B7 Final Course Reflection - Tangari

Over the past term this course has helped to create a starting foundation for understanding various systems and programs which are commonly used by engineers. I thought it was a great start to beginning by looking at different topics such as BIM and robotics and researching how they are going to evolve and change with the future. Using a program such as Evernote which I had never used before I was able to access different articles while learning how to use this tool. Another key aspect was being able to look at BIM and understand its purpose and how it functions. How there are so many different tools out there that enable engineers to be able to study a buildings function and performance. By gaining an over sight of some of these has helped me to understand how every company has their own preference when it comes to using different tools and programs but that being able to self teach your self these skills and programs will give you a competitive edge in the work force as well as strengthen your skill sets. 

Another great part of this course was the ability to be able to use different programs to learn new skills. Having used Revit briefly in the past it was helpful to be able to use it again and be focusing on a specific aspect of it such as families. Having the tutorials to follow was extremely helpful in being able to complete the project. The database project I felt was a great addition to the course content as well as it introduced me to a program I had never used, Access. From having very little experience in what a database was and what its components were, lead to self directed research which helped to complete the project. Having an idea and a starting point on how to operate these programs will be a very useful tool in future occupations. Even if these programs are not utilized at future jobs, it will be easier to be able to understand how to self teach a program to oneself because of how we were able to do so using tutorials and such in this course. 

Comments:

Sarah, 
I as well enjoyed doing the Revit project. I feel focusing on creating families was a great way of understanding how Revit has many different tools that can be used to make designing easier and more efficient. 

Andrew,
I like how you discussed how reading the posts furthered your understanding of different topics. I too felt that by reading other students thoughts I was able to understand topics better especially when it came to databases where I did not understand their purpose until looking at others posts. 

Jacob,
I like how you mentioned how now you see that you will use BIM in any job you find your self in. I agree, having not understood before what BIM really was this class really helped to further my knowledge of it as it is greatly in the engineering world. 

B5-Object Oriented Database - Tangari

Object Oriented Database

An object oriented database or an object database management system (ODBMS) stores objects rather than data such as ingriedents, strings of real numbers. These objects are used in various languages such as C++ and Java.  They can contain attributes which is data that defines characteristics of an object and there are methods which define the behavior of an object.  These systems support the modelling and creation of the data as an object. The idea is that the object orientated database concepts can be superimposed on relational databases which are more commonly used.

Object Databases are a good choice for use in businesses that are high performing on complex data. This database is also used for less complex data because it allows for a smaller team and faster development because there is only one data model.  This database offers many advantages such as reduced maintenance, code reusability, real world modeling and improved reliability and flexibility. Real world modeling here has a more complete fashion where objects are organized into classes of objects and objects are associated with behaviors, its focus is on objects and not processing.

After to reading through the material that lead me to these above conclusions, my understanding of object oriented databases was still pretty weak.  With the video found through the following link my understanding is a more solid. Object oriented databases are better equip for storing complex data in comparison to relational databases which can store simpler data like employees names and hire dates where orientated data bases can store media, graphics, CAD and even geographical satellite information.  There is a terrific analogy referring the two to cars where OODMS is like a car that you drive into a parking garage and turn off the engine until you are ready to use it but relational data base you would have to break down the car into parts, put the pieces on different shelves then put it back together the next time you want to use it which leads to mistakes and errors.  A special language would be needed to put the relational information together as intended where OODMS would need no such language only to be told to start. Allowing data to be found where relational you would have to lock the table to change just one thing. Now I understand OODMS is capable of holding more complex data but is capable of being accused quickly and efficiently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v_5vfTKDVs

http://searchoracle.techtarget.com/definition/object-oriented-database-management-system

https://www.service-architecture.com/articles/object-oriented-databases/when_an_object_database_should_be_used.html

http://www.dba-oracle.com/t_object_oriented_approach.htm


Jianfeng Xiao
I like how you found an article that was able to relate back to how object oriented data bases could be used in creating a design. Having tools that are able to calculate data in an efficient and fast way such as the application you discussed will help designers and engineers make their projects more efficient and more functional.

Chris Thach
I agree that databases have come a long way in the construction world. Working on several projects over co-ops, I have seen how important databases can be even to keep track of small things such as employees, work hours, project hours and so on. This not only helps to keep projects organized and efficient but by being able to reference information in a quick and easy to use database allows for companies to be more liable and have proof and back up if something was to occur or if plans deviated from what was intended.

Carlos Hillinger
Your description of the difference between the two was great, I wish I had read it before performing my own research to get a better foundation of the difference. Some definitions out there are very complex and just understanding objects like photos and videos are what is put into object data bases versus code used for relational databases helps to understand why object orientated databases may be easier to manage.

B4- Intelligent vs Green -Tangari

My term project will explore the two building types, “green” and “intelligent”. These two types are constantly being used interchangeably in the architecture and engineering design world. But these two categories can yield very different building types. My hope with this research paper is to create a clear distinction between the two and learn how they both aid to the operation and functions of a building. Without much prior knowledge my understanding is that an intelligent building focuses more on creating an environment that is comfortable and equipped with technologies that simplify redundant tasks as well as improving operation of facilities by providing feedback on systems. A green building’s main focus is to be able to be able to minimize or eliminate any harmful effects onto the environment while paying attention to human wellness as well.

Within the paper the main focuses and goals of each will be outlined and determined. With this it will become clear how the two are commonly mislabeled and how or if one type can be another. I also plan to see which hold better benefits or if one is a better option than the other. The knowledge obtained from determining the differences between the two would be beneficial for future endeavors; to have a clear understanding could help in modeling buildings to the right standards, as there is much confusion over the distinction currently.

Through conducting my research I hope to focus on a specific topic as this is very broad. Right now through my current research I have just been developing a broad base of understanding the two. I  plan as I delve further into this topic more to be able to narrow in on a particular concept addressed by both in order to be able to see clear advantages and disadvantages of each. Being this is such a broad topic I can see this being the difficult part of the assignment, but I feel overall will be a pleasant experience because of my interest in how buildings are operated and managed.

Comments:

Carlos Hillinger
Carlos, I like how you are taking your topic and focusing it on other countries. technologies here are so advanced and able to accomplish so much that it is not a common thought or even a clear understanding of how other countries are developing their infrastructures. I like how you are going to research the background on the area as to understand the dynamics and limitation that may be imposed on building structures, economically and politically and even availability of resources. 

Malik Anibaba
Malik, I see we have chosen almost the same topic to research. I like how you plan to determine if there is a scale for how intelligent a building can be as there is one for the level of "green" a building is.You had mentioned narrowing your focus and I think possibly looking at the energy uses of each may be a start to making the topic a bit more direct, which is where I plan on starting being it is such a broad topic. 

Cody Johnson 
Cody, I really like how your topic is aimed at finding a way to improve the construction industry. It is very true what you said about 3D models, which are generally seen by the client and the designer and never passed on further. 3D scanning would be very helpful for even site walk-throughs and even in places such as pharmaceutical labs. Many times once a lab is sealed workers/designers are unable to get back in and have to rely on the fact that construction was done according to the plans exactly as well as rely on pictures which are not always accurate. 3D scanning would be great in this case to be able to have accurate plan of what is in the space, which was a daily problem I saw at my first coop. 

Advantages in Revit/BIM

With the use of BIM in Revit becoming larger and larger, the advantages of using such programs are greatly increasing. Although they are not easy tools to master the skills acquired from them are worth the struggle. Using Revit, BIM processes and three dimensional drafting are combined which is a very productive aspect. This has cut down work time in half when such measures were drafted and calculated by hand.

With the use of these programs buildings and structures will be able to be studied better. With less time physically drafting engineers can focus more on how to create structures that will withstand natural disasters and be able to implement these concepts into BIM and Revit which could in turn have great benefits. Not only could lives be saved by buildings that can resist these disasters but property damage would be reduced and time and money wasted in rebuilding could be salvaged and used towards improving older infrastructure. Future scenarios can be used to simulate events and really study how to make a building that can out live the test of time.

It’s hard to say where Revit could go in twenty years from now, but as more people learn the program the greater its benefits can be.  With more and more new engineers coming into the work for they are more apt to learn newer technologies such as Revit.  I would say that the future could lead to building generation without the use of a person physically drawing it. Soon parameters can be put in such as rough size and location and programs will be able to generate a structure for that area automatically. The future of BIM and Revit I believe is just beginning and will be revolutionized over the next twenty years.

http://www.architecturalevangelist.com/tips-and-tricks/top-7-reasons-to-use-revit.html

Sherry Liu

Sherry,
I agree that using Revit and BIM processes enables work to be done much faster an efficiently. I think one of its best tools is the ability to simulate different scenarios in order to study how a building will perform under different situations. With this technology buildings of the future may be able to withstand natural disasters and potentially not only save properties but lives.

Malik Anibaba
Malik,
I like how you mentioned how construction documentation has improved with these programs. That is a valid point that I feel isn't mentioned often. With these processes very detail about a buildings construction plan is documented and eventually signed off for which is great in terms of referencing and liability issues. 

Carlos Hillinger
Carlos,
I like how you talked about agriculture and how these processes are going to revolutionize a practice other than one in the construction industry. Revit and BIM are great tools which are going to revolutionize technology as a whole even though they are most commonly associated with building and construction. I also agree which your opinion about the time frame, yes BIM will make great strides but it needs to be learned first and then mastered which won't be a quick ordeal as the program can be complex.

B2-BIM Handbook-Chapter 4-Tangari

Chapter 4: BIM for Owners and Facility Managers

The focus of this chapter is on how owners and facility managers can utilize BIM processes in order to reduce errors allowing for more efficient and reliable delivery processes which in the end can reduce construction time and costs.  The chapter takes note about how those who adapted to the digital modeling technologies earlier on reached higher manufacturing efficiencies and higher commercial success where as others who waited had a hard time and struggled to catch up to their competitors.  BY using BIM owners can manage project risks, improve project quality, and deliver value to their business, while facility managers can use BIM to better manage their facilities. It mentions that most BIM tools today are more targeted toward service providers, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and fabricators.

It is said that typically owners are not very involved in changes within the industry that they only focus on cost overturns, schedule delays, and quality issues because the construction is the smallest capital expenditure in comparison to the overall longevity of the building. But due to changes in the market owners have been forced to become more aware of delivery processes. BIM has applications which allow for competitive advantages allowing them to better respond to market demands and yield better returns with capital investments.  If owners have this higher knowledge and understanding of BIM they can more adequately assemble a team who will achieve overall better designs and construction.

The use of BIM or in this case BIMStorm, can be seen in the programmatic and feasibility phase. Owners can use this tool to conceptualize projects, by soliciting inputs from multiple sources and assess designs in real time with a focus on cost, time, and sustainability. Another perk of BIM is being able to generate rapid spatial analyses with BIM authoring tools, which shows how a building can communicate in real time spatially and in data form which allows it to be checked with requirements.  Color coding will generate automatically which can help designers and owners to see which rooms are exceeded or not making the requirements. Crowd behavior and emergency evacuation procedures can also be simulated through BIM in order to see how the building operates during these scenarios.  

With BIM a building’s infrastructure can be coordinated through all disciplines, where the owner can include representatives from its maintenance and operations to provide input into the model. This could allow for design flaws to be predetermined and avoided.

From the owners perspective BIM can help to reduce energy consumption. If invested in, an energy saving building system can reduce energy consumption by 10 percent. Energy payoff can also be determined though life cycle analysis.

From this chapter it can be concluded that having an owner or facilities manager who is well versed in the BIM technologies, they will be better equipped at completing a building that will not only be designed better but function better. In turn with this knowledge they will be able to foresee issues and problems which can in turn save money, time and frustration throughout the construction process. 

Source: Eastman C. BIM Handbook : A Guide To Building Information Modeling For Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers And Contractors [e-book]. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley; 2011. Available from: eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 23, 2018.


Comments:

Jordan Shuster:  HI Jordi! I really liked reading what you had to say and thought you brought up some valid points. I feel one of the biggest advantages of using BIM is it's ability to break down that language barrier which is a very real issue with all of the international work happening. I also agree with what you mentioned about the visuals versus the written reports. Although written reports are good for the nitty gritty details, the visuals BIM can provide are easier to analyze and present when explaining to a team. 

Allison Abad:
Allison, I found it very interesting how you mentioned how you coop dealt with disputes. Reading that section in the book I didn't fully understand how there was such a large market for this part of the BIM. That is why i found it very interesting to learn how you used it on a daily basis to dissolve issues between the two parties at hand by just being able to reference it through the BIM tools.

Sherry Liu:
Sherry, I agree with you on the drawbacks associated with using BIM. You are right if a project is already financed it wouldn't always make sense to implement BIM especially if the team is not well versed in its processes. I think using BIM from a financial stand point is a decision a boss should make before a project goes out. Have staff members be educated in it during low business times so that when the work picks up they are capable of completing the job efficiently with use of BIM, then they will also have the knowledge to use BIM for the long hold.

Intelligent Building Definition

An intelligent building is a building equipped with advanced technology which is capable of running analysis and monitoring behavior within the building while providing feedback. They are able to adjust its systems on its own or through little manual operation so that the building can run safely and efficiently. 

Luciana Tangari - Blog Post 1

Robotics and AI: Is this the year 'weaponised' AI bots do battle?

By Matthew Wall       

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-42559967

Jan.08.2018

With the culture of animation and robotics continues to evolve dozens of companies are predicting that 2018 will be the year where the world will be dominated by artificial trends which leads to them having to ask if the AI is an enemy or an ally. In this article it is said that AI will allow for early diagnosis for heart and cancer patients by sifting through large amounts of digital data where it will locate and recognize patterns which would help doctors as well as patients, a large pro. But at the same time there is the concern for people’s safety if the robot apocalypse as seen in books and movies is an actual threat and if it’s sooner than we think. The article continues to discuss how AI and robots have already infiltrated almost all aspects of peoples working lives. Robots are capable of speech recognition and biometric identifications allowing it to be able to interact and hold conversations. The fear is that as they learn how to become more human they will develop empathy. The future occupation of robotics and AI is to aid humans and solve problems and issues at a faster and more precise manner but while this is seen as a pro there is a major concern for the fact that robots are replacing jobs held by people and it is proposed to take 800 million jobs by 2030. Others fear that the future has led to AI being used as a weapon in the upcoming year. Where this technology has been used to combat cyber security, some feel that 2018 may be the year for battles among AI bots. Whether this will hold true is a question that can only be answered in time.

AI: Alibaba’s AI Outgunned Humans in Key Stanford Reading Test

http://www.itprotoday.com/machine-learning/alibabas-ai-outgunned-humans-key-stanford-reading-test

Jan.15.2018

This article discusses how the Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Put its deep neural network model which is a form of AI through a test where it was quizzed with reading questions, where it surpassed that of an actual human which has never been done before. Microsoft had similar advancements the following day.  This is just an example of how AI is on its path to superseding not only the average human but the most intellectual humans.

3D Printing: MX3D|3D Print Steel Bridge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITCneG2GnO4

May.26.2017

In this video provided by C4Q Tech, MX3D a Dutch design company uses 3D printing robots are being used to complete a steel bridge in Amsterdam. This company has created computer guided robotic arms whose tips contain a 3D printers and welders to make steel bridge components in midair over a canal in Amsterdam. Able to print in midair these printers can print using steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze or copper, without the need of support structures by building welds in directions in space. These printers utilize Autodesk’s software to create their intricate designs. The robots move on six different planes depositing small amounts of steel layers to build its structures. This bridge will be as strong as any other bridge and able to handle foot traffic for years to come.

Future: 6 Construction Tech Trends to Watch in 2017 | The BIM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV6zXmIR3Cg

Feb.08.2017

This video outlines what is to come for the future trends in the tech world. The move to wearable technology will becomes huge as devices such as watches will be able to monitor locations of a person while on a construction site and be able to take role call and measure the heart rate and temperature of those operating machinery.  Smart helmets will also be implemented. Automated pants will be the next step which will allow for unmanned machinery which will allow for around the clock work and less injury. But with innovation can be the downfall of decreasing labor needs. The internet of things will lead to a wider spread of smart houses which was once a thing of science fiction. Virtual reality will advance from a thing for video games to being used for more practical applications such as safety training. UAV’s or drones will be more utilized in construction for site surveying and projecting areas with unsafe conditions. 

Comments:

Jordan Shuster:
Hi Jordan-yet again another class we share together! I really enjoyed the first part of your post about how robotics have been implemented in the food industry. I feel when people think of robotics and how they are being implemented to accomplish human held jobs people think first of construction or production in manufacturing not how they may be used in a burger joint or the food industry. This is super interesting to think about because it really opens your mind to seeing how literally every task done by a person such as making a burger may one day be replaced by a robot.

Josh Lovett: 
I as well was interested in the New York Times article as I read through it while searching AI myself. I feel like there is a very strong case for the fact that AI can be deemed as dangerous, but I feel like we have no way of monitoring transparency being that it is up to the discretion of the company what they disclose to the public and even though its law how well will it be followed. I think anything new introduced to a society can have negative results but something of this magnitude can pose such a threat to humanity and our country as everything is done on computers and these days cyber security is a touchy subject and if in the wrong hands technology designed to create large benefits can be easily switched to negatives.

Allison Abad:
I was intrigued by the article you found on #D printing building envelopes. I feel that #D printing buildings has been a goal engineers have been moving towards for so long and is where the construction world is moving forward too. I feel right now the concern is how to reinforce structures that are being 3D printed through these robots, which is something I feel will be established soon if not now 

Group C - Robotics & AI Relevancy

We believe that the use of robots and artificial intelligence is highly relevant in the field of engineering.

On the construction side, robots can be used to streamline processes such as brick laying, automated concrete pouring, and material fabrication.

However, the design side is still largely dependent on humans therefore the use of robots and AI is not as relevant today. As smart buildings advance and become more common, the use of robotics and AI will increase.

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