Manu Venugopal

Semantics of model views for information exchanges using the industry foundation class schema

The industry foundation classes (IFC) data schema is generic, designed to support the full range of model exchanges needed in the construction industry. For any particular working exchange for some sub-domain of building construction, a set of model view definitions (MVD) is required to specify exactly what information should be exchanged, and in what form and structure the IFC entities are to be used. Defining model view definitions requires principle decisions and workarounds because the IFC itself does not address a number of semantic issues comprehensively. Some of the issues identified and discussed include the typing of objects, instances, geometry, relationships, and rules, which are supported in the IFC schema, and the complexities of exchanging such information accurately between applications. This paper advances the idea of MVD Concepts as an object-oriented and modular mechanism for embedding semantic meaning in model views. We conclude that although the IFC product model schema is richly expressive, it lacks formal definition of its entities, attributes, and relationships. To achieve standardized and re-usable model views, further research towards a modular and logical framework based on formal specification of IFC concepts is recommended. This research is expected to impact the overall interoperability of applications in the building information modeling realm.

Ultrawideband for Automated Real-Time Three-Dimensional Location Sensing for Workforce, Equipment, and Material Positioning and Tracking

Management of construction resources, such as workforce, equipment, and material, is critical to project success. Completion of work tasks on schedule, safely and within the proposed budget requires a coordinated planning effort that allocates adequate availability of project resources. Because this task alone can become a challenging and time-consuming effort for many field personnel, several existing technologies are reviewed for their benefits and limitations in keeping oversight of resource location and status at job sites. To ensure the optimal solution using the right resources, such knowledge becomes even more meaningful when optimizing construction logistics and safety at the same time. This paper introduces an emerging sensing technology called ultrawideband (UWB) that is capable of determining three-dimensional resource location information in object-cluttered construction environments in real time (up to 60 Hz). The use of UWB is explained in a variety of construction applications including simplifying on-site management, improving resource productivity and usage, reducing schedule and cost, and increasing work zone safety. UWB technology and its advantages and limitations are compared with the state of the art in positioning technologies. Results of preliminary UWB experiments in the laboratory and construction environment are presented using developed data processing algorithms and a method to determine the accuracy of UWB position measurements. The paper discusses the feasibility of using ultrawideband as a data collection and decision support tool for robotic (automated) infrastructure construction applications in the areas of real-time three-dimensional material flow and workforce location tracking, optimized machine positioning and automated navigation, and proactive work zone safety.

Nanotechnology and Its Impact on Construction: Bridging the Gap between Researchers and Industry Professionals

Nanotechnology research and product development are actively conducted in many industries, (such as industries that manufacture advanced materials and semiconductors) and in medicine. Few studies have presented the potential application areas of nanotechnology in, and the needs of, the construction industry while identifying the benefits and barriers of entry in research and development. Some construction industry sectors follow research and development in nanotechnology; however, the industry does not take on a leadership role. With proper knowledge of the potential products and techniques offered through an investment in nanotechnology, the construction industry may potentially improve the efficiency of its processes and offer better products to clients such as those that exist in building and infrastructure construction and in environmental and petroleum engineering. This paper analyzes the understanding of nanotechnology in the context of construction and explores the current status of nanotechnology in the construction industry. Findings from a literature review, from a survey among construction industry professionals, and from expert interviews with leading researchers in construction-related nanotechnology research and development are presented to identify the potential benefits and existing barriers of using nanotechnology in construction. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework was developed to rank application areas of nanotechnology that will have major effects in the construction industry. Tasks were identified that will make the application of nanotechnology in construction successful in the future.

An Ontological Approach to Building Information Model Exchanges in the Precast/Pre-stressed Concrete Industry

Building Information Modeling realm is expanding with the advent of new technologies, processes and software for Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Facility Management industry. The importance of robust knowledge sharing between different stakeholders in a project is of highest priority in such scenarios. model diew definitions provides an empirical specification for the implementation of the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) schema by software companies. The objective of this research is to create an ontological framework, which makes the IFC definitions more formal and consistent. A formal specification of IFC entities to create taxonomy of classes and subclasses between them is adopted for this research. Such an approach will make model view specifications unambiguous and reusable thereby reducing the development time of model views. The precast/pre-stressed concrete industry is selected as the domain for the ontology definitions. Case studies developed illustrating the exchange of a fabrication model between architect/engineer, precast detailer and fabricator shows the feasibility of this approach. The outcome of this research provides the mechanism for applications such as modular MVDs, smart and complex querying of building models, making data sharing across applications simpler with limited rework.

IMPROVING THE ROBUSTNESS OF MODEL EXCHANGES USING PRODUCT MODELING 'CONCEPTS' FOR IFC SCHEMA

Empirical approaches to define Model View Definitions (MVD) for exchange specifications exist and are expensive to build, test, and maintain. This paper presents the novel idea of developing modular and reusable MVDs from IFC Product Modeling Concepts. The need and application for defining model views in a more logical manner is illustrated with examples from current MVD development. A particular focus of this paper is on precast entities in a building system. Presented is a set of criteria to define fundamental semantic concepts articulated within the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) to improve the robustness of model exchanges.

A Framework for Automatic Safety Checking of Building Information Models

In the past two decades more than 26,000 U.S. construction workers have died at work. Of these fatalities, 40% involved falls. It is indicated that safety in construction remains a big problem. Safe construction requires planning throughout the project lifecycle, from design, planning, through construction execution and extending into operations and maintenance. The literature and past research show that there is a lack of tools and resources to assist designers and engineers with addressing construction safety. Despite the implementation of safety practices, most of them applied in the field are primarily text-based checklist. Further improvements can be gained in construction safety through the use of technology. This paper contributes in solving this problem by developing a framework of automatic safety checking to Building Information Models (BIM). The presented framework and case study extends BIM to include automated hazard identification and correction during construction planning and in certain cases, during design. As a result, the developed automated safety checking platform informs construction engineers and managers in knowing, why, where, when, and what safety measures are needed for preventing fallrelated accidents before construction starts.

Formal Specification of the IFC Concept Structure for Precast Model Exchanges

The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) provides a rich and redundant schema for interoperability. However, IFC lacks semantic clarity in mapping entities and relationships resulting in multiple methods to map the same information. This research explores a software engineering methodology based on engineering ontologies to develop a formal, consistent and machine-readable structure for IFC entities, attributes and relationships. Various issues such as the need for a logical framework, the current semantic approaches in AEC/FM and advantages of ontology for IFC are addressed. Details of the approach are illustrated by building application ontology for precast model exchanges. This research is expected to impact the overall interoperability of BIM tools by providing a formal and consistent taxonomy and classification structure for creating model view definitions (MVD) using IFC.

Real-Time Spatial Location Tracking of Construction Resources in Lay Down Yards

Emerging wireless remote sensing technologies offer significant potential to improve the management of construction resources in lay down yards by tracking the location of personnel, yard vehicles, and materials in real-time. This paper presents a theoretical concept for real-time lay down yard asset management. A field trial using Ultra Wideband (UWB) positioning technology is presented to track spatial and temporal location of resources (workforce, equipment, material) that are present in lay down yards. The benefits and limitations of the technological approach which were applied in this research will be explained in detail and recommendations for its use in field tracking applications in large and open construction environments will be given. A particular focus of the paper is on the comparison of the accuracy of real-time location data from a commercial UWB system with ground truth measurements from a robotic total station.

Concrete Reinforcement Modeling for Efficient Information Sharing

Concrete reinforcing requires coordination among many roles: structural engineer, estimator, detailer, fabricator, installer and others. The methods used to define and represent concrete reinforcement elements and assemblies in building information models is crucial in determining the efficiency of sharing data among BIM platforms and the effectiveness of using the carried data in production planning, fabrication and site work activities. Starting from the information items that are required to be provided by BIM platforms, as defined in earlier work, we have developed the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) bound Concepts and Model View Definitions (MVDs) for concrete reinforcement. Furthermore, in coordination with software developers, we propose guidelines for best practices for concrete reinforcement modeling. Implementing these guidelines by software providers will improve reinforcement modeling with regard to various aspects of reinforcement products like geometric representation, placement, and property specifications. The proposed approach is selected as a way to improve functionality of the shared data for production planning, fabrication, project management, and site activities. Guidelines for assigning information to rebar type and instance definitions as well as to rebar elements and assemblies are provided. An efficient method of sharing geometry and property sets among rebar instances of a rebar array is also defined.