Tyler Wicker - Blog Post 1

During the in-class assignment in week one, our group discussed how automation could possibly phase out jobs in the construction industry as well as various engineering jobs. Advancements in 3D printing technology have lead to companies being able to create structures using a single machine with little to no user input. This combined with BIM could one-day lead to a revolutionary change in how structures are designed and built.
After watching the video in class of the 3D printed concrete wall and video in the link below with Cedric de Meeus, 3D printing along with use of advanced robotics can completely change the way buildings are built. Implementing these technologies would mean a reduction in labor costs and liability for construction companies as well as an increase in efficiency. Mr. Meeus explains that a typical construction site will not look the same if these technologies continue to be implemented. Sites will be continuously running and have far fewer humans around. Pre-fabricated pieces may also become more prominent since it would be easier for robots to assemble something rather than to create what is needed on site. These changes would all be slowly transitioned into use but the end goal looks more like an automated factory assembly line then a current typical construction site.
As engineers our jobs seem much harder to automate then some of the jobs you may find on a construction site due to the many factors that must but accounted for when designing anything. Countries, states, counties, cities, and towns all have various regulations and standard when it comes to designing something that is going to be built or produced. These regulations and standards must be met by the designer and checked by the governing body to ensure that the final product is safe for the public to use. This process had been relatively uninfluenced by advancements in BIM technology until Singapore initiated the CORENET project in 1998. The project aimed to automate the process of checking plans submitted for code compliance. “CORENET itself was a larger national initiative to boost the turnaround time, productivity and quality of Singapore’s construction industry, and in addition to automated code-checking (called e-PlanCheck), it included the ability to electronically submit project plans and documents for approval (called e-Submission) and the availability of a central online repository of building and construction related information (called e-Info). With the introduction of BIM technology in the AEC industry, e-PlanCheck seemed poised to be a success, given that it is so much easier to check a model for code compliance than a drawing” (2). The CORENET project never met its goal but it did inspire companies to devote time and research to creating similar platforms to address the problem. The International Code Council (ICC) created a similar project in 2006 in the US but it would end up failing just a year later due to lack of funding. A few companies are still working to on projects to create an automated code checking system, but none have made any significant advancements in the recent years. Steady progress in the implementation of BIM throughout the world could help to strengthen the push for automated code checking but a lot more research and new technologies are required for it to become common place for engineers in the US. However, if through technology we can automate the review process for engineering there is nothing stopping companies from working to automate the design process as well.

1) 3D printing in construction by Cédric de Meeûs, LafargeHolcim:

https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510?linked=c8a753c4-b124-4c7c-9d70-02439705dd90&newReg=false#st=p&n=dbb7311b-e54d-4ec7-8b51-25c267053569&t=3db95129-c0cf-48a9-9fbb-4a68f8bd32ba

2) Automating Code Compliance in AEC:

https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510?linked=c8a753c4-b124-4c7c-9d70-02439705dd90&newReg=false#st=p&n=2f717fc0-697c-4397-bf1b-72ec1ac49c70&t=faed6016-756b-4c6a-b93e-ef9163c42d1e

Comment 1: Jordan,
It'll be interesting to see how advancements in AI will make its way into our everyday lives similar to how google already has. I think now more than ever the general population is more willing to try new and revolutionary products to change the way we do things in our day-to-day lives. With more businesses able to produce products that utilize AI more consumers will have access to the technology. 
Comment 2: Lauren,
Being able to create data bases and other AI technologies quickly and cheaply will hopefully allow smaller companies to compete with large tech giants like Google and Amazon. The larger companies will still attract the best talent on the market but better access to this technology will promote competition in the industry. I'm interested to see what Google is able to create with this technology.
Comment 3: Dee Dee,
The smart HVAC technology sounds like a great idea that should be implemented in all future homes and offices. Especially if you can couple it with exiting nest technologies like you said. I wonder how much development still needs to be done to make this a common feature in building design and if there will ever be regulations requiring technology like this in all new buildings to help limit energy consumption.