Odorizzi - B2 BIM Handbook: Chapter 2 Parametric Modeling

The portion of the BIM handbook that was delegated to Group A was Chapter 2, titled “BIM Design Tools and Parametric Modeling.” I must confess that I did not find the 66-page-long chapter the most compelling of passages that I have had the pleasure of reading. I am going to attempt to pick out only the good parts to talk about, while giving a complete overview of the content in the chapter.

The focus of Chapter 2 is to bridge the gap from the 2-dimensional, autocad / hand drawing design experiences to the potential of designing with BIM using object-based parametric modeling. A major point that Chapter 2 drives home is that the “objects” being modeled are not represented with fixed geometry and properties, but are governed by parameters and rules such that the object has a behavior. These parameters and rules allow the object to update itself based on the context/connectivity of the object. For example, if the column layout of a building changes to increase the spacing between gridlines, moving the gridline will in turn cause the floor, walls, roof, etc to all move and adjust as well. Hence, BIM builds a series of parametric objects that relate each object to its surroundings, and also builds a database of properties to control the objects themselves. I typically find this idea to make the most sense when comparing to AutoCad - in AutoCad you draw lines, but in Revit (BIM), the lines that are drawn are representing an object with 3-dimensional properties.

Chapter 2 goes through the development of object-based modeling. I found the history rather boring. Major research on modeling 3D geometry started in 1960, and developed into a pairing of two 3D modeling techniques: Boundary representation (which stored modeling operations and arguments with the object) and Constructive Solid Geometry (CGS: which used algebraic formulas). Manufacturing and aerospace disciplines were the first to jump on board with these techniques. For example, Boeing spent over $1 billion when developing the parametrics for the 777 family of planes. The modeling process was estimated to save Boeing over 6000 change requests and reduce the spatial rework of the models by 90%.

The common thread with modeling in BIM is libraries of families, or more generically - libraries of objects. For example, Revit comes with families for walls, floors, beams, etc - and additional families can be downloaded from vendors online. Most importantly, specific families can be crafted by the user for specific instances in a project. These families store parameters that allow the user to gradually build a very complex model that holds very complete information. However, a common shortcoming of BIM is the size of model files (often multi-gigabyte), which can render the model impractical to use if the specs of the computer are surpassed.

The chapter proceeds to go through major BIM platforms available for use, including Revit, Bentley systems, ArchiCad, Digital Project, Vectorworks, Tekla Strutures, DProfiler, etc. Some of these platforms can be used for design only, others offer fabrication-level modeling. Typically, the common trend was that a more detailed model had a more complicated user interface and larger files sizes - such that the pros were “you can build a complete model” and the cons were “but there is a huge learning curve and it might surpass your computer’s capacity.”

A closing line in the chapter stated that the full potential of BIM will not be realized for at least another decade. Seeing that the handbook was written in 2004, we have passed a decade since the text’s writing. I know from experience that structural engineers are generally in favor of using Revit, or reserved about the process. I believe that it will be our generation of engineers that fully embrace the potential of Revit and BIM as we enter the industry, but I do not expect applications such as AutoCad to fall completely to the wayside. I have used Revit at Keast & Hood for the production of construction drawings very rapidly after carefully modeling the building first; or for exact coordination between MEP and structural Revit models; or for unusual designs to come into fruition after crafting a new family. I have also experienced the shortcomings of Revit with very slow user interfaces with big files, and I personally find detailing much easier in AutoCad than I do in Revit. However, to the point of the chapter, BIM undeniably has more power in its modeling capability and is a remarkable tool for storing and organizing vast quantities of information pertaining to each building object.

Source: C.M. Eastman.  “Chapter 2: BIM Tools and Parametric Modeling.”  BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors.  2nd Edition., Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012.  pp. 31-97

Comments:

To Dee Dee Strohl

I’ve had experience in Revit similarly to what Cody described above in his comment - on the structural side, relying on RAM for sizing, etc. Were you working simultaneously with architects out-of-house in the central model? That sounds remarkable! In the structural consulting firms I have worked at, we would always get an updated Revit model from the architect that we would link into our structural model, then we would have the worksharing you described with multiple engineers in-house working on the model simultaneously. We were never working on the same central model as the other disciplines, though. That sounds very efficient! Similarly for the contractors, I have never had exposure to allowing the contractor see the model while it is in progress. To me - that sounds like a negative aspect to collaboration, because I have experienced major changes happen to the model close to the deadline for CD’s. It would be counterproductive for a contractor to progress based on a model that is incomplete or susceptible to major changes.

To Jordan Shuster

One of the little stories that was included in Chapter 2 was about Boeing - and it rings true when you are discussing efficiency on a project through BIM. The handbook discussed how Boeing invested over $1 billion in BIM investments, modeling, etc for its 777 aircraft families, and it ultimately yielded 6000+ less change requests and a 90% decrease in spatial reworking when design was finished. I think your points about BIM bridging language barriers are very interesting. I find it on the same train of thought as the common expression, “math is the universal language,” but with pretty 3D pictures. However, one could argue that this benefit of bridging the language barrier is not new - it is essentially the same as scanning hand sketches and emailing them out. BIM is simply more refined and tech-forward, but they both rely on conveying ideas through graphics.

To Sherry Liu

I have only ever been on the design-bid-build process for projects over co-op. I think it is very interesting to think about the advantages a BIM platform serves for a design-build firm. I generally am reserved about involving the contractor in pre-construction phases of the model. I worked for a structural design firm for both of  my co-ops, and there was one instance where a contractor requested to see the 95% CD progress set of our drawings - from which he took the liberty to have his steel subcontractor develop the shops for all the column base plates. However - between 95% CDs and 100% CDs, the architect made some alterations that significantly changed the loading through the structure and changed all of the base plate sizes. My point is that the exchange of information with ALL affiliated parties throughout the entire design process can have its drawbacks as well. In my little story, the contractor wasted time and money to develop a wave of base plate shop drawings from incomplete drawings. Regardless, I believe the industry is learning and gaining efficiency with the use of BIM, and as our generation of engineers enters the work force, I think it will only continue to become more prevalent.

Mark O - B1 Post

AI:

Wilson, Jim and Metz, Cade. “Busting the Myths about A.I. Invading Our Lives.” The New York Times. 2017 Dec. 13.

<https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/13/technology/personaltech/busting-myths-ai.html>

I was attracted to this article based on the title - my mind instantly associates A.I. with robots gradually outsmarting humans and taking over the planet. Hence, it is refreshing to read a NY Times article assuring that the dawn of the A.I. anarchy will not be occurring soon. The article is written as a question and answer with a technology reporter, Cade Metz, who is located in San Francisco and reflecting on the tech/A.I. that he uses and has written about. Metz marvels at the advances in the voice assistants in the past five years, but his ultimate conclusion is that “the improvements have been enormous. But there is still a very long way to go.” He discusses that the goal of voice assistants to understand conversational speech, and the current assistants do a decent job at recognizing speech, but not understanding. With regard to visual A.I., Metz discusses that computer vision techniques can be flawed in recognition which is problematic if A.I. is to be used for security cameras or autonomous cars. As opposed to my initial fears of robot overlords (which is discussed in the article to a degree), the issue that Metz presses to be more urgent is the shift in job markets that will result from automation. We saw an example of this in class with the masonry-laying robot. However, what scares me most about A.I. ebbing into the workforce is the prospect of A.I. overtaking design positions. Structural engineers rely more and more heavily on structural analysis software, and although it is years away from fruition, the thought of software autonomously producing a complete set of design documents seems plausible to me and is very unnerving. I do not believe the construction industry will reach a point where A.I. is trusted enough to stamp and send out a set of drawings, but I do think A.I. will progress to the point of completing and detailing an entire design autonomously.

Computer:

Wod, Marcus.  “The Plan to Build a Skyscraper that Doesn’t Cast a Shadow.”  Wired.com.n  2015 Mar. 13.

<https://www.wired.com/2015/03/plan-build-skyscraper-doesnt-cast-shadow/>

Without saying, computers have become a stable in nearly all applications, especially in the field of engineering. Under the computer tag, an article was listed that discusses the design of a building that will reflect light in such a way to minimize/eliminate its shadow. What I found most impressive in the article is that the architects simply entered their desired restraints into a software, such as building area and maximized light to the ground. In turn, the software iteratetd through all the possible outcomes and spat out the viable shapes that satisfy the restraints. Design at the press of a button! I think this example shows the immense power that computers hold in crafting solutions to particular problems, especially with buildings.

Software:

Tanz, Jason.  “Andy Rubin Unleashed Android on the World. Now Watch Him Do the Same with AI.”  Wired.com. 2016 Feb. 09.

<https://www.wired.com/2016/02/android-inventor-andy-rubin-playground-artificial-intelligence/#slide-7>

Andy Rubin is an incredible developer who created Android and headed Google’s mobile internet efforts, until he left Google to start his own company. Tanz’s article largely recounts Rubin’s constant innovation and unwavering determination to bring his visions of the future into the realities of today. One of the more eye-catching aspects of the article to me was the included timeline that cites Rubin to be pioneering preliminary versions of social networking (1981), mobile phones (1992), self-driving cars (2004) all before the research and development of these technologies were mainstream. As the article calls him, he is an impatient futurist. Pairing with the discussion of AI above, Rubin foresees A.I. being the focus of the next technological era. However, Rubin is aiming to build his neural network database differently than the other tech players. His vision is to send a fleet of robots (sensing machines) out in the world to feed his A.I. database firsthand with immersive data. To do this, Rubin’s company, named Playground Global, invites developers to use Playground’s advanced engineering sensors and hardware to fulfill their ideas. With this setup, Rubin can fuel the creativity of other developers while sending his sensors out into the world to build his database of data. I am anxious to see the A.I. that is developed from Rubin’s platforms; his thoughts and goals sound good in theory, but I have yet to be convinced that they will work in reality. Regardless, it was quite interesting to read about a developer with such an excitement and vision for where tech can be in the future.

Future:

Metz, Cade.  “Building A.I. That Can Build A.I.”  The New York Times.  2017 Nov. 05

<https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/05/technology/machine-learning-artificial-intelligence-ai.html>

In the same A.I. spirit as the other articles, Metz writes about a prospective tool that is in development for the future of A.I. The article states that only 10,000 people in the world have the expertise required to develop A.I. - which is leaving the large tech companies to scramble for qualified developers. Hence, AutoML is a pursuit of some tech giants such as Google. ML is explained in the article to stand for machine learning, which means that AutoML would describe machines that are capable of coding A.I. This does not currently exist. The most prevalent concern discussed with A.I. was the automation of jobs, which would cause a shift the workforce. If AutoML becomes advanced enough, coders would be coding themselves out of a job. I appreciate that Google’s solution to the lack of qualified computer experts is: “we can code computer experts!” - however, coding computers with artificial intelligence to generate more computers with A.I. will propagate into a fleet of self-improving A.I. I find this to cross the line of what should be done with A.I.

Comments:

To Andrew Maita:

Most of the articles I read for this round of posting pertained to A.I., one of which focused on building a sensory database for robots to encounter and understand the world around them. I don’t know too much about the 3D printers used for buildings, but I believe they are typically stationed in one location and set up to print around themselves. I could easily see 3D printers advancing into a mobile system with sensors that allow the system to move around the footprint of the building and print as needed. I also think it will only be a matter of time until we can 3D print all of the materials needed for a complete building - I would not be surprised if eventually we can 3D print the rebar as the machine builds up the concrete.

To Zac Arnold:

Having programs with the ability to identify code violations is super useful in my eyes. I always envision designing my own house one day, but know that I would mess up something with the architectural codes and restraints. To the same effect, I agree with you that avoiding something that is obviously catastrophic in a design seems like an intuitive “decision-making” ability for the software.

As you say in your sociology section, some people welcome the automation and others have reservations. I typically have reservations. I think automation can easily be taken too far. One of the articles about A.I. that I read discussed how Google is aiming to develop A.I. that can program more A.I. I think this level of automation, where coders are coding themselves out of a job, takes automation too far; yet, it is the same effect as automating cars on the street and putting taxi drivers out of a job.

To Jordan Shuster

I agree with you that robotics and automation has the potential displace large quantities of people from their current jobs. As I have posted before, A.I. coders are trying to code computers that are capable of developing more A.I. software (AutoML). In the same effect as eliminating jobs from the unskilled and lower-class workers, programmers are trying to program themselves out of a job. From an objective standpoint, a well-coded software and machine would be the more efficient and economical option for many jobs. If we keep leaning into reliance on machines, I do not know what will happen to the workers who are displaced from their job. Who knows... as A.I. for business applications becomes more prevalent (as you discuss with your Google Cloud ML), perhaps everybody will have the business chops at their disposal to thrive as successful entrepreneurs.

Blog Post 1 - Carlos Hillinger

3D Printing & The Future: 5 Ways 3D Printing is Changing the Construction Industry

By Rachel Burger

https://www.thebalance.com/3d-printing-construction-industry-845342

October 23^rd, 2017

This article begins by giving an introduction on how 3D printing is changing the way humans make things, such as shoes, cars and clothes. It then adds that 3D printing will also change the way we build, making the construction process less wasteful. Then, the core of the article addresses the 5 main advantages that 3D printing will bring to construction. After reading through them and understanding them, I believe that the three main advantages that 3D printing will bring to construction are: reduced costs, global development, and greener construction. The other two advantages claimed by the article are: improved project planning and clarity in client expectations. Out of all the advantages, I think that global development is the most important one, because 3D printing  in construction will allow undeveloped countries and cities to build low cost and durable houses and shelter for many people that do not have access to materials or labor needed to build a well designed house.

AI & Robotics: AI and Robotics: The Future of Construction

http://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/october-2016/ai-and-robotics-the-future-of-construction/

October 5^th, 2016

This article begins by explaining that robotics are not a subset of artificial intelligence, it states that even though robots can use AI, it is not a necessity. AI can be used for quality control testing of products, to optimize development and even for forecasting and scheduling. AI is knowledge, and if incorporated with all the human knowledge for construction, it can be use to improve BIM designs; for example, identifying true collisions versus false ones, like waterproofing for specs for sports stadiums. AI would be proactive, it could ask questions to learn, and even interact with voice and visuals. They state that a possible setback is the impossibility of AI to be implemented on small scale projects due to lack of data, but it could certainly be used for large scale projects like government ones. Other advantages addressed by the article for using AI are: fewer errors and omissions, improved workflows, safer jobsites, and less time ‘wasted’.

Robots on the other hand have been utilized a lot for the construction process. Some of the most common robotics are robots that help shape rebars, robots that manufacture plumbing fixtures and robots that help transport construction materials. More complex and recent robotic inventions can include robots that 3D print cement houses and robots that can build a wall placing bricks and mortar. In summary, robots are everywhere in the construction process, they are basically every automated machine that helps improve the process. However, robots will start shaping the future whenever we are able to incorporate Artificial Intelligence with machines that can ‘think’ using knowledge as the input and solve problems more accurately and in less time than human experts. 

Comments:

Jordan S.,

 I enjoyed reading through your post, it is clear to me that we can learn something new out of every post. From your post I learnt that 3D printing is being used to print in braille. I liked that you did not focused 3D printing only in construction, it was sort of refreshing to read, and you make a good point on that 3D printing is all about what it can make. I believe that the main problem with 3D printing is the initial cost of the machines, but it will certainly be improved in the following years.

Luciana T.,

I think you have a very good understanding of AI and 3D printing. Imagine if we were able to use those the technology in those robots you mentioned Alibaba used that can even think faster than the most intellectual human beings, and apply that technology to robots in the construction industry. As it can obviously bring many advantages like reducing costs, improve accuracy and greener constructions, would not it also leave a lot of workers unemployed? It is a question that only the future can answer, but it is worth thinking about it.

Zach A.,

I think that your post is very broad and complete, you certainly managed to cover all the topics and explain them very neatly. I would like to emphasize on your comments about the future, especially when you address that with all these newly developed technologies, many windows for malicious activity open. All this new database systems, robots that function with AI can be hacked, and I believe it is the responsibility of the same people that are creating this technologies to make sure they are un-hackable, and even if they are, to prepare for the worst-case scenario with a backup plan in all of their robots.

Jordan Shuster - B1

Robotics & the Future

The robotics industry has the potential to revolutionize the dining industry as we know it, in the context of both cooking meals and serving them. For example, Momentum Machines has developed a "burger robot" which can produce up to 360 burgers in a single hour, complete with grinding the meat, cooking the patty, and stacking the burger for consumption. Another robot called "Robotista" replaces human baristas by preparing customers' coffee orders from a fully automated kiosk rather than a coffee shop. Even waitstaff is starting to be replaced, as in a Singapore restaurant; Infinium Robotics has developed a drone that can take orders and deliver food to waiting customers at their tables. Truly, the dining industry has one foot in the future and is inching closer as the years go by.

I see these new types of robotics as providing potential advancements to the industry, but also as having major drawbacks to society as a whole. In a society where jobs are hard to find and unemployment is high, many unskilled and lower-class workers find jobs in the restaurant industry as servers, fast-food cooks, and more. While the idea of robots that can replace these workers may be exciting, I fear for a future when the service industry is no longer home to millions of jobs for the lower class. The creation of these robots may create jobs for software engineers and programmers, but it does nothing to help those who couldn't afford to go to college or learn programming.

Source: Steel, Chandra. "Will These 12 Robots Make Chefs Obsolete?". PC Mag. 17 Feb 2015. <https://www.pcmag.com/feature/331668/will-these-12-robots-make-chefs-obsolete>.

AI & the Future

Google Cloud Machine Learning is an example of artificial intelligence that is accessible to individuals, be they people or businesses. Machine learning is a type of computer programming wherein the computers become "smarter" through experiences and interactions rather than by being explicitly coded. In the case of Cloud Machine Learning as produced by Google, this can mean increased efficiency when it comes to data analysis in a number of different fields. Google predicts that the utilization of machine learning in this context may lead businesses far in the near future. For example, one function that Google offers is "Explore," which uses natural language processing programming that is better-suited than ever to understand the syntax of any document and produce the information in a more compact format.

This function of Google's Cloud Machine Learning, and others, may allow businesses to become significantly more efficient, boosting productivity and profits. In the future, as this type of AI becomes more well-known and even smarter, I see it becoming significantly integrated into many businesses. In fact, within ten years, I predict that this form of AI, or a more advanced version, may be used in most large corporations in the world.

Source: Poutonnet, Philippe. "9 new ways that Google Cloud Machine Learning can help businesses". Google. 22 Nov 2016. <https://blog.google/topics/google-cloud/9-new-ways-google-cloud-machine-learning-can-help-businesses/>.

3D Printing & the Future

3D printing is often considered in the context of the products that it can make, but researchers are finding uses for it in other fields as well, such as education. Researchers around the world are discovering the uses of 3D printing in educating blind children, and in particular teaching them to read. Originally, 3D printing was used in this context to print in braille, a written language for hte blind community. However, in recent years, the use of 3D printing has become even more innovative. Scientists in Seoul have produced a set of stencils making up the Korean alphabet and given them to blind children to help them learn the alphabet. Previously, the students had been using paper stencils, which were flimsy and not nearly as durable as the plastic ones produced by the 3D printers. The studies performed showed that the students' skills increased after being given the plastic stencils. 3D printing also provides an opportunity for tactile learning for blind children. This means, for example, that if they are learning about animals, they can be given a small replica of a rabbit so that the children can feel it in order to "see" what a rabbit looks like.

I am excited to see 3D printing continue to expand in to the world of primary education. I fully support any technology that helps to level the playing field between abled and disabled children when it comes to learning. I believe that not only will engineers continue to find uses for 3D printing in the world of special education, but that it will also soon find its way into the mainstream educational system, to help even more children learn more efficiently.

Source: Curiosity Staff. "3D Printers Can Help Blind Children Learn To Read". Curiosity. 20 Dec 2016. <https://curiosity.com/topics/3d-printers-can-help-blind-children-learn-to-read-curiosity/>.

Responses

Josh:
The article you referenced about AI legislation is really interesting to me. I think the early legislation about AI developments is a direct result of something that is often at the root of legislation: fear. Legislators don't know much about what AI actually is; instead many of them likely base their ideas off of what they've learned from movies and other media. While I'm sure they don't actually believe that a Terminator situation will happen tomorrow, they have been taught for decades to fear what "sentient robots" may do, and it's now ingrained in their way of thinking. Whether or not AI proves to be a threat to civilization down the road, I think that it's just to early to be scared of any such developments, and that the legislation that they passed may be premature.

Luciana:
The article you summarized about a neural network surpassing human scores on the Stanford Reading Test reminds me of when an AI program was first able to beat a world chess champion, Garry Kasparov, in 1996. As engineers, we keep setting metrics for our AI development to beat, and the programs keep meeting them. Twenty years ago, it was chess. Today, it's a reading test. I wonder what the next metric we set will be, and how long until we finally develop AI that can consistently pass the Turing Test?

Carlos:
I really like that you pointed out the importance of global development when it comes to the future potential of 3D printing. I think that is an incredibly important point; so much development focuses on how to get to the next high-tech achievement, and not enough of it looks at how to bring developing regions up to speed. I see the future of any technological revolution as one in which developments allow developing areas to finally see the same technology as anywhere else.

About This Blog

AE-410/510 is a course for Seniors and Graduate Students in Architectural Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, USA.  We consider the uses of Information Technology on the Design, Construction and Operation of buildings, hence the course title: Intelligent Buildings.

This blog is created by students in the course responding to assignments and class exercises.  Use the "Labels" on the right to see the work of individual students OR the topics on which they've written.

The syllabus for the course is available from the "Pages" link.