B5 - Week 6 - Database Use in Construction Firms

This week's topic was to explore how databases can be used in construction firms such that they improve different aspects of the project. Mainly the benefits are noted in the reduction of construction costs. This is done with the application of computer analysis to the different forms of data compiled about the project. Specifically, in regard to construction, the biggest benefits come from rooting out scheduling conflicts. An example is having materials arrive too early to the jobsite, where they will be in the way, not properly stored and create additional cost if they are damaged before they are installed. Another problem is managing labor and being able to have a unified schedule for when different labor teams should be onsite -- having laborers onsite to do finishing before the spaces are constructed can lead to large wastes of money. Sometimes complex building projects also require simultaneous work of different types to keep the time of construction down -- which also ultimately saves money or can be worth a higher value.
Another area it can make a difference in is aiding in contractor's visualization of what is expected. By linking relevant events to the 3D model, one can create a time-lapse video that will demonstrate how the building construction will progress and how it will look. This can allow for contractors to identify problems that arise from the order in which different elements are to be built. By allowing many different individuals access to this information, including laborers, a greater understanding of the work can be attained as well as a greater level of analysis. Furthermore these systems will also allow for contractors to communicate intelligently with designers and other engineers in real-time instead of requesting a meeting to discuss the issues at length. Now changes or mark-ups can be made on models that are representative of the current progress of construction. These changes can be seen by designers and corresponding engineering teams that can make much more intelligent decisions about the design without the constraint of time and commuting.

Comments:
Justin Hileman referenced the RSMeans database that is an example of how building information is already being archived into a digital format. This is the first step that must be taken for digital models to be linked to relevant data. It demonstrates how there is not only present use from these databases but also the projected benefits of applying these databases further in a computer assisted manor.

Hamad Al-Sulaiti brought up a good point about how databases have increased greatly in importance to owners of companies and even buildings as they can analyze vast amount of data and find useful patterns that would benefit them. These benefits usually take the form of financial savings and an example would be the collection of relevant internal and external temperatures, lighting, energy usage, etc. that can be combined and processed such that relevant data about how much each system affects another. This can allow for more advantageous operation of systems such that they use less energy and thus generates less cost.

Alex Nunes wrote about how the ability for multiple users can simultaneously access information. This one of the greatest aspects of databases in terms of what capabilities they can provide users. This real-time access of information that can constantly be updated which allows for unprecedented levels of communication with respect to speed and resolution of data. For example, a building model that can be updated and marked by all the different teams responsible for building design and implementation. That capability can allow for extremely precise information to be relayed immediately to different parties such that successful collaboration between physically distant individuals can take place.