interested to see what will come of this topic.

Another topic of discussion regarding robotics is it's advances in the medical field. I came across an article about a woman named Jan that, with training, has very rapidly learned to control a robotic arm through her thoughts. This is a prime example of the life changing benefits that advances in robotics can have on society, and I believe that we should work hard towards moving technology further in the future.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2012/09/18/part-1-future-of-robotics-manufacturing-gets-a-makeover-with-baxter/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2012/09/02/a-new-series-the-future-of-robotics-the-next-20-years/

"Doctors 'blown away' by woman using thoughts to control robotic arm." The Guardian (London) - Final Edition. (December 17, 2012 Monday ): 756 words. LexisNexis Academic. Web. Date Accessed: 2013/01/10.

Jeanine- Introduction Post

Hello, my name is Jeanine Lancellotti and I am an architectural engineering major with a concentration in HVAC.  I began my college career with the intention of pursuing a BS in Architectural Engineering with a structural concentration, but my second co-op lead me in a different direction. This co-op provided me with experience working with a senior HVAC engineer and also aiding an electrical engineer. To me, an intelligent building is a building that uses advanced technology to control a combination of building systems in the hopes of reducing energy use and make the building as efficient as possible. Aside from the little experience I gained with electrical design, the only other experience I have with Intelligent Buildings was in AE 340. My final project for this course involved a presentation regarding the details and advantages of lighting control systems. Although this presentation only skimmed the surface of building control systems, I found this topic to be intriguing. In this class I hope to learn more about systems like the one I previously researched. I am interested in learning the benefits of intelligent buildings, and where their use is the most practical.  I also hope to gain more experience with using Revit, as it is a good skill to have with its advancing use in the field. 

Architectural Engineering & BS/MS Students

Here is the list of Architectural Engineering students in the course.  This post is also used to create a "label" for each student so it's easy to label your posts later. – Updated 1/14/2013

Group	Last Name	First Name	Major
B	Barry	Nathan	Architectural Engineering
B	Ben-David	Tom	Architectural Engineering
B	Butler	Mitchell	Architectural Engineering
B	Cifligu	Elda	Architectural Engineering
B	Morrison	David	Architectural Engineering
B	Sawin	Michael	Architectural Engineering
B	Scanlon	John	Civil Engineering
C	Bregande	David	Architectural Engineering
C	Hindes	Brian	Architectural Engineering
C	Houde	Kayleigh	Architectural Engineering
C	James	Daniel	Architectural Engineering
C	Lancellotti	Jeanine	Architectural Engineering
C	Martines	Natasha	Architectural Engineering
D	Gonzalez	Maria	Architectural Engineering
D	Ng	Junwah	Architectural Engineering
D	Patel	Jalpesh	Architectural Engineering
D	Pauliushchyk	Margarita	Architectural Engineering
D	Tedesco	Matthew	Architectural Engineering