Sustainable Design and Building Information Modelling: Case Study of Energy Plus House, Hieron's Wood, Derbyshire UK

In this paper the method for sustainable design analysis (SDA) integration with building information modelling (BIM) is explored, through the prism of a complex case study based research. BIM model federation and integration challenges are reported, including issues with combining geometry and managing attribute data. The research defines SDA as rapid and quantifiable analysis of multitude of sustainable alternatives and ‘what if’ questions posed by a design team during the early stages of the project, when the benefits of correct decisions can significantly exceed the actual investment required. The SDA concept and BIM integration findings are explained from conceptualisation to calculation stage, emphasising the importance of an iterative over a linear approach. The research approach adopted has led to more informed sustainable solutions at earlier stages of project development, with a generally lower level of development (LOD) and computational/modelling effort required

STR-996: OPTIMIZATION FOR BRIDGE TYPE SELECTION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Many Researchers have attempted to establish a methodology for the selection of bridge type in a systematic manner. Knowledge based systems (KBS) and other Expert Systems (ES) have been used for this purpose but they have some limitations and restrictions. This paper proposes a methodology to implement a Decision Support System (DSS) in an artificial intelligent environment that aims to suggest a bridge type with its main components at the conceptual design phase, based on the characteristics and performance of existing and similar bridges in order to predict the performance of proposed ones that have been analyzed by decision makers with limited subjectivity. The proposed methodology is divided into three main divisions: 1) this division includes a database that will be structured to store appropriated information besides including models like Point Scale and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) systems that will serve for linguistic conversion to numbers needed for the DSS engine. This division contains as well all the mandatory criteria that have influence on the performance of proposed bridges. 2) this division is the core of the “DSS Engine” where it receives the information from the database that will be implemented in an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) module for training, testing and then predicting the performance of a new case bridge. Afterwards a decision will be made to implement the ANN’s results into a Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) environment to visualize the suggested design and to predict the potential problems. 3) In this division, a final decision will be made based on the results of the second division. In the proposed DSS, most of the factors are considered as criteria in the database; criteria that have influence on the decision are automatically considered during the analysis process and are introduced in the DSS Engine. The flexibility of the proposed methodology and particularly the database and the method of analysis will make the DSS very helpful in the area of bridge design and management. This will provide bridge engineers with an efficient tool that will minimize the subjectivity in their decisions. A case project will be considered to test the workability and capability of the proposed methodology

Integrated conceptual cost estimating and life cycle costing system for building projects

Cost estimates are considered the most important and critical mission during the life cycle of a construction project. Preparing reliable and accurate estimates to help decision makers is the most challenging assignment that cost engineers and estimators can face. For decades, the construction industry focused on acquiring the construction costs of building facilities, neglecting the associated costs of running and maintaining them. Currently, by contrast, owners are interested in investigating the economics of facility management, which are the cost of owning and operating the building over its useful life. This thesis presents a methodology that can be used for an integrated conceptual cost estimating and life-cycle costing system for building projects. The methodology describes the development and implementation of a system that automates the preparation of conceptual cost estimates and forecasts future costs of running building projects. This methodology does so by joining Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) and Virtual Reality Environment (VRE). The system integrates relational databases, a preliminary estimate module, an AutoCAD module, a global module, a cost estimate forecasting and decision support-system modules, and life-cycle costing and sensitivity analysis modules. A modification in building design will result in an automatic generation of a new conceptual estimate. Subsequently, this modified drawing can be virtually animated and visualized by using a Virtual Reality browser. Finally, once capital costs are identified, the system forecasts the cost of running and maintaining the new building during its expected service life. Then, after assigning the range of deviation, it applies a sensitivity analysis method to investigate the most sensitive parameters so that further attention can be directed. Designing the system in a user-friendly environment allows owners and decision makers to envision the feasibility of new building projects within their anticipated life cycle. Moreover, it assists architects and cost engineers to generate conceptual cost estimates in a dynamic environment. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the usefulness and capabilities of the developed system

Rubén Darío as the "other" ghost in Delmira Agustini's "Los cálices vacíos"

A través de un análisis detallado de poemas de Los cálices vacíos (1913), reveló la manera en que Delmira Agustini (1886-1914) explota las posibilidades creativas dentro de las metáforas de paternidad literaria a las cuales recurre Rubén Darío (1867-1916) a lo largo de su carrera. Agustini reescribe los tropos modernistas para presentar su lucha personal contra la visión patriarcal arraigada en el lenguaje y simbolismo de Darío. A la vez, desarrolla la figura de una mujer fuerte y seductiva quien es capaz de usurpar la autoridad de autoría al poeta masculino más importante del momento.Through the detailed examination of poems from Los calices vacíos (1913) I show how Delmira Agustini (1886-1914) exploits for her own purposes the creative potential within the erotic metaphors of literary paternity that Rubén Darío (1867-1916) turns to throughout his work. She rewrites modernista tropes to present her personal struggle against the patriarchal vision embedded within Darío‟s language and imagery. At the same time, she develops the figure of a strong and seductive woman capable of usurping authorial authority from the most important male writer of her day.Fil: Jrade, Cathy L.. Vanderbilt University (Estados Unidos

An expert system to optimize cost and schedule of heavy earthmoving operations for earth- and rock- filled dam projects

Success of major embankment dam construction projects is measured by the enormity of optimizing costs and schedules of selected heavy equipment based on their operational analyses. In this paper, the main objective is geared towards developing a knowledge-based decision support system for optimizing costs of heavy earthmoving operations and corresponding linear schedules at early design stages. Also, the proposed system is capable of generating an auto­mated linear schedule based on stochastic scheduling techniques. Thus, a meta-heuristic simulated approach utilizing a metropolis algorithm is implemented to assist in generating optimized line-of balances. The successful implementation of the proposed system will provide the user with optimum fleet of equipment for performing earthwork operations and linear scheduling for strategic planning purposes. Towards the end, an actual dam construction project is utilized to numerically validate the proposed system and quantify its degree of accuracy. Results presented in this study are an­ticipated to be of major significance to owners, designers, and construction managers specialized in embankment dams heavy earthmoving operations and would contribute to the database of fleet management systems by incorporating a novel system that integrates heavy equipment economical operational analyses with its corresponding line of balance. First published online: 15 Dec 201

Assessment Schemes for Sustainability Design through BIM: Lessons Learnt

There is increasing demand on sustainability-led design to reduce negative impacts brought by construction development. The capability of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to achieve sustainability is widely acknowledged. Various sustainability analysis and calculation can be performed at early stages to help the designers in decision making. However, the level of implementation is still not popular in the construction industry. Many of the industry players are still rely on traditional 2D method for designing and analysis. Hence, this study aims to demonstrate a proof concept of using BIM for sustainability design. The first phase of this study conducted a critical review of existing assessment schemes: BREEAM, LEED, SBTool, CASBEE, BEAM Plus, Green Star, Green Mark and GBI, to develop a set of main criteria to be considered for sustainability design. The findings revealed that fourteen criteria are considered, which are management, sustainable site, transport, indoor environmental quality, energy, waste, water, material, pollution, innovation, economics, social, culture and quality of services. It was found that most of the existing schemes emphasized on environmental aspect as compared to economics, social and culture except SBTool. The next phase of this study will conduct a case study to demonstrate sustainability design through BIM by using the criteria developed from the first phase

INTEGRATED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR BRIDGES AT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN STAGE

ABSTRACT Subjectivity is the main factor that affects the selection process of a bridge type at the conceptual design stage. Selecting the bridge type is generally influenced by many parameters. In most cases, these parameters are evaluated and assessed by engineers based on their own experience, knowledge and judgment. Therefore, in an attempt to provide some consistency and objectivity to the selection process, this paper proposes a methodology to develop a model that incorporates systematical procedures that can be used to avoid and limit the decision maker's subjectivity. This methodology considers "machine technique", which is a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as the core for the guideline engine of the proposed model, besides using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling with its back-propagation algorithm to identify and select the utmost solution. Comprehensive evaluation of bridge characteristics and parameters that influence the final decision is implemented and considered in the proposed model. The model is applicable for both general and specific cases of bridge design. Its simplicity, user friendly and comprehension would help designers minimize the influence of human subjectivity while taking major decisions; automatically rank all possible alternatives and consider all factors that impact the decision process. The process is automatic and will require minimal user intervention

“Somos ya legión”: Mapping Modernista Poetics and Literary Production

This study investigates how digital mapping of lyrical spaces and publication statistics illuminate modernista participation of the global literary field. Using gathered spatial data points from poetic editions from Rubén Darío and Amado Nervo reveal a rich intertextual and geospatial web. The cosmopolitanism and globalized erudition of modernista writers granted them wide access to seize world cultures and created a hybridized conglomeration of spatial elements in their poetic expression. The article then shifts to the mapping of literary production of Darío and Enrique Gómez Carrillo. Through data collection and geographic mapping of the writers’ book and journalistic publishing, levels of transnationality come into focus revealing previously unseen patterns of print and communication technologies at the turn of the 20th century. Tools of data collection and mapping prompt a greater understanding of the narrative of the modernista movement. Instead of leading to unambiguous and objective results, mapping spatial elements of the period lead to further questions that have the potential to open up the literary history of the fin de siglo to lines of inquiry that are not yet fully explored