Robin Drogemuller

Converting the Industry Foundation Classes to the Web Ontology Language

The upcoming next generation of the Internet, often referred to as the semantic Web, will bring a lot of new technologies, one of which is the Web ontology language (OWL). One feature of this language is to support interoperability between software applications, including Web services and intelligent agents. Another technology to bring interoperability between software programs is ISO-10303 Standard Exchange of Product data (STEP). The industry foundation classes (IFC) have been developed as a building information model for the building and construction industry using technology from STEP. Converting IFC to OWL can be done on different ways. A unidirectional conversion from an IFC to an OWL has been developed for research purposes. The developed prototype converts not all the IFC data to OWL but supports the search for a more appropriate mapping. As the conversion is not straightforward, reengineering the building model to gain more advantages of functionality offered by OWL has to be investigated.

Energy-Oriented Design Tools for Collaboration in the Cloud

Emerging from the challenge to reduce energy consumption in buildings is the need for energy simulation to be used more effectively to support integrated decision making in early design. As a critical response to a Green Star case study, we present DEEPA, a parametric modeling framework that enables architects and engineers to work at the same semantic level to generate shared models for energy simulation. A cloud-based toolkit provides web and data services for parametric design software that automate the process of simulating and tracking design alternatives, by linking building geometry more directly to analysis inputs. Data, semantics, models and simulation results can be shared on the fly. This allows the complex relationships between architecture, building services and energy consumption to be explored in an integrated manner, and decisions to be made collaboratively.

An Authorization Framework using Building Information Models

A building information model (BIM) is an electronic repository of structured, three-dimensional data that captures both the physical and dynamic functional characteristics of a facility. In addition to its more traditional function as a tool to aid design and construction, a BIM can be used throughout the life cycle of a facility, functioning as a living database that places resources contained within the building in their spatial and temporal context. Through its comprehension of spatial relationships, a BIM can meaningfully represent and integrate previously isolated control and management systems and processes, and thereby provide a more intuitive interface to users. By placing processes in a spatial context, decision-making can be improved, with positive flow-on effects for security and efficiency. In this article, we systematically analyse the authorization requirements involved in the use of BIMs. We introduce the concept of using a BIM as a graphical tool to support spatial access control configuration and management (including physical access control). We also consider authorization requirements for regulating access to the structured data that exists within a BIM as well as to external systems and data repositories that can be accessed via the BIM interface. With a view to addressing these requirements we present a survey of relevant spatiotemporal access control models, focusing on features applicable to BIMs and highlighting capability gaps. Finally, we present a conceptual authorization framework that utilizes BIMs.

Domain-specific model transformation in building quantity take-off

The two core concepts of model-driven engineering are models and model transformations. Domain-Specific Modelling has become accepted as a powerful means of providing domain experts and end users with the ability to create and manipulate models within the systems that they use. In this paper we argue that there are domains for which it is appropriate to also provide domain experts with the ability to modify and develop model transformations. One such domain is that of quantity surveying, and specifically the taking-off of quantities from a building design. We describe a language for expressing transformations between building models and bills of quantities, and its implementation within an automated quantity take-off tool, reflecting on the commonalities and differences between this language and a general-purpose model transformation language/tool.

MODAM: A modular agent-based modelling framework

Designing the smart grid requires combining varied models. As their number increases, so does the complexity of the software. Having a well thought architecture for the software then becomes crucial. This paper presents MODAM, a framework designed to combine agent-based models in a flexible and extensible manner, using well known software engineering design solutions (OSGI specification [1] and Eclipse plugins [2]). Details on how to build a modular agent-based model for the smart grid are given in this paper, illustrated by an example for a small network.

Impact of technology uptake on an Australian electricity distribution-network

This paper presents simulation results for future electricity grids using an agent-based model developed with MODAM (MODular Agent-based Model). MODAM is introduced and its use demonstrated through four simulations based on a scenario that expects a rise of on-site renewable generators and electric vehicles (EV) usage. The simulations were run over many years, for two areas in Townsville, Australia, capturing variability in space of the technology uptake, and for two charging methods for EV, capturing peoples behaviours and their impact on the time of the peak load. Impact analyses of these technologies were performed over the areas, down to the distribution transformer level, where greater variability of their contribution to the assets peak load was observed. The MODAM models can be used for different purposes such as impact of renewables on grid sizing, or on greenhouse gas emissions. The insights gained from using MODAM for technology assessment are discussed.

An integrated collaborative approach for FM - Sydney Opera house FM exemplar

This paper presents an integrated collaborative approach for facilities management (FM), which utilises the Sydney Opera House (SOH) as an exemplar case study. The approach deals with Benchmarking, Procurement and Digital Modelling as a whole and develops collaboration between them. It aims to achieve innovative FM strategies and models that will possibly have a direct benefit role for the Australian facilities management industry. The Benchmarking theme focuses on the asset maintenance of the performing art centre, iconic building and facilities with similar functionalities. Critical success factors in the functional areas of asset maintenance are identified against organisational objectives of the SOH and key performance indicators are developed. The Procurement theme focuses on the maintenance service procurement, especially for outsourcing. Procurement methods and a multi-criteria assessment approach for supporting decision making are discussed. Suggested collaboration between Benchmarking and Procurement includes sharing of the benchmarking data and utility of key performance indicators to support procurement strategies. The Digital Modelling theme develops building information modelling for facilities management and investigates the potential of state-of-the-art information systems to enable a future integrated platform to support facility management collaborative activities and processes.

Enriching the 'I' in BIM: A BIM-Specifications (Bimspecs) Approach

This paper conceptualizes a framework for bridging the BIM-Specifications divide by embedding project-specific information in BIM objects by means of a product library. We demonstrate how model information, enriched with data at various levels of development (LODs), can evolve simultaneously with design and construction using a window object embedded in a wall as lifecycle phase exemplars at different levels of granularity. The conceptual approach is informed by the need for exploring an approach that takes cognisance of the limitations of current modelling tools in enhancing the information content of BIM models. Therefore, this work attempts to answer the question, “How can the modelling of building information be enhanced throughout the lifecycle phases of buildings utilising building specification information?” LITERATURE REVIEW Problem Overview. Building Information Modelling (BIM), a process of digitally representing buildings in 3D, is redefining the world of construction (Azhar, 2011; Succar, 2009). Building specifications on the other hand, are a class of building information crucial to the lifecycle of buildings which capture information related to material quality and the associated workmanship necessary for project completion (Potter, 2002). Ongoing efforts in the construction industry are targeted at exploiting Building Information Modelling for increased efficiency and productivity gains. Indeed there is evidence that such efforts have given rise to industry-transforming outcomes as improved team communication through visualisation (Succar, 2009), as well as increased accuracy in building design and construction through clash-detection, cost

Parallel ABM for Electricity Distribution Grids: A Case Study

This paper introduces a parallel implementation of an agent-based model applied to electricity distribution grids. A fine-grained shared memory parallel implementation is presented, detailing the way the agents are grouped and executed on a multi-threaded machine, as well as the way the model is built (in a composable manner) which is an aid to the parallelisation. Current results show a medium level speedup of 2.6, but improvements are expected by incor-porating newer distributed or parallel ABM schedulers into this implementa-tion. While domain-specific, this parallel algorithm can be applied to similarly structured ABMs (directed acyclic graphs).

An overview of BIM uptake in Asian developing countries

BIM is increasingly in demand within the construction industry internationally in recent years. The application of the technology reconciles several problems within the project teams such as delays, rework, miscommunication, and other related to inefficiencies that affect project success. While it is actively employed by the majority of the developed countries, however, BIM is not as advanced in most developing countries. Therefore, this paper reviews BIM uptake in some of the Asian developing countries and examines the extent to which it is implemented in these regions. Prevalent challenges were considered with recommendations towards addressing the issues of low level of BIM adoption that distinguishes the developing from the developed countries. This paper will provide some insights of how BIM is evolving within those countries considering the drivers and barriers in adopting the technology and how this is likely to change in the near future.