Grahame Cooper

Computer integrated construction: A review and proposals for future direction

We present a review of the computer integrated construction (CIC) research space spanning approximately 20 years. This review reveals a strong focus on data and application integration for most of that time. We argue that whilst valuable in its own right, such research and the software solutions it yields fall short of the potential for CIC, giving our rationale for these beliefs. Thus we propose a re-focussing of CIC research on the relatively under-represented area of semantically described and coordinated process oriented systems to better support the kind of short term virtual organisation that typifies the working environment in the construction sector. Finally we present an outline vision for such a system, supported by a generic system architecture and a simple business model for its deployment, noting opportunities for future work in its realisation.

Past, present and future of information and knowledge sharing in the construction industry: Towards semantic service-based e-construction?

The paper reviews product data technology initiatives in the construction sector and provides a synthesis of related ICT industry needs. A comparison between (a) the data centric characteristics of Product Data Technology (PDT) and (b) ontology with a focus on semantics, is given, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. The paper advocates the migration from data-centric application integration to ontology-based business process support, and proposes inter-enterprise collaboration architectures and frameworks based on semantic services, underpinned by ontology-based knowledge structures. The paper discusses the main reasons behind the low industry take up of product data technology, and proposes a preliminary roadmap for the wide industry diffusion of the proposed approach. In this respect, the paper stresses the value of adopting alliance-based modes of operation.

Domesticating Energy-Monitoring Systems: Challenges and Design Concerns

Domestic energy consumption contributes approximately 30 percent to the UKs total C02 output. Although simple energy-saving steps can reduce the national carbon emission level by 10 percent, energy demand in housing and domestic appliances is rapidly increasing. The Digital Home Energy Management System assesses user experiences and preferences to provide appropriate feedback to domestic energy consumers and effect positive behavior change.

An information engineering approach to modelling building design

Abstract This paper highlights potential problems in the construction industry concerning the large quantities of information produced and the lack of an adequate information structure within which to coordinate this information. The Information Engineering Method (IEM) and Information Engineering Facility (IEF) CASE tool are described and put forward as a means of establishing an information structure at a strategic level thus providing a framework for the implementation of lower level applications systems. The paper describes how the ICON (Integration/Information for Construction) project at Salford University is establishing and modelling the information requirements for the construction industry at the strategic level. The IEM and IEF are demonstrated using activity, data and interaction models with particular attention being paid to the function of building design within the broader context of design, procurement and the management of construction. Implications for future practice are also discussed.

DEHEMS: creating a digital environment for large-scale energy management at homes

Located at the consumer-end of the Smart Grid, domestic energy monitoring and management systems aim to provide direct energy feedback whilst (or shortly after) consumption occurs, so as to persuade users to achieve energy saving and efficiency. However, existing solutions are challenged by the lack of large-scale practice and study on user behaviours and preferences. In this paper, we present a domestic energy management system (DEHEMS), which deploys electricity and gas monitoring in European-wide homes. The system has been developed in three cycles in order for households to participate and contribute. Results based on both qualitative and quantitative data analysis show that less energy has been consumed using the system. Additionally, positive behavioural changes have been achieved among households.

Privacy preserving trust authorization framework using XACML

Nowadays many organizations share sensitive services through open network systems and this raises the need for an authorization framework that can interoperate even when the parties have no pre-existing relationships. Trust negotiation is the process used to establish these first relationships, through the transfer of attributes, embedded in digital credentials, between the two parties. However, these attributes may themselves be considered sensitive and so may need protection from disclosure. In some environments, the policies that govern the protected services may also be considered sensitive and their release to arbitrary strangers may leak confidential business information. This paper describes a way to unify the protection of services, sensitive credentials and policies in a synchronized trustworthy manner. We propose a trust authorization framework (TAF) that builds on the capabilities of XACML to support the bilateral exchange of policies and credentials through trust negotiation

DEHEMS: A user-driven domestic energy monitoring system

Persuasive energy monitoring technology has the potential to inspire sustainable energy lifestyles within the home. However, to effect positive ecological behaviour change, a more user-driven approach is needed for the development of the technology, where the design needs to be accompanied by study on user behaviours and motivations, and the prototype deployed and tested on large sample sizes to understand user preferences. We present DEHEMS, a wide-scale energy monitoring system that undergoes three cycles of design, development and usability assessment so that it can help facilitate energy literacy and environmental awareness based on user preferences. Through real-world deployment, survey and focus group studies carried out in the UK, we present motivations and constraints for saving energy, user assessment of the DEHEMS pilot system and identify some critical user expectations and concerns. We describe how the usability analysis is then incorporated into the design of the next generation DEHEMS system and demonstrate that the resulting system achieves 8% reduction in energy consumption within the first week of feedback.

An integrated approach to CAD: modelling concepts in building design and construction

Abstract The ICON project is concerned with the creation of a generic information structure for the construction industry. A central feature of the information model is the use of object-oriented modelling techniques to allow information to be viewed from different ‘perspectives’ and at different levels of abstraction, according to the requirements of the user. This paper discusses the object modelling of concepts and information in the design area. Drawing on knowledge elicited from protocol analysis of the design activity, a series of interrelated object models has been developed, reflecting different perspectives and abstraction levels within the design domain. Three of these models (spatial design, physical design and structural design) are presented and their implications for the communication and sharing of information discussed.

The object oriented modelling of building design concepts

Abstract This paper describes the development of an object oriented model for building design which is being developed by the ICON (Information/Integration for CONstruction) project at Salford University. This model consists of a series of sub-models of varying levels of abstraction which represent the conceptual, physical and structural perspectives of design and which fit within an industry wide framework. Such a framework will facilitate the integration of information across the various disciplines involved in a construction project; this will allow information created at any stage or level of abstraction to be viewed by any participant of the construction industry according to their own requirements. This concept of perspectives is central to the modelling techniques adopted.

The conceptual modelling of construction management information

Abstract The conceptual modelling of construction management information models the information for the activities performed at the post design stage. In this paper, such activities have been identified by a steering group of industrialists and representatives of the major professional institutions in the UK who are assisting the research team in the development of conceptual models for construction management information. The resulting conceptual models form the basis for developing construction management databases which can monitor the time, cost and quality aspects of a construction project. Proper information modelling is a key factor in realising these aspects. However, unless a sound methodology is used to structure the information required by the various disciplines involved at the construction stage, the critical factors of time, cost and quality may not be achievable. This paper reports on a methodology used by the ICON project being developed at the University of Salford which is attempting to provide a framework of information into which the modelling of construction management information fits. This methodology is based on the coupling of two powerful information modelling and analysis techniques namely Information Engineering and Object Oriented Analysis and Design with the assistance of an object oriented CASE (Computer Aided Software/Systems Engineering) tool which automates the production of information models. The Information Engineering method was used for the strategic planning of information using activity decomposition/activity hierarchy whilst the Object Oriented Analysis and Design approach was performed at the analysis, design and implementation stages due to the incorporation of the notion of information perspectives. An Object Oriented CASE tool (Ptech) is being used to assist in producing the various information models required by the construction management disciplines and to generate executable computer code from these models.