Database
systems play an important role for every part of the building design/construction
industry. Databases have made it easier for designers and engineers to have
easy access to information that would help with multiple processes such as cost
estimation, energy modelling, and etc. Specifically databases have helped
construction firms with cost estimation and lifecycle analysis. There have been
many developments such as estimating software and computer cost databases that
evolved over the years.
Databases
in the past have been very hard to keep updated due to the large amounts of
information that had to be updated very often. Nowadays computers are connected
to a larger cloud of data/online database. Online databases are automatically
and universally updated when their source is changed. For example cost
estimating software would have data for multiple construction materials and
equipment, when price rates change the database automatically changes and
updates universally. This makes it a lot easier for construction firms to
access and use the up to date database. Also, this increases the accuracy and
quality of the estimation. [1]
Construction
firms nowadays are progressively utilizing cloud collaboration. For example “Basetone
is a system that allows remote sharing of data on a construction site in real
time.” The tool is used by architects and mostly construction engineers to
review drawings and process on construction projects. The software allows for
easier collaboration and the detailed process of installation of everything
from steel beams to light fittings. The software also helps pin point issues that
happen during construction, so that engineers would have easier access to that
information and get to solve the issue as soon as possible. The digitized
drawings also help save money for construction engineers because they wouldn’t have
to print out paper plans. [2]
Another
advancement in database use in construction firms is the use of mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablets. Almost everyone nowadays has a smart phone.
Smart phones are very powerful and have a very large capacity to do a lot of
work. Drawings made on software such as AutoCad, Revit, and Sketchup which are
used in the construction industry can be viewed on the smartphone and some also
edited on the cellphone. With LTE internet connection the model is always
updated through the cloud database making it a lot easier for the construction
crew to coordinate with updates and look at changes as soon as possible. [3]
Maria,
I really enjoyed reading your article. It was very
informative. I completely agree with your view point towards databases. I feel
like having extensive databases are extremely integral in order to have a well-designed
building. BIM software interaction with different databases has tremendously
improved the building design/construction industry. I personally have experience
in HVAC energy modelling software such as eQuest and Carrier HAP and it has
made it a lot easier to have easy access through that software.
Laura,
I enjoyed reading your blog post. I have never heard of
WEB-CONS and I found that very interesting. I agree with your view point on how
databases have tremendously improved the construction industry. I believe that
the more information we have the better estimations and designs we’d produce.
With advancements in databases I believe that there have been numerous
improvements in cost estimation and construction analysis. Also, general
knowledge in the construction field has been drastically improved.
Mohammed,
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
Mohammed,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you mentioned how the usability and use of databases has increased to facilitate collaboration on complex tasks such as life cycle analysis and estimating. These tasks require diverse knowledge from many different fields to estimate how much the mechanical systems designed by the mechanical engineers and the structural systems designed by the structural engineers, etc cost and add up to the total for a building's construction.
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.
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