Construction Project Monitoring with Site Photographs and 4D Project Models

Early and accurate measurement of progress is crucial for the success of a project. Early detection of discrepancies and deviation from the as-planned data allow more time for project participants to identify the best solution. Monitoring the construction progress requires the Project Managers to analyze a lot of as-built data. This time-consuming process is prone to error. To overcome this problem, people have started adopting Building Information Models (BIM) for monitoring the construction progress. In this paper, we have discussed how the site photographs, which are readily available at all project sites, can be effectively used for monitoring the progress. The 4D as-planned model is prepared at the beginning of the project. Then, a 3D model is reconstructed from time-lapsed as-built photos. For any given time, the progress can be tracked by comparing the 4D model and the 3D as-built model. The progress data is extracted by superimposing the reconstructed scene over the 4D as-planned model. The reconstructed model allows the as-built photographs to be geo-registered by the 4D as-planned model. As a result of this comparison, the progress data is then visualized in an AR environment. Progress is visualized in the 4D model using a quadrangle visualization scheme. This type of approach presents a realistic understanding of the construction progress and is a very good communication tool between project participants. We have discussed both interior and exterior construction progress monitoring is this paper

PROGRAMMED STRENGTH TRAINING USING A COMPUTERIZED ISOTONIC STAND

One of the very important tasks of the theory and practice of modern training is searching for new methods, in order to improve the efficiency of the training process. Nowadays muscle strength seems to be the most significant factor which influences performance in different kinds of sport. On the other hand development of the strength level is particularly difficult among highperformance athletes. The aim of this paper is to present computer-controlled strength training using a special stand for museie strength training and diagnostics. The stand consists of three main sub-assembles: -mechanical part (steel bedplate, bar with replaceable holders, bench for exercises). -hydraulic resistance module, -efectronic part (valve controller, AlC converter, PC 486/100). A special computer program allows force stabilization in the full range of motion (isotonic resistance) and registration of the basic parameters of movement. The computer-controlled training program includes three basic strength training methods: -repetition (50-80% RM, 4-8 series, 1020 reps); -maximal efforts (90-100% RM, 1-5 series, 1-3 reps); -speed-strength (40-45% RM, 4-8 series, 8-12 reps). Besides these methods the user could exercise according to his (or her) individual program. There are four main indices describing training loads, which can be controlled: resistance, number of series, number of reps and rest periods. Various popular exercises as: bench press, seated press, squats, both-or one-hand pulls, biceps curl. bent over row, etc. can be performed on the stand. The computer program enables registration of the force and displacement of the bar and on this base calculation maximal and mean values of several important parameters of the workout: mechanical power, velocity of the bar, work per rep(s). set(s) and unit(s). The initial resistance is established during the special trials, assessing the speedstrength abilities of the user, and changes of training loads are accomplished automatically, according to achieved results in these trials. The computer-controlled strength training performed on the isotonic stand is designed for both, beginners and highperformance athletes. The equipment can be used under field or laboratory conditions, because it is very safe, not noisy and not too large. REFERENCES Ariel G., Penny M., Saar D.. Selinger A. (1990): Computer-controlled strength training program for the U.S. National Women's Volleyball Team. COTO Research Center. Abstract form. Eliasz J. (1993): Trening sity mi~sniowej w pilee r~cznej (Strength training in handball) Sport Wyczynowy 9/10:21-28. Kannus P. (1994): Isokinetic evaluation of muscular performance: Implications for museie testing and rehabilitation. Int. Journal of Sports Medicine 15. Suppt. 1:S11-18. Kemp M. (1989): Strength training principles. Modem Athlete and Coach 27:11-12. Pauletto B. (1991): Strength training for coaches. Human Kinetics. Champaign IL. Zatsiorsky V.M. (1995): Science and Practice of Strength Training. Human Kinetics. Champaign IL

Modeling and experimental validation of a solar-assisted direct expansion air conditioning system

Continuous increase in global electricity consumption, environmental hazards of pollution and depletion of fossil fuel resources have brought about a paradigm shift in the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies. This paper reports on an experimental study to investigate the inherent operational characteristics of a new direct-expansion air conditioning system combined with a vacuum solar collector. Mathematical models of the system components are firstly derived and then validated against experimental results. To investigate the potential of energy savings, the hybrid solar-assisted air-conditioner is installed and extensively equipped with a number of sensors and instrumentation devices, for experimentation and data collection. The influence on the system energy usage of the average water temperature, storage tank size and room set-point temperature are then analyzed. Once the air-conditioned room has achieved its desired temperature, the compressor turns off while the cooling process still continues until the refrigerant pressure no longer maintains the desired temperature. The advantages of the proposed hybrid system rest with the fact that the compressor can remain off in a longer period by heat impartation into the refrigerant via the water storage tank. Results show an average monthly energy saving of about between 25% and 42%. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

AN ASSESSMENT OF SPEED-STRENGTH ABILITIES IN YOUNG MEN

INTRODUCTION Muscle strength is one of the most important factors in sport performance and other human activities -in this case it concerns the physical preparation of military pilots, particularly in order to develop the +Gz toleration. The study was designed to establish the parameters of speed-strength abilities of upper and lower extremities in young men. It allows us to find out the relationships between age, body mass, speed and muscle strength in order to improve the efficiency of weight training. METHODS One hundred young men (cadet-pilots) participated in the study. They were divided into two main groups: middle aviation school students (n=21; 16.0±1.1 years of age, 173.4±5.3 cm body height, 63.8±10.2 kg body weight) and the Polish Air-Force Academy students (n=79; 20.9±1.4 years of age, 178.0±5.7 cm b.h., 73.3±7.3 kg b.m.). In order to estimate the basic speed-strength parameters of upper and lower extremities both groups performed bench press and squats. Exercises were provided on a computerized stand (locally made) under isokinetic (co = 0.2 radIs) and isotonic (M = 20 Nxm) conditions. The subjects performed three trials with maximal effort to estimate the maximal speed (MS) and the maximal torque (MT) developed in the exercise. Descriptive statistics for each parameter as well as the t-test and Pearson's correlation matrix were used (

Information technology applications in construction safety assurance

Through analysis of articles published from 2006 to July 2014 this paper summarizes the topics of research and the institutions where research was conducted in the field of computer-based construction safety engineering management. One hundred and thirty-six articles published during this time focused on Information Technology (IT) applications in this field were selected for analysis. The underlying research topics and their related IT implementations are discussed, and research trends in allied specialties are identified

Investigation of cooling properties of the gaseous medium of a space station

An investigation of cooling properties of the gaseous medium was performed in the biosatellite Kosmos-936 as well as in the orbital complexes Soyuz-28/Salyut-6 and Soyuz-30/Salyut-6 with the aid of an especially constructed electric dynamic catathermometer. In this instrument current was measured which was necessary to keep a steady settled temperature of the sensing device. The investigation was performed because of the disturbed heat exhange of the human body caused by lack of natural convection in weightlessness. The instrument also enabled objective estimation of the temperature of the cosmonaut's ody in six optionally selected regions. The results obtained by means of the catathermometer will also enable defining the appropriate hygienic conditions of the gaseous medium of space stations

Predicting Work Zone Collision Probabilities via Clustering: Application in Optimal Deployment of Highway Response Teams

This paper proposes a clustering approach to predict the probability of a collision occurring in the proximity of planned road maintenance operations (i.e., work zones). The proposed method is applied to over 54,000 short-term work zones in the state of Maryland and demonstrates an ability to predict work zone collision probabilities. One of the key applications of this work is using the predicted probabilities at the operational level to help allocate highway response teams. To this end, a two-stage stochastic program is used to locate response vehicles on the Maryland highway network in order to minimize expected response times. Document type: Articl