Yvan J. Beliveau

A procedure for multi-criteria selection of building assemblies

During some of the different building design stages, typical construction materials/components are often grouped together to form what is called building assemblies. One of the most important tasks in the design development stage of building design is the selection of the appropriate building assemblies to be used in the various elements of the building, e.g. walls, roofs, floors and so on. This decision will have a significant impact on the performance of the building with respect to the various design criteria. Although this decision cannot be entirely separated from other design stages, the use of decision-making techniques can render this a more rational decision. In this paper, a computer tool is developed for selecting the best combination of building assemblies for each particular design situation. The tool utilizes some of the existing decision-making models in a single comprehensive procedure. In the described procedure, the building assemblies are selected by finding a trade-off between a set of designer-specified criteria. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to determine the relative importance weights for the different criteria. In addition, various methods for determining an aggregated criteria performance for each alternative solution is described. A heuristic algorithm is used to search for the best assembly combination among the different building assemblies. A computer prototype that implements the selection procedure is developed in Visual Basic as an add-in to AutoCad.

Autonomous vehicle navigation with real-time 3D laser based positioning for construction

Abstract Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are a way of life in manufacturing where navigation can be done in a structured environment. Construclion is an unstructured environment and requires a different type of navigation system to deal with three dimensional control and rough terrain. This paper provides a review of navigation systems that utilize dead-reckoning in conjunction with absolute referencing systems such as beacon-based systems, and vision and mapping based system. The use of a real-time laser based technology is demonstrated as a new form of navigation. This, technology does not rely on dead reckoning. The paper outlines the issues and strategies in guiding an autonomous vehicle utilizing only the laser-based positioning system. Algorithms were developed to provide real-time control of the AGV. The laser based positioning system is unique in that it provides three dimensional position data with five updates per second. No other system can provide this level of performance. This allows for control of end effectors and autonomous vehicles in complex and unstructured three dimensional environments. The use of this new type of navigation makes possible the automation of large complex assemblies in rough terrain such as construction.

Object Model Framework for Interface Modeling and IT-Oriented Interface Management

The intense complexity of interfaces in a construction project makes information technology (IT) applications a must for effective interface management (IM). This largely requires a unified, accurate, and efficient way of modeling interface information. Conventionally, interfaces are simply modeled as dependencies/relationships between project entities; various interface information is loosely presented in different ways, which reduces the accuracy and completeness of interface information as well as the efficiency in information exchange and application. This paper introduces an object view of interfaces and its inherent interface object modeling technique, and then presents an interface object model (IOM) framework. The IOM is the first in the literature that aims to systematically define the data structure and dependencies of interface information for modeling. It is at the core of a conceptually proposed systematic model-based IM strategy. When fully developed, the IOM can be used to accurately model ...

Building assembly detailing using constraint-based modeling

Constraint-based geometric modeling entails specifying geometric constraints to control the locations of the components in an assembly. Consequently, any future modifications of the components are governed by these constraints. In this paper, a set of constraint-based assembly operations for generating 3D details of building assemblies are presented. The operations constrain the locations and orientations of the components in a building assembly through a series of constructive steps and therefore allow for easier modification. These operations are used in a modeling system that extends the idea of constraint-based modeling to detailing architectural building assemblies. The system utilizes the constraint-based assembly operations, which employ traditional geometric constraints integrated with a set of constructive assembly operations. The constraint-based assembly operations allow for a more systematic generation of the assembly details, which can save repetitive work and reduce mistakes resulting from copying and pasting old details. Also, the technique allows the assemblies to be studied and analyzed. To illustrate this idea, a prototype 3D constraint-based system for assembling three-dimensional architectural details was developed. With the proposed system, the details of building assemblies do not need to be reinvented for every project. Examples of the proposed approach are provided and its limitations and benefits are discussed.

Simulation of asphalt paving operations under lane closure conditions

Abstract Lane closures during paving operations on rural two-lane roads usually restrict the continuity of paving operations, causing delay in paving time and thus affecting the production rates. This paper presents a simulation model that was developed to assess the impact of the different variables on paving operations under lane closure conditions. The model developed is a high-fidelity computer simulation that incorporates an animation interface. The model involves traffic simulation as well as the construction process itself, and allows users to study the interaction between the two. Variables such as distance from plant, number and types of trucks, traffic volume, length of lane closure, maximum allowable work zone speed, and lane closure strategies are incorporated in the model. Users of the model can adjust these variables according to any particular project and consequently measure the effect on production rates and cost. A construction-oriented discrete event simulation language, Stroboscope, was used to develop the model and a 3D animation was developed to visually simulate the construction process for visual verification. The model was then used on a case study to evaluate paving operations. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the simulation model to investigate the effects of the different variables on productivity and cost.

What can real-time positioning do for construction?

Abstract New technologies are now available that can rapidly measure three-dimensional coordinates of objects. The integration of these fast 3-D Real-time Position Measurement (3D-RtPM) devices and CAD (3D-RtPM/CAD) technologies can be viewed as a better tool for surveyors or as a means to change the most fundamental concepts of the construction industry. 3D-RtPM/CAD is a better surveying tool; however, 3D-RtPM/CAD as the basis for fundamental change within the construction industry is the issue. There are several potential technologies that can provide real-time position measurement. This paper will limit presentation to two of these. The first is based on recent developments in Global Positioning Systems. The second is a new laser-based product, OdysseyTM (Odyssey is a trademark of Spatial Positioning Systems, Inc.). Odyssey received the NOVA award in March, 1995 because of its recognized performance enhancement to the construction industry. These positioning systems provide the capability for equipment and crafts people to view the project from a graphical representation in which they see their position interactively updated. Potential benefits to the construction industry are presented. The research needed achieving maximum benefits of these systems is also presented.

Symbiotic Relationships between Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Trust

ABSTRACT As an emerging trend, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) aims to address the issue of mistrust by using a relational contracting approach. Given that trust demonstrates a perceived reliability of an individual through time, one may question the role that a project delivery or contract could possibly play in building trust. The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between trust and IPD. The research findings indicate that IPD and trust have a symbiotic relationship. While committing to an IPD arrangement requires an established trust, the IPD arrangement also further promotes trust. Committing to an IPD arrangement requires trust due to the existence of shared risks and rewards model and waivers of liabilities provision. On the other hand, IPD organizational and contractual principles further promote system-based trust, and IPD communication and behavioral principles further promote cognition-based trust. This manuscript contributes to the body of knowledge by providing insights into the symbiotic relationship between IPD and trust and identifying the trust-building attributes in construction contracting and more specifically IPD.

Auditory collision warning signals for crane operation

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. This study examined the effect that an auditory collision warning signals pulse rate, pulse pattern, and onset distance had on subject braking responses in a simulated crane/overhead power line collision scenario. The experimental warning signal alerted subjects of their proximity to overhead power lines. The experimental task required subjects to monitor a simulated auditory collision warning signal while simultaneously operating a single-axis driving simulation task. The driving task simulated an actual crane operators mental workload required to navigate a crane and manipulate various loads. Subjects were required to initiate braking responses based on the information conveyed solely through the auditory collision warning system. No visual information was provided to the subjects to isolate the effects of the warning signal. Subjective ratings of the auditory warning signals were obtained to compare subjects actual performance using the warning signal versus their subjective preferences. Results indicate that subjects were able to initiate appropriate braking responses while using an auditory collision warning signal with moderate onset distances and low pulse rates. The auditory pulse pattern did not have a large impact on subjects braking responses except at extremely short onset distances. Overall, it was concluded that a pulsing auditory warning signal comprised of a moderate onset distance and low pulse rate could work effectively as a proximity warning device for mobile cranes.

A Schema of Trust Building Attributes and Their Corresponding Integrated Project Delivery Traits

ABSTRACT Trust-based relationship is critical in building an integrated and collaborative team. Relational contracting like Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is centered on the notion of trust and aims to further foster trust and collaboration. This research offers an in-depth analysis on how trust-building attributes are supported and leveraged by IPD traits. All the distinguishing traits of IPD are found effective in building trust. A few examples of these trust-building traits are: establishment of a core IPD team, jointly developed goals, collaborative decision-making, shared risks and rewards, and open communication. Additionally, IPD utilizes relational clauses and behavioral principles to influence an individual’s values and culture of trust. The research demonstrates that while IPD is effective in promoting trust, it does not warrant trust-based relationships, as the contract and team members’ characteristics also play critical roles in building trust. The key to success of IPD is establishing a clearly defined contact which equitably aligns efforts and rewards, and selecting the collaborative partners who have an established trust-based relationships and are committed to the IPD principles. The manuscript contributes to the body of knowledge by developing a schema of trust-building attributes and their corresponding IPD traits.

Identification of elements to control and regulate residential energy consumption

Residential energy consumption in the USA has been marked by a steady growth over the past decades in spite of the implementation of various energy efficiency policies. To develop effective energy efficiency policies for the residential sector, it is important to understand the causal factors and their effects on residential energy consumption. There is a dearth of literature on plausible ways to modify and manipulate factors that influence residential energy consumption. This paper builds on previous study by the authors that identified a list of factors affecting residential energy consumption and grouped them under four major categories, such as demographics, consumer attitude, economy, and climate. The study analyzed the correlates of each of the energy consumption factors and an ecological framework of residential energy consumption was created using fishbone diagram method. Subsequently, the “affinity diagram” technique was adopted to generate energy efficiency control elements from the energy consumption factors. Findings of the paper shed light on how the identified control elements govern energy consumption factors to a great extent. These control elements will assist policy-makers in ameliorating and targeting the most critical factors that will help to curb the increasing energy consumption of the residential sector in the USA.