A Geographic Information System (GIS)–Based Bridge Management System

Many bridge authorities responsible for the management and maintenance of bridges in their road networks use computer-based databases or bridge management systems (BMSs) as data management and analysis tools to aid them in performing many important bridge management functions and decisions. Due to superior spatial data handling capabilities, geographic information system (GIS) technology is increasingly being considered for implementation in many infrastructure planning and management systems, including bridge management systems. This article describes the use of a hybrid business and information modeling approach to develop a model to support the development of a geographic information system (GIS)–based bridge management system. It presents the architecture for implementing such a system for the Bridge Unit of the Public Works Department (JKR) in Malaysia. Most GIS systems are technology-based. The methodology used here captures organizational processes as well as information systems requirements. This facilitates business decision making and business process change. Using this hybrid modeling approach, first the organization's business objectives, functions, and processes are modeled. These business requirements form the basis of detailed information requirement analysis. Object-oriented methods are then employed to define object models and show the relationships between objects and the operations performed on them. Finally, the software architecture and interface for developing such a prototype GIS-based BMS is described and some sample screen outputs of the system to analyze and visualize over 2500 actual Malaysian bridge structures in the road network are presented. Future developments of the infrastructure set out here are capable of providing a BMS that supports business processes and facilitates business process change.     

Visualization in environmental management: beyond the buzz word

Environmental management is a scientifically and procedurally complex task requiring the involvement of a range of disciplines. Increasingly this process is being rendered more tractable through the application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. When such systems are effectively integrated with biophysical modelling software a spatial decision support system can be achieved. The outputs of such a system are often in the form of visualizations, i.e. a sequence of graphics (perhaps of unit length and possibly including text), designed to meet specific communication objectives. This paper describes general requirements for the design of visualizations.     

“Virtual Design Studio”—Part 2: Introduction to overall and software framework

The “Virtual Design Studio (VDS)” is a software platform for integrated, coordinated and optimized design of building energy and environmental systems. It is intended to assist management, architectural and systems design teams throughout the early to detailed building design stages as analyzed in Part 1 (DOI: 10.1007/s12273-013-0110-2). This paper presents an overview of the VDS design and method of software implementation, including system composition, architecture, graphical user interface (GUI), and simulation solver integration. A VDS user workflow is also illustrated with a simplified design example.     

Assessing energy-saving measures in buildings through an intelligent decision support model

Indeed, in the recent years, important efforts in applying energy management processes have been focused on the building sector, which demonstrates the increasing energy intensity and energy consumption indexes. The role of the building energy management systems (BEMS) is known and significant in this respect, for the management of the daily energy operations of a typical building. Effective energy management however requires the use of tools and methodologies that support the strategic decision making process of selecting energy saving measures, which are viable and environmental friendly. The aim of this paper is the presentation of an innovative intelligent decision support model for the identification of the need for intervention and further evaluation of energy saving measures in a typical existing building, based on the systematic incorporation of BEMS data (loads, demands and user requirements). The operation of the model is supportive to the decision makers authorized with the energy-efficient performance of the building and responsible for its management (energy auditors and building administration). In addition, the corresponding computerized decision support system and the appraisal of its pilot application to a typical existing office building in Athens, Greece, are presented and discussed.     

Information Population of an Integrated Construction Management System

This paper discusses the future requirements of integrated construction management systems and the need to support the management of large volumes of information on several levels. The solution proposes a combination of an efficient user interface and methods to partially automate the creation of the required information through access to stored information from past projects. The research follows the path being established for integrated construction management systems that rely on a standard representation of the industry's information requirements. By exploring the comprehensive aspects of construction planning for an integrated construction management system, the research demonstrates the usefulness of applying sound information representation structures. Through the application of case-based reasoning, the research advances the concepts of planning tools as they apply to integrated systems. The resulting prototype construction management system has the primary characteristic of assisting the user in the manipulation of information in order to generate the initial information requirements of an integrated construction management system.     

A collaborative GIS framework to support equipment distribution for civil engineering disaster response operations

After an eXtreme Event (XE) hits an urban area, well-organized response operations are required to mitigate the chaotic situation. Efficient allocation of resources such as construction equipment is critical to the performance of disaster response operations. This paper presents a Geographic Information System (GIS) based framework that facilitates equipment allocation in response to disasters. The framework is composed of three subsystems to facilitate information gathering and decision making for equipment distribution. First, an application that runs on mobile devices for on-field resource request is developed. Second, a resource repository is implemented with a geosaptial database that enables spatial query of resources with a graphical interface. In addition, a GIS which enables automated decision making such as resource matching and route finding for resource distribution is presented. Integration of decision models into the framework to support complex decision making for equipment distribution is also proposed. With the framework in place, disaster response operations could become more efficient. Simulated test cases have been carried out for Champaign, IL, the City of Chicago and the New York City. Future research will be directed towards further expansion and validation of the framework through interaction with emergency management agencies in the US.     

Geographical information system (GIS) application to construction and geotechnical data management on MRT construction projects in Singapore

Major construction projects, such as the North East Line (NEL) and Changi Airport Line (CAL), being undertaken by the Land Transport Authority in Singapore, produce vast quantities of construction related data which require management and interpretation. The management information system developed and deployed by the Land Transport Authority to handles such data is a client-web server based Geographical Information System (GIS) termed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Geotechnical Database (GDB). This paper briefly discusses the design and architecture of the GDB. Then the user interface and the varied data management and presentation capabilities of the system are described in detail. Finally, the performance of the system is assessed in terms of the quantity of data handled, the user profile and numbers. It is concluded that the system performs well in its role of managing large volumes of instrumentation and construction data, and providing this to clients in user-friendly graphical formats that makes interpretation faster and easier. This has resulted in the GDB being widely used and providing tangible benefits to the organisation.     

The water supply is fine: decision‐maker perceptions of water quantity and supply‐side management

Years of research have called for more science to be integrated into water management decisions and for a shift from supply‐side to demand‐side management; yet, there remains a strong emphasis on supply‐side approaches and in many areas limited attention to hydrological data. A survey and interviews with decision‐makers in western North Carolina reveal that there is only low‐level concern about water quantity, and this drives a continued emphasis on supply‐side management and no perceived need for hydrological data. The historical realities of low demand and abundant water have generated a perception of ‘water supply’ as disconnected from physical, hydrological systems and allowed for ad hoc decision‐making processes to prevail. The lack of well‐established processes may, ironically, provide significant opportunities for employing collaboration among researchers and decision‐makers to develop policies and processes that integrate data into making water management decisions and thus prompt increased attention to water demand.     

ConSERV, a project specific risk management concept

Managing risks in design intensive multi-disciplinary capital projects presents unique problems for decision makers within the project environment. Existing risk management tools, tend to employ axiomatic software and as such do not provide any intelligent risk management capability or lead to better informed decision making processes. ConSERV is being developed as a comprehensive project management methodology able to extract project specific risk issues throughout the project life cycle and apply experiential knowledge by using a knowledge-based system to assist in the management of them. A visual representation of the project risks is obtained by employing a more practical non probabilistic approach. ConSERV will provide project managers with on line decision support, at key stages of the project to assist in the management and control of the project specific risks identified.     

用面向对象技术开发暖通CAD数据库

针对暖通空调工程项目ＣＡＤ设计过程需要检索、查询、传输、存储大量数据信息的特点,基于Ｗｉｎｄｏｗｓ９５工作平台,利用面向对象技术开发开放式数据库系统,使工程设计人员能在专业软件的环境下,使用友好的图形用户界面,实现数据流的传输,减少人机对话。     

Trends in risk assessment and risk management

Environmental risk assessment has matured into a powerful analytical tool, which is finding ever-wider applications in the arena of policy making and regulation. However, the principal focus of its development to date has been on the technical challenges of characterising and modelling the environmental behaviour and biological action of chemicals, whereas issues concerning its broader socio-political context have been generally neglected. Problem definition, risk analysis and decision making have, therefore, tended to be dominated by experts and by expert opinion. Fresh insights from the social sciences advocate a pluralistic, inclusive approach, with experts participating alongside other stakeholders in a consensual decision making process. Adoption of this paradigm has far reaching consequences for the form and conduct of risk assessment and risk management.     

Opportunities for enhanced lean construction management using Internet of Things standards

Traditionally, production control on construction sites has been challenging, and still remains challenging. The ad-hoc production control methods that are usually used, most of which are informal, foster uncertainty that prevents smooth production flow. Lean construction methods such as the Last Planner System have partially tackled this problem by involving site teams into the decision making process and having them report back to the production management system. However, such systems have relatively long “lookahead” planning cycles to respond to the dynamic production requirements of construction, where daily, if not hourly control is needed. New solutions have been proposed such as VisiLean, KanBIM, etc., but again these types of construction management systems require the proximity and availability of computer devices to workers. Through this paper, the authors investigate how the communication framework underlying such construction management systems can be further improved so as to fully or partially automate various communication functions across the construction project lifecycle (e.g., to enable lean and close to real-time reporting of production control information). To this end, the present paper provides evidences of how the Internet of Things (IoT) and related standards can contribute to such an improvement. The paper then provides first insights – through various construction scenarios – into how the proposed communication framework can be beneficial for various actors and core business perspectives, from lean construction management to the management of the entire building lifecycle.     

基于RFID技术的电梯门禁管理系统

为了提高电梯门禁系统的智能化管理,本文提出了一种基于RFID技术的电梯门禁管理系统解决方案,对系统的体系结构、实现的技术原理、硬件组成、软件架构和系统功能做了介绍,分析了系统IC卡区块设计、RFID寻卡读卡与发卡的关键技术设计思想。基于RFID技术的电梯门禁管理系统以非接触式IC卡作为凭证来控制电梯的呼叫和使用,通过对讲联动协议转换板实现访客功能,实现电梯的门禁和联动功能。     

Knowledge-Based System Development Tools for Processing Design Specifications

Code-compliance checking in any engineering design process is typically a nonsequential activity that requires extensive data managmenkt and decision making. Knowledge-based system methodology can be applied to solve some of the problems in processing code specifications that could not be addressed by traditional procedural programming languages. Many software development tools are currently available to assist in the development of knowledgte-based systems for specific applications. The characteristics of each tool vary with the knowledge representation and inference methodologies, and differ with the user interface and other features for development. An evaluation of seven knowledge-based system development tools is presented in this paper. The suitability of each development enviornment for design assistance by processing code specifications is investigated by means of prototype design applications. A brief descrioption of the features of each development too, implementation details of prototype applications, and a qualitative comparison of the tools on the basis of suitability to process design code spacifications are presented.     

Developing and implementing environmental management systems for small and medium-sized construction enterprises

Environmental aspects are gradually becoming factors of importance for construction businesses, their operations and their management. These factors can be seen as new change makers for construction management itself. New criteria need to be taken into account when structuring construction activities, in decision making, and throughout the production control. Instances of construction management solutions that also encapsulate environmental aspects are likely to appear. A contractor’s environmental management system (EMS) is an example of such an instance. As a management solution an EMS is targeted at minimizing a contractor’s environmental impacts. An experiment has been carried out where an EMS solution was formed and tested for small and medium-sized contractors. Fifteen small and medium-sized construction companies were involved. Along with the action research approach, a set of workshops with company people were arranged for EMS structuring and for its testing. Within these experiments the researcher acted as a developer and inside observer. The proposed EMS solution presents the structuring of environmental aspects for management attention. Moreover, this structuring can be used as a basis for a formal environmentally conscious management system. All companies involved in the research have started to use the EMS solution or its parts.     

论配网设计软件和地理信息系统的集成

介绍采用软件接口技术对配网设计软件和地理信息系统进行有机整合的过程。提出系统开发必须从电网工程全生命周期管理的高度,紧密结合实际的业务流程,通过分析系统的信息流,分阶段及时有效地采集数据,才能使电网信息系统应用得到数据的强大支撑。     

EVALUATION MODELS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT Environmental aspects of energy conversion, in particular the generation of electricity, play an important role in the decision process on energy projects. A decision support model is proposed which distinguished three evaluation levels of environmental aspects: the emission level, the concentration level and the effect level. Multi-criteria analysis (a combination of the "expected value method" and the "weighted summation") and graphical presentation methods are used in evaluate the model which is implemented for seven electricity producing energy conversion systems, ranging from nuclear and coal, to oil, gas and wind. These systems are evaluated on the following to environmental criteria: acidification, photo-chemical pollution, climatic effects, noise, thermal pollution, solid and nuclear waste, land use requirement, risk and visual disturbance.     

Distributed Control of a Multiple Tethered Mobile Robot System for Highway Maintenance and Construction

The development of a distributed control system for a multiple mobile robot system is described. The mobile robots considered have been termed tethered mobile robots (TMRs). The TMRs are differentially steered, wheeled mobile robots tethered to a support vehicle, and they have been designed for automating highway maintenance and construction. The control system consists of a network of a host computer and several real‐time dynamic controllers running under Windows for Workgroups and DOS operating systems, respectively. Advanced industrial embedding technology is applied to the hardware design, and the system's fault‐tolerance is achieved from a distributed architecture and overall condition monitoring. The object‐oriented and hardware‐independent software programming provides a graphic user interface and flexibility for a large number of highway maintenance and construction tasks. It also provides convenience for any other mobile robotics research applications.     

Implementing Environmental Management Systems in the Finfish Aquaculture Industry

Environmental management systems are being implemented in many sectors of industry in order to assist organizations to (a) comply with legal requirements minimizing impacts on the environment, (b) reduce waste, and (c) gain an advantage in the market place. This paper provides guidance on the elements which should be incorporated into an environmental management system for finfish aquaculture operations in the UK.