I-Chen Wu

Bridge construction schedule generation with pattern-based construction methods and constraint-based simulation

This paper presents a novel methodology which assists in automating the generation of time schedules for bridge construction projects. The method is based on a simulation of construction works, taking into account the available resources and the interdependencies between individual tasks. The simulation is realized by means of a discrete-event simulation software originally created for plant layout in the manufacturing industry. Due to the fact that the fixed process chains provided are too rigid to model the spontaneous construction task sequences, a constraint module that dynamically selects the following task has been incorporated. Constraint module input data is formed by activity packages comprising of the affected building element, the required material, machine and manpower resources, as well as the technological pre-requisites of the activity to be performed. Since manual creation of the large set of activity packages is laborious and error-prone, a 3D model-based application has been developed which allows the interactive assignment of construction methods to individual building elements. To facilitate this process, a level-of-detail approach has been implemented which allows the user to successively refine both the process model and the corresponding product model. The discrete-event simulation system uses all the given information to create a proposal for the construction schedule automatically, which may then be refined using standard scheduling software.

Applying Cloud Computing Technology to BIM Visualization and Manipulation

A current trend in the construction sector is the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for the efficient integration and management of engineering information. Today, engineering consultant, construction and architectural companies conduct research into the development of BIM in order to integrate and visualize engineering information. The capabilities of BIM for information integration, visualization and parametric design, reduce duplication of work and interface integration complexity, significantly saving both time and cost. At present, BIM desktop applications such as Autodesk Architecture, Bentley Architecture and Graphsoft ArchiCAD, can only integrate and visualize information on-site. Difficulties remain in obtaining and updating information from other sites, which restricts communication and information distribution between different sites. As visualization efficiencies and hardware capabilities mature and continue to improve, the development framework of applications is now moving form “Client-Server” to “Host-based”, which is referred to as “Cloud Computing” technology. In this research, we utilize the concept of Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud Computing in order to develop a visual system for BIM visualization and manipulation. This system can not only visualize three-dimensional (3D) BIM models, it can also manipulate 3D BIM models through the web without the limitations of time or distance. This system can facilitate communication and distribution of information between related participants, such as construction companies, building owners and architectural companies in order to manage projects effectively and efficiently.

Transformation from ifc data model to gml data model : Methodology and tool development

Abstract To facilitate the incorporation of 3D CAD objects into the 3D‐GIS environment, this paper proposes a feasible approach to transform the 3D geometric information of CAD objects expressed by the IFC model into geometric objects for the GML model. The discussions include not only the proposed model transformation methodology but also the development of a software tool that implements the proposed methodology. In addition, a simple model transformation example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology and the functionalities of the developed tool.

An UML-XML-RDB Model Mapping Solution for Facilitating Information Standardization and Sharing in Construction Industry

To facilitate information standardization and sharing in Construction Industry, this paper presents a simple but effective approach that maps the UML (Unified Modeling Language) object-oriented information model related to a construction project to an XML schema, then to a Relational DataBase (RDB) schema. First of all, the mapping between UML model and XML schema is discussed since UML has been a popular tool to model the static structure and dynamic behaviors of the information and processes in a construction project, while XML has become a de-facto standard for information sharing and exchange. Then, a set of consistent rules for mapping from XML schema to RDB’s Entity-Relational (E-R) model are studied and established since RDB has been the most popular choice for information management. The present study focuses on making the set of rules simple and easy-to-implement for most applications in construction industry. Finally, a mapping tool for automatically generating RDB schemas from XML Schemas is developed.

Using Product Data Management Systems for Civil Engineering Projects - Potentials and Obstacles

Product data management (PDM) systems are well established in the mechanical engineering industry. Here, they form the standard solution for the central storage of all data concerning a product and the processes involved in its fabrication. Especially the consistent management of CAD models including sophisticated versioning techniques and access rights management as well as the integrated workflow management are attractive features for using PDM systems also for civil engineering projects. The paper investigates the technical concepts behind PDM systems and discusses in detail the potentials and obstacles for using them in civil engineering projects.

Parametric BIM Objects Exchange and Sharing between Heterogeneous BIM Systems

Over the past two years, the construction industry has increasingly recognized the benefits and capabilities of building information modeling (BIM) for information integration, visualization and parametric design, reducing the duplication of work and complexity of interface integration, while significantly saving both time and cost. However, due to the variety of participants in engineering projects, the differences between data definition, data format, and data storage increase the difficulty of integrating data from diverse sources. Therefore, buildingSMART has developed a common data schema, called Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), that makes it possible to hold and exchange relevant data between different software applications, to increase the efficiency of BIM work and to ensure a consistent and high-quality output. This paper presents a novel methodology that assists in facilitating the import and export process for parametric BIM objects between heterogeneous BIM systems. This methodology is based on the IFC data schema and includes graphical and non-graphical description data. The objective is to retain the geometry, parameters, unit, texture and links of an object during exchange and sharing to ensure that data integrity is maintained. To sum up, this research addresses the issues of transferring parametric BIM objects between heterogeneous systems to increase data integrity and reduce transfer and integration times.

Conflict Impact Assessment between Objects in a BIM System

Mechanical/Electrical/Piping (MEP) systems, due to their complexity and diversity, are the most intricate part of building construction. This being the case, Combined Services Drawings (CSD) and Structure, Electric and Mechanic(SEM) drawings can ensure that all coordination issues are resolved prior to construction. Construction companies attempt to apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) to manage and integrate engineering information and solutions efficiently into the CSD and SEM processes to enhance the accuracy of design and the efficiency of review. There are several powerful commercial tools, such as Bentley Navigator, Autodesk Navisworks, and Tekla BIMsight, that can review the integrated BIM model and detect conflicts in systems, and allow planners to correct the conflict issues one at a time. However, for increasing numbers of conflicts, this may be inefficient, and requires them to be arranged in a list according to impact and seriousness before solving them. For this reason, this research implements a module for conflict impact assessment based on rule-based reasoning to classify and weigh conflict impact and seriousness, and highlight the conflicted objects in the BIM system in different colors depending on their conflict type and seriousness during the analysis. This system not only detects and lists possible conflicts and errors, but also sorts them according to the severity of impact and conflict type. Planners can effectively modify the BIM models according to these conflicts as they are listed and visualized in the BIM system. If these conflicts, such as pipeline interference and problems of insufficient space, can be avoided in the early stages of planning, it facilitates the achievement of project objectives in quality, scheduling, and cost.

BIM–Based Building Curriculum Vitae System

During the life cycle of a building project, voluminous data and information are usually created along with the delivery processes of building products. Currently, most information management methods are based on several different file collection approaches, which are mostly unrelated. Therefore, the various project participants are unable to synthesize building information from different sources. To address this problem, we propose a new concept of system named “Building Curriculum Vitae”, which collects and handles data generated from different systems, at different stages of construction. Furthermore, it provides a friendly visualization style that conveys the related building information clearly. This research developed a Building Curriculum Vitae System based on Building Information Modeling (BIM). This system not only provides various query methods for users to find and obtain the necessary and relevant data in a more direct and efficient way than current practices; it also provides 1D (text), 2D (graph and chart), 3D (3D Model) visualizations to assist people in efficiently acquiring applicable information. This system can assist architects, engineers and constructors to integrate and manage the building information effectively and efficiently during the construction stage, and assist owners and users in mastering information on the entire building through an easy-to-use Graphical User Interface (GUI), facilitating efficient building management and maintenance during the operation and maintenance stage.

Development of an XML Schema Repository System for Public Construction Information Sharing

The Public Construction Commissioner (PCC) in Taiwan is sponsoring a project to establish the mechanism for developing information standards, in terms of XML schemas, for public construction work and develop an XML Schema repository system for managing and publishing the standardized XML schemas. Parts of the ebXML (Electronic Business using eXtensible Markup Language) Registry Information Model (ebRIM), Version 2.5, proposed by OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards), are adopted in the design of the repository system. This paper reports the progress on the development of the repository system in the project.