B7 (I guess) - Kai Waechter - Group B

I found AE 510 to be one of the most engaging and interesting courses I have taken since I’ve been at Drexel. Leaning about how certain technologies are being enhanced and developed in order to influence the engineering world was fascinating. What set this course apart from others was that we were encouraged to engage with one another in discussion and I learned just as much from listening to lectures as I did from talking with my fellow peers. Since starting the BS/MS program I’ve noticed that the grad courses offered allow for a more intimate learning experience. This class gave me that impression more so than the others as I felt more in touch with the rest of the class through discussions, and the group blog assignments. Seeing how my fellow students were approaching similar topics in completely different ways allowed me to view any given subject from a dozen different perspectives.

I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect when I initially heard the title of the course. “Intelligent Buildings” could have meant any number of things, but I was pleasantly surprised to see where the class went with it. I learned to appreciate certain technologies a lot more than I had before. For example, drones were a technology I initially thought had a few simple purposes; surveillance, entertainment, and crashing into unsuspecting newlyweds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=def16khqPr4. However after the first few classes I learned that the practical applications were limitless for a technology such as this. It took a bit of engineering and some complex programming (I can only assume) but a team of students had a group of drones constructing a rope bridge on their own in a matter of minutes. Seeing the potential of even the simplest of technologies within the engineering world has opened my eyes. I can see potential for any number of advancements to be made, not just in the architectural field, but construction as well.

Another portion of the class I enjoyed tremendously was the guest lectures. Each speaker brought in a unique perspective on some aspect of intelligent building, whether it be how BIM is changing the industry, or how BIM sucks, but is necessary to learn because it is the direction that everything is going. It was enlightening to hear from so many different voices in the industry.

The only portion of the class I found myself disliking was when it shifted from advancements in technology, to the inner workings of databases. While I can appreciate the value of knowing such things, I simply found it less interesting than the previously covered topics. Otherwise I found this course to be an excellent learning experience into how dynamic the AE industry can be and what types of technologies I should be investing my time in, in order to get a leg up in this rapidly advancing environment.

Comments:

[1] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/03/b7-or-b6-group-b-cummings.html?showComment=1457449524465#c8028564031862670525

[2] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/03/b6-course-reflection-mark-lodato.html?showComment=1457450006484#c7875299693941164026

B5 - SQL - Group B - Kai Waechter

               The standard programming language used for interacting with a database structure is known as the structured query language (SQL). It is considered the standard for both ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Standard Organization) meaning it is used worldwide for all databases [1].

               In the late 1970s, the premise for SQL was developed using relational models as its basis. In 1979, Relational Software, Inc. it was introduced as the first commercially available application of SQL.  In 1987 it was established as the worldwide standard and has remained such since then. Over time it has been continually revised to include various amounts of additional features.

               Since its creation, SQL has adapted in several substantial ways from its foundation of relational models and tuple calculus. In the older (theoretical) model, a table was treated as a set of tuples. In the revised version of SQL, tables and query results are considered lists of rows. Rows can occur multiple times, and the order of any row can be employed in queries (the basis if the programming language).

               One limitation with the language is that one set of code may not be entirely transferrable from one database to another without some sort of adjustment. Despite this it has a number of benefits which make it useful in managing databases. Most operations in SQL are handled through the use of programming elements. One such element is queries.

Queries are one of the core applications of SQL and allow the user to do a number of operations within the database. These includes things such as selecting, inserting, updating, and finding the location of data. It also includes a programming interface for the user [2].

Other elements of SQL include clauses, expressions, predicates, and statements. Clauses are constituent components of statements and queries. Expressions are used to produce either scalar values or tables made of columns and rows of data. Predicates are used to specify conditions which can then be evaluated in SQL. These can be used to limit the effects of statements and queries and effect the program flow.

What makes SQL so important is that it is established as the standard for all programming language within a database, thus being the prominent way to interact with one. Knowing how to best implement this language is fundamental for any sort of database management, an important skill to have in a world driven by data.

Sources:

[1] http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/SQL

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL

Comments:

[1] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b5-sql-mark-lodato.html?showComment=1454986170425#c8347020655894926365

[2] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b5-janet-tran-group-a.html?showComment=1454986703706#c5328340274785439116

B4 - Group 6 Project Topic - Laser Scanning - Mark Lodato

Laser scanning (Group 6: Kai Waechter & Mark Lodato)

The topic that Kai and I are doing for the term project is laser scanning and its applications in construction, renovations, and maintenance. Laser scanning has an enormous potential application in the construction industry and it is beginning to be used today. Its largest application is scanning an existing building or structure prior to beginning renovations on that structure. Essentially what laser scanning does is scan a building in order to locate the MEP framework or defects within the building that cannot be seen unless walls or ceilings were removed. These scans are then directly imported into a BIM program that can reproduce these scans as design plans within the BIM program to be manipulated within the program. This allows for efficient and non-destructive evaluation of the structure as well as simplicity in designing the renovation details themselves [1], [2].

This topic was chosen because it interests both Kai and me very much in that it is a sophisticated use of technology in our field of interest (structural engineering) in a concentration that also interests us (non-destructive evaluation/testing). Laser scanning is an innovative way to evaluate a building and locate if there are any defects with the structural integrity or MEP framework. All of this information is vital to a contractor if they are planning to renovate an existing building, particularly if this building is large enough that it would take too much time to manually investigate the entire building. This is a waste of time and the larger the building that is under renovation, the more likely that a defect could be missed due to human error. Laser scanning is connected to intelligent building because it is a technique that involves the use of technology in order to make a vital part of the design process streamlined and more efficient [1], [2].

                Some challenges to laser scanning are cost of implementation, technological availability, and integration. Standard surveying and manual inspection and evaluation techniques are still much more cost efficient ways of accomplishing the same task than laser scanning. Laser scanning is still a relatively new technology, and, therefore, is not widely available to a lot of companies. Also, if a company is not using BIM programs in their designs, then laser scanning would be of no use to them. The third most obvious challenge with laser scanning is integration into the BIM programs themselves. Because this is still a new technology there are often integration problems. Scans often have to be edited slightly and processed within the BIM programs before they can resemble plans. However, as the technology evolves, as with most technological advances, these problems should be alleviated in due time [3].

Sources:

[1] http://fieldlens.com/blog/building-better/guide-3d-laser-scanning-construction/

[2] http://www.faro.com/en-us/products/3d-surveying/faro-focus3d/overview

[3] http://rhodes-group.com/newsletter/winter-2012/scanning-the-third-dimension-a-look-at-3d-laser-scanning-in-the-construction-industry-and-beyond/

**Edit**

Comment 1: http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b4-group-b-cummings.html

Comment 2: http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/02/b4-group-b-shields.html

Group B: Question 2

BIM Improve Buildings vs. It will make no difference or degrade them

Possible degradation?

If people begin to rely on programs, such as Revit, for structural design or analysis without completing the necessary thought and hand calculations supporting the model. The resulting building could degrade or not have the structural strength necessary to withstand day-to-day use.

No Improvement?

The modeling process will be streamlined; however, it may not add any features to the building itself.

Improvement?

BIM could potentially improve the building if it is connected with 3D printing, thus more complex shapes could be created. Furthermore, BIM software could be used for energy analysis and the design improved.

B3 - Group B: Kai Waechter

               With ever increasing processing power of computers and a high demand for the integration of technology in the architectural, structural, and construction fields, it is no surprise that the use of BIM has become an essential part of most current engineering firms. While BIM seems like a clearly superior alternative to hand drawn drafting it is not without its problems.

               Likely the largest problem with any BIM software is that it required extensive training in order to use. This is also a problem that can’t be fixed by a simple software upgrade. Bringing in new employees or switching to a new software means one thing for a company, and that training its workers how to use BIM. Training means time, and time means money.  I noticed this on multiple occasions working for my second co-op. They primarily used AutoCAD but the standards they used were completely different than those of my previous co-op so I had to be trained in them. They gave me about two weeks to learn everything necessary to work with their system and even then there was more that I had to learn simply by working with their drawings. Right before I had left they had begun the switch to using Revit for some of the designs. If two weeks were devoted to learning new standards for a program I was already familiar with, imagine how much time would be wasted training everyone in the office to use a new program. The cost alone seems daunting. But this is the age we live in where BIM stands supreme. If you’re not using the newest shiny software to design your structures, then you’re behind in an industry that can be quite competitive.

               In 2011 the British Government made a mandate that the use of BIM was required for all future projects and at the time only 10% of AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) companies used BIM. This forced an essential change in the industry, the cost of which was rather substantial [1]. But things should be better now that everyone uses these smart, sleek programs to design today's skyscrapers, and in many regards they are. Things are done more efficiently, everything is stored online, and the sharing of information between the user and the program has never been better.

               Another prevalent issue with BIM is that it fails to keep up with what some consider the “essential five areas” of architectural design. In his article, Paul Coates breaks down how BIM handles each of these area which include the following in regards to the project; thinking, collecting, creating, correcting and connecting data [2]. Based on his views it seems to stand up admirable in some areas yet fails to meet his expectations in others. The article is worth a read and a link to it is found in the sources below as he further discusses his analysis of BIM and its place in the architectural world.

The technology is constantly advancing and maybe someday it will live up to expectations of those who see BIM as a flawed system. But until that day it will continue to have its limitations, and these need to be accounted for when using such programs in engineering.

Sources:

[1] http://aecmag.com/technology-mainmenu-35/450-the-trouble-with-bim

[2] The Limitations of BIM in the Architectural Process http://usir.salford.ac.uk/12898/2/PaulCoatesLimitationsofBIMICSU.pdf

Comments: 

[1] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b3-group-b-current-problems-with-revit.html?showComment=1453770384243#c2977510582230645231

[2] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b3-group-b-schroeder.html?showComment=1453772404873#c4269257014327400074

B2: Group B - Kai Waechter

 Interoperability is the ability of a system, typically for health information, to collaborate together within and across organizational boundaries in an effort to advance the effective delivery of that system for an individual and the communities it affects. By having this within a system, it can help ease the workflow and promote some semblance of automation.

In the third chapter of the BIM Handbook, written by Charles M. Eastman, this concept is discussed in further detail. Eastman states that the minimum application of interoperability is to eliminate the need to manually copy data which has been copied in another application. This makes sense as the very essence of this concept is to have working communications between various applications, in which case their corresponding data would be shared. If this is not done properly, it causes people to essentially have to repeat previous work, and created the potential for errors when data between programs fails to line up.

How this translates to the BIM environment is simple. Current BIM applications such as Revit, and CAD has advanced to the point where we are creating models that hold vast amounts of information outside of their appearance. This data needs to be transferred properly within a system in order to ensure that it is processed accurately. If any relevant information is lost, it could lead to cascading issuing within the design of a structure.

One such example would be having a complex CAD drawing which is a compilation of various other drawings. In order for interoperability to be successful, we want each of these drawing to be communicating with each other at all times. If the utilities for a building are their own separate drawing, then it is important that if a CAD technician makes changes to these drawings that they are updated in all other drawings that contain a link to utilities. If this is not properly done it could lead to a failure in design and wasted time and effort on the engineer’s part. Having worked with CAD in my previous COOP I know all about dealing with improper links between files (this is an issue that can occur often when transferring files across a network for a large company, file connections can get broken and this can lead to drawing not being able to update properly). The concept of interoperability is simple at its core yet it is one of the most fundamental applications of a current BIM system in order to ensure that it operates smoothly and intelligently in today’s demanding world.

Sources:

http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=da4563e0-e15d-4cf3-8b8a-eee24671dc73@sessionmgr113&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_99&rid=0


Comments:

[1] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b2-dianna-vogel-interoperability.html?showComment=1453219581137#c317623145001822017

[2] http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b2-group-b-alex-palma.html?showComment=1453220006496#c8980641226284012825

B1 - Group B - Kai Waechter

BIM/Future

               BIM or Building Information Modelling is often misinterpreted as being encompassed by programs such as REVIT and CAD as these software tools are introduced as being BIM. BIM is much more than just software however. In Arayici’s article, he goes into further detail of what makes up BIM. Aside from these engineering design software, BIM deals primarily in the building life cycle in relation to construction management, design, and maintaining the structure post construction. Not knowing much about BIM, I found this article rather enlightening [1].

               The future of BIM is fast approaching as tech companies develop more advanced and capable software to tackle different challenges presented in this field. One such advancement is the technology behind 3D laser scanning. While this method is considered rather costly, with recent advancements it has become more affordable, and a viable option for certain engineering projects. These laser scans can take the sometimes time consuming task of generating a structure in a BIM software such as CAD, and turn it into an effortless process of setting up a scanner and letting it generate the model for you. A typical scan can take as little as 30 minutes, with another 30 for processing and uploading.

The image above is one such structure analyzed through the use of a laser scanner and because of it, nearly $30,000 in cost avoidances were identified which wouldn’t have been if traditional methods had been used [2].

3D Printing/Structures/Future

               3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is the process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. This is done using an additive process which involved creating an object by laying down successive layers of material until the final product is created. Each layer serves as a very thin horizontal cross-section of the object being printed. The process of 3D printing begins with the creation of a virtual model, typically done in CAD or another compatible 3D modeling program. Originally3D printing was limited to making only plastic objects, however with recent advanced in 3D printing, its capabilities have improved enough to be able to generating metal in various complex structures, making it a viable tool in the construction industry [3].

               Attached is a useful video, detailing the process of 3D printing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQevOiS61SI [4]. The technology for 3D printing is currently limited by how expensive it can be and the size of the actual printers. There are currently some that exist which are capable of printing entire houses and apartments from the ground up. Once this technology has reached the speed and cost effectiveness to make this a valid option for large scale construction, it could shake up the entire construction industry [5]. The capabilities of these machines has been constantly getting better and shows no sign of slowing down. What future they hold only time will tell.

References:

BIM:

[1] http://usir.salford.ac.uk/36271/

[2] http://www.bdcnetwork.com/5-tech-trends-transforming-bimvdc

3D Printing:

[3] http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/\

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQevOiS61SI [3].

[5] http://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2015/10/07/3d-printing-construction/

Comments:

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b1-3d-history-advances-and-future.html?showComment=1452619866604#c6320453599045588391

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b1-group-b-hatim-amiji.html?showComment=1452620432529#c3900959968977015216

Group B Discussion Post - Week 1

After watching the videos, we can see 3 main changes. The first is an increase in speed in the drone's movement, and a more fluid travel throughout it's path. The second was a better coordination between the drones, as often times, both drones were working to create the same section, and interacting with one another to create sections. Thirdly, the drones had the ability to work in a changing environment; unlike the first, where the structure is more stable, the drones were able to work with a swaying rope which did not always have a defined position.

These tools may be applied in the future in more unknown or unsafe environments, where human interaction is more difficult. The increase in speed makes the use of drones more applicable than before.

Kai's Introductory Blog

Hey,

I'm Kai Waechter. I'm in my fourth year at Drexel out of five. I'm hoping to graduate with a Master's in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering. In my spare time I like to read, game, and sleep, the latter being something I can't get enough of after coming to college.

There are two things I hope to get out of this course. The first of these being a clear understanding of what intelligent building design is (what makes design intelligent vs normal design, why it's important, and how it's changing with ever increasing technology). The second is a better understanding of what goes into designing a building intelligently. I want to know about the design process, the ways in which people approach typical building situations intelligently, and the methods in which they are implemented.

My initial definition of "Intelligent Building" is the following: Intelligent building is the implementation of current technologies and materials to assist in the creation of structures in a manner that is efficient and effective without being overly eccentric.

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