Supporting consistency in linked specialized engineering models through bindings and updating.
Date
2007-12
Authors
Olivier, A. H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Elements of the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry are
the result of a process involving planning, engineering and construction.
A number of professions and professionals are involved, and the process is
characterized by frequent changes. Consequently the problem of consistency
of information is a major concern which casts a shadow on the integrity of
the process. The research described in this dissertation was aimed at the
development of techniques and technologies which can alleviate the problem
of information exchange and consistency.
Currently some commercial software applications support users working
in an integrated environment in the exchange of information between different
models. However, this is limited to the suite of models provided by
the software vendor and consequently it forces all the parties involved in a
project to use the same software. This excludes potential participants and
the software-suites are usually expensive as well.
In contrast, the research described here investigated ways of using standard
software applications, which may be specialized for different professional
domains. These are linked for effective transfer of information and a
binding mechanism is provided to support consistency between the models.
This prevents the exclusion of participants, allowing them to use familiar
software packages, without losing the ability to keep the various models
consistent amongst project partners. This is of particular importance to
specialists that use problem specific applications which may not be included
in expensive, integrated suites.
The solution approach presented in the dissertation accounts for the
following well known properties of the AEC industry:
Ownership - each model that abstracts a specific aspect of the project is
created, manipulated and controlled by a responsible person/party. No one
may circumvent the model owner to manipulate a model.
Diversity - the various role players often do not understand the complexity
and value of the work of the other parties involved.
Long transactions - the time duration of tasks in the construction industry
is not short and information cannot be managed on a transaction basis.
The various role players must be supported to work in parallel, exchanging
relevant information constantly as the project develops. The proposed solution consists of a linking and binding mechanism that
supports the definition of inter-object dependencies. These dependencies
are described by Binder instances. Update behavior is assigned to Binder
instances through customized Updater instances. The binding mechanism
addresses important issues like change detection, update sequence determination
and the execution of an update in dependent models.
The proposed solution was successfully implemented using a CAD system
and an independent Finite Element application in order to verify the
theoretical aspects of the work.
Description
Thesis (PhD (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Civil engineering, Theses -- Civil engineering, Construction industry, Construction industry -- Communication systems