Course Reflection - Faisal Alghati- Group C

The primary explanation for taking this course it was the title “Intelligent Buildings”. I have dependably searched for new data about development, innovation, and energy. Figure out how to work with Revit was the most noteworthy part of this course. I have for a long while been itching to utilize Revit, a great and now simple to utilize molding. Presently I have another expertise to include my profile, and possibly it will be a definitive point in my vocation.

The database task likewise shows me something about Windows Access, a software I had never utilized. Through recordings class, it was conceivable to find effortlessly out about utilizing the Access programming, how to create tables, inquiries, and reports. Beforehand, the majority of my partners and I likely knew nothing or nothing about Database.

 For the Senior Design Project with BIM I did with my partner was extremely constructive. Revit is imperative these days, because of the way that more organizations are utilizing BIM as a crucial apparatus for the incorporated task. Building Information Modeling is utilized to maintain a strategic distance from potential outline mistakes. BIM is an extremely proficient instrument in connection to coordinate the work of the different experts, for example, specialists, engineers and designers. Toward the end of another term, I understand that I took in a considerable measure about new advances, both genuine and future.

A viewpoint that I truly appreciated in AE 510 was the manner by which Professor Mitchell could get visitor speakers to go to the class and give a real case of how the innovation we were finding out about was being utilized as a part of the field. It gave me knowledge into the innovation that was all the while creating and the change that is sufficiently productive to be utilized as a part of a certifiable application. It additionally demonstrated to us how not everybody concurred with the innovation being exhibited

Similarly, as whether BIM and Intelligent structures are something that I will require in my future vocation and design life, I can dare to dream that I will have the capacity to work with this sort of innovation.

Comments:

Bryan  

B5 - Group C - Faisal Alghati

Object Oriented Databases

Object oriented databases are also known as object databases. They help provide platform for performing database operations such as CRUD. This is mainly by defining of data structures through the incorporation of object data model. This means that object-oriented databases do store objects over data such as strings and integers. The relationship between this data is dependent on the objects and is portrayed as attributes and methods of the objects [2]

Objects databases come along with various advantages over other databases, such as follows; They help ensure data distribution. This means the spreading of database services to various servers. In addition, the spreading of applications helps realize concurrency of data. Thus, the overall database performance cannot be affected by the significant computation amounts of an application.

It helps to maintain records of changes in data, which is equally important as the maintenance of the database’s current state. This helps to support the history of data held in the object database. This enables the client to view both current and previous versions of their data held of a certain entity. This helps to ensure data consistency [3]. For example, the part designs of a vehicle can be traced on a specific date, as contained in the object oriented database.

They also help to express relationships between data. For example, when an object is created, it automatically inherits the characteristics and attributes of data from the class from which it was created. It also inherits the data and behaviors from the other supplier objects which it is related with, as defined by the system. This in therefore ensures easier retrieval of data from the object database, as it can be grouped according to relationships between various objects in the object oriented database.

However, object databases are faced with various issues as discussed below;

Object oriented databases are faced with the challenge of meeting the qualities of other database systems. These qualities include providing support for management of authorization, concurrency, stability, data persistence, among others. The data model greatly affects most of this features, even though some of them only have a little connection with the object-oriented databases [3]. Therefore, object database has little impact on characteristics such as locking, triggers, among others.

It also requires the existence of a mechanism to ensure data consistency, in situations when the same persistence data is accessed by various clients at the same time, and the update is also taking place. Failure for the existence of this mechanism could result in the display of inconsistency data to the clients [1]. For example, if two clients update the same version of data, changes will only be made when the second client commits the change, hence losing the data from the first client.

Sometimes, the notifies and triggers that monitor the database contents tend to be prohibitive. This is because of the intent information involved. Object databases are thus forced to ensure efficient implementation of data through the internal implementation of mechanisms of automatic user-level actions based on the occurrence of certain and specified events [2].

In conclusion, object-oriented databases help to integrate the characteristics of database technology with the principles of most programming language designs, such as the complex software engineering and data modelling principles. The main purpose is to achieve all the advantages and benefits of both programming languages designs and the database technologies.

[1]: Sikha Bagui. (2003) Achievements and Weaknesses of Object-Oriented Databases. JOURNAL OF OBJECT TECHNOLOGY, ETH Zurich

http://www.jot.fm/issues/issue_2003_07/column2.pdf

[2]: Harringtn, J. (1999) Object-Oriented Database Design Clearly Explained. Morgan Kaufmann. New York: USA

[3]: Kim, W. (2008) Introduction to Object-Oriented Databases (Computer Systems Series). The MIT Press. Massachusetts: USA

Comments:

B4 - Group C - Faisal Alghati

Our AE 510 project will be part of the senior design project, which it is the Renovation of Alumni Engineering Labs (AEL). The building was built in 1950 as part of an extension project to Drexel University’s Main Building Complex. The adjacent building is located on 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. This project will consist of renovating the AEL in terms of its architectural, mechanical, and structural systems. The renovation will improve the circulation throughout the building and provide a better distribution of spaces, independent for each engineering department. The building’s aesthetics will also be renovated to give the building a modern look. With regard to the dated mechanical system, the renovation will provide better HVAC efficiency. In order to do so, the current system will be enhanced with modern equipment, and additional equipment will be placed where needed. Furthermore, the insulation will be improved and the building envelope will be upgraded. With regards to the structural system, the building will be expanded vertically by adding two new floors, allowing for the desired additional square footage.

 

The Alumni Engineering Labs (AEL) 

My partner Mohammed Alqallaf and I will create a 3-D Revit model and redesign most what the building elements as a part of the renovation process in addition of two new floors. The renovations workflow will follow the process of:

1-      Capture data from existing building model

2-      Create and process the 3D Revit Model

3-      Develop the Model and analyze

We have already started transforming all AutoCAD documents into Revit as 2-D plans and that was quite challenging as we cannot import plans directly from AutoCAD to Revit. Of course, as beginners, and to be more familiar with Revit features, we have to watch tutorials and learn more. We also believe that the ability to create a complete BIM model and the use of this to help to analyze the costs and develop as schedule of the building construction process. However, with all of these challenges, we are so excited to and looking forward to see how is the final model will look.

Comments:

Danielle

B3 - Group C - Faisal Alghati

What are the possible future advantages of Revit/BIM

Roughly a decade ago, information on building projects was scribbled on paper, difficult to comprehend and above all a nightmare to design. Today, we pride being on the brink of time in which an entire building can be designed, presented in 3D, managed and implemented all in one place, on a single file using a specialized technique Building Information Modeling (BIM) [1].Termed the best thing in managing notorious construction projects which often run an over budget and out of schedule, BIM software’s such as REVIT have proved to reduce rework, cut down project duration, enhance communication, lessen construction costs among others. As such, BIM holds so much regarding the future of construction, consequently posting the question what is the future of BIM in itself.

Expectedly, more and more people will learn how to run BIM software like REVIT in a bid to not only remain relevant at work but also produce more and more complex designs. According to Reddy [1], governments are looking up to set BIM as an industry standard meaning new professionals eyeing a place in the diverse construction industry will be mandated by the markets to learn how to use this software.

Revit has been given a lot of credit regarding the collaborative framework it provides to make a project a success. To maintain a harmonious environment between different groups working to implement projects, for instance, engineers, 3D designers, architectures and owners, t legal and contractual framework will ascend to manage risks and help maintain functional institutions [1].

As time flies by, BIM software developers gain more insight. Thus, in the future, it is expected that delivered software solutions will be easy to deploy, stress-free to comprehend reports and help achieve more in terms of building designs. By incorporating modules that suggest to architectures what could possibly be included or removed from a model work will be easier and faster. Projection of costs and timeline schedules will equally be more precise. Hence, the future of BIM revolves around enhancing effectiveness and efficiency [2].

References:

[1]: Reddy, K. (2011). BIM for building owners and developers. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley and Sons.

[2]: Underwood, J., & Isikdag, U. (2010). Handbook of research on building information modeling and construction informatics. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.

B2: Group C - Faisal Alghati

Though less than eight decades old, the computer has positively impacted all industries. And architectural planning and designing is one such industry that has quickly moved from the margins to the mainstream rendering sophisticated pieces. It is unbelievable what architectures can be able to deliver given a software such as AutoCAD. Time taken and minimal resources consumed, are all at the bottom list when evaluating benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM can best be summarised as a virtual prototype that allows a building project to be simulated and assessed before being implemented [2]. This virtual prototypes more importantly become a reference during construction. Notably, the construction industry is notorious for not only delivering projects late and with the end results not meeting clients’ expectations, but also with an over budget [1]. In this regard, BIM was invented to realize effectiveness and efficiency in building and construction.

In the BIM handbook the author identifies a BIM as a solid way of documenting a project, sharing knowledge with peers, and eventually expanding possibilities. True, with a 3D blueprint it makes it easier even for those lacking technical architectural knowledge to convey their ideas. More so, in the construction environment there exists architects, engineers, investors, technical operators who benefit a free flow of information facilitated by BIM, successively improving on productivity [1]. Equally important, this technique reduces errors and greatly improve project outcome. 85% of BIM end users confirm it’s accurate, reduces rework and thus create an overall better product [2].

          

 Although termed the ‘Saviour’ in the construction industry. BIM come bundled with various demerits and risks. Firstly, it leads to loss of jobs while only offering a few employment slots. This could lead to detrimental effects to the economy as a whole bearing in mind construction industry is among major employers [1]. What is more, while it helps project costs, BIM does not consider market variabilities, natural disasters eventually giving an exaggerated low or high figure. Considerably, software can breakdown leading to overstated values [2]. Secondly, software’s that kick life into BIM are ‘heavy’ and consume a lot of computer resources often clogging the system. Moreover, start up architectures and engineers may find it hard to purchase this software’s together with the hardware to support it   [1].

In conclusion, BIM is a great technology. Its merits, by far, out do its demerits making it an unnegotiable change in the future of construction. However, a lot of attention need to be paid in to assessment of situations where to deploy this technology. For instance, evaluating costs basing on real world scenarios and not totally relying on the software. Also, the software might lead to work and employee retrenchment, but it’s for the best. An economy should effectively utilise its resources and cutting down on this work will push people in to learning better construction methods. It will incorporate BIM studies into curriculums and sure raise a better elite class [2].  

References

[1] Chapter 4: Eastman, C. (2011). BIM handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=765df376-0982-4740-ab82-fefeb0ac7526@sessionmgr120&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_1&rid=0

[2] Crotty, R. (2012). The impact of building information modelling. Abingdon, Oxon: Spon.

Comments:

Borja, hamad

B1 - Group C - Faisal Alghati

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence refers to the creation of machines i.e. computers that perform complex functions which require intelligence. AI explains and emulates intelligence behavior through computational processes and will be responsible for the next industrial revolution. In the construction industry, AI has been embraced through the development and innovation of computer-think machines able to perceive reason and act. These developments have played a key role in promoting major developments in the industry. AI has been used in; belief network for construction performance diagnostics, modeling initial design process using artificial neural network and neural network system for modular construction decision making among others [1]. The application of AI in the construction industry goes a long way in proving how AI will be important in the construction industry in future.

3D printing

3D printing refers to the creation of 3d solid objects from a digital file with computer aided designs or a 3d scanner. With over twenty years since its innovation, it still makes great impact in various industries in the world and is still one of the most reliable modern technologies in the construction industry. The industry is embracing 3D printing models to serve significant purposes through project modeling and printing which enables architects to design structures that were previously impossible to design and build. This means that in future 3D printing will provide a base for the construction and development of unique structures that suits the desires of contractors [5].

Its adoption in the construction industry will reduce; labor cost, safety and health risks and waste generation while promoting faster and environmental friendly construction. Despite the fact that it has numerous demerits, I see 3D printing being one of the relevant and main construction technologies in the future.

Robotics

Robotics entails the use of robots to carry out specific tasks assigned to them. Recently, the construction industry developed technologies that employ the use of robotics for construction purposes. Since then, robots and automation machines are being quickly embraced in the industry thus hastening a new era of construction. Robotics has improved the productivity levels in times of construction by making construction projects to take a short time. Its benefits to the industry include: reduced construction costs, increased construction speed and sustainability, construction safety and low insurance cost for workers among others. In future, I see robots being used to carry out major construction works and being reliable to handle different kind of construction projects. This will enable the construction field to eventually grow rapidly [4].

The future of the construction industry is bright and will be characterized by building of great and unique buildings. Combining robotics, 3D printing and AI will definitely offer amazing opportunities for architecture and will mark great developments in construction. It will also increase investors’ confidence across the construction marketplace and redefine the construction industry as a whole [2].

References:

[1] Bell, L. (2015, May 14). Artificial Inteliigence will Creat the next Industrial Revolution.

[2] D.Prix, W. (2015, October 23). The Future of Construction. Robotics and 3D Printing .

[3] https://www.robots.com/articles/viewing/innovations-in-construction-robots

[4] Green, T. (2015). Robotics Automating Construction and Building. Marvelous Machines Redifining The Construction Industry.

[5] Husseini, A. (2014). 3D Printing and The Construction Use. 1-7.

Comments:

William Whitesell

HatimAmiji

Intro

I’m Faisal, Civil engineering (structural concentration) major, I take this class because for two reasons that I’m so curios about intelligent buildings and BIM is so important to me. My idea of intelligent buildings is that they are building that use self-reliant systems with the use of latest advance technology. Which will help the owner, manager and occupants realize their goals in comfort, convenient and safety in the long term. By the end of this course I hope to have a better understanding of Intelligent Buildings and learn how to apply that knowledge in the future! 

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