It is frequently acknowledged that databases have transformed our world in general and
engineering offices in particular. But what is a database anyway? Dictionary.com
defines it as a “comprehensive collection of related data organized for
convenient access, generally in a computer.” Databases do
not analyze the data within except to classify it. Some people consider St. Isidore’s etymological encyclopedia,
Etymologiae, of the 600s to be the
first database [1]. This is not quite accurate however, because there was only one
way to view the information – by subject. Indices and library catalogs that
present sources of information in multiple ways were really the first databases
in my opinion. The first digital databases were developed in the 1960s to improve
private company’s ability to store and access their data. The first databases
were used for personnel and financial data and were not useful to engineers. It
would take further development for engineers to see their practicality.
Relational
databases, or the idea that the structure and organization would be
disconnected from the physical information storage, were invented in the 1970s
[2]. They allowed many different applications view the information they needed how they needed it. By the early 1980s engineers were publishing articles
extolling the value of databases for structural engineering [3]. Interestingly, there
are now no standalone databases for the structural engineer. Instead BIM
systems store geometry and section properties that can be used by analysis
software. The analysis software queries the data stored in the BIM file to
create a report of relevant information, then analyzes that information. This
makes analysis tools much easier to use as technicians do not need to spend time
creating a separate structural file and changing it with every change the
architect issues. MEP engineers also transfer data between BIM and analysis
software.
While
databases in the form of BIM have had a profound effect on the building
industry, most people do not think of BIM as a database. Research databases such
as ASCE’s civil engineer database look like a database is “supposed to look”.
There are forms to query the articles which produce reports of relevant
articles. These make finding relevant information much easier for engineers.
(As a side note: Google is a search engine, not a database. Databases have
classes of entries; they match keywords, titles, topics, etc. Search engines
match characters or phrases.) Other databases compile sets of design information. The
California Energy Commission’s DEER or AISC’s shapes database are examples of
this. Databases can also be used to manage the business information of a practice.
Databases are the perfect tool to hold client and project information. Do you
need to know who’s the contact at Irritating Owner LLC? It’s in your database. Do
you need a reference for school HVAC design? Look it up. This is especially useful
when managing large government contracts that require reams of similar reports.
Databases
have two major uses to design professionals. BIM stores building information in
a way accessible to analysis software. More typical query databases store quick
access information and replace libraries of research, materials manuals, or business
information.
[1] Rotunda Scheduling Software. Volunteer Scheduling Software Blog. “Celebrate
St. Isidore – Patron Saint of Technology,” 4 April 2013. Rotunda Software.
Accessed 6 February 2016, Available
[2] Intuit. A Timeline of Database History. Intuit QuickBase. Accessed 6
February 2016, Available
James,
ReplyDeleteSimilar to your post, I discussed how databases are used by structural engineers and designers in other fields. I, too, realized that no particular database is available for structural engineering alone but this is not a limitation. Rather, databases in BIM software allow for a structural engineer to access more information than is required; this is a better opportunity than having a limited database containing only pertinent information about structural design. With BIM databases, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, and architects can access data efficiently since the databases cover a wide range of information.
I enjoyed reading about the general history of databases that you provided. It is interesting to see that databases are being applied to more and more fields, since they aid in making companies more efficient. I cannot think of a job that does not involve database access; they certainly are a reliable source of information.
James,
ReplyDeleteI found your general history of databases interesting. When I think about it, I consider the modern database to be mainly an accessible compilation of materials that, for the most part, existed previously. As technology has advanced more data and sharing has occurred. This has allowed for highly specialized databases to emerge across almost all professional and recreational fields. In this regard I find it hard to believe that there are no structural databases. Restriction may be limited by company or subscription. I found it interesting that you also wrote about Revit and BIM software as a type of database. I wrote something similar in my discussion of contractor database use because I found it interesting that despite the primary use of such programs as a drawing/modelling tool they also serve as databases for companies and projects and are likely to be expanded significantly in coming years.
I'm glad you found the history interesting. The concepts for databases developed in 1980s have be incorporated into Revit and other BIM software, and evidently no one has come up with other ideas for structural databases. I too am looking forward to seeing what databases are designed to make our lives easier.
DeleteYour post gets me thinking about how information is so easily accessible today. The data is there and readily available for access. I think you bring a good point up about how databases have allowed for the advancement of engineering. Particularly HVAC design where there are a finite set of variables that can be used to leverage the design process. Simulations would not be possible without the availability of data sets.
ReplyDelete