Building Blocks for Advanced Building Information Modeling

Transcription

1 Building Blocks for Advanced Building Information Modeling 1.1. Background and Objectives This proposal is to fund a one year cooperative agreement (for fiscal 09-10) with three sub-tasks that represent exciting new research collaboration between The University of Southern Mississippi Schools of Computing and Construction and the U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) CAD/BIM Technology Center. The six sub-tasks will be completed by an interdisciplinary team composed of graduate students and faculty from both Computing and Construction with the guidance of ERDC staff. The objectives of the sub-tasks are to (1) develop new approaches to research issues in the use of BIM technology, (2) develop young interdisciplinary researchers who are both ready and enthusiastic about potentially joining ERDC as junior research staff (all U.S. citizen and local Mississippi residents), (3) develop a regular research collaboration between the CAD/BIM center and the University of Southern Mississippi Construction/Computing research group of faculty and students, (4) develop useful, field tested Open Source software which may be immediately useful or may be useful as building blocks in more complex and advanced BIM-related applications, (5) test existing commercial software to determine its usefulness and speed its adoption by ERDC and (6) advance knowledge through student, faculty and joint USM/USACE publications, presentations and workshops. In the next section each of the sub-tasks is introduced with its own: a-objectives, b- approach with milestones, c-deliverables and d-benefits Task List Building Blocks for Advanced Building Information Modeling will use an incremental deli-very strategy to rapidly progress from concept, to collaborative planning with ERDC staff, to delivery of proof-of-concept, to reach the most important objectives of putting prototype systems in the end-users hands and disseminating early results to the BIM community. The following are the three sub-tasks that composed this year cooperative agreement: Sub-Task 1. The Virtual Reality BIM Immersion Experience Sub-Task 2. Tele-Scenarios: A Collaborative BIM Site Planning Application Sub-Task 3. Virtual BIM Excavation Code Compliance 1.3. Sub-Task 1. The Virtual Reality BIM Immersion Experience a. The objective of this sub-task is to utilize open source collaborative Virtual Reality software and commercial off-the-shelf hardware, such as immersion goggles and 3D LCD displays, to provide a platform for BIM/CAD Center personnel to hold immersive BIM-design Virtual Reality meetings. This will allow ERDC staff, consultants, contractors and clients to collaboratively explore and fine tune BIM designs while moving through the environment as "avatars". These virtual meetings will enhance ERDC interdisciplinary "lockdown" sessions in which BIM building designs are finalized. i. Evaluation of current ERDC research direction in Immersive Virtual Reality : in order to evaluate how best to fit the project into current ERDC research efforts. The USM team will (1) meet with ERDC CAD-BIM in Vicksburg to review the current use of Virtual Reality by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The USM team will also (2) demonstrate the current use and development of open source OS-BEST collaborative Virtual Reality by the Construction/Computing research group at USM. From these demonstrations and discussions the platform and approach which best fits the needs of the Army Corps of Engineers needs will be chosen for the project. ii. Import BIM Models into Collaborative VR: The second major milestone will be to develop a bridging program written in IronPython to import BIM models into an immersive virtual environment. Rather than importing all BIM model information into VR, (1) embedded data will be extracted, (2) converted to an open data format and (3) stored in an external open source database with matching keys stored in sub-objects within the VR BIM model. This software will take the form of plug-in for commercial software commonly used at ERDC such as Archicad. CAD operators will the n be able to select the plug-in for a desired model and host a collaborative immersive Virtual Reality session to discuss design issues with colleagues around the world.

2 NOTE: this plug-in shares functionality with the plug-in to be developed in sub-task3 and it is expected that all students on both subtasks will work together on all funcit6onsl of the plug-in. iii. Display and Editing of Embedded BIM Information: Once BIM models can be successfully imported into collaborative VR the next step is to allow avatars to view and edit embedded information in the model. This will be accomplished through a data-bridge written in IronPython which (1) connects the immersed Virtual BIM model with the external database which contains the properties for each sub-object in the model. The USM team will then (2) develop pop-up Virtual forms which allow immersed users to easily change sub-object properties. The usability of these forms is critical to the overall success of this project; therefore, early versions will be (3) demonstrated to CAD/BIM staff and in presentations to professional audiences to facilitate the development of viewing and editing modes that will be useful in the actual BIM design and evaluation process. iv. Editing Sub-Objects Shape and Dimensions: In addition to editing embedded information the project team will develop (1) basic editing functions written in IronPython to modify BIM subobject dimensions, shapes and textures. This will allow the "lockdown team" to collaboratively make simple modification without having to return the design to the commercial BIM design software. This will be accomplished through the same data-bridge established in sub-task 3. This functionality will be (2) explained and demonstrated in a series of webinars available for use and review by ERDC staff. v. Export Tool: The last step in software development will be to provide an easy path to export the modified BIM model back to the proprietary design software where various built-in reporting and publishing steps can be executed. This program will (1) extract data from the open format database and will (2) translate the result back to the proprietary format used by the commercial software. Workflow issues will be (3) identified and (4) solved in a (5) working presentation and demonstration for ERDC or a professional audience chosen by CAD-BIM staff. vi. Field Testing: In collaboration with CAD-BIM staff, a field test of the working prototype will be (1) arranged and (2) carried out. Statistics will be gathered on the (3) usability, (4) utility and (5) performance of the new tool. These results will be (6) published in peer reviewed professional and academic conferences and journals in collaboration with the CAD-BIM staff. vii. Deployment: In collaboration with CAD-BIM and ERDC staff the USM team will (1) create a server code, (2) plug-in for commercial CAD software, (3) help files and webinars with instructions on the use of the new tool. c. The primary deliverable for this project is an Open Source software package as follows: i. A plug-in for commercial BIM software which (1) connects the user with an immersive collaborative virtual reality server (described in ii below), (2) allows the user to export models from the commercial software to immersive virtual reality, and (3) allows the user to re-import changes made collaboratively in immersive virtual reality back to the commercial BIM software. ii. A server which connects plug-in users (described above) from anywhere in the world to a collaborative virtual reality environment which supports team-based (1) examination of BIM model embedded information, (2) modification of BIM model embedded information, and (3) basic editing of BIM shapes and textures. This server should be capable of hosting up to 100 participants simultaneously. The secondary deliverables are as follows: 1. Deployment of the VR server and download site for the plug-in on ERDC computer hardware. 2. Help files and webinar demonstrations of the new tool. 3. Scholarly publications and presentations. 4. Intermediate quarterly progress reports, 5. A 1/2 day workshop presentation to introduce the completed tool 6. A final report (20-50 pages) documenting all activities. d. The projected benefits of this project are (1) Enhancement of ERDC collaborative BIM design sessions with potential remote participation by stakeholders around the world, (2) a demonstration of the new technology with an ongoing ERDC BIM project and (3) a useful open source building blocks for larger more complex applications.

3 1.4. Sub-Task 2. Tele-Scenarios: A Collaborative BIM Site Planning Application a. The objective of this sub-task is to develop an application which allows ERDC professionals to hold meetings in collaborative Virtual Reality which combine the visual aspects of BIM building models with multiple layers of information derived from selected Web Map Services, for example height maps, sewer lines, school districts, air quality management districts, and so forth. This will facilitate building layout and site planning of ERDC projects and reduce travel cost and delay by bringing subject matter experts together from around the world. i. Evaluation of current ERDC research direction in site planning visualization: in order to evaluate how best to fit the project into current ERDC research. The USM team will (1) meet with ERDC CAD-BIM in Vicksburg to review the current methods for site planning reach back by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The USM team will also (2) demonstrate the current use of mixed GIS and Virtual Reality by the Construction/Computing research group at USM. From these demonstrations and discussions the platform and approach which best fits the needs of the Army Corps of Engineers needs will be chosen for the project. ii. Planning Session with ERDC IT Staff: The aim of this project is to develop an application which will be hosted at ERDC and will provide virtual mixed GIS/BIM meeting capacity to USACE districts worldwide. The USM will meet with ERDC IT staff to select a (1) compatible format and (2) security scheme to allow eventual deployment on an ERDC hosted server. This early planning session will help guide the research team towards a solution which can be easily integrated into current ERDC application virtualization hardware and information assurance protocols. iii. Selection of target ERDC project: The USM team will (1) meet with ERDC CAD-BIM to (1) select a current ERDC project as an initial developmental target. The target project s need for collaborative site planning and mixed GIS/BIM visualization will be (2) assessed to provide the researcher with a (3) list of development needs and priorities. These needs will be (4) summarized in a project plan which will be delivered both to (5) CAD_BIM staff and to a professional or (6) academic audience for early feedback. iv. Custom Tele-Scenario BIM Server Development: The research team will develop a custom Virtual Reality Server application which provides the (1) BIM building models and (2) GIS information layers needed for the target project. For example, a current ERDC project might benefit from both a view of the BIM building placement and overlays which show potentially effected wetlands, sewer lines, 50 year flood plains, etc This server should be able to host up 100 participants simultaneously facilitating collaborative discussion of the new site under development. v. First Field Test of Tele-Scenario BIM: With the active help of the CAD/BIM center and supervising faculty the students will host (1) the first mixed GIS/BIM planning meeting in virtual reality for the target project. This meeting should include (2) participants from various U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worldwide, (3) the BIM models of one or more buildings under design, and (4) various GIS information helpful to making site planning decisions. Surveys on the (5) usability and (6) utility of the new approach will be gathered from all participants. These results will be (7) published in peer reviewed professional and academic conferences and journals in collaboration with the CAD-BIM staff. vi. Generalized Tele-Scenario BIM Server: With feedback from the first field test the research team will generalize the server setup to allow (1) arbitrary building models, (2) longitude and latitude and (3) WMS data layers to be prepared for a meeting through a (4) convenient web interface. For example, a new building in Newark New Jersey requires consideration of the topography, vegetation, major roads and electrical grid. Given the latitude, longitude, and BIM model an ERDC staff member using the web interface could set up and host a virtual reality meeting which allowed users worldwide to see, walk around and discuss the intersection of those GIS elements, the building and the site chosen together. vii. Deployment: In collaboration with CAD-BIM and ERDC staff the USM team will (1) create a server code, (2) web front end for meeting setup and (3) help files and webinars with instructions on the use of the new tool. c. The primary deliverables for this project is an Open Source software package as follows:

4 viii. A server which provides the ability host virtual meetings for up to 100 people which combine (1) BIM building models with (2) visualizations of GIS data sources. The following is a list of the general GIS visualizations that will be available through the server: 7. 3D Visualizations a. Topography b. Major Landmarks c. Industrial facilities d. Vegetation 8. Networks a. Roads b. Utilities 9. Overlays a. Waterways b. Flood Plains c. Vegetation d. Population-related statistics e. Neighborhoods f. Lat-Long landmarks 10. Vectors a. Political and Geographical boundaries b. Land/Water Boundaries In addition GIS visualizations which were specifically requested by the CAD-BIM staff in preparation for the first field test will be supported. ix. A web interface which allows the user to select a (1) meeting location, (2) BIM Model to be discussed and (3) supported GIS visualizations available at the desired location. The secondary deliverables are as follows: 11. Deployment of the VR server and web meeting setup tool on ERDC computer hardware. 12. Help files and webinar demonstrations of the new tool. 13. Scholarly publications and presentations 14. Intermediate quarterly progress reports 15. A 1/2 day workshop to demonstrate the new tool to the BIM community. d. The projected benefits of this project are (1) reduced travel time and cost for site planning of ERDC projects, (2) enhanced ability during BIM design to visualize, gauge and optimize the relationship of BIM buildings and the surrounding terrain, population, vegetation, infrastructure and other numerous geographical properties and (3) a useful open source building block for larger, more complex Tele-Scenario BIM visualization tools Sub-Task 3. Virtual BIM Excavation Code Compliance a. The objective of this sub-task is to develop a BIM Excavation Code Compliance tool which automatically highlights important USACE - Guidelines On Ground Improvement For Structures and Facilities: ETL issues. These code compliance issues will be identified automatically using project BIM, excavation plans and soil data. These issues will be presented as a Client-Server Virtual Reality environment showing both the BIM model under design and the proposed excavation. This visualization will allow subject matter experts from around the world to rapidly and effectively examine and solve the highlighted problems together. i. Evaluation of current ERDC research direction in automated code compliance: in order to evaluate current use and research on automated code compliance at ERDC. The USM team will (1) meet with ERDC CAD-BIM in Vicksburg to review the current methods for excavation reach back by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The USM team will also (2) demonstrate the current use of excavation planning and visualization by the Construction/Computing research group at USM. From these demonstrations and discussions the platform and approach which best fits the needs of the Army Corps of Engineers needs will be chosen for the project. ii. Selection of Demonstration BIM Project: The USM team will (1) meet with ERDC CAD-BIM to (1) select a current ERDC project as an initial developmental target. The target project s need for

5 excavation planning, visualization and code compliance will be (2) assessed to provide the researcher with a (3) list of development needs and priorities. These needs will be (4) summarized in a project plan which will be delivered both to (5) CAD_BIM staff and to a professional or (6) academic audience for early feedback. iii. Development of BIM Model Import Tool: The research team will develop and test a Virtual Reality import tool for (1) BIM site diagrams, (2) BIM building models, and (3) soil data from the commercial Civil Engineering BIM tools (such as Revit/Civil3D) used in the ERDC target project. This tool will take the form of a plug-in for commercial BIM software such as ArchiCAD. CAD operators will the n be able to select the plug-in for a desired model and host a collaborative immersive Virtual Reality session to visualize and discuss excavation, soil and code compliance issues with colleagues around the world. NOTE: this plug-in shares functionality with the plug-in to be developed in sub-task1 and it is expected that all students on both subtasks will work together on all funcit6onsl of the plug-in. iv. Development of Automated Excavation Code Compliance tool: The research team will add functionality to the plug-in which compares excavation requirements such as (1) slope stability, (2) bearing capacity, and (3) settlement evaluation with the proposed design. Problems found in the design compared to the best practices described in ETL will be (4) visualized in the Virtual Environment. (5) Collaborative tools such as video conferencing and white boards will be embedded in the Virtual Environment to facilitate team solution of the highlighted problems. v. Demonstration of Virtual BIM Excavation Code Compliance for ERDC BIM project: With the active support of the CAD/BIM center the student researchers and supporting faculty will host the first virtual lockdown session to discuss exaction needs of a current ERDC BIM project with U.S Army Corps of Engineers professionals anywhere in the world. Surveys on the (5) usability and (6) utility of the new approach will be gathered from all participants. These results will be (7) published in peer reviewed professional and academic conferences and journals in collaboration with the CAD-BIM staff. vi. Deployment: In collaboration with CAD-BIM and ERDC staff the USM team will (1) create a server code, (2) plug-in for commercial CAD software, (3) help files and webinars with instructions on the use of the new tool. c. The primary deliverable for this project is an Open Source software package which includes the following: vii. A plug-in for commercial BIM software which (1) connects the user with an immersive collaborative virtual reality server (described in ii below), (2) allows the user to export models, site planning drawings and soil consistency data from the commercial software to immersive virtual reality. viii. A server which connects plug-in users (described above) from anywhere in the world to a collaborative virtual reality environment which supports team-based (1) examination of BIM models, excavation plans and soil information, (2) highlighting of code compliance issues found with the drawings versus the best practices described in USACE ETL and (3) collaborative problem solving through interactive whiteboards and other embedded VR tools. This server should be capable of hosting up to 100 participants simultaneously. The secondary deliverables are as follows: 16. Deployment of the VR server and download site for the plug-in on ERDC computer hardware. 17. Help files and webinar demonstrations of the new tool. 18. Scholarly publications and presentations. 19. Intermediate quarterly progress reports, 20. A 1/2 day workshop presentation to introduce the completed tool 21. A final report (20-50 pages) documenting all activities. d. The projected benefits of this project are (1) increased use of BIM for excavation design, (2) less travel and quicker turnaround for site development issues, (3) a useful open source building blocks for larger more complex applications particularly visualization and application of more complex soil composition simulations to BIM site designs.