B7: Group B - Schroeder

Based off of the course description, “An overview of the present and future role of Information Technology in the construction industry with emphasis on the computer tools used throughout the building life cycle by all stakeholders, primarily Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the role of networked-linked sensors and actuators” this class was not what I originally expected. I thought that AE 510 would only cover buildings that have integrated technologies such as autonomous lighting or the various sensors needed for IT.  Looking back, it is refreshing to see the variety of material covered that extends the broad range of IB in eight short weeks. The first half of AE510 was much more relevant to my intended profession, but I did appreciate learning about other aspects in related fields. Specifically, after learning about databases I now have a new respect for people in the field of Big Data and the reach of their profession. In addition, I was able to relate and leverage our discussions on AI/Robots in my Honors Class this term about how MIT is building robots that are able to mimic the human physiology of proprioception.

Like others in the class, one of my favorite parts of AE 510 were the guest lecturers. Although I don’t intend to become a BIM Manager or anything specifically in the building industry,  it was pleasant to hear from professionals in their field and what they are passionate about. Furthermore, it speaks measures about Dr.Mitchell to be able to get past students to take time out of their busy schedules to return to their roots to present at Drexel.

Of all the topics covered in class, the network section of last week's class was one of my favorites. Learning about the development of IPv6 which lacks backwards compatibility with the original internet communications protocol (IPv4) was interesting to me as I know the same frustration in terms of gaming consoles. I held out on buying a PlayStation 3 for so long because of the lack of backwards compatibility for most PS2 games. I can't imagine how providers dealt with IPv6 lacking the backwards compatibility of IPv4 as some devices were not able to be upgraded to IPv6.  Without this bridge between the two, it was not an easy transition for communications.

As a future transportation engineer that focuses on bridge rehabilitation and design, I will most likely not use Revit in my future profession but this class has exposed me to plenty of other topics that I will be using in my future career. In addition, I really enjoyed the topic of my group’s final project. As this is going to be our Senior Design project next year, I liked being able to see the current technologies in autonomous housing to based our initial design on.

Overall, as one of my only AE classes I’ve taken during my collegiate career, it has definitely been a worthwhile experience.

EDIT:
Comments
1. http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/03/course-reflection-yuyang-shi.html
2. http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/course-reflection-farnelli.html

Course Reflection - Farnelli

When I first registered for the class I had assumed that the class was going to be about responsive HVAC systems and BIM. Though we did spend quite a bit of time on BIM, a lot more of the class focused on construction than I had expected, which was a pleasant surprise. There were three main aspects of the class: blog posts, lectures and a project. Each gave different experiences and benefits, and as a whole I think that I gained quite a bit from the class.

Blog Posts

The blog posts have required us to research various topics in some detail and be able to explain concepts so that others. Some topics had provided reading, such as the Interoperability chapter in the BIM Handbook available online. Others required a bit of outside research, such as investigating what SQL is and how it works. I did learn quite a bit by reading other blog posts, as well. Reading the impressions and responses from the others in my groups gave me some extra perspective on the topics.

Lectures

The lectures, both those run by Professor Mitchell and those which were presented by outside experts, have given us an opportunity to learn more about the topics in application. For example, the videos showing robotic applications were very interesting. The talks by outside speakers were very interesting as well, as they were able to give examples of when the different programs and equipment worked and what needed work for each. In addition, the guest lectures allowed for at least a small bit of networking, and some also very helpful gave career advice.

Project

The project, in my case on 3D concrete printing, gave me the option to look into a specific topic in depth which interested me. I learned quite a bit about the way that the 3D concrete is produced and about the properties of the material. This may not be particularly helpful immediately, but if 3D printing gains as much ground as it is expected to this knowledge could be very helpful in the future.  

Comments:
Bryan Cummings, James Redus, Mark Lodato

B6: Group B - Alex Palma

I feel the most beneficial aspect of this course is that it touches on such a broad array of applications and disciplines. Although a structural concentration for Civil Engineering, I would have been much less satisfied by the course had we done 10 weeks of Revit projects. Although this would be beneficial, the introduction of many more topics as was done throughout the past ten weeks will have (I believe) many more actual applications. 

Of all aspects of the course, I gained the most from the guest speakers who came in for the latter half of the term. Although I often did not gain as much as intended from the actual topics they discussed, I learned a lot more about how I feel I should shape my career after Drexel. Talking with individuals who have gone through a similar process as us, seeing their experiences and where they’ve ended up has helped me in deciding how I want to approach job opportunities and advancement. Not only did it provide examples of what I feel would be good choices for me, but it also provided a chance to see career paths I certainly would NOT enjoy, and that seems more helpful than any Revit tutorial.

On the other hand, I would have enjoyed researching other BIM software applications than Revit. Although it’s currently becoming more and more popular, I feel it would have been helpful to discuss other tools, if only for a week. Knowing that Revit isn’t the only tool available would be helpful; sometimes when dealing with particular clients from different states or backgrounds, particular software must be implemented, so I always value having at least a cursory knowledge of as many programs as possible. 

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this course. In terms of professional development, I feel this was one of the best possible graduate-level courses to take. Working in transportation, I will likely never encounter Revit in any of my projects; however, I feel this course still helped me understand the nature of software such as this and how the design of structures is currently changing.

Comments

To Dianna:

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b2-dianna-vogel-reflection-post.html?showComment=1456683516366#c6804378011103710603

I remember the guest speakers that discussed clashes on their projects; I found it interesting as well. Navisworks is a program I haven't touched before, so it would have been an interesting project to actually discuss this in class or for an assignment. I suppose using the program for an assignment would be a bit difficult, considering the front-end work that must be done to get to a point where multiple systems are ready to be run for interference checks. However, it's a valuable tool, and I'm glad it was at least brought up.

 To Danielle:

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b6-ae-510-reflection-danielle-beynon.html?showComment=1456684051529#c1787610059098946231

Taking this class certainly brought to light many tools and programs that are useful in our field. Once the class ends, these innovations won't end, as Dianna mentioned, and it will be on us to find and research these things for personal professional development. Companies always eventually need to adapt to new software and technologies, making a big leap when transitioning from old practices; that certainly won't end any time soon. Being proficient in the next step of software for a company will always make someone an invaluable employee.

 

B6: AE 510 Reflection - Danielle Beynon (Group D)

As we get close to reaching the end of the term, I can happily say that Intelligent Buildings has been a worthwhile course. I originally chose to take this course because the topic sounded interesting, and my initial expectations were certainly fulfilled. Not only did I learn about intelligent software for building design, but I also learned how intelligence has been (and currently is) applied to other building aspects such as sensors and construction robotics.

AE 510 has had a positive effect on my profession in several ways. The most important way in which this course has been useful to my profession is that I have gained significant knowledge in BIM software. My previous co-op, to which I will be returning in the spring, involved structural design and the use of AutoCAD and Revit to create foundation and framing plans. I learned about the drawing tools and some structural features in Revit while on co-op, but I learned even more Revit functionalities and the “behind-the-scenes” aspects of the program from taking this course. Creating families and learning how families are retrieved in databases were highly beneficial aspects. Also, I am learning how multiple Revit system models are integrated while working on the final project. Having these skills are helpful to my structural design profession.

Another aspect of the course that I thoroughly enjoyed was the guest lecture portion. It is one thing to discuss among classmates what is happening in the building industry, but having spokespeople from various companies come to class and talk in detail about their personal experiences is highly worthwhile and rewarding. The variety of guest lecturers was also great, since it allowed for an introduction to a wide range of career paths and I was able to see how each person applies the skills and knowledge that we obtain in class to their everyday lives.

Looking ahead to the future, I can apply skills obtained in AE 510 so that I can think more innovatively and acknowledge technological advances in society. Aside from the useful BIM aspects of the course, I have learned to appreciate how far technology has come in the field of buildings. It is even more impressive that technology is evolving every single day, and sometimes this innovation can go unnoticed. I believe that as engineering students, we are all capable of aiding in the future of intelligent building, whether it be with coming up with new improvements or by implementing the existing software to produce models that are appealing to generations to come. Personally, I will apply the intelligent aspects of this course to my future in the engineering field.

Comments:

1) http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b2-dianna-vogel-reflection-post.html

Dianna,

I agree that AE510 has exposed us to topics that are directly useful to our future careers in structural engineering, as well as topics that could potentially help us if the opportunity arises. I definitely will use the family tools and other Revit functionalities in my profession, so I am grateful that a section of this class involved Revit and discussion about other BIM software. I do not predict that I will use databases much in my profession but like you said, if it does happen, I will at least have a background in how they work and how they are initiated. I liked how the class topics were broad since I think it made us more well-rounded students in the building technology field.

2) http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b6-group-b-alex-palma.html

Alex,
I, too, believe that AE510 has helped in preparing me for the professional world. With the skills and knowledge that we have obtained in BIM software, databases, and sensors, we now have a wide range of building technology traits that will help us in the future. With the information and advice that we have received from listening to guest speakers talk about their real-world experiences in the industry, we have gained more professional pointers than I would have ever imagined when signing up to take this course. I will certainly take many aspects of this course and apply them to my future career in structural engineering; just the way of thinking innovatively itself is something that I will keep with me.

B2 - Dianna Vogel: Reflection Post

Overall I believe AE510 was a useful and interesting course to take. Obviously, as a structural engineering major I got more out of the first half of the class compared to the second half. This was due to the prevalence of Revit in the workforce and my desire to learn more in order to enhance my future. This class did indeed help me learn more about Revit. This was accomplished through the Revit family project, and my group project. For my group project we are creating the Farnsworth House in Revit, with all the components. This includes the architectural side, structural, and MEP. The Revit family assignment even assisted with the group project by opening a door I did not know existed. Prior to this class I did not realize that families could be created from scratch in Revit. This is a very beneficial tool in case a certain family object already existing in Revit cannot be altered to fit the projects purpose. While this information was helpful for our project, I thoroughly believe it will come in handy in the future. There may be a building in my future job that has to be created in Revit, and families need to be designed due to the objects being unique in some way.

Another important and helpful part of this class were the guest speakers. They gave insight into the different parts of the current workforce and how they have handled the problems presented to them. Furthermore, the most interesting topic I learned from multiple of the presenters was the job of seeing what clashes exist between different portions of a job, and how to deal with them. I did not realize this was a technique that is currently used by firms, even though it makes a lot of sense. The program that most of the used was Navisworks by Autodesk. I am hoping that my group has time to use this program to see what clashes may exist between our structural and MEP model, but that is dependent on how fast the MEP model is completed.

One effect of the course was forcing me to learn the basics of databases. This was a skill I would have never done willingly, but I do believe it is useful. I now know the basics of how to use access to create tables, queries, and forms. Therefore, if in the future it would be beneficial for a database to be created at my job, or in my school career, I at least know how to get started. Thus, I have gained many different types of useful information from AE510 and would highly suggest it to anyone in the future.

Comments:

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b6-group-b-alex-palma.html
Alex,
I definitely agree with what you said about learning from the speakers what you do not want to do in life. Sometimes this is more helpful than hearing someone speak on a topic you are interested in, depending on the length of time. With this extra knowledge, if down the road you are offered a job performing a task that you know you DON’T like then the job can be altered. However, if you have never heard of a specific job, or task, then it won’t be clear if you like or dislike it and may be stuck doing something unpleasant. Likewise, I fully agree that AE510 was one of the most helpful and stimulating graduate classes to take. Generally graduate classes are based on learning some intricate portion of one subject, such as advanced mechanics of materials. However, AE510 gave us a broad over view of multiple helpful concepts and helped prepare us for the industry once we graduate.

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b6-ae-510-reflection-danielle-beynon.html
Danielle,
I like how you touched upon how far technology has come, and the appreciation that is developed by looking into the details of the programs we use every day. I have also developed a deeper appreciation for programs like REVIT, AutoCAD, and Bentley products as we have learned about how the programs have grown. We are lucky to be in a generation that using these programs is second nature; however, it is important to not get stuck in our time and always push towards the next innovation. We heard about many exciting products this term that are currently not used in industry, such as concrete 3D printing and BIM programs with more depth. Hopefully we will see these items used in industry in the near future and have some interaction with them.

B5 - Databases in Construction - Eduardo Borja

            Computerized databases started in 1960’s. This happened when the computers became more cost effective options for different firms and organisations. Databases in general have great benefits for companies. Databases are essential in reducing the amount of time spent managing data. Data management can be tedious and mundane and if there is a large amount of data to handle, the time spent processing could be excessive. One interesting example of a database that was basically one of the first commercial successes was SABRE. SABRE was a system that was used by IBM in order to help American Airlines to manage its reservations.

            Specifically related to construction firms, databases can provide a particularly easy way to contact customers, suppliers, even employees. For example, something that could seem meaningless, such as being able to pull up an email address, could actually be as easy as typing a name. The ability to find information easily creates an effective and productive work force. Organisation in a database i believe is crucial as well. Making an element easy to find should be a goal of any creation of a database, but if the database is not organised then the database loses its purpose.

            Another example of how critical databases are in a construction firm relate to estimating. Estimating could be extremely tedious if you would have to input the data for each element of a structure. In this case, databases allow keeping records of a variety of properties of elements. Also, in construction firms, cost and scheduling is greatly affected by the use of databases. Also, databases can extremely facilitate the life of an engineer. This is due to the fact that in a database one can input many different trade information that could certainly prove to be useful when estimating a project. One example of a typical database used in industry is RSMeans. RSMeans is used when estimating the price per square foot of a structure. This database provides data for both renovation projects and new buildings and has costs for over 900 cities in the US and Canada. Construction firms could also establish a database for all of the past projects they have taken. This could be quite beneficial because the firm could reference any project that could actually help with a current bid or estimate.

1. http://www.rsmeans.com/
2. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140724234418-100956650-coming-soon-construction-databases-why-use-a-database
3. http://pmbook.ce.cmu.edu/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html

Comments:

Mohammed Alqallaf: Mohammed, i particularly enjoyed reading through your post. I enjoyed the fact that you discussed how databases have evolved through time and how computers/clouds have helped with this evolution. I completely agree, and also i must add that organisation must be key with databases. Dealing with such a large amount of elements in a database must have a certain degree of organization. Also, i agree with the fact that the databases must be updated regularly. For example, if RSMeans does not update regularly the cost estimate of a construction firm could not be competitive.

Kuzniarowicz: I enjoyed reading your post because i also did some research on RSMeans. This is certainly a great database and its uses are quite extensive. The last point you touch on in your post is really interesting and i believe it is a future of many companies with their products as well as a future of BIM. I believe many companies will develop a database and have the ability to import their products into a BIM software in order to make the designers life much easier with regards to cost and scheduling.

B5 - Group B - Hatim Amiji

SQL stands for Structured Query Language, is a special purpose programming language designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS). It is used to create, modify, and retrieve and manipulate data from relational database management systems. In SQL, tables and query results are lists of rows: the same row may occur multiple times, and the order of rows can be employed in queries.  SQL is used by most large scale databases to facilitate user and administrator interactions.  Many computer programs need to store and retrieve data.  Instead of implementing their own system of storing and retrieving the data, SQL systems can be used.

SQL works similarly to how an excel spreadsheet is set up; it looks at data in terms of tables.  Within these tables, SQL allows the user to place data, read data, change data, and remove data from these tables. SQL is a natural language for data analysis i.e. the concept of SQL is underpinned by the relational algebra therefore creating a consistent network for organizing and manipulating sets of data. SQL is a productive language for writing queries i.e. SQL engines have multiple ways to execute a query, but the developer does not need to understand any of the underlying database processing techniques. The developer simply specifies the desired set of data using projections (SELECT) and filters (WHERE). SQL engine has a lot of flexibility in how to optimize any given query hence shields the developer from the complexities of the underlying query techniques. In general, SQL provides a robust framework that adapts to new database management requirements.

Overall, SQL is important because it is the most popular language for defining relational database models, which have been the standard in the data industry for roughly the past four decades. Relational databases, as opposed to hierarchical databases, are composed of tables for which the creator explicitly defines the links or relationships. For hierarchical databases, every segment is already implicitly defined in a hierarchical path. The main advantage of relational databases is that they do not limit the user to a strict hierarchy of data and allow the programmer more liberty in regards to defining how the information is joined. As a result, they are more desirable in instances that demand flexible data structures. It is also relatively simple to edit and manipulate those structures.

Citations:

1. http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-SQL-and-Why-It-Is-Important?&id=6909544

2. http://www.thesitewizard.com/faqs/what-is-mysql-database.shtml

Comments:

Mohammed,

Your article was an interesting read. Seems like I underestimated the use of databases in the construction industry and its importance. Database can play an important role in the BIM world i.e. contractors, architects and engineering are working on the same model hence sharing big data in one platform thus the creation of databases can improve data organization and accessibility in order to ensure smooth/efficient workflow.

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b5-mohammed-alqallaf-group-e.html?showComment=1455058585410#c7466918960644081852

Cathlene,

I have never worked with SQL before but by reading your blog, I can imagine how such programming language can be used to obtain specific family sets from a big REVIT family database. Also creation of new family sets can be organized and manipulated to ease of use during extraction by other parties such as contractors, architects and structural engineers who are working on the same platform.

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b5-sql-farnelli.html?showComment=1455059530903#c56486159632581299

B5 - Databases and Construction firms - Hamad Al-Hajri

What are the uses of databases in construction firms?
There are several reasons as to why databases should be utilized in construction companies. Though not all the reason may be illustrated below, however, I will focus on demonstrating an understanding of the importance associated with the use of the database in construction firms
1- Databases are good estimators of wealth, and when employed in construction firms, they enable the management of the company the opportunity to rates and them tendency to build up. This facilitates in the management the ability to have an overview of the scope of work that is underway or is to be taken. [1]

2- Databases are employed to ensure that firms are in a position to attain and maintain updated information appertaining to the project at hand. In construction companies, databases are used to enable the management to stand the opportunity to input their information to facilitate in them a check into the happenings that surrounds the project at hand. [1]
3- Through their use, databases enable firms to be in a position to understand the measures that must be put in place to improve their performance. When the appropriate considerations have been made, a construction firm attains the flexibility it desires to make the necessary estimations that facilitate in it the ability to improve its performance. [1]

4- Databases are used to measure the work that a construction firm is undertaking. With their application, and their ability to estimate the work at hand, a construction firm can understand the rates that are necessary to facilitate in it capacity to point out the measures that have to be taken to actually complete a project and with the right approximates to minimize losses. [1]

5- Databases are also used as an application to better help track materials and assortment of parts that are in office building. Furthermore, supervisors that are responsible of materials use databases to track complete project inventory and perform inventory-related transactions. Finally, through tracking, databases link items to bar coded labels that comprise all information necessary. [2]

Work Cited:

[1] Abdou, Alaa, Moh’d Radaideh, and John Lewis. "Decision Support Systems and Their Application in Construction." (2008). Print

 [2] Handheld Database Applications Solve Large Construction Problems. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2016. [http://www.syware.com/company/case_study/smb_pocket_sized_tools_solve_large_const.php]

Comments: 

Maria Ayon:

Thanks Maria for your post, I enjoyed reading through it. The most interesting part that I will need to read more on it, is database applications and its relation to office design and BIM software. Furthermore, I found the part on utilizing database in structural designing to be on point. I agree that using databases help tremendously with keeping information and utilize them later on when necessary.

Mohammed Al-Qallaf:

Great post Mohammed. It was very interesting to know that not only companies can incorporate the use of databases through PCs, but also in mobile devices and tablets! You are right, a great number of us have smartphones and with the technology developing everyday it makes thing easier to track. Furthermore, I also use AutoCAD viewer on my phone for a structural course I am taking and its enormously helpful. There are more advanced versions of AutoCAD, which can be found on the App store where you have to pay little to download, and it gives you the ability to do certain things.