84 research outputs found
BIM-GIS Integration through Open Tools
No full textThe implementation of effective workflows based on a
fully open BIM-GIS (Building Information Modelling
Geographic Information Systems) integration is still an
unsolved topic. This is mainly due to the lack of freely
available BIM authoring tools, as well as to still unfixed
interoperability issues between software. In this context,
this paper proposes a new methodology to effectively
integrate BIM and GIS without using commercial tools
and proprietary formats. The proposed workflow is
enabled by the use of the add-on “BlenderBIM” for the
free software “Blender”, which allows to manage IFC
(Industry Foundation Classes) models by updating non
geometric information through “.csv” files. Moreover,
“.csv” files are also assumed as the main information
exchange vehicle between BIM and GIS. The method is
finally validated through an illustrative case study
Towards integrated digital twins for construction and manufacturing
No full textA digital twin (DT) can enhance construction management with comprehensive real-time simulations. However, research rarely considers prefabrication factories, whose processes have a significant impact on cost and duration. It remains unclear how construction DTs can achieve their expected benefits without dynamically interacting with the DTs of manufacturing facilities. To address this, a DT integration model is proposed. It builds upon systems theory and describes integration across the three layers objectives, processes, and data & tools. A theoretical example demonstrates potential benefits of integrated DTs. This work can assist researchers and practitioners who are focusing on DTs in the execution phase.Design & Construction ManagementIntegral Design & Managemen
Web3-based role and token data access: the case of building material passports
No full textLong-term access to lifecycle data is key to a successful transition towards a circular built environment. However, the underlying technology often remains centralized and risks becoming inaccessible over time. In this paper, we investigate whether decentralized access methods using Web3, i.e. blockchain and decentralized data storage protocols, can help to mitigate this limitation. We implement Web3 data access mechanisms for a material passport with both a role-based and a token-based smart contract. Initial results suggest that Web3 offers a promising approach to data access over the lifecycle of a built asset-but only with careful design choices.Integral Design & ManagementDesign & Construction Managemen
RELIABILITY OF IFC CLASSES IN ONTOLOGY DEFINITION AND COST ESTIMATION OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
No full textCost estimation is one of the most critical tasks in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management industry (AEC/FM). The lack of a standardized support procedure for verifying the association of the cost to geometric objects cause a waste of time, inaccuracy and human errors in the cost estimates.
This research investigates how to identify a cost ontology within the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) database.
The results show that we can consider the cost element no longer as a natural language text string, detached from the digital model, but as a structured class in the IFC data model (IfcCostItem)
BIM-based workflow for energy audits
No full textEnergy audits play a crucial role in energy retrofit projects for existing buildings, as the accuracy and completeness of the collected data strongly affect the reliability of the design energy model. The present paper thus proposes a new BIM (Building Information Modelling)-based workflow to better manage data collection in an energy audit process, to minimize data losses and inconsistencies. The proposed framework is based on the use of a simplified BIM Model, linked to an external database (for data storing) and to a webpage (for in-situ data acquisition). This can be used as a geometrical and non-geometrical data container to implement a reliable model for energy simulations. The efficacy of the presented BIM-workflow has been successfully validated through a survey on window fixtures for a real case stud
Multi-Objective Optimization of Electric Vehicle Charging Station Deployment Using Genetic Algorithms
No full textThe incorporation of electric vehicles into the transportation system is imperative in order to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuel use. This requires establishing methods for deploying the charging infrastructure in an optimal way. In this paper, an optimization model is developed to identify both the number of stations to be deployed and their respective locations that minimize the total cost by utilizing Genetic Algorithms. This is implemented by combining these components into a linear objective function aiming to minimize the overall cost of deploying the charging network and maximize service quality to users by minimizing the average travel distance between demand spots and stations. Several numerical and practical considerations have been analyzed to provide an in-depth study and a deeper understanding of the model’s capabilities. The optimization is done through commercial software that is appropriately parametrized to adjust to the specific problem. The model is simple yet effective in solving a variety of problem structures, optimization goals and constraints. Further, the quality of the solution seems to be marginally affected by the shape and size of the problem area, as well as the number of demand spots, and this may be considered one of the strengths of the algorithm. The model responds expectedly to variations in the charging demand levels and can effectively run at different levels of grid discretization
Digitization and design for social innovation. a co-design model for prison spaces
No full textThis paper presents the results of a survey on the potential of applying Building Information Modelling, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality tools to the context of designing Juvenile detention centres. Testing on a specific case study highlighted the main advantage offered by computer and network technologies, i.e., the maximization of the interaction between designers and stakeholders, bridging the gap between technical and common knowledge. The design and co-decision models tested, based on the use of inclusion methodologies supported by technological tools suitable for the particular study context, have made it possible to overcome the non–expert–user difficulties of understanding the technical documents and allowed to work in accordance with incremental logic, whereby the project is built, evaluated and corrected by successive approximations, taking into proper account problems and actions as a whole and in their interrelationships
System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) for Hazard Analysis in Complex Systems: The Case of “Demand-Side Management in a Smart Grid”
No full textInelasticity of demand along with the distributed energy sources and energy market democratization pose significant challenges which have considerable negative impacts on overall grid balance. The need for increased capacity and flexibility in the era of energy market digitalization has introduced new requirements in the energy supply network which could not be satisfied without continuous and costly local power network upgrades. Additionally, with the emergence of Smart Homes (SHs) and Home Energy Management (HEM) systems for monitoring and operating household appliances, opportunities have arisen for automated Demand Response (DR). DR is exploited for the modification of the consumer energy demand, in response to the specific conditions within the electricity system (e.g., peak period network congestion). In order to optimally integrate DR in the broader Smart Grid (SG) system, modelling of the system parameters and safety analysis is required. In this paper, the implementation of STPA (System-Theoretic Process Analysis) structured method, as a relatively new hazard analysis technique for complex systems is presented and the feasibility of STPA implementation for loss prevention on a Demand Response system for home energy management, and within the complex SG context, is examined. The applied method delivers a mechanism useful in understanding where gaps in current operational risk structures may exist. The STPA findings in terms of loss scenarios can be used to generate a variety of safeguards to ensure secure operational control and in implementing targeted strategies through standard approaches of risk assessment
Enhancing contractual time performance management: a hyperledger fabric-based conceptual framework
No full textTime performance management is a core contractual mechanism that contributes to the success of construction projects. However, its interdependent processes face underlying challenges. Hence, this paper aims to build a conceptual framework of how Hyperledger Fabric can contribute to addressing challenges encountered in practice. The results reveal that existing digital solutions implemented on construction projects can act as software oracles for Hyperledger Fabric blockchain and the contractual logic can be converted into smart contract functions at the process level. The paper acts as a point of departure to develop a proof-of-concept for practical adoption within the context of FIDIC Red Book 2017.</p
Enhancing Construction Site Safety Using AI:The Development of a Custom YOLOV8 Model for PPE Compliance Detection
No full textThis study addresses construction safety by deploying computer vision techniques, specifically a YOLOv8 model by Ultralytics, to monitor PPE compliance. Targeting helmets, vests, and safety shoes, it aims to mitigate accident risks. The model was trained with 2934 images and validated with 816, achieved a 95% mAP. Emphasizing AI's potential in safety management and occupational health in the construction industry. This research lays groundwork for future AI-based safety enhancements in construction sector, highlighting the industry's pressing need for innovative approaches to reduce occupational hazards and improve compliance standards
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