Avril Behan

Spatial skills as predictors of success in first-year engineering

Numerous research studies have highlighted the importance of well-developed 3-D spatial skills for success in STEM related programs. Poor spatial skills, particularly among first-year students, can place them at a distinct disadvantage when completing introductory courses in mathematics, CAD, descriptive geometry, and graphic communications - first-year requirements in many STEM related programs. This in turn can lead to poor grades and retention issues. Women are disproportionally among the group of students with weak or poorly developed 3-D spatial skills meaning that they are at a greater risk of leaving engineering when compared to their male counterparts. In this study, the spatial skills of first-year students in several engineering and technology programs were assessed through two standardized instruments widely used in spatial cognition research. The spatial skills of architecture and computer science students were also assessed for comparison purposes. This paper outlines the results obtained from a study at an Institution of Higher Learning and draws conclusions regarding the importance of spatial skills for success in introductory STEM courses. Grades at the end of the semester were obtained in several mathematics courses to determine if there is a correlation between spatial skill level and student performance in introductory math courses.

Leveraging Lean in construction: A case study of a BIM-based HVAC manufacturing process

The impetus towards efficiency in the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Operations) sector is driving the implementation of Lean practices. BIM technologies and BIM processes provide methods by which this can be achieved. Major clients of building services contractors have begun to mandate the use of BIM and some are using BIM preparedness/experience as pre-tender qualification criteria. In this case study, an initial review has been conducted of the achievements of a major Irish M&E contractor in implementing BIM. The firm purpose-built a facility for the off-site manufacture of building services components. The operations of the plant are efficient and qualityassured through the use of an appropriately skilled workforce at all stages of manufacture, and tracking software that has developed as the knowledge of the contractor grew. Standardised processes have been developed which have resulted in greater efficiencies and lower costs for the contractor as a result of fewer requirements for onsite modifications (such as those caused by clashes), less waste, and greater flexibility. Despite some initial objections, the employees of the company are now more satisfied with their working conditions and are, as a result, more productive. Through investment in BIM-based, Lean processes, the contractor can now better compete when tenerding for large-scale projects in Ireland and worldwide, including the rapidly-increasing number where BIM experience and preparedness is mandated. Glossary AECO: Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations Autodesk Navisworks: project review software that enables AEC professionals to “holistically review integrated models and data with stakeholders to gain better control over project outcomes. Integration, analysis, and communication tools help teams coordinate disciplines, resolve conflicts, and plan projects before construction or renovation begins.” (Autodesk, 2014) BIM: Building Information Modelling/Management BIM4M2: BIM for Manufacturers and Manufacturing BOM: Bill of Materials CITA: Construction IT Alliance Eida: Tracking software used to record and document the progress of spools from time of issue to installation IFC: Issued for Construction (process specific) or Industry Foundation Classes Tool: a set of connected components carrying out the function of routing a particular service through an area of a building SAP: Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing software for data warehousing Spools: the subdivisions of service lines in manageable lengths varying from a single component to a 6m pipe-run WBS: Work Breakdown Structure SDAR Journal 2014 24 Ciara SDAR paper:Layout 1 13/11/2014 12:03 Page 236 2 SDAR* Journal of Sustainable Design & Applied Research, Vol. 2, Iss. 1 [2014], Art. 2 http://arrow.dit.ie/sdar/vol2/iss1/2 Leveraging Lean in construction: A case study of a BIM-based HVAC manufacturing process

Metrology and Proportion in the Ecclesiastical Architecture of Medieval Ireland

The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which detailed empirical analysis of the metrology and proportional systems used in the design of Irish ecclesiastical architecture can be analysed to provide historical information not otherwise available. Focussing on a relatively limited sample of window tracery designs as a case study, it will first set out to establish what, if any, systems were in use, and then what light these might shed on the background, training and work practices of the masons, and, by association, the patrons responsible for employing them.