Implementation of Visualization and Modeling Technologies for Transportation Construction

State departments of transportation (DOTs) increasingly use visualization and modeling technologies for delivering transportation projects across the United States. Advanced and innovative technologies have the ability to improve various construction processes and tasks while making the construction process more efficient and productive. Visualization and modeling technologies, which include building information modeling for infrastructure, light detection and ranging, virtual reality, and augmented reality, are becoming more commonplace in transportation construction. Yet, the use of these technologies varies among state DOTs. The intent of this study is to investigate the use of visualization and modeling technologies for transportation construction. This study employed a triangulation research methodology including an extensive literature review, survey questionnaire of DOTs, and seven case studies. Results of the study show that 92% of state DOTs use visualization and modeling technologies for construction. Then, 81% of DOTs use visualization and modeling technologies for constructability reviews, 38% use them for documentation of as-builts and simulating bridge and structure construction, and 35% use them for quality management, inspections, and monitoring progress of work. The main barriers to using visualization and modeling technologies include legal concerns with using digital models as contract documents, incompatibilities in software and hardware between the DOTs and contracted parties, and the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities required to use visualization and modeling technologies for construction. The findings from this study provides valuable information for state DOTs to approach their implementation and use of visualization and modeling technologies for transportation construction delivery. &nbsp

Comparing Geothermal Heat Pump Systems to Conventional HVAC Systems in Hot and Humid Climates

Geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems are more concentrated to moderate climate regions, although the potential for GHP systems in hot and humid climates is possible as past research efforts have demonstrated this using simulations and commercial case examples. This research investigates the use of residential GHP systems for the hot and humid climate found in southern Louisiana. The authors collected field performance information, including initial system cost, and electricity consumption and costs from two residential case studies in which each case included one home with a conventional heating and cooling system and one home with a GHP system. Using a comparative analysis and analysis of variance, results illustrate that initial cost of GHP system in the first case was $13,285 more and the second case was$17,588 more than the installation costs of a conventional system. Further, the GHP system payback period depends on the whether the design uses a horizontal or vertical ground loop, and the designer and contractor’s quality and experience in performing the GHP work as the first case resulted in a payback period of 70 years while the second case had a payback period of only seven years. Findings show that when an appropriate installation occurs, GHP system can save consumption and energy costs for residential homes in hot and humid climates

Role of Self-Efficacy in Reducing Residential Energy Usage

Energy usage continues to increase across the globe, which has resulted in increased methods for conserving energy. However, most of these methods for decreasing energy consumption focus on political and economic policies, as well as curtailing usage by promoting individual energy-efficient products and practices such as appliances, electronics, and improved building envelope maintenance. To determine better methods and policies to conserve energy, individual habits and perceptions of energy usage need to be considered. One such consideration is a household\u27s perception of energy usage habits and the belief or self-efficacy that becoming an energy saver can make an impact. For this research, a field study was completed in the rural community of Woodbine, Iowa, to determine if self-efficacy via perceptions of energy consumption could predict actual energy usage. To examine the impact of self-efficacy on energy usage, perceptions of energy consumption were compared with actual changes in energy usage habits. During a 36-month period, the energy usage of 92 households was monitored, and the homeowners completed behavioral consumption surveys. The surveys assessed the participants\u27 perspectives on sustainability and energy use, comparing how perceptions relate to actual energy consumption. Homeowners who changed their energy usage habits were determined to be in the bottom half of energy users in their community; however, homeowners\u27 beliefs that their habits affect energy usage were more accurate predictors of their actual energy consumption. The results suggest a stronger correlation and effect size between self-efficacy and energy usage compared with changes in consumption habits and energy usage. This information can be used to better conduct interventions aimed at reducing community energy consumption. Future research should target psychological beliefs on energy consumption in addition to actual behaviors