Modeling Algae Powered Neighborhood Through GIS and BIM Integration

This paper aims to propose a modeling method for algae powered neighborhoods through GIS-BIM integration. In the first part of the paper, the applicability of different types of algae systems in an urban neighborhood are studied. The various systems of algae provide different strengths and weakness that affect their performance and suitability for given urban scenarios. Through extensive literature review, the variables that affect the performance of the micro-algae in the built environment are identified, with a focus on flat-panel photo bio-reactors and tubular photobioreactors. A previous GIS model for data management, performance analysis and design of the algae systems is reviewed [1], which shows its limitations in managing fine-grained structures and functions of algae systems. A bottom-up BIM approach to deal with these limitations is further explored. The algae-embedded built environment can be modeled in the parametric 3D BIM and Rhinoceros with a set of building parameters for the roof, façade, window to wall ratio, etc. Subsequently, solar exposure on building surfaces, the use of the buildings and their respective façade types would be studied. Parametric 3D models of the buildings allows for faster design modification and the creation of multiple design options. These models can be used to perform energy analysis using the parametric energy analysis tool to check for building energy use intensity (EUI). The bottom-up approach explored in this research design aims to facilitate visualization and analysis of the built environment and gauge the productivity of microalgae. Finally, a platform for BIM –GIS integration and its possibility is explored in this paper. © 2017 The Authors

B2B e -Work Intranet solution design for rebar supply interactions

The workflow of rebar during design, estimation, bidding, revision and procurement is very critical for the subsequent stages of the construction project. This thesis concentrates in the development of a B2B e-Work solution for the integration of the rebar supply interactions. The expectations from potential users regarding this type of system are analyzed, as well as their satisfaction when exposed to the functionality of the proposed system. The B2B e-Work solution is composed of not only the electronic tools that are presently directing e-Commerce transactions over the Internet, but of the new approaches in information exchange and integration as well as communication and conflict resolution protocols. The transition in electronic data management technologies is studied, as well as rebar estimation and revision practices and trends for e-Business in application to these practices. Conducted experiments lead to establishing the relationships between expectations and satisfaction for the B2B e-Work system, categorizing these relationships in accordance with the type of firm (e.g. designer, contractor or rebar supplier), experience with rebar design or estimation, prevailing type of construction (e.g. residential, commercial or industrial) and use of CAD components extracted from previous design of structural drawings

Feasibility of Ammonia-Powered Houses

Presented on February 26, 2009 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Georgia Tech Architecture Library.Runtime: 41:14 minutesDaniel Castro-Lacouture, Assistant Professor, Building Construction, teaches courses in construction cost management and estimating. His current research focuses on the applicability and design of B2B e-work solutions for construction processes, sustainability, and automation in construction

Optimal Crew Design for Masonry Construction Projects Considering Contractors' Requirements and Workers' Needs

Masonry construction is labor intensive. Its operations involve little to no mechanization and require a large number of crews made up of workers with diverse skills. Relationships among crews are tight and very dependent. Often tasks have to be completed concurrently, and crews have to share resources and workspace to complete their work. One of the problems masonry contractors face is the need to design crews, that is, determine the number of crews and the composition of each crew to be used effectively in the construction process to maximize workflow. This study proposes a mixed integer optimization model to assist contractors in the allocation of crews in masonry projects. To address realistic scenarios experienced by the contractors on masonry construction jobsites, the model incorporates the rules that contractors use for crew design and makeup, as well as time constraints. In addition, the model considers workers' needs, such as labor stability. The proposed model can be a valuable tool to assist masonry stakeholders in the process of allocating crews while meeting contractor's requirements and workers' needs

Optimizing B2B transactions using the marketplace competitive analyzer

Abstract. In a business-to-business (B2B) environment, most if not every large company interacts with suppliers, customers, and competitors on one or more Net markets, connecting to both ends of the supply chain, the supplier side and the customer side. To support purchasing agents, analysts, and managers in evaluating their purchasing decisions, a new analytical tool is presented, the Marketplace Competitive Analyzer (MCA). The MCA is a component of a total supply chain solution. It is supportive of the supplier relationship management (SRM) concept and extends its functionality into electronic marketplaces. In this way, the MCA solution expands the SRM concept into the B2B world of online exchanges. MCA is also of value in the selling end of the supply chain, though this paper mainly focuses on the buying end of the supply chain. MCA analyzes the past transactions for a given commodity in a Net market using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a nonparametric efficiency analysis technique based on linear optimization. DEA and MCA are used to analyze the efficiency of each buy position in the Net market. This helps the decision maker discover possible tradeoffs while considering the terms of the purchase, such as price, lead time, quality and quantity. MCA can be used to design optimal spot buy bids in the supplier end of the chain, so that the procurement activities are better supported. As a result, MCA helps the analyst to design an efficient and advantageous spot buy offer

Optimal Decision Model for Sustainable Hospital Building Renovation—A Case Study of a Vacant School Building Converting into a Community Public Hospital

Much attention has been paid to hospitals environments since modern pandemics have emerged. The building sector is considered to be the largest world energy consumer, so many global organizations are attempting to create a sustainable environment in building construction by reducing energy consumption. Therefore, maintaining high standards of hygiene while reducing energy consumption has become a major task for hospitals. This study develops a decision model based on genetic algorithms and A* graph search algorithms to evaluate existing hospital environmental conditions and to recommend an optimal scheme of sustainable renovation strategies, considering trade-offs among minimal renovation cost, maximum quality improvement, and low environmental impact. Reusing vacant buildings is a global and sustainable trend. In Taiwan, for example, more and more school space will be unoccupied due to a rapidly declining birth rate. Integrating medical care with local community elder-care efforts becomes important because of the aging population. This research introduces a model that converts a simulated vacant school building into a community public hospital renovation project in order to validate the solutions made by hospital managers and suggested by the system. The result reveals that the system performs well and its solutions are more successful than the actions undertaken by decision-makers. This system can improve traditional hospital building condition assessment while making it more effective and efficient