B7 - Course Reflection - Hamad Al-Hajri

Overall, the course was very informative and very interesting (Concept's wise). Also, I enjoyed the majority of the lectures, especially the ones in line with my interests. The materials covered were mostly directly related to the field of engineering. Therefore, it was extremely beneficial to learn how "New Technological Concepts" can be incorporated with our current engineering knowledge. Although the materials covered were extremely informative, I feel a three hours long lecture could make the students lose interest. However, some classes needed to be three hours long, like when we had guest lecturers over. Perhaps the best aspect of the class, in my opinion, was when we had practitioners over to tell us about their personal perspectives and gave great insights! I will be reflecting on the course in terms of the following:


Weekly Blog Posts: This was a major advantage because it helped me further explore concepts discussed in class and, consequently communicate my findings with my classmates. Furthermore, reading other posts and commenting on them was, also, very advantageous because it exposed me to other interesting concepts and personal experiences.

Assignments: Overall, the assignments helped me enormously expand my understanding and knowledge of a number of software. Although a novice Revit user, I was able to understand how to use and explore it's many capabilities (Adding Families..etc). The database assignment was also very helpful. I realized how important it is (Database Software) for corporations and firms, because it helps them organize valuable information. Finally, the final paper was, in my opinion, the most enjoyable assignment. It gave me the opportunity to explore parts of me I didn't know about. It made me realize that engineering is a much broader concept and can be effectively deployed in humanitarian aid, as well as, in many vital aspects of our life.

Personal Experience: In my opinion, it is a must class, especially for CAEE students. It was a fun and valuable experience for me. Although I learned a lot from the lectures, I learned a lot more outside of class. How? The assignments made us independently search for answers, research particular concepts, and write on whatever we find interesting. Furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the technologies discussed in class are effectively deployed in the near future. Finally, the class, in my opinion, accommodated, at one point, the majority's interests. As a civil engineering major, I would very much recommend this class.


In conclusion, the syllabus and the workload were very reasonable. The materials covered gave us an introduction to potential technologies to be implemented in the near future. However, as stated in the class and by a number of guest lecturers, these technologies might have negative social impacts. Although change sometimes is good, necessary, and important, it can also be complex, messy and scary.

Comments :

Yasmina Shields:

I absolutely agree with you. After this class, I realized the potential of intelligent buildings and its impact on the world and us (CAE engineers). Furthermore, like you stated, compared to other industries we are still behind in terms of advancements and such, however, it is changing right now as the class proved so. Finally, this class gave us the chance to further expand our knowledge on how to use Revit.


Al-Qallaf:

I remember signing up for the class for the exact same reason. I felt after repetitive engineering courses it's time to take something different and unique. Also, the vast amount of emerging technologies discussed in class, like you stated, is just fascinating. I would also agree with you that after taking this class, I more aware of so many concepts, and software due to the assignments given in this class.

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.

B4 - Group E - Hamad Al-Hajri

UN expert, Kleinschmidt mentioned in a recent interview that refugee camps shouldn't be temporary, and instead should be a permanent settlement for the refugees. He said

"These are the cities of tomorrow, The average stay today in a camp is 17 years. That’s a generation. In the Middle East, we were building camps: storage facilities for people. But the refugees were building a city. I mean what’s the difference between someone in Philly and somebody in a refugee city? We have to get away from the concept that, because you have that status – migrant, refugee, martian, alien, whatever – you’re not allowed to be like everybody else."



                               Figure 1. A Syrian refugee waking around the Al Zaatari camp.


Therefore, Mridul and I decided to incorporate engineering technologies towards finding a resolution to such an unfortunate situation. The research entitled " Replacing camps with permanent intelligent houses for refugees".  Engineers are charged with finding solutions to make things work reliably, prevent failure and achieve the desired results for the population being served. In my view, this same scientific mindset can be effectively applied to international security and peace keeping.

My immense interest comes mainly from being born and raised in the Middle East, a region that is suffering from constant conflict and is very volatile. That being said, there shouldn't really be a huge gap between engineering principles and applying them towards humanitarian aid, nor should be a large gap between developed countries and regions recovering from civil wars. Furthermore, my strong liking to innovations and technology, especially 3D-printing, is going to help us towards seeking an innovative solution.


In an article I read, China was able to built 10 houses using 3D-printing technology in just 24 hours! This is a clear indication of how important this industry is, and especially it's role in the near future. A private firm called "WinSun" managed to build 10 houses in just 24 hours using the 3D-printing technology. I addition, what was shocking was that one house can be printed, yes printed, for as little as $5,000. I don't see any reason why such thing can't happen in other less fortunate regions. It's truly fascinating how technology is rapidly developing, however what is the point of all this if only part of the world is privileged enough to be part of this amazing development while others do not.

We, Mirdul and I, understand that there are number challenges we have to overcome when conducting our research. First, the isn't really much established in the literature about tuning temporary settlements into a permanent one, therefore, would be very hard looking into effective methodologies of implementing such policy. Furthermore, another challenge would be, whether the 3D printing technology is capable enough to build houses for an entire village. However, we look forward into addressing these challenges and that it won't be a problem.


References :

1- http://www.trueactivist.com/revolutionary-3-d-printer-can-build-10-houses-in-24-hours-and-for-only-5000-each/
2-http://thefreethoughtproject.com/average-stay-refugee-camp-17-years-expert-camps-the-cities-tomorrow/

Comments:
Janet : I believe Drexel should absolutely consider that, as we students are suffering from only having on library to go to. Furthermore, it gets very crowded towards the end of the term and sometimes halfway through the term. Using Revit is very helpful and I anticipate you won't face unsolvable problems, however as you mentioned, one must consider Revit's limitations to come up with high quality work. Good luck

Cristian:

What you are doing is exactly what engineering firms need to do more often. In a world of wars, famine, and unbalanced distribution of resources, other entities must be involved to alleviate the horrendous conditions of certain places. I really enjoyed reading through your post, and I believe it's of a great importance, In light of Latin-American political issues with land distribution.

B3 - Group E - Hamad Al-Hajri

           AutoCAD and Revit are rendering programs used by many building design firms because they offer more that what can be done with pen and paper. Although AutoCAD has been around for a longer time and is more popular, Revit is gaining followers by offering a bit more. What's similar between the two programs is that both are able to render plans or models in 2D and 3D. The user can create floor plans, floor elevations, construction material, and incorporate the structural systems with the architectural designs to virtually analyze how every building component works with the other. The plans and 3D models created can be presented from every angle, which is helpful when creating many floor plans and elevations from the single model created. Although the programs' interfaces look quite different, and the ease of use varies from one to the other, both are generally easy to understand and navigate through. Finally, as complex as these programs can be, they remain easy to use. Both have many tutorials from books to websites to online videos which make it possible for even a novice to design to imagine and create impressive buildings. 

           The difference between AutoCAD and Revit is the way of modeling. With AutoCAD, the design process is similar to many other design programs, such as Solidworks, in which lines and angles and shapes are used to then present 3D models.
Revit on the other hand offers more. It immediately creates real life dimensions and offers many components that can be added with ease, such as doors, windows, columns, foundation, floor, ceiling, and roof. Also, components families can be added, such as HVAC, plumbing, structural, or any other system. All these can be incorporated into the building, and any change to one reflects on the rest and on the design. Finally, as the models are being designed, elevations and views are immediately generated. Levels heights can be easily adjusted from elevation view. From these reasons, Revit proves to be far more superior than AutoCAD.


References

1- http://blog.digitaltutors.com/autocad-revit-draw-line/
2- http://www.autodesk.com/products/revit-lt/compare-products

Comments :
Maria Ayon
Yasmina

B2 - Group E - Hamad Al-Hajri

Conflicts during the construction process is very common, therefore, there contractors that draft contracts in order to prevent conflicts from happening between all or some of the parties involved in the construction process. Furthermore, there is the issue of time and money. Chapter 6 discussed why and how BIM is important and can be of a great help in the above mentioned areas. Furthermore, it explained it's importance and its benefits. However, as the world become more dependent on computers and softwares to do a number of tasks, until now there is no BIM software that can successfully help deliver all the requirements for a successful implementation like, temporary components, detailed building information, and many other requirements all together. Therefore, it's only fit to create a model that comprise all the different tools, and perhaps be able to identify major/complex conflicts.

If we were to compare previous BIMs to the current one, one would clearly realize how it improved under a very short time.Today, contractors find BIM very advantageous during the bidding stage of any project, because it helps them model something and show it to owners. BIM can also be utilized by contractors to estimate the final cost of a project once the full scope of work is given. Section 6.6 goes into details on how BIM can estimate to some extent a precise final cost. As mentioned in the section, it is ver undesirable to wait until the final project is delivered to see how much it costs. Therefore, estimators can use the different BIM tools to give project owners a more precise estimation of the final cost and quantity takeoff. However, it is worth noting that currently no BIM tool provides a full capability of a spreadsheet or an estimating package. But, there are methods that helps with the estimating process that estimators can use like:

1- Export building object quantities to estimating softwares
2- Link the BIM tool directly to the estimating software
3- Use a BIM quantity takeoff tool


Chapter 6 mainly discusses how BIM is a very useful software and can be utilized by most of the parties involved in a project (engineers, subcontractor, architects..etc) and that it helps them share all of the information, and as a result expedite the construction process.

References:

1-  Chapter 6: Eastman, C. (2011). BIM handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley

Comments :

Alexis
Mridul

B1 Group E: Al-Hajri

Sociology

Society, most of the time, is the central concern of any science. It is through society and how/why it should evolve and develop that most of today’s great scientific realizations and achievements have been accomplished. Why? Well, the existence of many problems and challenges of the present world towards developing the world, in this case technologically, alongside evolving as a society it was possible to solve/overcome them through these scientific breakthroughs. Therefore, the concept of Sociology (Mainly in order to overcome societal issues with relation to technology) is going to be the focus of my comment on the following areas:

Network:

As I have established above, developing and evolving as a society is one of today’s ongoing goals. That can be achieved through a number of factors, with networking being, in my opinion, the most important. It is considered impossible for individuals to come up with any kind of products on their own. Individuals, whether directly or indirectly, will need to involve other actors in order to achieve that. It is through social networking (social structure made up of a set of social actors) that will make it possible for society to evolve as a whole. In order to network effectively with other social actors, order and organization is absolutely necessary. The article (Can human-machine superintelligence solve the world’s most dire problems?) suggested an intelligent and technological method to do that. The article introduced what is called “Human Computation”, which to briefly define it is combining computer intelligence and human in crowd-powered systems. Such discovery as the article mentioned would help with solving huge world problems like climate change and geopolitical conflict. It helps with organizing and effectively assigning tasks to one another through Microtasking (see figure below):

   

As mentioned in the article, tasks assigned in a friendly manner and in accordance with what every individual excel at, therefore, establishing order and speeding up the process of solving any problem. Database is conventionally known to be any set of data held in a computer and is accessible in multiple ways. Therefore, it is crucial to involve and store data so that to take actions accordingly. In order to conduct research of any kind, data collection in many cases would be necessary.

Future:

Technology is a double-edged sward. In one way it could immensely help societies overcome huge societal issues and contribute to its development and evolvement. On the other hand it could end mankind. In the article “ Stephen Hawking warns artificial intelligence could end mankind, the physics savant alerts the world that artificial intelligence could end humankind.  Moreover, the article mentioned that others weren’t as pessimistic about it as he is. Rollo Carpenter, creator of Cleverbot said “ I believe we will remain in charge of the technology for a decently long time and the potential of it to solve many of the world problems will be realized”. I personally feel ambivalent towards the future of technology, however, I hope humanity would not exploit and just try to make lemonades out of lemons.

References:

1-    http://www.kurzweilai.net/can-human-machine-superintelligence-solve-the-worlds-most-dire-problems

2-    http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30290540

Comments:

Faisal Al-ghati
Kate Flint

List of our thoughts Group E

castle: placement of objects needed to be more precise than when tying the ropes

Bridge:
the qudracopters were producing more complex structures, and they were better integrated and programmed - very "tightly woven" and synchronized, flew smoother and faster, more applicable as time goes on, more systematic approach and showing developed ideas of capabilities

Implications: less physical human labor and therefore less risk of harm/injury, and buildings/structures more feasible in difficult-to-construct locations, theoretically could build 24-7

Student Names - To Create Tags

Here are the names of the students in AE-510 as of 12/30/2015.  This post is mostly here to create the tags for labeling posts by students.  A second one will be necessary because blogger limits the length of tags that can be added at one time.

Alexis Aikins

Mohammed Al Qallaf

Hamad Al-Hajri

Faisal Alghati

Cristian Almendariz

Hatim Amiji

Maria Ayon

Danielle Beynon

Eduardo Borja

Samuel Boyce

Nikita Chauhan

Mridul Chulet

Sean Coffey

Alexandria Crouthamel

Bryan Cummings

Cathlene Farnelli

Katherine Flint

Bridget Frasca

Laura Hill

Adrian Kuzniarowicz

Yuanjin Li

Mark Lodato

Rebecca Lynch

Alex Palma

James Redus

Gary Reiff

Danielle Schroeder

Yuyang Shi

Yasmina Shields

Karan Sagar Sinha

Jonathan Swartz

Janet Tran

Dianna Vogel

Kai Waechter

William Whitesell

Laura Worley

Haoying Ye

Matthew Zabiega

Derek Zaccheo