Design of a construction management data visualization environment: A bottom-up approach

Described is designing a construction management (CM) data visualization environment with emphasis on exploring a bottom-up design methodology as part of the environment development process. Investigated is how such a methodology combined with design guidelines and a top-down approach can aid the creation of ready-to-use visualizations that help CM practitioners answer specific CM questions and support general CM analytics useful for a range of CM functions/tasks. Three visualization development cases for the time performance control application are used to demonstrate the bottom-up design process. The visualizations implemented are tested to show their usefulness and to identify opportunities for incorporating new visualization features that are common to other visualizations supported in the environment. The key lesson learned from the bottom-up development process is that by attending to individual image details, the developed visualizations: 1) are responsiveness to answering specific CM questions, 2) apply state-of-the-art data visualization techniques, 3) fit within an environment architecture, and 4) allow for the enrichment of design guidelines and lists of common visualization features.     

The role of decision makers’ use of visualizations in project portfolio decision making

Visualizations are increasingly used to display data for project portfolio decision making. Such decisions support the delivery of organizational strategy and aim to enhance the overall outcome from project investments. While some studies show that visualizations help data interpretation, others suggest they might bias decisions. To better understand whether and how visualizations affect project portfolio decisions, we develop and test a conceptual model that emphasizes the role of the decision maker in interpreting and using visual data. Using a dual-informant sample of 138 firms, we show a positive relationship between decision makers’ use of visualizations and project portfolio success that is mediated by decision-making success. We draw upon theories of cognitive fit and cognitive load to explain how the relationship between the use of visualizations and decision-making success is influenced by both the decision maker's tendency to use heuristics and their familiarity with visualizations.     

Guidance for crystal ball gazers: developing a code of ethics for landscape visualization

Computer visualization of landscapes in three or four dimensions constitutes a “crystal ball” capable of showing us views into the future. This paper discusses the risks of the growing but unstructured use of these landscape visualizations as a popular decision-making and public communications tool in planning. The author argues that we need to establish a framework for guidance and supporting resources for the use of landscape visualization, including accepted procedures, training, appropriate databases, and a communication network for users. In particular, it is argued that the preparers of visualizations — whom we can think of as the “crystal ball gazers” who conjure up and interpret the imagery — need to be governed by a code of ethics for defensible landscape visualization.Drawing on research on visualization effectiveness and validity, as well as anecdotal evidence from professional practice, the paper identifies potential problems associated with emerging visualization technologies, and reviews the needs for, progress toward, and potential benefits of a support infrastructure for visualization preparers and presenters. A framework for guidance and support of visualization practitioners is proposed, in the hope of improving the chances of ethical practice and scientific validity in the use of these systems. Pending more comprehensive findings from the considerable body of research which is needed on this subject, an interim code of ethics is presented, for consideration, testing, and amendment by other researchers and users. It is suggested that such a code include broad principles and guidance on ethical conduct in producing visualizations, presenting them to viewers, and analysing responses to them from users as feedback.Implications for future research and practice are provided, with an emphasis on the urgent need for researchers to monitor and evaluate the use and influence of landscape visualizations in practice.     

Knowledge-assisted BIM-based visual analytics for failure root cause detection in facilities management

Facilities managers need to identify failure cause–effect patterns in order to prepare corrective and preventive maintenance plans. This task is difficult because of the complex interaction and interdependencies between different building components. Standardization based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides new opportunities to improve the efficiency of facilities management (FM) operations by sharing and exchanging building information between different applications throughout the lifecycle of the facilities. This paper aims to utilize BIM visualization capabilities to provide FM technicians with visualizations that allow them to utilize their cognitive and perceptual reasoning for problem solving. It investigates a knowledge-assisted BIM-based visual analytics approach for failure root-cause detection in FM. For this purpose, the inspection and maintenance data of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are integrated with a BIM. Moreover, various sources of building knowledge such as fault trees and relationships between components are formally represented. These resources are used to create custom visualizations through an interactive user interface which helps in exploiting the heuristic problem solving ability of field experts to find root causes of failures in a building.     

Planning and visualization for automated robotic crane erection processes in construction

This paper summarizes ongoing research aimed at developing knowledge, methods and tools required to implement automated robotic crane erection processes for the construction industry. In the proposed approach, construction cranes are treated as multi-degree-of-freedom robots and modeled in a virtual environment. Virtual cranes are provided with motion-planning algorithms that enable them to find collision-free and time-efficient paths for each piece that needs to be erected. Inverse kinematics are then used to determine the crane motions required to move elements in previously computed paths. By using an effective method to coordinate the tasks and motions of multiple cranes, the system is also extended to construction projects that require simultaneous use of closely-spaced cranes. The virtual crane model provides realistic visualizations of erection processes and detailed erection schedules.     

Estimating a Rail Passenger Trip Origin-Destination Matrix Using Automatic Data Collection Systems

Abstract:   Automatic data collection (ADC) systems are becoming increasingly common in transit systems throughout the world. Although these ADC systems are often designed to support specific fairly narrow functions, the resulting data can have wide-ranging application, well beyond their design purpose. This article illustrates the potential that ADC systems can provide transit agencies with new rich data sources at low marginal cost, as well as the critical gap between what ADC systems directly offer and what is needed in practice in transit agencies. To close this gap requires data processing and analysis methods with support of technologies such as database management systems (DBMS) and geographic information systems (GIS). This research presents a case study of the automatic fare collection (AFC) system of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rail system and develops a method for inferring rail passenger trip origin-destination (OD) matrices from an origin-only AFC system to replace expensive passenger OD surveys. A software tool is developed to facilitate the method implementation and the results of the application in CTA are reported.     

Comparative Study on Settlement Systems under Different Land Systems——Structure and Optimization

Based on the data of the second national land survey and GIS method, this paper takes Fujin City as a study area to refl ect the similarities and differences of settlement system characteristics between reclamation and agricultural region in Heilongjiang Province, in order to discover the effect of land system on structure of settlement system. The results are as follows:(1) In the aspect of the spatial distribution pattern, settlement systems of both reclamation and agricultural region show clustered distribution, but those in reclamation region are denser;(2) The settlement systems of reclamation and agricultural regions can be divided into 4 levels, and their settlement systems are not incompatible with the 3 distribution patterns proposed in the center place theory, and show completely different hierarchical orders;(3) The average scale of reclamation settlement is smaller than that of agricultural settlement, but the difference is much more signifi cant;(4) The settlement systems in reclamation and agricultural regions have some problems, such as high proportion of the mini-settlements, and unreasonable space network system. Some measures should be taken, such as accelerating the reconstruction of the settlement system, optimizing the layout of settlement network system and transportation network, and promoting the connection between settlement systems in reclamation and agricultural regions in near future.     

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.     

An introduction of a multi‐soil‐layering system: a novel green technology for wastewater treatment in rural areas

Multi‐soil‐layering (MSL) systems are designed for municipal wastewater, livestock wastewater and polluted river water treatments. They are mainly composed of soil mixture block layers and water‐permeable layers (PL). The MSL system overcomes many of the shortcomings of conventional soil treatment systems such as easy clogging, large land requirement and low hydraulic loading rate. This paper summarizes the structure, purification mechanism and practical application of the systems for different kinds of wastewater treatment. The paper also compares MSL systems with other decentralized systems such as wetland and compact filter systems in their respective structures and treatment efficiencies. Finally, the paper gives a rough evaluation of the lifespan and cost of an MSL system based on its material composition.     

Simulation of ON/OFF controlled systems

A method for simulating systems that have components controlled in an ON/OFF manner is presented. The method is particularly suited to systems with an identifiable component structure such as those found in network problems. The primary feature of the method is that control strategies are modelled separately from the dynamics of the physical system so that various strategies may be added, modified or deleted without affecting either the model of the physical system or the computer code. Control strategies are expressed as combinations of comparators, logic operators (gates) and self-defined control functions such as hysteresis. The complete mathematical model for representing a control strategy, the procedure for automatically formulating the resulting system of control equations, directly from the control strategy, and the interconnection of the physical system model and the control model, are presented. Pipe-network examples are given.     

Extracting knowledge on the links between the water body stressors and biotic integrity

Multi-metric indices of biological integrity (IBIs) are most frequently created by examining single biological metrics along gradients of environmental degradation, and then combining multiple metrics using "best professional judgment" to characterize and calibrate stressor-response relationships. We aim to provide an efficient data analysis and visualization tool to assess the simultaneous effects of anthropogenic stressors on the fish population through the fish metrics and the associated Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Kohonen's self-organizing feature maps (SOM), unsupervised neural networks, are employed to pattern the sampling sites in the state of Ohio based on similar metrics characteristics. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) allows us then to draw conclusions about the role of the environmental variables in maintaining the perfect abode for fishes. Different visualizations superimposed with SOM clustering are realized to explore the complex interrelationships in the aquatic system and aid watershed managers to comprehend the effects of the environment on the fish.     

母线槽配电干线周围的工频磁场

母线槽在建筑物特别是高层建筑物的配电系统中常被用于配电干扰。这种重载流配电干线周围的工频磁场近年来引起了人们的关注。笔者用边界元数值计算和实验测量方法分析母线槽周围的工频磁场，对铁外壳母线槽提出了等效相对磁导率处理方法，并证明其可行性和有效性，发现铁外壳材料的等效相对磁导率和母线槽所载的电流基本上成正比。对工程中常用的镀锌铁皮外壳空气绝缘母线槽，铜芯铝壳和铝芯铁壳全封闭母线槽周围的磁场进行了计算和测量。对母线槽周围的谐波磁场也进行了讨论。     

SuperPlanner：规划支持系统软件框架设计

规划支持系统（Pss）已成为许多相关国际学术会议和文献中日益热门的话题,目前Pss存在的主要问题有无法满足实际应用的需求,缺乏支持公众参与的功能。可视化效果仍需改进等问题。针对Pss目前存在的问题,本文设计提出的SuperPlanner规划支持系统框架具有能为规划过程提供实际的辅助支持模型与系统紧密集成,对公众参与有较好的支持可视化效果良好等优点。     

Bringing planning to the streets: using site-specific video as a method for participatory urban planning

This article examines videographic planning visualizations and their potential to enrich the modes of communication and participation in urban planning. As a case study, the article introduces a research project conducted in the residential area of Pansio-Perno, in Turku, Finland, where a set of site-specific planning videos was made in collaboration with professional artists. A spatio-visual approach was employed to study the different sites for making the videos, including the sites of video production, the contents of the planning videos, and sites for video presentations. Residents were able to take part in the project by voting between different urban development alternatives with the help of on-site mobile technology. Presenting the results of the participation in public made the process more open, transparent, and visible to local people. Appealing planning visualizations, as well as easily accessible participation methods, are therefore proposed here as a means to improve the approachability and diversity of planning communication.     

Interaction of an air system with concrete core conditioning

In Europe, hydronic concrete core systems are being increasingly used for room conditioning systems. The concrete slab acts as heat accumulator and permits dissipation of the load using, for instance, cooling towers. When using such systems the external climatic conditions limit the achievable water temperature. The convective loads, however, directly affect the room air temperature and reduce the storable part of the load. The ventilation system also has a large influence on the energy related operation of such a system. Moreover, the dimensions of the concrete slab and the layout geometry of the water pipes, especially the spacing, are important factors for the design of the system. A model is described which can be used to illustrate the transient two dimensional heat flow in such a construction. This method is suitable for simple hand calculations, but can also be integrated into existing building simulation programs without having to modify the program code. Thus, the complete system can be designed for practical applications to ensure optimum operation. In addition, this paper describes the interrelationship between heat storage capacity and pipe geometry. Finally, criteria are listed for suitable application of concrete slab cooling and further aspects are listed that need to be considered in connection with these systems.     

The use of a textile-based system to control pavement cracking

Many systems are currently used to overcome problems of reflective cracking in road and airfield pavement overlays and a number of these systems incorporate a geotextile. An understanding of the mechanisms causing cracking is fundamental if the correct system is to be used. The interface of the existing cracked surface and the new overlay is the point at which most such systems are placed.This paper studies the mechanisms in detail and the requirements for an ideal interface to retard reflective cracking are established. After reviewing some of the systems currently used, a laboratory method of establishing their efficacy is discussed and a system is described that meets more closely the ideal requirements than do those based on conventional geotextiles. This is a textile and bitumen system and its potential applications are reviewed.     

Time-dependent reliability assessment of aging series systems subjected to non-stationary loads

Civil infrastructure systems provide physical supports to a community’s functionalities and are expected to achieve acceptable safety levels subjected to extreme load effects. However, these systems may deteriorate with time as a result of aggressive environmental or operating conditions in service, implying that the system reliability may decline beyond the baseline as assumed for design. Moreover, the increasing trend of the external loads may also contribute to the reduction of the system reliability. In this paper, a semi-analytical method is proposed for assessing the reliability of aging systems subjected to non-stationary loads. The series system is considered, where the system failure is defined as the failure of any single component (structure) among the system. The application of the proposed method is illustrated using a representative series bridge network with several individual bridges. The role of parameters such as the variations in the load intensity, resistance correlation and number of components under attack in the system reliability are investigated.     

A scalable IT infrastructure for automated monitoring systems based on the distributed computing technique using simple object access protocol Web-services

Automated monitoring systems are important in civil engineering industry. Existing utilities and infrastructures are monitored when their safety is of concern. These monitoring data also provide key indicators for their health and information for the life cycle management. With the prevalence of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology and the availability of various wireless communication technologies, large-scale automated monitoring systems can be deployed easily, and the cost of such systems are dropping owing to the use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology. In this work, potential technologies for next-generation automated monitoring systems are first visited. A scalable IT (Information Technology) infrastructure for supporting large-scale automated monitoring systems capable of handling multiple projects is then proposed. Scalability, reliability, and extensibility are main considerations when designing the system and when choosing the technology for the system. Some scenarios are presented to demonstrate the characteristics and capabilities of the proposed infrastructure and information systems.     

Artificial intelligence and networking in integrated building management systems

In recent years the emphasis has moved towards integrating all a building's systems via centralised building management systems (BMS). To provide a more intelligent approach to the facility management, safety and energy control in building management systems (IBMS), this paper proposes a methodology for integrating the data within a BMS via a single multi-media networking technology and providing the BMS with artificial intelligence (AI) through the use of knowledge-based systems (KBS) technology. By means of artificial intelligence, the system is capable of assessing, diagnosing and suggesting the best solution. This paper outlines how AI techniques can enhance the control of HVAC systems for occupant comfort and efficient running costs based on occupancy prediction. Also load control and load balancing are investigated. Instead of just using pre-programmed load priorities, this work has investigated the use of a dynamic system of priorities which are based on many factors such as area usage, occupancy, time of day and real time environmental conditions. This control strategy which is based on a set of rules running on the central control system, makes use of information gathered from outstations throughout the building and communicated via the building's data-bus.     

Estimate of failure time of a nonlinear system with stochastic input

This contribution deals with nonlinear systems that are perturbed by white noise. Due to the perturbations such a system will leave a domain containing a stable equilibrium. The statistical moments of the escape time are computed with asymptotic techniques. The method is applied to an elementary bistable system. From this problem buckling dynamics under a random load is studied. It is shown that when using the method in the design of mechanical systems, one may conclude about the reliability of the system.