Analyzing and defining information requirements of knowledge intensive construction management tasks on BIM

With the increasing popularity and adoption of building information modeling (BIM), the amount of digital information available about a building is overwhelming. Enormous challenges remain however in identifying meaningful and required information from a complex BIM model to support a particular construction management (CM) task. Detailed specifications of information required by different construction domains and expressive and easy-to-use BIM reasoning mechanisms are seen as an important means in addressing these challenges. This paper analyzes some of the characteristics and requirements of component-specific construction knowledge in relation to the current work practice and BIM-based applications. It is argued that domain ontologies and information extraction approaches, such as queries could significantly bring much needed support for knowledge sharing and integration of information between design, construction and facility management.

Creating replicas of scultural heritage through 3D reconstruction and low cost 3D printer in Education

The process of making replicas of heritage has traditionally been developed by public agencies, corporations and museums and is not commonly used in schools. Currently there are technologies that allow creating cheap replicas. The new 3D reconstruction software, based on photographs and low cost 3D printers allow to make replicas at a cost much lower than traditional. This article describes the process of creating replicas of the sculpture Goslar Warrior of artist Henry Moore, located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. To make this process, first, a digital model have been created using Autodesk Recap 360, Autodesk 123D Catch and Autodesk Meshmixer MarkerBot MakerWare applications. Physical replication, has been reproduced in polylactic acid (PLA) by MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer. In addition, a cost analysis using, in one hand, the printer mentioned, and in the other hand, 3D printing services both online and local, is included. Finally, there has been a specific action with 141 students and 12 high school teachers, who filled a questionnary about the use of sculptural replicas in education.

Daylight for sustainable development of historic sites

Consideration of daylight is one of the contextual ingredients for maintaining a sustainable identity when intervening in a heritage site. Appropriate consideration of daylighting ensures not only visual and thermal comfort in the urban setting, but also contributes to the preservation of the place visual identity. The historic district of el Darb al-Asfar is undergoing a rehabilitation project that raises questions about the new ‘sparking’ look of the place. The ongoing cultural debate in old Cairo on the extent of success of the rehabilitation efforts in preserving the place identity identified a gap in literature regarding the ingredients that constitute identity in heritage settings. The paper argues that the project using new finishing materials of facades has led to changes in daylight levels in the space and hence the visual perception of the place itself. This paper aims to assess the impact of such intervention on the visual perception and the space identity. A digital model is built utilising a combination of photogrammetric and 3D digital technique. The TOWNSCOPE simulation package is used to trace the performance of direct, diffused, and reflected components of daylight within the original and recently resorted scenes. The output of the simulation exercise has been validated by empirical data. The paper concludes by suggesting a set of measures for achieving an appropriate daylight performance in heritage sites Eastern Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Virtual ampang Jaya

Virtual Ampang Jaya is an interactive visualization environment for modeling urban growth and spatio-temporal transformation to expose and evaluate the different layers of Ampang Jaya, consisting of social, economic, built and natural environments. The research will investigate the techniques of data acquisition, data reconstruction from physical to digital, urban analysis and visualization in constructing a digital model which may include low geometric content such as 2D digital maps and digital orthographics to high geometric content such as full volumetric parametric modeling. The process will integrate the state of the art GIS system to explore GIS powerful analytical and querying capabilities with interactive visualization environment as well as test the model as a predictive tool. The model will set as an experimental test pad in providing a new platform to support decision making about the spatial growth of Ampang Jaya by the various stakeholders in the planning processes. Such an environment will improve the subsequent digital models and research in the area of urban design and planning where visual communication is central.

Disputes resolution : can Bim help overcome barriers?

Many researchers consider disputes as part of the project lifecycle. Although preventative actions exist, it is not utterly possible to avoid them. Once the disputes arise, an appropriate resolution technique should be adopted. Common perception is referring to a resolution method either internally or via a third party; which may also be binding by law. The resolution process requires attention to the disputed claims. Hence, deep investigation of the claims and choosing the appropriate method is crucial for the successful project delivery and reputation of the industry.

Preparation of disputed claims and resolution process also faces many debates. Conducting To effective dispute resolution requires attention to proper preparation and presentation of the incurred events. All the required information should be acquired to estimate and present the claim, for a smooth settlement. As an integrated digital model of the project, BIM, stores all the information of the projects in detail. Retrieval of the required information for the disputed issues can easily be obtained from the model. It is also possible to embed the construction schedule, change orders and variations, specifications and financial data such as cash flow along with the multidisciplinary drawings. As this model stores all the information at every particular time and phase, disputes can be concluded quick and accurate.

In this research, using a case study and literature review, disputes and resolution processes are deeply studied. A BIM model is created to investigate benefits on overcoming the challenges; during claiming, and resolution of the disputes. It is seen that the claims are prepared faster and more accurate in a visualized environment provided by BIM. Furthermore, substantiating and presenting the disputes for the resolution purpose was incomparable to the traditional methods. The conclusions recommend that; even the project did not adopt a BIM model earlier; it can be created for a smooth process, during claiming and resolution of disputes.

Caracterização macro, meso e microscópica das estruturas frágeis do corpo arenítico conglomerático da região de Santana do Acaraú (CE) e seu embasamento circundante

The structural framework of the sedimentary basins usually plays an important role in oil prospects and reservoirs. Geometry, interconectivity and density of the brittle features developed during basin evolution could change the permo-porous character of the rocks involved in generation, migration and entrapment of fluid flow. Once the structural characterization of the reservois using only sub-surface data is not an easy task, many studies are focused in analogous outcrops trying to understand the main processes by which brittle tectonic is archieved. In the Santana do Acaraú region (Ceará state, NE Brazil) a pack of conglomeratic sandstone (here named CAC) has its geometry controlled mainly by NE trending faults, interpreted as related to reactivation of a precambrian Sobral Pedro II Lineament (LSP-II). Geological mapping of the CAC showed a major NE-SW trending synform developed before its complete lithification during a dextral transpression. This region was then selected to be studied in details in order of constrain the cretaceous deformation and so help the understanding the deformation of the basins along the brazilian equatorial margin. In order to characterize the brittle deformation in different scales, I study some attributes of the fractures and faults such as orientation, density, kinematic, opening, etc., through scanlines in satellite images, outcrops and thin sections. The study of the satellite images showed three main directions of the macrostructures, N-S, NE-SW and E-W. Two of theses features (N-S and E-W) are in aggreement with previous geophysical data. A bimodal pattern of the lineaments in the CAC´s basement rocks has been evidenciated by the NE and NW sets of structures obtained in the meso and microscale data. Besides the main dextral transpression two others later events, developed when the sediments were complety lithified, were recognized in the area. The interplay among theses events is responsible for the compartimentation of the CAC in several blocks along within some structural elements display diferents orientations. Based on the variation in the S0 orientation, the CAC can be subdivided in several domains. Dispite of the variations in orientations of the fractures/faults in the diferents domains, theses features, in the meso and microscopic scale, are concentrated in two sets (based on their trend) in all domains which show similar orientation of the S0 surface. Thus the S0 orientation was used to group the domains in three major sets: i) The first one is that where S0 is E-W oriented: the fractures are oriented mainly NE with the development of a secondary NW trending; ii) S0 trending NE: the fractures are concentrated mainly along the trend NW with a secondary concentration along the NE trend; iii) The third set, where S0 is NS the main fractures are NE and the secondary concentration is NW. Another analized parameter was the fault/fracture length. This attribute was studied in diferent scales trying to detect the upscale relationship. A terrain digital model (TDM) was built with the brittlel elements supperposed. This model enhanced a 3D visualization of the area as well as the spatial distribution of the fault/fractures. Finally, I believe that a better undertanding of the brittle tectonic affecting both CAC and its nearby basement will help the future interpretations of the tectonic envolved in the development of the sedimentary basins of the brazilian equatorial margin and their oil reservoirs and prospects, as for instance the Xaréu field in the Ceará basin, which subsurface data could be correlated with the surface ones

Simplified computational routine to correct the modal decoupling in transmission lines and power systems modelling

Modal analysis is widely approached in the classic theory of power systems modelling. This technique is also applied to model multiconductor transmission lines and their self and mutual electrical parameters. However, this methodology has some particularities and inaccuracies for specific applications, which are not clearly described in the technical literature. This study provides a brief review on modal decoupling applied in transmission line digital models and thereafter a novel and simplified computational routine is proposed to overcome the possible errors embedded by the modal decoupling in the simulation/ modelling computational algorithm. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.

Reconhecimento e mapeamento dos ambientes costeiros para geração de mapas de ISA ao derramamento de óleo, Amazônia oriental

Acidentes relacionados ao transporte de petróleo constituem uma ameaça às zonas costeiras de todo o mundo, pois se trata de um evento ecologicamente desastroso podendo causar sérios danos ao meio ambiente. Na costa nordeste do Pará ocorre intenso fluxo de navios e balsas transportando petróleo e derivados, daí a necessidade de estabelecer estratégias de prevenção e gestão dos impactos ambientais ao derrame de óleo para elaboração de planos de emergência. O objetivo deste trabalho é gerar o mapa dos ambientes costeiros e o mapa de índice de sensibilidade ambiental ao derrame de óleo dos ambientes costeiros de uma porção da costa nordeste do Pará. A metodologia consistiu no processamento digital de imagens Landsat ETM+7, associadas aos dados do MDE do SRTM (shuttle radar topography mission) e aos dados de campo, em ambiente de SIG (sistema de informação geográfica). Os resultados permitiram o reconhecimento e a descrição de cinco unidades geomorfológicas e de ambientes sedimentares; identificação e hierarquização de nove índices de sensibilidade ambiental (ISA); além da geração do mapa de índice de sensibilidade ambiental ao derramamento de óleo. As técnicas de sensoriamento remoto e SIG mostraram ser importantes ferramentas no reconhecimento dos ambientes costeiros e geração dos mapas propostos.

Mapeamento dos parâmetros florísticos e estruturais de floresta de mangue com dados LIDAR e SRTM

Este estudo apresenta a estimativa dos parâmetros florísticos e estruturais (determinação da espécie, altura, diâmetro a altura do Peito - DAP e biomassa) do mangue a partir de informações da superfície adquiridas remotamente com os sensores Laser Detection and Range (LIDAR), Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) e ortofotos na Ilha dos Guarás, conjunto de arquipélagos localizado a 30 km da desembocadura do rio amazonas. Para esse trabalho foram utilizadas informações do SRTM, LIDAR e fotografias aéreas processadas e ortorretificadas durante dois sobrevôos realizados entre o mês de julho e agosto de 2011. Com a ortofoto foi feito o mapa do reconhecimento de unidades geobotânicas que delimitou apenas a classe mangue. Em seguida, foi realizada a correção da altura elipsoidal para a altura ortométrica, onde a nuvem de pontos foi interpolada pelo método vizinho mais próximo, gerando Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) LIDAR (full points) com RMSE de 0,88 cm e por meio de uma linguagem macro foi estatisticamente separadas as informações do último pulso da superfície, conhecido também por ground points. Em seguida, os dados foram interpolados pelo método de krigeagem que gerou o valor de Modelo Digital de Superfície (MDS), o qual foi subtraído do MDE. Com base no Modelo Digital de Vegetação (MDV) foram definidos os sítios de coleta e selecionadas as árvores ascendentes, intermediárias e emergentes, porte no qual foi medido o DAP e altura. No total foram coletadas 212 amostras individuais de mangue e para assegurar o nível de acurácia do conjunto coletado, foi realizado o cálculo de RMSE entre as alturas do LIDAR e Campo, que resultou em RMSE= 1,10 m. Os modelos escolhidos para calibração LIDAR e altura de campo foi do tipo linear, com R² = 91% e RMSE= 0,98 cm e para calibração da DAP e altura de campo foi escolhido o modelo Logarítmico R² = 74,1%. Nos resultados da calibração do SRTM o modelo logarítmico também foi o mais adequado para a relação entre altura média e SRTM com R² = 91% e RMSE de 2,2 m e DAP Médio e SRTM, com R² = 88% e RMSE 2,2 cm. A partir de um inventário foi realizada a estimativa da biomassa por espécie por meio das equações alométricas de Fromard e posteriormente os resultados foram espacializados em forma de mapas com alto nível de detalhamento oriundo das informações LIDAR e SRTM corrigido e ortofotos.

O uso de modelos nos processos projetuais contemporâneos

Durante o processo de projeto, o arquiteto transpõe suas ideias para o campo real, do concreto. Os diversos modos de expressão e representação têm como função mediar essa interação, diminuindo a distância entre esses dois campos. Vive-se hoje, um momento de intensa transformação das estratégias projetuais, propiciada pelos novos meios digitais. Assim, esta pesquisa, centra-se na comparação entre diversos momentos do uso de modelos nos processos projetivos contemporâneos, através de uma investigação em escritórios de arquitetura paulistanos que utilizam o modelo físico como parte de seus processos de projeto. Busca-se entender qual o papel dessa ferramenta de representação e suas potencialidades nos dias atuais. Como estudo de caso, faz-se uma análise comparativa entre o uso das maquetes digital e física, destacando dois estudos: a maquete do Conjunto Ponte dos Remédios, do arquiteto Marcos Acayaba e as maquetes de estudos elaboradas pelo escritório Andrade Morettin Arquitetos, para o concurso para o Instituto Moreira Salles/SP. Entre os objetivos desse trabalho também se encontra uma análise da contribuição dos modelos físicos no Ensino de Arquitetura.

El CIFOT como apoyo a la tarea empresarial : the CIFOT as support to the business task

Empresas como HEXA S.A. desean introducir SIG como elemento para incrementar el valor agregado de los proyectos de consultoría que realizan. Tal es el caso del trabajo encomendado por ellos al CIFOT titulado Esquema hidromorfológico de la cuenca del río Tunuyán Superior y clasificación de Usos del Suelo del Oasis Centro Oeste; Provincia de Mendoza. Se unifica en un único modelo digital una serie de cartas topográficas (IGM) digitalizan diversos niveles de información (curvas de nivel, hidrografía de la cuenca del río Tunuyán), red de caminos y su jerarquía. A partir de la base de datos lograda, se generan mapas temáticos de cada cuenca, apoyados con imágenes satelitales Landsat TM, que permiten identificar cobertura nivo- glacial y usos del suelo en el Oasis. Con esta información la empresa obtiene un modelo de simulación del Río Tunuyán para predecir el caudal que conduciría el río ante determinadas nevadas, por ejemplo. Se propone además un modelo de SIG para el monitoreo de la zona.

A novel algorithm of posture best fit based on key characteristics for large components assembly

Measurement and variation control of geometrical Key Characteristics (KCs), such as flatness and gap of joint faces, coaxiality of cabin sections, is the crucial issue in large components assembly from the aerospace industry. Aiming to control geometrical KCs and to attain the best fit of posture, an optimization algorithm based on KCs for large components assembly is proposed. This approach regards the posture best fit, which is a key activity in Measurement Aided Assembly (MAA), as a two-phase optimal problem. In the first phase, the global measurement coordinate system of digital model and shop floor is unified with minimum error based on singular value decomposition, and the current posture of components being assembly is optimally solved in terms of minimum variation of all reference points. In the second phase, the best posture of the movable component is optimally determined by minimizing multiple KCs' variation with the constraints that every KC respectively conforms to its product specification. The optimal models and the process procedures for these two-phase optimal problems based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are proposed. In each model, every posture to be calculated is modeled as a 6 dimensional particle (three movement and three rotation parameters). Finally, an example that two cabin sections of satellite mainframe structure are being assembled is selected to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, models and algorithms. The experiment result shows the approach is promising and will provide a foundation for further study and application. © 2013 The Authors.

La generazione di modelli tridimensionali densi in ambito architettonico mediante la fotogrammetria digitale

The Italian territory offers a wide range of treasures in the field of Cultural Assets. This is a highly relevant property, which needs an accurate management and preservation performed by appropriate tools, also giving attention to the maintenance and safeguard from risk factors. Nowadays the increasing development of new digital technologies, added by remarkable steps forward got by the subject of Geomatic makes possible an efficient integration among different techniques, helped also by spread of solutions to improve the data import-export and transmission between different devices. The main objective of this thesis is to experience the photogrammetric restitution implemented in a commercial software of digital photogrammetry, in order to generate a dense 3D model of the facade of the Basilica Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna. The 1st Chapter, after a general introduction regarding the 3D survey of Cultural Heritage and some considerations linked to the use of digital photogrammetry in this field, is focused to analyze the case of stereoscopic and the monoscopic approach. In particular, it develops the theme of close-range photogrammetry. The 2nd Chapter, exposes the theme of digital images, from color theory until their appearing on the monitor. The 3rd Chapter, develops the case study of the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the historical, architectural and religious of the same. Also, it is examined the issue of photogrammetry and laser scanning of the case study. The final part of the same chapter, treats the processing of data processing the software Agisoft PhotoScan, in order to generate, by means of Structure from Motion technique, a digital geometric 3D model of the Basilica Facade. The digital model has been scaled on the basis of measurements made on the field. With the software it was possible to accomplish the three phases of the photogrammetric data processing: internal orientation, exterior orientation and restitution.

Projeto de reabilitação energética de piscinas interiores

O presente relatório de projeto explicita as etapas da elaboração e os resultados obtidos através da realização de um projeto de reabilitação energética de um complexo de piscinas interiores. Esta reabilitação energética tem por objetivo a redução dos custos energéticos através da subtração de consumos supérfluos de energia ou da melhoria da eficiência energética dos equipamentos. Para alcançar estes objetivos recorreu-se à simulação dinâmica do edifício de modo a estimar múltiplas variáveis energéticas e identificar quais os setores e equipamentos que maior influência têm no consumo energético do complexo em estudo. Para a realização da simulação, recorreu-se a um software desenvolvido pelo DOE dos Estados Unidos da América, o Energy Plus, com o auxílio do Design Builder, que permite a criação e edição do modelo de forma mais fácil e acessível. Os valores retirados da simulação foram posteriormente comparados com valores reais. Com o complexo caraterizado e os principais consumidores identificados foi possível iniciar o estudo das medidas de melhoria da eficiência energética. As principais medidas estudadas incidiram na instalação de coberturas isotérmicas nas piscinas para reduzir a perda de energia através da evaporação e da radiação, a introdução de fontes de energia renovável como alternativa energética, substituição de elementos do sistema de iluminação e o aproveitamento de energia dissipada em equipamentos. Com este estudo, a entidade gestora do complexo encontra-se mais informada e pronta a tomar decisões que influenciem de forma significativa o consumo de energia no complexo, podendo optar pela instalação de alguma das medidas propostas.

Comparison of Computer-Based and Optical Face Recognition Paradigms

The main objectives of this thesis are to validate an improved principal components analysis (IPCA) algorithm on images; designing and simulating a digital model for image compression, face recognition and image detection by using a principal components analysis (PCA) algorithm and the IPCA algorithm; designing and simulating an optical model for face recognition and object detection by using the joint transform correlator (JTC); establishing detection and recognition thresholds for each model; comparing between the performance of the PCA algorithm and the performance of the IPCA algorithm in compression, recognition and, detection; and comparing between the performance of the digital model and the performance of the optical model in recognition and detection. The MATLAB © software was used for simulating the models. PCA is a technique used for identifying patterns in data and representing the data in order to highlight any similarities or differences. The identification of patterns in data of high dimensions (more than three dimensions) is too difficult because the graphical representation of data is impossible. Therefore, PCA is a powerful method for analyzing data. IPCA is another statistical tool for identifying patterns in data. It uses information theory for improving PCA. The joint transform correlator (JTC) is an optical correlator used for synthesizing a frequency plane filter for coherent optical systems. The IPCA algorithm, in general, behaves better than the PCA algorithm in the most of the applications. It is better than the PCA algorithm in image compression because it obtains higher compression, more accurate reconstruction, and faster processing speed with acceptable errors; in addition, it is better than the PCA algorithm in real-time image detection due to the fact that it achieves the smallest error rate as well as remarkable speed. On the other hand, the PCA algorithm performs better than the IPCA algorithm in face recognition because it offers an acceptable error rate, easy calculation, and a reasonable speed. Finally, in detection and recognition, the performance of the digital model is better than the performance of the optical model.