Supporting consistency in linked specialized engineering models through bindings and updating.

[摘要] Elements of the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry arethe result of a process involving planning, engineering and construction.A number of professions and professionals are involved, and the process ischaracterized by frequent changes. Consequently the problem of consistencyof information is a major concern which casts a shadow on the integrity ofthe process. The research described in this dissertation was aimed at thedevelopment of techniques and technologies which can alleviate the problemof information exchange and consistency.Currently some commercial software applications support users workingin an integrated environment in the exchange of information between differentmodels. However, this is limited to the suite of models provided bythe software vendor and consequently it forces all the parties involved in aproject to use the same software. This excludes potential participants andthe software-suites are usually expensive as well.In contrast, the research described here investigated ways of using standardsoftware applications, which may be specialized for different professionaldomains. These are linked for effective transfer of information and abinding mechanism is provided to support consistency between the models.This prevents the exclusion of participants, allowing them to use familiarsoftware packages, without losing the ability to keep the various modelsconsistent amongst project partners. This is of particular importance tospecialists that use problem specific applications which may not be includedin expensive, integrated suites.The solution approach presented in the dissertation accounts for thefollowing well known properties of the AEC industry:Ownership - each model that abstracts a specific aspect of the project iscreated, manipulated and controlled by a responsible person/party. No onemay circumvent the model owner to manipulate a model.Diversity - the various role players often do not understand the complexityand value of the work of the other parties involved.Long transactions - the time duration of tasks in the construction industryis not short and information cannot be managed on a transaction basis.The various role players must be supported to work in parallel, exchangingrelevant information constantly as the project develops. The proposed solution consists of a linking and binding mechanism thatsupports the definition of inter-object dependencies. These dependenciesare described by Binder instances. Update behavior is assigned to Binderinstances through customized Updater instances. The binding mechanismaddresses important issues like change detection, update sequence determinationand the execution of an update in dependent models.The proposed solution was successfully implemented using a CAD systemand an independent Finite Element application in order to verify thetheoretical aspects of the work.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University