Nicola Moretti, Juan Diego Blanco Cadena, Antonino Mannino, Tiziana Poli · 5 authors
Occupancy monitoring in smart buildings has great potential to improve their operational performance. One of the most common applications concerns the dynamic adaptation of indoor conditions according to the occupancy variation. However, other implementations are possible. Occupancy data could also enhance maintenance smart contracts management, especially if coupled with a contracts’ management system as blockchain through which it is possible to achieve higher reliability and trust in transactions. In this article, a methodology to monitor occupancy data with a low-cost network, composed by a set of ultrasonic sensors, is presented. To ensure the collection of consistent data, different tests were performed for defining a convenient configuration for their installation. Following the proposed methodology, gathered data are processed and stored into a digital asset model associated with the building maintenance plan. Once a predefined threshold is reached, the system triggers a maintenance alert to the contractor to activate cleaning operations. The proposed approach enables an enhancement of the automation of maintenance management operations in a cost-effective manner. However, further validation trials are required to test the flexibility of its application in different space types.
Konstantina Siountri, Emmanouil Skondras, Dimitrios D. Vergados
Building information modeling (BIM) is a revolutionary technology that provides all the necessary mechanisms to achieve end-to-end communication, data exchange and information sharing between project actors, leading to smarter outcomes for communities and more efficient projects for AEC service providers. 3D models generated in the context of engaging in the BIM process and as-delivered physical assets through building management systems (BMS) adopt Internet of Things (IoT) architectures and services. However, the orchestration of IoT devices in a highly modular environment with many moving parts and inter-dependencies between the stakeholders of this environment, lead to many security issues. This article focuses on applying novel technologies in the construction industry, such as BIM, IoT, and Blockchain, but also on examining their interconnection and interoperability on a proposed system architecture on a case of a building (museum), where efficient security, management and monitoring are considered crucial factors for the unobstructed operation of the organization that hosts.
Dmitry Gura, Yu. V. Dubenko, E. E. Dyshkant, A P Pavlyukova · 5 authors
Abstract The paper considers three technologies for obtaining data on the road surface -through video recording, thermal imaging and laser scanning for the purpose of monitoring, diagnostics and control of the road quality. An analysis of the first two methods showed their significant drawbacks, such as the inability to measure the geometric parameters of deformations (video recording) and the significant dependence of the measurement results on external conditions (thermal imaging). Laser scanning, on the contrary, has a number of advantages, including coordinate referencing, obtaining a three-dimensional model, its transformation and measurement of parameters. Laser scanning is widely used, but mainly for measuring the quantitative characteristics of objects. The paper discusses the application of the laser scanning method to determine the qualitative characteristics of the road surface - the presence or absence of defects, which include hollow spots, waves, cavities, chipping, bleeding, humps, cracks, vertical displacement of road plates, rutting, unevenness of patching, damage to the road surface, track, breach, destruction of the pavement edge, subsidence followed by a complex of repair work. For this, a ground-based laser scanning was performed, the results of which were processed using the Leica Cyclone 9.4 software. According to the scanning data, defects were detected in the form of soil subsidence, hollow spots and humps. The performed work revealed a drawback of the laser scanning method, which consists in the absence of automated detection and recognition of deformations. A number of measures have been proposed to improve this drawback, which slows down the randomness and quality of work in monitoring and diagnosing the road. Further prospects for research on this topic, in particular the multi-purpose use of scanning data, by creating a distributed ledger are also indicated.
Konstantina Siountri, Emmanouil Skondras, Dimitrios D. Vergados
Nowadays, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry moves to the digital era, improving the collaboration among its partners using Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) tools. In this context, Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides to smart buildings novel mechanisms to embed Internet of Things (IoT) architectures, as well as to perform end-to-end communication, data exchange and information sharing between project actors. However, this openness and high decentralization of BIM and IoT services of smart buildings leads to several security issues that the use of Blockchain has been proved to provide an effective layer of data protection. This paper examines the interconnection and interoperability of BIM, IoT, Blockchain and advanced digital technologies in the demanding environment of a museum, where efficient and secure monitoring and management are critical factors that should be satisfied. It focuses on the application of the aforementioned technologies in the context of a building that has to deal with multiple administrative requirements, the management and protection of the exhibition areas and the objects exposed in them, the security and the convenience of the visitors, the financial management of the tickets and the profits from museum shops, the workshops, the laboratories and the storage areas, which usually contain numerous invaluable artifacts.
Abstract Ensuring sustainability for real estate is subject - among other aspects - to building related information. This information needs to be stored and updated continuously throughout the life cycle of a building. A delivery to buyers, tenants, consultants or other actors must be possible at any time. However, in most cases transactions cause significant loss of information while the issues associated with the “building passport” approach remains unsolved to date. Considering the long service life of buildings, various questions arise: (1) How to support data generation and storage within the life cycle and how to encourage actors to compete? (2) How to assure a high data quality and how to store it over a long period of time? (3) How to assure that all data users can track down the data owners at any point of time to manage compliance and legal issues? (4) Are there any new business models or new scopes for designers or other service providers? Information needs of actors along the life cycle are analysed and new information technologies (e.g. blockchain) are discussed. A relation to Building Information Modeling (BIM) is shown. Potentials of enhancing existing approaches regarding documentation retracing and accessibility of building and life cycle related information by using new technologies and IT are discussed; benefits of using a blockchain based system is pointed out by referring to existing pilot projects and first examples. Solution approaches for building passports are shown.
The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry has not adopted digital transformation enthusiastically like other industries, for instance, manufacturing, aerospace or finance. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an innovative technology that is considered as an opportunity for the AEC industry to move to the digital era and improve the collaboration among stakeholders by applying Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). BIM provides all required tools and automations to achieve end-to-end communication, data exchange and information sharing among collaborators. Accordingly, virtual 3D models, created by the BIM process, delivered as physical assets, monitored in real-time and managed using Building Management Systems (BMS), can adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) designs and services. However, the implementation of IoT in a highly modular environment with various moving parts and inter-dependencies between stakeholders leads to security concerns. Therefore, this paper proposes system design that employs the blockchain technology as a measure to secure and control the framework that involves integrated IoT and BIM technologies. Although this paper considers system design applied in a smart museum, the authors assume that design is generic and applicable in other building categories. For instance, this design can be implemented in the ongoing Alumni Hall renovation project at State University of New York College at Oneonta.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is envisioned as an indispensable opportunity in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries as a revolutionary technology and process. Smart construction relies on BIM for manipulating information flow, data flow, and management flow. Currently, BIM model has been explored mainly for information construction and utilization, but rare works pay efforts to information security, e.g., critical model audit and sensitive model exposure. Moreover, few BIM systems are proposed to chase after upcoming computing paradigms, such as mobile cloud computing, big data, blockchain, and Internet of Things. In this paper, we make the first attempt to propose a novel BIM system model called bcBIM to tackle information security in mobile cloud architectures. More specifically, bcBIM is proposed to facilitate BIM data audit for historical modifications by blockchain in mobile cloud with big data sharing. The proposed bcBIM model can guide the architecture design for further BIM information management system, especially for integrating BIM cloud as a service for further big data sharing. We propose a method of BIM data organization based on blockchains and discuss it based on private and public blockchain. It guarantees to trace, authenticate, and prevent tampering with BIM historical data. At the same time, it can generate a unified format to support future open sharing, data audit, and data provenance.
Abstract The First Original Copy refers to any first true 3D facsimile of a digitally reproduced physical object. The notion of a copy being the first and original implies that it is unique and therefore the approach used for managing rights and ownership influences its value. Whilst virtual goods traded within virtual worlds are subject to rules and policies, the production of digital objects in the real world does not have a mechanism from which rarity and uniqueness can be guaranteed. Digital copies are subject to further copying and thus, the value of even an exact copy can never be perceived to be equivalent to its original. Through what means can we imbue 3D reproductions of cultural objects with value that is at least asymptotic to their originals? There may be a candidate solution. Discussed in this article is a possible approach for resolving a long-term issue related to authenticity, ownership, perpetuity, and the quantitative tracking of value associated with 3D copies. Blockchains essentially bring the systemic management of virtual objects within virtual worlds into the real world. This forum article examines the candidate solution by answering the questions above, and discusses the issues associated with the concept of the First Original Copy.
Luc Girod, Christopher Nuth, Andreas Kääb, Bernd Etzelmüller · 5 authors
Abstract. Acquiring data to analyse change in topography is often a costly endeavour requiring either extensive, potentially risky, fieldwork and/or expensive equipment or commercial data. Bringing the cost down while keeping the precision and accuracy has been a focus in geoscience in recent years. Structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetric techniques are emerging as powerful tools for surveying, with modern algorithm and large computing power allowing for the production of accurate and detailed data from low-cost, informal surveys. The high spatial and temporal resolution permits the monitoring of geomorphological features undergoing relatively rapid change, such as glaciers, moraines, or landslides. We present a method that takes advantage of light-transport flights conducting other missions to opportunistically collect imagery for geomorphological analysis. We test and validate an approach in which we attach a consumer-grade camera and a simple code-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver to a helicopter to collect data when the flight path covers an area of interest. Our method is based and builds upon Welty et al. (2013), showing the ability to link GNSS data to images without a complex physical or electronic link, even with imprecise camera clocks and irregular time lapses. As a proof of concept, we conducted two test surveys, in September 2014 and 2015, over the glacier Midtre Lovénbreen and its forefield, in northwestern Svalbard. We were able to derive elevation change estimates comparable to in situ mass balance stake measurements. The accuracy and precision of our DEMs allow detection and analysis of a number of processes in the proglacial area, including the presence of thermokarst and the evolution of water channels.
Blockchain technology enables distributed, encrypted and secure logging of digital transactions. It is the underlying technology of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Blockchain is expected to revolutionize computing in several areas, particularly where centralization was unnatural and privacy was important. In the paper, we present research on where and how this technology could be useful in the construction industry. The work is based on the study of literature on open issues that exist in construction process management. These are than matched to the capabilities of blockchain. We are motivated by the fact that construction projects involve a dynamic grouping of several companies. We study the degree to which the relationships among them are hierarchical or peer-to-peer and note that particularly in information intensive phases, centralization of information management was necessary because of technology. When using un-constraining technology, communication patterns among participants show a peer-to-peer nature of the relationships. In such environment, blockchain can provide a trustworthy infrastructure for information management during all building life-cycle stages. Even if building information modelling (BIM) is used, which assumes a centralized building information model, there is a role for blockchain to manage information on who did what and when and thus provide a basis for any legal arguments that might occur. On the construction site blockchain can improve the reliability and trustworthiness of construction logbooks, works performed and material quantities recorded. In the facility maintenance phase, blockchain's main potential is the secure storage of sensor data which are sensitive to privacy. We conclude that blockchain provides solutions to many current problems in construction information management. However, it is more likely that it will be built into generic IT infrastructure on top of which construction applications are built, rather than used directly by authors of construction related software. It has a potential to make construction processes less centralized which opens needs for research in that direction.