Conceptualising the FinDD API plug-in: A study of BIM-FM integration

© 2017 This research paper reports upon a client driven approach to iteratively develop the FinDD application programming interface (API) plug-in. FinDD integrates building information modelling (BIM) and facilities management (FM) via the novel development and application of totems. Totems visualise rich semantic FM data in a 3D object to extend the use and application of COBie thereby minimising costs incurred by the FM team to update and maintain the as-built BIM. Participatory action research was used to develop the proof of concept and involved a study of two multi-storey, mixed-use educational buildings (with a contract value worth ≥£150 million UK Sterling) located within Birmingham, UK. The lead researcher worked for the client's estates department and was instrumental in liaising with members of the project management team, synthesising their semantic data requirements and developing the FinDD API plug-in for Autodesk Revit. Research findings reveal that whilst FinDD was positively received as a bespoke extension of COBie (that was tailored to specifically meet client needs), further development is required to mitigate software inflexibility and augment automation of semantic data transfer, storage and analysis. Future work will validate the API plug-in via user experience and integrate additional databases such as post occupancy evaluations (POE)

Vision and advocacy of optoelectronic technology developments in the AECO sector

Purpose This research presents a literature review of laser scanning and 3D modelling devices, modes of delivery and applications within the architecture, engineering, construction and owner-operated (AECO) sector. Such devices are inextricably linked to modern digital built environment practices, particularly when used in conjunction with as-built building information modelling (BIM) development. The research also reports upon innovative technological advancements (such as machine vision) that coalesce with 3D scanning solutions. Design/methodology/approach A synthesis of literature is used to develop: a hierarchy of the modes of delivery for laser scan devices; a thematic analysis of 3D terrestrial laser scan technology applications; and a componential cross-comparative tabulation of laser scan technology and specifications. Findings Findings reveal that the costly and labour intensive attributes of laser scanning devices have stimulated the development of hybrid automated and intelligent technologies to improve performance. Such developments are set to satisfy the increasing demand for digitisation of both existing and new buildings into BIM. Future work proposed will seek to: review what coalescence of digital technologies will provide an optimal and cost effective solution to accurately reconstructing the digital built environment; conduct case studies that implement hybrid digital solutions in pragmatic facilities management scenarios to measure their performance and user satisfaction; and eliminate manual remodelling tasks (such as point cloud reconstruction) via the use of computational intelligence algorithms integral within cloud based BIM platforms. Originality/value Although laser scanning and 3D modelling have been widely covered en passant within the literature, scant research has conducted an holistic review of the technology, its applications and future developments. This review presents concise and lucid reference guidance that will intellectually challenge, and better inform, both practitioners and researchers

'I'm not X, I just want Y': formulating 'wants' in interaction

This article provides a conversation analytic description of a two-part structure, ‘I don’t want X, I want/just want Y’. Drawing on a corpus of recordings of family mealtimes and television documentary data, I show how speakers use the structure in two recurrent environments. First, speakers may use the structure to reject a proposal regarding their actions made by an interlocutor. Second, speakers may deliver the structure following a co-interactant’s formulation of their actions or motivations. Both uses decrease the likelihood of challenge in third-turn position. When responding to multi-unit turns speakers routinely deal with the last item first. The value of ‘I want Y’ is to formulate an alternative sense of agency which undermines the preceding turn and shifts the trajectory of the ongoing sequence. The article contributes to work in discursive psychology as I show how speakers may formulate their ‘wants’ in the service of sequentially unfolding social interaction

Evaluation Of Vehicle Lightweighting To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions With Focus On Magnesium Substitution

Purpose Vehicle weight reduction represents a viable means of meeting tougher regulatory requirements designed to reduce fuel consumption and control greenhouse gas emissions. This paper aims to present an empirical and comparative analysis of lightweight magnesium materials used to replace conventional steel in passenger vehicles with internal combustion engines. The very low density of magnesium makes it a viable material for lightweighting given that it is lighter than aluminium by one-third and steel by three-fourth. Design/methodology/approach A structural evaluation case study of the “open access” Wikispeed car was undertaken. This included an assessment of material design characteristics such as bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and crashworthiness to evaluate whether magnesium provides a better alternative to the current usage of aluminium in the automotive industry. Findings The Wikispeed car had an issue with the rocker beam width/thickness (b/t) ratio, indicating failure in yield instead of buckling. By changing the specified material, Aluminium Alloy 6061-T651 to Magnesium EN-MB10020, it was revealed that vehicle mass could be reduced by an estimated 110 kg, in turn improving the fuel economy by 10 per cent. This, however, would require mechanical performance compromise unless the current design is modified. Originality/value This is the first time that a comparative analysis of material substitution has been made on the Wikispeed car. The results of such work will assist in the lowering of harmful greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously augment fuel economy

BIM and sensor-based data management system for construction safety monitoring

Purpose This research aims to investigate the integration of real-time monitoring of thermal conditions within confined work environments through wireless sensor network (WSN) technology when integrated with building information modelling (BIM). A prototype system entitled confined space monitoring system (CoSMoS), which provides an opportunity to incorporate sensor data for improved visualization through new add-ins to BIM software, was then developed. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was undertaken to compare and contrast between the performances (over a time series) of various database models to find a back-end database storage configuration that best suits the needs of CoSMoS. Findings Fusing BIM data with information streams derived from wireless sensors challenges traditional approaches to data management. These challenges encountered in the prototype system are reported upon and include issues such as hardware/software selection and optimization. Consequently, various database models are explored and tested to find a database storage that best suits the specific needs of this BIM-wireless sensor technology integration. Originality value This work represents the first tranche of research that seeks to deliver a fully integrated and advanced digital built environment solution for automating the management of health and safety issues on construction sites. </jats:sec

Gamification for health promotion: systematic review of behaviour change techniques in smartphone apps

Funding from the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical, Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research, under the auspices of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration, is gratefully acknowledged

Ballistic performance of multi-layered metallic plates impacted by a 7.62-mm APM2 projectile

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the ballistic performance of monolithic, double- and triple-layered metallic plates made of either steel or aluminium or a combination of these materials, impacted by a 7.62-mm APM2 projectile in the velocity range of 775-950 m/s. Numerical models were developed using the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA. It was found that monolithic plates have a better ballistic performance than that of multi-layered plates made of the same material. This effect diminishes with impact velocity. It was also found that double-layered plates with a thin front plate of aluminium and thick back steel plate exhibit greater resistance than multi-layered steel plates with similar areal density. These predictions indicate that multi-layered targets using different metallic materials should be investigated for improved ballistic performance and weight-savings. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd

Constructing a Stochastic Model of Bumblebee Flights from Experimental Data

PMCID: PMC3592844This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited

Numerical analysis of the effect of weld-induced residual stress and plastic damage on the ballistic performance of welded steel plate

The current paper presents numerical analyses that elucidate the effects of post-weld residual stress and associated plastic damage on the ballistic performance of 316L austenitic steel plate. Impact simulations of an 18 mm thick plate with a centreline three-pass slot weld by hemispherical-nosed and flat-nosed projectiles are performed, with initial velocities in the range of 300-800 m/s. The numerical framework consists of three interdependent stages: (i) a weld model was developed in Abaqus/Standard and validated using two independent experimental data sets; (ii) a Johnson-Cook material model is calibrated and validated along with the shear failure fracture criterion available in Abaqus/Explicit for impact models; and (iii) the weld modelling results were transferred to an impact model built in Abaqus/Explicit, which employs the validated material and fracture models to predict the ballistic performance of welded plate. It is shown that the associated plastic strain damage accumulated during the welding process - and its distribution - has an adverse effect on the ballistic performance. It has also been determined that a fracture criterion that accounts for pre-existing damage in the weldment must be used for accurate impact analyses of welded structures. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V