Yelda Turkan

Toward automated earned value tracking using 3D imaging tools

AbstractAccurate and frequent construction progress tracking provides critical input data for project systems such as cost, schedule control, and billing. Unfortunately, conventional progress tracking is labor intensive, sometimes subject to negotiation, and often driven by arcane rules. Attempts to improve progress tracking have recently focused on automation, using technologies such as three-dimensional imaging, global positioning systems, ultra wide band (UWB) indoor locating, handheld computers, voice recognition, wireless networks, and other technologies in various combinations. However, one limit of these approaches is their focus on counting objects or milestones rather than value. In this paper, a four-dimensional model recognition-driven automated progress tracking system that transforms objects to their earned values is examined via the analysis of data from the construction of a steel reinforced concrete structure and a steel structure. It is concluded that automated, object oriented recognitio...

Tracking secondary and temporary concrete construction objects using 3D imaging technologies

Recent research efforts to improve construction progress tracking has focused on employing emerging technologies such as three dimensional (3D) imaging, including digital photogrammetry and 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). Previous research has shown that “Scan-vs-BIM” object recognition systems, which fuse 3D TLS and 4D project BIM, provide valuable information for tracking structural works. However, until now these systems have focused on tracking progress for permanent structures only; none of them has considered progress of secondary or temporary structures. In the context of structural concrete work, temporary structures include formwork, scaffolding and shoring, while secondary components include rebar. The value of tracking temporary and secondary elements is that it would add veracity and detail to the progress tracking process, and consequently to billing. This paper presents two different techniques for detecting concrete construction secondary and temporary objects in TLS point clouds, one of which is based on a Scan-vs-BIM object recognition system. Both techniques are tested using real-life data collected from a reinforced concrete building construction site. The preliminary experimental results show that it is feasible to detect and track secondary and temporary objects in 3D TLS point clouds with high accuracy. This will help to improve progress estimation and tracking.

BrIM implementation for documentation of bridge condition for inspection

Bridge condition inspection data provide critical and rich information for assessing structural condition. Currently, the majority of bridge inspection methods use printed checklists, and their interpretation is labor intensive, subject to personal judgment, and prone to error. To realize the full benefits of bridge inspections, there is a need to automate the data management process. This study implements Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) technology for bridge inspections and compare it to the conventional approach of paper checklists. The environment combines a 3D representation of the infrastructure, and allows the integration of inspection data, such as the presence, type, severity, and localization of damage and previous maintenance decisions. In this paper, we use the acronym BrIM to refer to the database that integrates a 3D bridge model and bridge element condition data. In order to validate our approach, we obtained 2D drawings and previous inspection and maintenance data from two bridges located in Ames, Iowa, and modeled them using Revit. We then synced both models using cloudbased solutions so that we could access them from tablet computers on-site. Then, we tested the BrIM based inspection methodology with Iowa DOT engineers and bridge inspectors, who confirmed that BrIM can be used to automatically query, sort, evaluate and send information to decision makers. Furthermore, we conducted a short survey with several DOT engineers and bridge inspectors regarding with possible expected benefits of using 3D BrIM based solutions for inspections. It is concluded that this methodology will substantially improve bridge assessment and maintenance operations, resulting in reduction of costs associated with bridge assessment, and improvement structural resiliency by enabling more effective maintenance and repair operations.

Mobile augmented reality for teaching structural analysis

Abstract Structural analysis is an introductory core course that is taught in every civil engineering program as well as in most architectural and construction engineering programs. Previous research unveils students deficits in understanding the behavior of structural elements in a three-dimensional (3D) context due to the shortcomings of traditional lecturing approaches, which put too much emphasis on the analysis of individual structural members, thereby falling short in providing a solid, easy-to-follow, and holistic approach to analyzing complex structures with a large number of interconnected elements. In this paper, the authors introduce a new pedagogy for teaching structural analysis that incorporates mobile augmented reality (AR) and interactive 3D visualization technology. The goal of this study is to enhance the contents used in structural analysis textbooks and on worksheets by visualizing discrete structural members employing AR along with interactive 3D models in order to illustrate how the structures behave under different loading conditions. Students can interactively change the load and observe the reaction resulting from this change with the instant feedback provided by the AR interface. The feasibility of AR concepts and interaction metaphors, as well as the potential of using AR for teaching structural analysis are investigated, specifically by focusing on challenges regarding content integration and interaction. An AR application is designed and developed, and a pilot study is conducted in a junior level structural analysis class to assess the pedagogical impact and the design concepts employed by the AR tool. Control and test groups are deployed, and students’ performance is measured using pre- and post-tests. The results of the pilot study indicate that the utilized AR design concepts have potential to contribute to students’ learning by providing interactive and 3D visualization features, which support constructive engagement and retention of information in students.

TOWARD AUTOMATED DIMENSIONAL QUALITY CONTROL OF PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTS USING DESIGN BIM

Dimensional quality control of precast concrete elements is one of the crucial tasks during concrete construction, where geometrical properties of precast concrete elements are inspected to determine whether the specified tolerances are satisfied or not. The failure of constructed elements to fall within the specified tolerances may be the result of an unsatisfactory level of precision applied during construction or the inability to interpret the information provided in the specifications correctly. The consequences of improper dimensional quality control measures have adverse effects on the aesthetics of the elements, and, in severe cases, the structural strength of the elements. The dimensional quality control practices that are prevalent in today’s industry do not only provide room for random errors associated with manual measurements, but also exploit two of the most valuable assets of a construction project: time and labor. Nevertheless, if appropriate steps are taken during the design phase, the majority of these tolerance issues during the construction phase can be prevented. Therefore, this study focuses on the tolerance issues arising during the construction phase by combining design BIM and tolerance specifications within the same database. A text-parsing algorithm in MATLAB environment was used to tag elements in an IFC Building Information Model (BIM) with textual-tolerance information. The output IFC BIM including textual-tolerance information would be used by project engineers and inspectors during the construction phase. This would enable access to all tolerance-compliance-related information within the same database, which would help make timely decisions to prevent rework and

A novel framework for BIM enabled facility energy management : a concept paper

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enabled facility management has gained increased interest both in academia and industry. Previous research has shown the importance of having dynamic BIMs that can react and interact with real-time data obtained from building sensors. The other sought benefits of BIM such as improving workforce efficiency, proactive maintenance planning and improving maintenance records, which would lead to reduced energy and water consumption, are also acknowledged both by the academic community and the industry practitioners. However, BIM implementation for facility energy management activities, specifically for energy use monitoring, has not yet been explored, and one of the main reasons pertain to not having standards for BIM to be effectively used for facility energy management tasks. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review on BIM implementation and BIM requirements for facility management and facility energy management related tasks. Also, it proposes a conceptual framework that enables to achieve dynamic BIM for building energy use monitoring activities. The proposed framework connects BIM database with building energy management systems, while enabling BIM to act as a central data repository and a visualization tool to achieve energy use monitoring related tasks. Finally, it summarises the challenges to achieve dynamic BIM, and concludes with the expected benefits of implementing dynamic BIM for building energy management as well as recommendations for future research.

A BIM Based Simulation Framework for Fire Evacuation Planning

This study implements Building Information Modeling (BIM) for conducting a simulation design involving the technologies of Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Agent Based Modeling (ABM) to foresee the relationship between evacuators’ mortality and building layout design. The goals of this paper are to investigate (1) how to predict the building’s Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) by using FDS software; (2) how to reflect the evacuation behavior within an ABM simulation; (3) how would the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) be impacted by the building properties, fire properties, and human behavior. By making a comparison between ASET and RSET, the optimized building layout design that reflects minimum RSET can be chosen. And finally, BIM serves as the environment to visualize the results of (1) the hazardous zones that reflected in the fire simulation; (2) the effective escape routes that are recommended by the evacuation scenario. These results can be used to improve fire safety management for both fire education and construction design. Following the results, this paper concludes with a description of challenges associated with building fire and agent-based evacuation simulations that would arise from developing a BIM-based framework for highly occupied building fires.

Guiding or Exploring? Finding the Right Way to Teach Students Structural Analysis with Augmented Reality

The paper reports on the design of an augmented reality (AR) application for structural analysis education. Structural analysis is a significant course in every civil engineering program. The course focuses on load and stress distributions in buildings, bridges, and other structures. Students learn about graphical and mathematical models that embody structures as well as to utilize those models to determine the safety of a structure. An often reported obstacle is the missing link between these graphical models and a real building. Students often do not see the connection, which hinders them to utilize the models correctly. We designed an AR application that superimposes real buildings with graphical widgets of structural elements to help students establishing this link. The focus of this study is on application design, especially on the question whether students prefer an application that guides them when solving an engineering problem or whether the students prefer to explore. Students were asked to solve a problem with the application, which either instructed them step-by-step or allowed the students to use all feature on their own (exploring). The results are inconclusive, however, tend to favor the explore mode.