Exploring collaborative modeling of business processes on large interactive touch display walls - video

Analyzing and redesigning business processes is a complex task, which requires the collaboration of multiple actors. Current approaches focus on collaborative modeling workshops where process stakeholders verbally contribute their perspective on a process while modeling experts translate their contributions and integrate them into a model using traditional input devices. Limiting participants to verbal contributions not only affects the outcome of collaboration but also collaboration itself. We created CubeBPM – a system that allows groups of actors to interact with process models through a touch based interface on a large interactive touch display wall. We are currently in the process of conducting a study that aims at assessing the impact of CubeBPM on collaboration and modeling performance. Initial results presented in this paper indicate that the setting helped participants to become more active in collaboration.

Exploring collaborative modeling of business processes on large interactive touch display walls

Analyzing and redesigning business processes is a complex task, which requires the collaboration of multiple actors. Current approaches focus on collaborative modeling workshops where process stakeholders verbally contribute their perspective on a process while modeling experts translate their contributions and integrate them into a model using traditional input devices. Limiting participants to verbal contributions not only affects the outcome of collaboration but also collaboration itself. We created CubeBPM – a system that allows groups of actors to interact with process models through a touch based interface on a large interactive touch display wall. We are currently in the process of conducting a study that aims at assessing the impact of CubeBPM on collaboration and modeling performance. Initial results presented in this paper indicate that the setting helped participants to become more active in collaboration.

Towards collaborative modeling of business processes on large interactive touch display walls

Analyzing and redesigning business processes is a complex task, which requires the collaboration of multiple actors. Current approaches focus on workshops where process stakeholders together with modeling experts create a graphical visualization of a process in a model. Within these workshops, stakeholders are mostly limited to verbal contributions, which are integrated into a process model by a modeling expert using traditional input devices. This limitation negatively affects the collaboration outcome and also the perception of the collaboration itself. In order to overcome this problem we created CubeBPM – a system that allows groups of actors to interact with process models through a touch based interface on a large interactive touch display wall. Using this system for collaborative modeling, we expect to provide a more effective collaboration environment thus improving modeling performance and collaboration.

Engineering cellulose nanofibre suspensions to control filtration resistance and sheet permeability

This study examines and quantifies the effect of adding polyelectrolytes to cellulose nanofibre suspensions on the gel point of cellulose nanofibre suspensions, which is the lowest solids concentration at which the suspension forms a continuous network. The lower the gel point, the faster the drainage time to produce a sheet and the higher the porosity of the final sheet formed. Two new techniques were designed to measure the dynamic compressibility and the drainability of nanocellulose–polyelectrolyte suspensions. We developed a master curve which showed that the independent variable controlling the behaviour of nanocellulose suspensions and its composite is the structure of the flocculated suspension which is best quantified as the gel point. This was independent of the type of polyelectrolyte used. At an addition level of 2 mg/g of nanofibre, a reduction in gel point over 50 % was achieved using either a high molecular weight (13 MDa) linear cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM, 40 % charge), a dendrimer polyethylenimine of high molecular weight of 750,000 Da (HPEI) or even a low molecular weight of 2000 Da (LPEI). There was no significant difference in the minimum gel point achieved, despite the difference in polyelectrolyte morphology and molecular weight. In this paper, we show that the gel point controls the flow through the fibre suspension, even when comparing fibre suspensions with solids content above the gel point. A lower gel point makes it easier for water to drain through the fibre network,reducing the pressure required to achieve a given dewatering rate and reducing the filtering time required to form a wet laid sheet. We further show that the lower gel point partially controls the structure of the wet laid sheet after it is dried. Halving the gel point increased the air permeability of the dry sheet by 37, 46 and 25 %, when using CPAM, HPEI and LPEI, respectively. The resistance to liquid flow was reduced by 74 and 90 %, when using CPAM and LPEI. Analysing the paper formed shows that sheet forming process and final sheet properties can be engineered and controlled by adding polyelectrolytes to the nanofibre suspension.

Numerical studies of gypsum plasterboard and MGO board lined LSF walls exposed to fire

Fire resistance of cold-formed light gauge steel frame (LSF) wall systems is enhanced by lining them with single or multiple layers of wall boards with varying thermal properties. These wall boards are gypsum plasterboards or Magnesium Oxide (MgO) boards produced by different manufacturers. Thermal properties of these boards appear to show considerable variations and this can lead to varying fire resistance levels (FRL) for their wall systems. Currently FRLs of wall systems are determined using full scale fire tests, but they are time consuming and expensive. Recent research studies on the fire performance of LSF wall systems have used finite element studies to overcome this problem, but they were developed based on 1-D and 2-D finite element platform capable of performing either heat transfer or structural analysis separately. Hence in this research a 3-D finite element model was developed first for LSF walls lined with gypsum plasterboard and cavity insulation materials. Accurate thermal properties of these boards are essential for finite element modelling, and thus they were measured at both ambient and elevated temperatures. This experimental study included specific heat, relative density and thermal conductivity of boards. The developed 3-D finite element model was then validated using the available fire tests results of LSF walls lined with gypsum plasterboard, and is being used to investigate the fire performance of different LSF wall configurations. The tested MgO board exhibited significant variations in their thermal properties in comparison to gypsum plasterboards with about 50% loss of its initial mass at about 500 ºC compared to 16% for gypsum plasterboards. Hence the FRL of MgO board lined LSF wall systems is likely to be significantly reduced. This paper presents the details of this research study on the fire performance of LSF wall systems lined with gypsum plasterboard and MgO board including the developed 3-D finite element models, thermal property tests and the results.

Out-of-plane deformation and failure of masonry walls with various forms of reinforcement

Out-of-plane behaviour of mortared and mortarless masonry walls with various forms of reinforcement, including unreinforced masonry as a base case is examined using a layered shell element based explicit finite element modelling method. Wall systems containing internal reinforcement, external surface reinforcement and intermittently laced reinforced concrete members and unreinforced masonry panels are considered. Masonry is modelled as a layer with macroscopic orthotropic properties; external reinforcing render, grout and reinforcing bars are modelled as distinct layers of the shell element. Predictions from the layered shell model have been validated using several out-of-plane experimental datasets reported in the literature. The model is used to examine the effectiveness of two retrofitting schemes for an unreinforced masonry wall.

An explicit finite element modelling method for masonry walls under out-of-plane loading

An explicit finite element modelling method is formulated using a layered shell element to examine the behaviour of masonry walls subject to out-of-plane loading. Masonry is modelled as a homogenised material with distinct directional properties that are calibrated from datasets of a “C” shaped wall tested under pressure loading applied to its web. The predictions of the layered shell model have been validated using several out-of-plane experimental datasets reported in the literature. Profound influence of support conditions, aspect ratio, pre-compression and opening to the strength and ductility of masonry walls is exhibited from the sensitivity analyses performed using the model.

Studies on the out-of-plane behaviour of masonry walls

The prime aim of this PhD thesis is to contribute to the current body of knowledge on the out-of-plane performance of masonry walls through systematic investigation of the key parameters and provide insight into the design clauses of Australian Masonry Standard (AS3700-2011). The research work has been carried out through numerical simulation based on a 3D layered shell element model. The model demonstrated capability to simulate various forms of new and existing masonry systems commonly constructed in Australia such as unreinforced, internally and externally reinforced, confined and dry-stack masonry. In addition, the model simultaneously simulates in-plane and out-of-plane responses.

Transfunctional living walls-designing living walls for environmental and social benefits

Greater attention is being directed towards incorporating greenery into the built environment as increasing global urbanisation drives the search for sustainable urbanism. This research takes a parametric approach to studying living wall dynamics using three methods to cover a diversity of design parameters and performance criteria. The findings led to a functional typology for living walls based on a range of design, context and performance parameters wider than previously identified. Such parametric studies offer valuable insights into 'transfunctional' living walls for homes, schools and public spaces.

Decreasing luminance contrast on window walls as well as users’ interventions: Using LED lighting system

Mr Mehdi Amirkhani presented his research and case studies on improved lighting design in commercial spaces through daylight control and innovative lighting placement. This technical meeting was organised by IESANZ Queensland Chapter on April 7, 2016.