As-Built 3D Heritage City Modelling to Support Numerical Structural Analysis: Application to the Assessment of an Archaeological Remain

Terrestrial laser scanning is a widely used technology to digitise archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage. This allows for modelling the assets’ real condition in comparison with traditional data acquisition methods. This paper, based on the case study of the basilica in the Baelo Claudia archaeological ensemble (Tarifa, Spain), justifies the need of accurate heritage modelling against excessively simplified approaches in order to support structural safety analysis. To do this, after validating the 3Dmeshing process frompoint cloud data, the semi-automatic digital reconstitution of the basilica columns is performed. Next, a geometric analysis is conducted to calculate the structural alterations of the columns. In order to determine the structural performance, focusing both on the accuracy and suitability of the geometric models, static and modal analyses are carried out by means of the finite element method (FEM) on three different models for the most unfavourable column in terms of structural damage: (1) as-built (2) simplified and (3) ideal model without deformations. Finally, the outcomes show that the as-built modelling enhances the conservation status analysis of the 3D heritage city (in terms of realistic compliance factor values), although further automation still needs to be implemented in the modelling process

Energy planning and forecasting approaches for supporting physical improvement strategies in the building sector: a review

The strict CO2 emission targets set to tackle the global climate change associated with greenhouse gas emission exerts so much pressure on our cities which contribute up to 75% of the global carbon dioxide emission level, with buildings being the largest contributor (UNEP, 2015). Premised on this fact, urban planners are required to implement proactive energy planning strategies not only to meet these targets but also ensure that future cities development is performed in a way that promotes energy-efficiency. This article gives an overview of the state-of-art of energy planning and forecasting approaches for aiding physical improvement strategies in the building sector. Unlike previous reviews, which have only addressed the strengths as well as weaknesses of some of the approaches while referring to some relevant examples from the literature, this article focuses on critically analysing more approaches namely; 2D GIS and 3DGIS (CityGML) based energy prediction approaches, based on their frequent intervention scale, applicability in the building life cycle, and conventional prediction process. This will be followed by unravelling the gaps and issues pertaining to the reviewed approaches. Finally, based on the identified problems, future research prospects are recommended

Méthode de conception fonctionnelle en architecture : une approche CAO basée sur les contraintes : ARCHIPLAN

We deal with the problem of optimal dimensioning and placement of rooms in a placement place (we find also space planning) of one-family dwelling, offices or public facilities... We present a new generation of architectural CAD softwares which starts with functional design specifications in terms of constraints over rooms. The originality of this work consists in proposing a three-level placement model: functional, topological and numerical. In a second step, the software ARCHiPLAN that we have developed enumerates all the topologically different solutions, without presuming any precise definitive dimension. These solutions correspond to the sketching step that an architect carries out from the functional specifications during a preliminary design phase. Next, the architect may evolve in this topological solution space, which is rather of small size ; afterwards, he can choose some of them for a more detailed study. For each topological solution, the best dimensional solution is determined from cost, useful surface and grid criteria. This approach, which combines object-oriented programming and constraint programming techniques, avoids the combinatorial explosion problem thanks to this three-level model when suiting the design practice by a functional and gradual method. The software ARCHiPLAN has already proved its robustness, its pertinence, its flexibility and its speed over numerous examples.Nous nous intéressons au problème du dimensionnement et du placement optimal de locaux sur une surface donnée (on trouve aussi allocation spatiale), de type logements familiaux, bureaux ou équipements collectifs... Nous présentons une nouvelle approche de logiciel de CAO en architecture qui part de l'expression du besoin fonctionnel en termes de contraintes sur les locaux. La grande originalité de ce travail est de proposer un modèle de placement a trois niveaux : fonctionnel, topologique et numérique. Dans une seconde étape, le logiciel ARCHiPLAN que nous avons développé, énumère toutes les solutions topologiquement différentes, sans présumer pour autant de dimensions finales précises. Ces solutions correspondent à l'étape d'esquisses qu'effectue un architecte en phase de conception préliminaire a partir du cahier des charges fonctionnel (programme). L'architecte peut ensuite « naviguer » dans cet espace de solutions topologiques, en faible nombre, et en choisir certaines pour une étude plus poussée. Pour chaque solution topologique, la meilleure solution dimensionnelle est trouvée au regard de critères de coûts, de surfaces utiles, de trame ou autres. Cette approche, qui combine la programmation orientée objet et les techniques de programmation par contraintes, a l'avantage d'éviter le problème récurrent de l'explosion combinatoire grâce a ce modèle a trois niveaux, tout en se rapprochant de la pratique du concepteur du domaine par une méthode fonctionnelle et progressive. Le logiciel ARCHiPLAN a prouve sa robustesse, sa pertinence et sa souplesse en conception ainsi que sa rapidite sur de nombreux exemples

An Ontological Metro Accident Case Retrieval Using CBR and NLP

Metro accidents are apt to cause serious consequences, such as casualties or heavy economic loss. Once accidents occur, quick and accurate decision-making is essential to prevent emergent accidents from getting worse, which remains a challenge due to the lack of efficient knowledge representation and retrieval. In this research, an ontological method that integrates case-based reasoning (CBR) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques was proposed for metro accident case retrieval. An ontological model was developed to formalize the representation of metro accident knowledge, and then, the CBR aimed to retrieve similar past cases for supporting decision-making after the accident cases were annotated by the NLP technique. Rule-based reasoning (RBR), as a complementary of CBR, was used to decide the appropriate measures based on those that are recorded in regulations, such as emergency plans. A total of 120 metro accident cases were extracted from the safety monthly reports during metro operations and then built into the case library. The proposed method was tested in MyCBR and evaluated by expert reviews, which had an average precision of 91%