Mushairry Mustaffar

An Automatic Project Progress Monitoring Model by Integrating Auto CAD and Digital Photos

An assembly for housing microfilm is provided. The assembly includes a first cartridge, a second cartridge, and a connector assembly for detachably connecting the first cartridge to the second cartridge along an offset axis of the assembly. The first and second cartridges have a base plate and a cover plate secured together by a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly pivotally connects the two base plates together at a pivot point to allow each of the cartridges to rotate about the offset axis. The offset axis extends through the pivot point and is perpendicular to the plane formed by the junction of the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

A systematic procedure for developing the 3D model to evaluate the construction project progress

Purpose – This main purpose of this study is to summarize the experience at the Construction Technology and Management Center (CTMC) to develop a Digitalizing Construction Monitoring (DCM) system by integrating 3DAutoCAD drawings and digital images. The objective of this paper is to propose a framework model for the DCM system and discuss in detail the steps involved for developing and calculating the 3D coordinate values from 2D digital images.Design/methodology/approach – As digital images are one of the major sources of information from site, the process of measuring the project progress from images is quite challenging. This study used Photogrammetry techniques to extract the information from digital images, which can be concisely defined as the science of calculating 3D object coordinates from images, with PhotoModeler pro‐version software. Issues pertaining to the quality of the 3D model derived from 2D digital images are also discussed.Findings – A framework model for DCM was proposed and different...

Improving area-based matching by using surface gradients in the pixel co-ordinate transformation

Abstract Area-based least squares matching has existed since the 1980s, and its development may therefore be regarded by some photogrammetrists as complete. However, this is a relatively short time in a rapidly changing discipline, and the method does have scope for further refinement. This paper aims to enhance the fidelity of the fundamental mathematical model, which relates pixel positions in area-based matching. If successful, its benefit is seen to lie within close-range photogrammetry, in which object undulations, convergent camera directions and large image scales can introduce significant levels of perspective distortion. It is hypothesised that a model, which takes into account the surface shape within the match window, would provide a pixel position relationship which is applicable across larger windows than those which are applicable with the conventional matching model, based on an affine transformation. The use of larger windows for the image matching increases the redundancy. Revised co-ordinate transformations, based on mathematical surface models across the windows, are proposed in this paper. When tested on the measurement of real objects, even simple surface models are found to increase the complexity of the matching mathematics, but when compared with the traditional affine transformation solution using three test objects, precision improved noticeably. Generally, accuracy also improved, but the improvements were not as distinct as they were for precision. Quicker convergence with fewer iterations was usually obtained, and this is seen as particularly indicative of a more faithful model. Yet more rigorous surface modelling may be worth developing, but the means of choosing the most appropriate models for different objects also remains a question deserving to be pursued.

Daylight Factor for Energy Saving in Retrofitting Institutional Building

In Malaysia, lighting is the second electric power consumption after air conditioning and it is increasing every year. Most of the lighting design standard for building in Malaysia is based on MS1525, and this being taken without further measure on daylight consideration. Movement from inefficient and unsustainable energy practice to more energy efficient initiatives is vital for building. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia as one of the major institutional building is consuming 9 to 16 million kWh per year. Thus, about 20% of energy consumed was from artificial lighting. This paper aim to highlights the cost benefit study of lighting retrofit, which integrates the utilization of daylight into existing building. Data for this study was obtained through illumination in-situ measurement on two types of artificial lighting with the inclusive of day lighting before and after lighting retrofit. The measurement was conducted in a typical building in Block C09 of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Annual saving and payback period were analysed from the collected data. It is estimated that total energy consumption decreasing around 47.7% over a year from 84,232kWh to 44,014kWh by retrofitted the fluorescent T8, 36W with fluorescent T5, 25W. The estimated total annual electricity bill saving is at RM11,073 (USD3500.00). The return in retrofitting cost is at 2.5 years payback period. The payback analysis portray that lighting design is best integrated with daylight. The significant amount of saving in energy consumption and the cost of retrofit is obtained by integrating daylight as a source of lighting for interior space.

Potential of solar farm development at UTM campus for generating green energy

Energy is an important element in human life. Previous study discovered that buildings consumed more than 40% of global energy mainly electricity and emit 1/3 of global greenhouse gas through combustion of fossil fuels for generating electricity. Nowadays, global warming come to be a major issue facing the world and it leads to a better awareness about renewable energies as alternatives in generating electricity. In certain countries, solar farm has been adopted as an alternative in producing electricity. UTM spent millions of money every year for electricity bills and UTM could consider solar farm as an energy option in generating green electricity due to suitable climate and huge land bank. Governments incentives and decreasing PV panel price are opportunities to be appreciated for UTM to implement solar farm. However, high initial investment is needed to construct the solar farm. Additionally, decision will be based on financial benefits of the solar farm development. The aim of this study is to identify potential of solar farm implementation in generating green electricity. Data will be acquired via literature review, questionnaire survey, record review, and expert interview. Calculations on payback period and net present value were made based on interview data to identify potential of investment for solar farm. The study outlines the suitability factors for UTM to implement solar farm, at the same time financial benefits of solar farm implementation is portrayed.

Bio-composite materials potential in enhancing sustainable construction

AbstractAccording to the sustainability principles, building should have zero-embodied energy in order to minimize the amount of carbon. In previous practices, construction materials have been composed with non-recyclable materials and after demolition of buildings the debris were put on different landfills. Nowadays, most of the material manufacturers have shifted their concerns to produce materials by using renewable resources, and also gained opportunity in utilizing wasted streams. The proposed biomaterials have been produced using natural fibers which reinforce biodegradable polymeric, in which naturally occurring aliphatic thermoplastic polyesters are produced by microbes via bacterial fermentation in carbon-rich environments. The composite material produced exhibits comparable properties to structural grade wood and is rapidly biodegradable in specific anaerobic conditions, at the end of its useful life. Using anaerobic digester sludge from local wastewater treatment plants as the biodegradation me...