Prototype Tool for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination

Effective mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination requires recalling and integrating knowledge regarding design, construction, and operations and maintenance of each MEP system. Currently, the MEP coordination process involves a series of meetings where representatives from each MEP trade overlay drawings of their respective systems to detect and eliminate numerous types of interferences. Tailored computer tools used to design and fabricate MEP systems almost always generate these drawings, but no knowledge-based computer technology exists to assist in the multidiscipline MEP coordination effort. The purpose of this research was to develop a technology that integrates a number of knowledge bases—design criteria, construction, and operations and maintenance—into a knowledge-based system that is able to provide valuable insight to engineers and construction personnel, to assist them in resolving coordination problems for multiple MEP systems. This research provides a foundation for future researchers to build from and for industry to create a revised work process, using information technology, to assist in multidiscipline coordination efforts.     

Coordinating Building Systems: Process and Knowledge

The coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems to detail their configuration is a major challenge for complex buildings and industrial projects. Specialized consultants and contractors design and construct these systems. Computer tools can assist with this activity, but fragmented responsibility for these systems and the knowledge required for their design, installation, and operation make this difficult. This paper reports initial results from a research project to develop a computer tool to assist in coordinating MEP systems. It describes current practice, a revised work process using a computer tool, required knowledge, and development of a prototype system. These results confirm the feasibility of capturing the distributed knowledge required and of developing a computer tool to assist with MEP coordination, along with the potential to implement the tool and significantly improve this important project process.     

Benefit-Cost Metrics for Design Coordination of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems in Multistory Buildings

Design coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in buildings is a multidisciplinary effort to locate equipment, route distribution systems, and resolve interferences between systems that can cause field conflicts. Absent from existing research are defined metrics of design coordination—how much it costs to perform depending on project variables, and the true costs of field conflicts that are eliminated by coordination. This research was performed to explore the costs of design coordination in concert with the benefits of eliminating coordination conflicts that arise in the field. A standard method to measure costs of coordination is developed for case study projects. Potential variables that affect this cost are evaluated, and the negative impacts of field conflicts are measured. Project variables that have strong relationships with coordination costs are identified to be MEP density [MEP cost/square foot (SF)], and plenum height, and exploratory models to predict coordination costs using these variables are presented. Three distinct types of coordination conflicts are identified with measurable increasing impacts and cost. These results help to quantify the level of effort needed to coordinate building systems, and help to provide a basis for detecting projects that are likely to have problematic MEP coordination processes.     

Organizational Divisions in BIM-Enabled Commercial Construction

Proponents claim that the adoption of building information modeling (BIM) will lead to greater efficiencies through increased collaboration. In this paper, we present research that examines the use of BIM technologies for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire life safety systems (often referred to as MEP) coordination and how the introduction of BIM influences collaboration and communication. Using data from over 12 months of ethnographic observations of the MEP coordination process for two commercial construction projects and interviews with 65 industry leaders across the United States, we find that BIM-enabled projects are often tightly coupled technologically, but divided organizationally. This means that while BIM makes visible the connections among project members, it is not fostering closer collaboration across different companies. We outline the competing obligations to scope, project, and company as one cause for this division. Obligations to an individual scope of work or to a particular company can conflict with project goals. Individual leadership, especially that of the MEP coordinator in the teams we studied, often substitutes for stronger project cohesion and organization. Organizational forces and structures must be accounted for in order for BIM to be implemented successfully.     

Interstitial Space Design in Modern Laboratories

Modern laboratory design and construction is becoming increasingly complex with advancements in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty system technologies. Laboratory projects often have critical schedules and rigorous maintenance and operations requirements. The use of interstitial spaces that create additional floors for mechanical systems is a design strategy that can facilitate both the construction and operation of laboratories. By providing additional space and easier access to mechanical systems, interstitial designs facilitate maintenance and reconfiguration of laboratories, thus reducing life cycle costs. Despite these and other advantages, the use of interstitial space is often eliminated as a laboratory design option due to perceptions of high first costs. This paper presents an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of interstitial space design as an alternative to traditional plenum construction. The opinions of experienced operators, designers and builders of interstitial building spaces are presented. Survey results of design and construction professionals are presented illustrating current perceptions (and misconceptions) of interstitial spaces as a design alternative for laboratories. Finally, a detailed interdisciplinary case study redesign is used to illustrate the comprehensive effects of introducing an interstitial space design in an actual modern laboratory in which a 1.6-year payback was achieved on the investment in an interstitial design alternative. The research concludes increased first costs can potentially be offset by savings in construction time, and that valuable savings in maintenance and operation costs help to justify the use of interstitial space design solutions.     

Materials Handling System Simulation in Precast Viaduct Construction: Modeling, Analysis, and Implementation

The interactive, complicated system environment of a construction site renders conventional site layout planning and scheduling techniques to be inadequate in coping with materials handling system design in construction. In this paper, we present a university-industry joint endeavor for improving the effectiveness of the materials handling system on a precast viaduct construction project in Hong Kong by implementing the simplified discrete-event simulation approach (SDESA) along with its computer platform resulting from recent research. How to apply the simulation methodology of SDESA is elaborated step by step. Particular emphasis is placed on procedures of establishing a simulation model, validation of the simulation model, design of simulation experiments, and analysis of simulation results. With process flowchart, site layout plan, and process animation produced in a view-centric simulation environment, it is straightforward to establish, validate, and communicate the operations simulation. The research team convinced the project director, as well as field managers, of the functionality and effectiveness of operations simulation. The knowledge derived from simulation added to experiences of site managers in materials handling system design. With the aid of simulation, even junior engineers would be capable and confident to draw up an actionable construction plan that would lead to enhancement of cost effectiveness and productivity in the field.     

Automated Generation of Construction Plans from Primitive Geometries

Current construction simulation systems need detailed architectural models and schedules in order to estimate costs and visualize the construction process. However, the process of developing a building model, formulating a schedule, and eventually synchronizing them is a time-consuming and laborious process. When changes occur, the model and schedule must be modified or rebuilt using the same time-consuming and laborious process. Therefore, systems of this kind are used only for some demonstrations. This paper describes a new way to automate construction simulations using simple architectural information and predefined “construction method templates.” A number of construction method templates are computer readable and are stored as a knowledge base. The writer proves the concept by implementing a computer system to process building models and construction methods. The concept allows designers and construction engineers to build a model and simulate construction processes in a short period of time in the early stage of construction projects.     

Project Manager’s Decision Aid for a Radical Project Cycle Reduction

Currently there are no formal decision tools or guidelines to assist owners and project managers in choosing delivery systems and project strategies that would allow significant reductions in the project cycle time. The development of a decision aid that would allow a project manager to prioritize and apply project cycle reduction techniques would be a valuable tool for achieving project cycle time reduction in projects. This paper presents a new high performance project delivery system called “project manager’s game planner” (PMGP) designed to assist a decision maker in identifying and utilizing an optimal set of radical reduction techniques (RRTs) with the greatest potential for success in achieving cycle time reduction. Additionally, the PMGP can assist the user in identifying the top RRTs during any of the five project phases: preproject planning, design, material management, construction, and start-up. Most projects can utilize this PMGP to improve the project performance whether to achieve significant cycle time reduction or to simply achieve effective project execution.     

Optimization of Earthmoving Operations in Heavy Civil Engineering Projects

Large scale earthmoving operations require the use of heavy and costly construction equipment. Optimum utilization of equipment is a crucial task for the project management team. It can result in substantial savings in both time and cost of earthmoving operations. This paper presents optimization model for earthmoving operations in heavy civil engineering projects. The developed model is designed to assist general contractor in optimizing planning of earthmoving operations. The model utilizes genetic algorithm, linear programming, and geographic information systems to support its management functions. The model assists in planning earthmoving operations; taking into consideration: (1) availability of resources to contractors; (2) project budget and/or time constraints, if any; (3) scope of work; (4) construction site conditions; (5) soil type; (6) project indirect cost; and (7) equipment characteristics. The model also determines the quantities of earth to be moved from different borrow pits and those to be placed at different landfill sites to meet optimization objective set by the user and to meet project constraints. The model has been implemented in prototype software, using object-oriented programming. Two numerical example projects are presented to validate and demonstrate the use of the developed model in optimizing earthmoving operations.     

The Civil Engineering Resource Library

The delivery of civil engineering projects requires civil engineers to address a broad spectrum of issues generated by both project participants and regulatory agencies. Providing tools that assist team members in addressing these issues through the use of information and knowledge from previous projects may reduce project errors by creating informed decision makers. Recent advances in communications and computer technologies provide the opportunity to enhance professional and student access to these resources. The Civil Engineering Resource Library research effort explores this opportunity by combining an introduction to civil engineering processes with emerging web-based technologies for an electronic classroom supplement. The electronic library uses case studies to provide students with illustrations of emerging civil engineering practices and regulatory compliance strategies.     

Mixed Reality-Based Visualization Interfaces for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry

Varied computing devices and automated sensors will enable new human-computer interface paradigms for interacting with digitally managed project information. The writers therefore propose the development of Mixed Reality (MR)-based computer interfaces, and especially Augmented Reality systems, for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry and describe the technologies and principles for applying such computer interfaces to support all phases of the constructed facility project life cycle. An Augmented Reality computer-aided drawing prototype is described as an experimental platform to study the human factors issues in interacting with Augmented Reality three-dimensional digital design models. Two critical research needs are cited for realizing effective Augmented Reality systems: (1) human factors research for development of visualization tools to enhance design comprehension and support collaborative work, and (2) the development of a technology infrastructure for “augmented” control and inspection interfaces to directly access digital project plan and site information that may be spatially referenced and displayed in the field. Research should be geared to advance knowledge regarding spatial cognition, human–computer interfaces, and computer-mediated human-to-human interactions, and it should address application of MR to all phases of the project life cycle.     

Master Builder Project Delivery System and Designer Construction Knowledge

The master builder system for designing and building construction projects was the dominant project delivery system in the construction industry during the early part of the 20th century. Master builders were generally charged with both design and construction services for a project. During the last half of the 20th century, many different systems for project delivery with fragmented responsibilities have replaced the master builder system. Reducing the use of the master builder system has led to the creation of elaborate systems for managing projects in the construction industry. In order to investigate the use of the master builder delivery system and other systems, a research project was conducted that included reviewing (1) the history of the construction industry, (2) project delivery systems, (3) constructability issues, (4) construction industry fragmentation, (5) the results of a survey of architecture, engineering, and construction professionals from the San Francisco Bay Area in California on the current processes they use for training engineers and architects, (6) an analysis of the survey results, (7) construction industry recommendations, and (8) conclusions based on the survey results and analysis. The information obtained from the research project, including the survey and an analysis of the results, is included in this document. The results of the research indicate that reduction in the use of the master builder project delivery system and the rise of numerous fragmented delivery systems have limited the designer’s knowledge of construction processes.     

Site Layout Planning using Nonstructural Fuzzy Decision Support System

Site layout planning can affect productivity and is crucial to project success. However, as construction is heterogeneous in the nature of its organizations, project designs, time constraints, environmental effects, etc., site layout planning for each project becomes unique. Affected by many uncertainties (variables) and variations, site layout planning is a typical multiobjective problem. To facilitate the decision-making process for these problems, a nonstructural fuzzy decision support system (NSFDSS) is proposed. NSFDSS integrates both experts’ judgment and computer decision modeling, making it suitable for the appraisal of complicated construction problems. The system allows assessments based on pairwise comparisons of alternatives using semantic operators that can provide a reliable assessment result even under the condition of insufficient precise information.     

Systems Analysis of Technical Advancement in Earthmoving Equipment

The technical advancement of earthmoving equipment during the 20th century includes many improvements in key parts of machines. This paper uses five systems that make up earthmoving equipment (implement, traction, structure, power train, and control and information) to analyze this technical advancement. The analysis of each system includes its purpose and operation, technical limitations and key technologies, and a chronology of major advancements. The findings are the benefits of using the five systems for analysis of technical change, the sequence and timing of key technical advances in each system, the fundamental technologies that fostered these advances, and the integration of systems into balanced equipment designs. This increased understanding from this analysis results in significant implications and relevance for civil designers working on integrated teams, contractors selecting methods and planning operations, equipment suppliers developing new machines, construction educators teaching the technical basics of equipment, and researchers developing advanced modeling and simulation tools.     

Expert Systems for Construction Project Monitoring

Potential applications of knowledge based expert systems in the area of construction project monitoring and control are described. Originally developed from research in artificial intelligence, these systems are computer programs that can undertake intelligent tasks currently performed by highly skilled people. While some project monitoring can be accomplished by algorithmic procedures, the capability of knowledge based expert systems to deal with illstructured problems and to be extensively modified over time make them desirable for application in this area. Sample applications and heuristic rules in scheduling and inventory control are provided.     

Constructability Practices to Manage Sustainable Building Knowledge

Construction professionals have knowledge and competencies that can help improve the design and delivery of sustainable buildings. The introduction of construction knowledge during design using constructability practices has been shown to improve design and project performance. From a process perspective, this paper examines specific constructability techniques that can help manage sustainable building knowledge throughout the design process. Through scientific research, four constructability practices employed at the Pentagon renovation are assessed for their capability at managing sustainability input from contractors. The four practices are: (1) the use of an integrated organizational team to champion the effort; (2) physical and computer building models (mock-ups); (3) on-board reviews; and (4) lessons learned workshops. Twenty-one specific principles are then identified to provide further guidance to industry practitioners. These practices and principles pinpoint methods to help manage sustainable building knowledge, especially that made available by construction professionals during design and construction.     

Distributed Ontology Architecture for Knowledge Management in Highway Construction

The ongoing plethora of rehabilitation in the infrastructure domain requires more planning and integration during design and construction. To achieve this, there is a need for developing and using semantic (ontology-based) mechanisms for the exchange of development knowledge among all project stakeholders. This paper presents a distributed ontology architecture for knowledge management in highway construction. With every other utility tied to the highway geometry, the architecture is intended to be the base for a cross-discipline knowledge exchange in the infrastructure domain. The architecture presents highway knowledge on three levels: domain knowledge (an umbrella for infrastructure shared knowledge), application knowledge (representation of highway-specific knowledge), and user knowledge (an enterprise-specific representation of highway knowledge). The proposed architecture models highway concepts using six major root concepts: project, process, product, actor, resources, and technical topics (attributes and constraints). The architecture was developed using rigorous knowledge acquisition and ontology development techniques. It was developed as an extension for the e-COGNOS ontology. The architecture was validated through input from domain experts.     

Hybrid Model Incorporating Real Options with Process Centric and System Dynamics Modeling to Assess Value of Investments in Alternative Dispute Resolution Techniques

Project-specific dispute resolution ladders (DRLs) are typically implemented in construction projects to resolve issues arising between the project participants. The DRL typically consists of single or multiple alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques to address construction issues at the three levels of escalation: conflicts; disputes; and claims. However, a DRL requires significant investments to cover the direct costs incurred in-house by the project participants or, externally, if construction specialists and lawyers are recruited to assist in the resolution. Thus, the benefits of the DRL implementation in a construction project must outweigh its costs for the implementation to be worthwhile. This paper presents a methodology to study the effect of different resolution strategies on the value of the investment in a DRL using option/real option theories from financial engineering, process centric modeling, and system dynamics methodology. Of particular interest in this paper is the integration of these research methodologies into a computer model to support the evaluation of the DRL investment in a particular construction project by taking into account the characteristics of (1) the project and (2) the different ADR techniques chosen for the DRL implementation. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the application of the computer model in a real construction project. The results of the simulation serve two main purposes. First, the results of the simulation are used to verify the intended model behavior in terms of proper integration of the three methodologies (i.e., real options, process centric, and system dynamics) in one computer system. Second, the model application to a real construction project using actual project data illustrates the potential of the model in providing the project participants with information related to the expected number of claims and change orders resolved at each level of the DRL, the change in the expected savings during the construction phase, and finally the value of the investment from the perspective of the project owner.     

Educating Civil Engineering Professionals of Tomorrow

Engineering education is currently facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Engineering institutions are being called upon to educate the architectural, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) professionals of tomorrow by complementing their traditional engineering education with the transfusion of information technology and process automation concepts through the necessary reorganization of classes and academic curricula. This paper presents a framework for an interdisciplinary course sequence in civil engineering, project management, and information technology centered on the concepts of fully integrated and automated project processes (FIAPP). The described sequence enables students to benefit pedagogically from working in truly multidisciplinary teams, to enrich their educational experience by bringing real world projects to academic settings, and to teach them fundamental principles in integration and automation of project processes highlighting the value of such integrated project management systems (information management, planning, design, construction management, procurement, operations, and maintenance). Furthermore, the course sequence addresses deficiencies in current one-dimensional educational curricula and needs expressed by educators, students, and industry professionals. The paper presents experiences and knowledge gained from the aforementioned academic sequence on FIAPP and on the utilization of three-dimensional computer models and associated databases in the management of A/E/C processes.