Tool specification with GTSL

The aim of this thesis is to discuss the construction of tools for process-centred software development environments (PSDEs). Our main contribution is the proof that object database systems are a very suitable basis for improving the functionality of software development tools and for integrating them in PSDEs. We set out to prove this hypothesis following engineering principles rather than in an analytic or empiric way. We, therefore, first discuss the functionality that software developers require from tools contained in a PSDE. Starting from these requirements, we take the position of a tool builder and delineate requirements for a database system for document management purposes. We then review how well existing database systems satisfy these requirements. This results in the selection of object database systems as the most promising systems to take. We then propose a tool architecture that is based on object databases. We classify the components of this architecture into components that are common to any tool and thus can be reused and components that vary from tool to tool. We shall see that the most important varying component is the schema of the database. We propose tool specification languages that are capable of describing the tools' schemas as well as the other varying tool components at different levels of abstraction. These different levels of abstraction will provide the tool builder with the flexibility to define arbitrary syntax-directed tools. Then we discuss the construction of tools for the various languages identified above and their integration in GENESIS, an integrated environment for tool specification. After that, we outline the design and the implementation of compilers for our languages that generate executable tools. Finally, we evaluate the approach suggested in this thesis on the basis of two scenarios. These are tools for the GENESIS environment and tools for C++ class library development and maintenance, which we developed for the reuse department of British Airways

A virtual environment for the design and simulated construction of prefabricated buildings

The construction industry has acknowledged that its current working practices are in need of substantial improvements in quality and efficiency and has identified that computer modelling techniques and the use of prefabricated components can help reduce times, costs, and minimise defects and problems of on-site construction. This paper describes a virtual environment to support the design and construction processes of buildings from prefabricated components and the simulation of their construction sequence according to a project schedule. The design environment can import a library of 3-D models of prefabricated modules that can be used to interactively design a building. Using Microsoft Project, the construction schedule of the designed building can be altered, with this information feeding back to the construction simulation environment. Within this environment the order of construction can be visualised using virtual machines. Novel aspects of the system are that it provides a single 3-D environment where the user can construct their design with minimal user interaction through automatic constraint recognition and view the real-time simulation of the construction process within the environment. This takes this area of research a step forward from other systems that only allow the planner to view the construction at certain stages, and do not provide an animated view of the construction process

Simulation of an experimental database of infrared spectra of complex gaseous mixtures for detecting specific substances. The case of drug precursors

This work is motivated by the need to develop suitable databases in absence of real experimental data, for instance when spectra measured with a newly developed instrumentation on real samples are not available yet. This notwithstanding, in fact, the realization of the physical project should be addressed by a starting database, also invaluable in order to test its effectiveness. In this article we face the issue of simulating gas mixtures spectra for the development of a new sensor for External Cavity-Quantum Cascade Laser Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (EC-QCLPAS) starting from literature FT-IR spectra of pure components: a dataset is realized suitable to realistically represent the ensemble of spectra of the gas mixtures of interest. The informative data deriving from the literature spectra were combined with the stochastic component extracted from a sample spectrum recorded with a prototype instrument, allowing us to build a matrix containing thousands of simulated spectra of gaseous mixtures, accounting for the presence of different components at different concentrations. Signal processing and experimental design techniques were used along the whole path leading to the dataset of simulated spectra. In particular, the goal of the construction of the database lies in the development of a final system to detect drug precursors in the vapour phase. The comparison of some EC-QCLPAS spectra with the corresponding simulated signals confirms the validity of the proposed approach

Utilizing a 3D game engine to develop a virtual design review system

A design review process is where information is exchanged between the designers and design reviewers to resolve any potential design related issues, and to ensure that the interests and goals of the owner are met. The effective execution of design review will minimize potential errors or conflicts, reduce the time for review, shorten the project life-cycle, allow for earlier occupancy, and ultimately translate into significant total project savings to the owner. However, the current methods of design review are still heavily relying on 2D paper-based format, sequential and lack central and integrated information base for efficient exchange and flow of information. There is thus a need for the use of a new medium that allow for 3D visualization of designs, collaboration among designers and design reviewers, and early and easy access to design review information. This paper documents the innovative utilization of a 3D game engine, the Torque Game Engine as the underlying tool and enabling technology for a design review system, the Virtual Design Review System for architectural designs. Two major elements are incorporated; 1) a 3D game engine as the driving tool for the development and implementation of design review processes, and 2) a virtual environment as the medium for design review, where visualization of design and design review information is based on sound principles of GUI design. The development of the VDRS involves two major phases; firstly, the creation of the assets and the assembly of the virtual environment, and secondly, the modification of existing functions or introducing new functionality through programming of the 3D game engine in order to support design review in a virtual environment. The features that are included in the VDRS are support for database, real-time collaboration across network, viewing and navigation modes, 3D object manipulation, parametric input, GUI, and organization for 3D objects

A method and tool for ‘cradle to grave’ embodied energy and carbon impacts of UK buildings in compliance with the new TC350 standards

As operational impacts from buildings are reduced, embodied impacts are increasing. However, the latter are seldom calculated in the UK; when they are, they tend to be calculated after the building has been constructed, or are underestimated by considering only the initial materials stage. In 2010, the UK Government recommended that a standard methodology for calculating embodied impacts of buildings be developed for early stage design decisions. This was followed in 2011–12 by the publication of the European TC350 standards defining the ‘cradle to grave’ impact of buildings and products through a process Life Cycle Analysis. This paper describes a new whole life embodied carbon and energy of buildings (ECEB) tool, designed as a usable empirical-based approach for early stage design decisions for UK buildings. The tool complies where possible with the TC350 standards. Initial results for a simple masonry construction dwelling are given in terms of the percentage contribution of each life cycle stage. The main difficulty in obtaining these results is found to be the lack of data, and the paper suggests that the construction and manufacturing industries now have a responsibility to develop new data in order to support this task

Regional Data Archiving and Management for Northeast Illinois

This project studies the feasibility and implementation options for establishing a regional data archiving system to help monitor and manage traffic operations and planning for the northeastern Illinois region. It aims to provide a clear guidance to the regional transportation agencies, from both technical and business perspectives, about building such a comprehensive transportation information system. Several implementation alternatives are identified and analyzed. This research is carried out in three phases. In the first phase, existing documents related to ITS deployments in the broader Chicago area are summarized, and a thorough review is conducted of similar systems across the country. Various stakeholders are interviewed to collect information on all data elements that they store, including the format, system, and granularity. Their perception of a data archive system, such as potential benefits and costs, is also surveyed. In the second phase, a conceptual design of the database is developed. This conceptual design includes system architecture, functional modules, user interfaces, and examples of usage. In the last phase, the possible business models for the archive system to sustain itself are reviewed. We estimate initial capital and recurring operational/maintenance costs for the system based on realistic information on the hardware, software, labor, and resource requirements. We also identify possible revenue opportunities. A few implementation options for the archive system are summarized in this report; namely: 1. System hosted by a partnering agency 2. System contracted to a university 3. System contracted to a national laboratory 4. System outsourced to a service provider The costs, advantages and disadvantages for each of these recommended options are also provided.ICT-R27-22published or submitted for publicationis peer reviewe

Life-cycle assessment of buildings: a Review

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of various management tools for evaluating environmental concerns. This paper reviews LCA from a buildings perspective. It highlights the need for its use within the building sector, and the importance of LCA as a decision making support tool. It discusses LCA methodologies and applications within the building sector, reviewing some of the life-cycle studies applied to buildings or building materials and component combinations within the last fifteen years in Europe and the United States. It highlights the problems of a lack of an internationally comparable and agreed data inventory and assessment methodology which hinder the application of LCA within the building industry. It identifies key areas for future research as (i) the whole process of construction, (ii) the relative weighting of different environmental impacts and (iii) applications in developing countries