Architect's Follow Up on the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris and Creating Safer Work Environments #UnderConstruction #Safety #Design #Architecture #LessonsLearned #SafetyFirst #Design #Build #Architect #ilmaBlog
Posted: May 5, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Construction, Design, More FC3, Safety | Tags: Architect, Blaze, Building Safety, Construction, Contractors, Design Build, FC3, Fire, Fire Safety, ILMA, Lessons Learned, Nortre Dame, OSHA, Paris, Risk Management, Risk Management Tips, Safety, Wood Construction, Worker Safety | Leave a comment
Follow Up on the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris and Creating Safer Work Environments
A few weeks ago on April 15th, 2019, a fire destroyed the roof and wooden spire of the Notre-Dame de Paris.
One of the most famous timber frame fires started just after midnight on the 2nd September 1666 in Pudding Lane. After burning for three days it destroyed nearly 90 percent of the inhabitants of London's homes.
Possible Causes For Blaze
Although officials say that the investigation could last several weeks and nothing can be ruled out at this time, there is much suspicion that the blaze may have been started by a short-circuit near the spire.
The short circuit may have been possibly caused by electrified bells, or negligence by construction workers carrying out the ongoing renovations, a theory fueled by the discovery of cigarette butts.
Typical Sources of Ignition
Not related to the fire, but for a matter of reference, sources of ignition during construction may generally include: (1) Hot works – cutting, grinding, soldering, hot pitching; (2) Faulty electrical equipment – damaged sockets and equipment, service strikes, temporary supplies and halogen lighting; (3) Arson – works in high crime rate areas, protests and objections to the scheme, disgruntled employees or contractors; (4) Reactive chemicals; (5) Fire Loading; (6) Fire Spread – The Offsite Risks; (7) and Constrained sites. It will be interesting to see what the investigators are able to uncover in the following weeks.
André Finot, the cathedral's spokesman, pointed out traces of damage. "Everywhere the stone is eroded, and the more the wind blows, the more all of these little pieces keep falling," he said. (Photo Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov for The New York Times)
Ongoing Renovations
Fallen stones on the cathedral's roof. Experts say that the building has reached a tipping point and that routine maintenance is no longer enough to prevent rain, wind and pollution from causing lasting damage. (Photo Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov for The New York Times)
Masonry that has broken away or that was taken down as a precautionary measure has been piled up on a small lawn at the back of the cathedral. (Photo Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov for The New York Times)
According to the New York Times, the biggest renovation at the cathedral took place between 1844 and 1864 when the spire and the flying buttresses were rebuilt. The most recent overhaul, however, was meant to be understated. "The idea isn't to replace every single stone. I don't want to give this cathedral a face-lift," said Philippe Villeneuve, the chief architect behind the project. The renovations, which are estimated to cost $150 million euro ($169 million) were still ongoing when the cathedral caught fire. Most likely something to do with the renovations of the cathedral led to its temporary demise.
The event, which occurred during holy week sparked an intense national debate on how the 856-year-old cathedral should be rebuilt. The French public will get a say on how the fire-ravaged Notre Dame cathedral will be rebuilt, officials say.
FYI: In a separate blog post, ILMA plans to do a write up on the current designs that are being suggested by Architects and designers around the world.
Construction Workers – Risk Management
As a matter of course, this heartbreaking occurrence give us pause to consider the threats that can occur during construction. Some risks to workers that need to be managed during construction and renovations include the following: (1) Working at Height; (2) Slips, Trips and Falls; (3) Moving Objects; (4) Noise; (5) Manual Handling; (6) Vibrations; (7) Collapses; (8) Asbestos; (9) Electricity; (9) Respiratory diseases. (Sources: Top 10 construction health and safety risks) and OSHA's Top Four Construction Hazards); From the perspective of keeping the building safe during renovations and/or construction and saving lives, the following should be considered:
Building Safety – Risk Management
Installation of sprinkler systems and fire detection systems early on in construction
Availability of standpipes
Commissioning the sprinkler system
Access to fire extinguishers
Make sure your fire detection and warning systems work
Maintaining means of egress; Building compartmentation and protected fire routes in as the building is constructed
Protect emergency escape routes
Secure the site against arson
Protect temporary buildings and accommodation
Store equipment safely
Design out hot works
Keep the site tidy
Keep project site and equipment safe
Increase security for the site – CCTV, Full height hoarding, signage
Engagement of local fire departments – to assess water pressure and accessibility
Proper fire risk assessment that considers fire loading and fire separation distances
Learning From the Tragedy of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris
As timber is becoming increasingly more popular in high rises it is important to consider the past when managing the risks of projects utilizing wood framing. Although there are many studies and test on modern day timber/wood designs, it is still important to consider the risks that are present on any jobsite. Spending the money to do construction the right way will help reduce the inherent risks with construction – both to safeguard people as well as the buildings that we cherish.
For more information on my take on what happened at Notre Dame, please consider checking out the original articles: Personal Reflection on the Tragedy of April 15, 2019 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and What Makes Notre Dame Cathedral So Important as a Work of Architecture?.
In Paris, Worn-Out Notre-Dame Needs a Makeover, and Hopes You Can Help
16 Steps To Fire Safety On Timber Frame Construction Sites
Reducing Risk in Timber Frame Construction
Tall Timber Construction Code Is Still Thinking Small
Notre-Dame Fire Investigators Focus on Short-Circuit and Cigarettes
French citizens will give input on Notre Dame rebuild
New photos show heartbreaking damage inside Notre Dame cathedral
Before the Notre-Dame Cathedral caught fire, it was undergoing renovations
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
What About Public Private Partnerships? #ilmaBlog #HigherEducation #P3 #PPP #University #Architect
Posted: March 22, 2019 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Campus Planning & Design, Education, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, University | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Assets, Budgeting, Business, College, Construction, Delivery Methods, Delivery Models, Design, Developer, Education, Expertise, Facilities, Finance, Higher Education, MBA, P3, Partnership, Private, project management, Public Sector, Risk Management, Strategic Partnerships, Student Housing, Turn Key, Turn Key operation, University Architect | Leave a comment
Example of Stakeholder Team (Source: Servitas)
Background on Public Private Partnerships (P3's):
Many institutions of higher education are facing mounting pressure on their mission to deliver high-quality, affordable education to students and perform world-class research. Reductions in public funding support and concerns about overall affordability present substantial near-term and longer-term budget challenges for many institutions.
Public institutions are predominantly affected, having been constrained by suspensions or reductions in state funding. State appropriations across the US grew by just 0.5% annually between 2005 and 2015. State funding has still not recovered to 2008 levels, the last year in which state funding decisions would not have been affected by the Great Recession.
(Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — state appropriations revenue divided by total fall enrollment, 2005–15)
Public-private partnership models are continuing to proliferate as cash-strapped colleges and universities seek to replace or update aging and outdated infrastructure amid tight finances.
(Source: Proliferating Partnerships)
What is the P3 Delivery Model?
A public-private partnership, or P3, is long-term agreement between a public entity and a private industry team that is tasked with designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining a public facility. The past decade has seen a steady increase in the use of P3 structures, both inside and outside higher education. In 2016, something of a watershed year for P3, multiple high-profile projects came online in response to a variety of public needs, including a $1-billion-plus water infrastructure project servicing San Antonio, and a $300-million-plus renovation of the Denver International Airport's Great Hall.
(Source: A Few Lessons About Public-Private Partnerships)
"Public" is a non-profit institutional or governmental entity that engages a "private" for-profit entity to pay for a particular project.
The "private" partner provides funding (and often expertise) to deliver (and often operate) the project used by the "public" entity to meet its purposes.
In return for its capital, the "private" entity gets a revenue flow from the asset it has paid for.
(Source: Should your University enter into a Public/Private Partnership – the Pro's and Con's)
The emergence of the P3 option is happening where it matters most: projects that would be otherwise unattainable under the traditional public-improvement delivery models. For instance, 10 years ago, only a handful of higher education P3 projects were up and running; today, we are approaching three dozen such projects.
The biggest challenge is, of course, the financing component, but P3 teams bring much more to the table than money — they give public entities access to expertise and innovation that can add significant value to projects at each phase of development.
Illustration of Institutional Functions
Motivations for P3 transactions vary widely, but include:
Supplementing traditional debt instruments. These include private capital, using off balance sheet or alternative mechanisms.
Transfer of risk. Historically, universities have born all or most of the risk of facilities-related projects themselves. A P3 is a way to either transfer or at least share the risk.
Speed and efficiency. A P3 allows for a faster development process, and time to completion is generally shorter and on schedule. The sole focus of the private entity is to complete the project on budget and on time. University infrastructure tends to have competing priorities across all-campus facility needs.
Outsourcing provision of non-core assets. Outsourcing allows institutions to focus investment of internal resources and capabilities on those functions that are closer to the academic needs of its students.
Experience. Private partners often have much more experience and skills in a particular development area (e.g., facility architecture and infrastructure, student housing needs) and are able to better accommodate the needs of students, faculty, administrators, etc.
Planning and budgeting. Private partners offer experience and know-how in long-term maintenance planning and whole life cycle budgeting.
(Source: Public-private partnerships in higher education What is right for your institution?)
The four types of P3s:
Operating contract/management agreement. Short- to medium-term contract with private firm for operating services
Ground lease/facility lease. Long-term lease with private developer who commits to construct, operate and maintain the project
Availability payment concession. Long-term concession with private developer to construct, operate, maintain and finance the project in exchange for annual payments subject to abatement for nonperformance
Demand-risk concession. Long-term concession with private developer to construct, operate, maintain and finance the project in exchange for rights to collect revenues related to the project
Pro's and Con's of P3's:
Since their emergence in student housing several years ago, P3s have become important strategies for higher education institutions because of the many benefits they offer, including:
Lower developer costs
Developer expertise
Operational expertise
Preservation of debt capacity
More favorable balance sheets and credit statements
Faster procurement and project delivery (It can typically take a university about 5 years to get a project built. With a P3, that process can be reduced to just 2 years. Additionally, P3s can save approximately 25% in costs compared to typical projects.)
Beyond the above, the indirect advantages of P3s in student housing are numerous, such as they:
Provide better housing for students
Expand campus capacity
Create high-quality facilities
Expand the tax base for both a city and county
Provide an economic boost to surrounding areas, which likely lead to private growth and other improvements
It is important to note that, while there are many benefits of P3s for higher education institutions, these agreements also have disadvantages that need to be considered, including:
High cost of capital
Reduced control for the university
Complexity of deals
Multi-party roles and responsibilities
Limitation on future university development
(Source: Student Housing A Hot Sector For Public-Private Partnerships)
More political involvement and pressure to consider P3
Pre-development Risks – Many projects failing to close
Issues with Construction Pricing & Labor Shortages
An increasing number of developers are getting in the on-campus business; however, developers are being more strategic on which projects/procurements to respond to
Exploration of other sources of funds like tax credits, USDA, and opportunity zones
Shared governance continues to grow
Larger, more complex P3 projects including long term concessions, availability payment models, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Bundling of Procurements (food, housing (including faculty), academic buildings, hotel, energy, facility maintenance, etc.)
State of the P3 Higher Education Industry by Brailsford & Dunlavey http://programmanagers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/P3-State-of-the-Industry-Final_Small.pdf
Should your University enter into a Public/Private Partnership – the Pro's and Con's https://edualliancegroup.blog/2017/06/26/should-your-university-enter-into-a-publicprivate-partnership-the-pros-and-cons
No Free Lunch: The Pros and Cons of Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Financing https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2017/02/09/no-free-lunch-the-pros-and-cons-of-public-private-partnerships-for-infrastructure-financing
Drywall Installation & Masonry Installation…. by Robots
Posted: October 3, 2018 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, Science & Technology | Tags: AEC, Archy Techy, Artificial Intelligence, Construction, Design, HRP-5P, Humanoid, Innovation, Prototype, Robot, Technology | 1 Comment
A while back ILMABlog did a series on Technology in Architecture & Construction.
More recently we just discovered the latest technology coming from Japan. Researchers at Japan's Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Institute have built HRP-5P, a humanoid bot prototype, reported Engadget.
The bot combines environmental detection, object recognition and careful movement planning to install drywall independently, including hoisting boards and fastening them with screwdrivers. To make up for its lack of movement compared to a human, HRP-5P has numerous joints that flex to degrees people are unable to. It also can correct for slips and is capable of fields of view beyond that of a human worker's.
The team hopes to collaborate with private companies that will treat the bot as a development platform and lead to further breakthroughs. The robot is meant to tackle the "manual shortages" Japan is facing, AIST also posits, and will allow the limited pool of human workers to focus on lighter, less dangerous work.​
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--jti84MoQ--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/asb2yk7i59ix55ihocsm.mp4
(Sources: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/japanese-researchers-create-humanoid-bot-that-installs-drywall-independentl/538678 & https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/01/aist-humanoid-robot-installs-drywall)
SAM100 is a bricklaying robot for onsite masonry construction. Designed to work with the mason, assisting with the repetitive and strenuous task of lifting and placing each brick. The mason will continue to own the site setup and final wall quality but will improve efficiency through the operation of SAM.
(Source: https://www.construction-robotics.com/sam100/)
Glossary of Green Terminologies
Posted: August 11, 2018 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Green, More FC3 | Tags: Architect, architectural, Construction, Designer, Ecology, EcoMonday, Efabism, Environment, FC3, glossary, green, Sustainable, terms | Leave a comment
The following is a quick reference guide to get you started understanding the jargon associated with green design and construction. We hope you find it useful.
1,000 ppm
One thousandth parts per million is the minimum disclosure threshold. Manufacturer measures and discloses all intentionally added ingredients and residuals that exist in the product at 1000 ppm (0.1%) or greater. These may trigger a GreenScreen Benchmark (BM-1 or LT-1) or Possible Benchmark 1 (BM-P1 or LT-P1).
10,000 ppm (As per MSDS)
Manufacturer discloses all intentionally added ingredients and residuals that exist in a product. This is the threshold that is required by current MSDS standards
One hundred parts per million is the ideal disclosure threshold. Manufacturer measures and discloses all intentionally added ingredients and residuals that exist in the product at 100 ppm (0.01%) or greater. These may trigger a GreenScreen Benchmark (BM-1 or LT-1) or Possible Benchmark 1 (BM-P1 or LT-P1).
Accessory Materials
Used for the installation, maintenance , cleaning and operations materials; including materials recommended by warranty. For example, if a carpet requires a specific type of adhesive. The adhesive would be the accessory materials.
the evaluation of the toxicological properties (hazards) of chemicals; evaluates exposure and risk assessment in relation to both environmental and human health scenarios.
Associated Hazard
disclosure of the health hazards associated with each ingredient; Portico uses a minimum set of authoritative chemical hazard lists against which ingredients are screened for human health and environmental hazards.
Asthmagen
Asthmagens are substances that are known to cause or exacerbate asthma. Asthma is a complex disease, and there is not enough evidence to point to any single cause. Public health agencies often report dust, pet dander, environmental air pollution, tobacco smoke, respiratory infections, mold, exercise, and stress as common triggers of asthma attacks.
Health organizations have also identified a number chemical asthmagens, including many that are commonly used in building materials, such as floorings, insulations and cabinet substrates. These chemicals include: formaldehyde, toluene, styrene, BPA and certain phthalate plasticizers.
Despite better management of asthma through medication, improved outdoor air quality and a dramatic decline in tobacco smoking, the incidence of asthma has continued to rise, especially in children — and in particular among children who are living in poverty.
Authoritative chemical hazard lists
a list of chemicals and their association to human health or environmental hazards. These lists are created by an expert assessment of scientific evidence by a recognized authoritative body.
"Biobased" is a term used in the marketing materials of many types of products. While biobased technically describes a product made from a living material (soybean oil, wool, etc.) marketing materials may stretch this definition to include minerals or other naturally occurring materials that aren't renewable, or suggest that an entire product is made of biobased materials, when in fact only a small percentage of the product is.
Blowing Agent
A class of chemicals that can generate foam in materials, such as those used in insulation, which later harden or solidify into long-lasting structures. Many are known to possess extremely high global warming potential; chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been mostly eliminated from new production since the 2000s, but hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are still prevalent. Blowing agents, as a class of products used in building product manufacture, are in an active transition toward healthier and more environmentally friendly options.
chemical abstract service number is a unique numerical identifier for every chemical described in open scientific literature of elements, chemical compounds, polymers and other substances.
CSI Masterformat
building industry recognized standard for categorizing building materials; http://csinet.org/numbersandtitles.
Carcinogen/Cancer
Can cause or contribute to the development of cancer.
identification and disclosure of ingredients and all hazards associated with ingredient components in the product/material formulation.
Common Product Profile
A profile of a generic, non-manufacturer-specific product type that contains: a brief description of the product type, the expected composition of the product based on publicly available sources, and corresponding health hazards inherent to this composition. Common Product Profiles (CPs) developed as part of the Quartz Project include additional information about the life cycle of the product, such as its contribution to global warming. See http://www.quartzproject.org/ for more information on CPs.
Developmental Toxicant
Can cause harm to a developing child, including birth defects, low birth weight, and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Disclosure Threshold
the level at which all intentionally added ingredients and residuals in the product/material formulation are disclosed (1,000 ppm, 100 ppm, or other). Different standards require specific disclosure threshold. MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheets require minimum of 10,000ppm.
Endocrine/Hormone Disruptor
Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction, and behavior (the endocrine system). Linked to health effects such as obesity, diabetes, male reproductive disorders, and altered brain development.
this information can be found in an EPD, LCA, or other studies of global warming impact, carbon content, and embodied energy. We recommend providing this information (when available) because it will be helpful for LEED and LBC regional credit documentation and carbon accounting.
Flame retardants are chemical additives to building products that reduce their flammability. They are commonly found in textiles, plastics, coatings, finishes and foams. Halogenated flame retardants – those made with chlorine or bromine – are particularly toxic to human health, and the planet.
Flue-Gas Desulfurization (FGD)
Flue-gas desulfurization is an environmental control technology installed in the smokestacks of coal-fired power plants designed to remove pollutants from the air. These controls are also called "scrubbers". Once the scrubbers are full of sulfur dioxide, they are often used to create synthetic gypsum. FGD gypsum can be used in drywall, but also in concrete and other applications where mined gypsum can be used. FGD can contain heavy metals such as mercury that can be released into the air when it is incorporated into these products.
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas used as a preservative and disinfectant in the building industry, and in the manufacture of polymers. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic, irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs, and is known to react with other atmospheric chemicals to produce the deadly gas carbon monoxide. Formaldehyde is used in some paints and adhesives, in some fabric treatments, and, significantly, in the manufacture of polymeric binding resins used in a wide variety of building products. Phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and melamine formaldehyde are all known to release formaldehyde over time long after product installation in residential and commercial spaces.
Can absorb thermal radiation, increasing the temperature of the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Known as "greenhouse gasses," certain gasses have the ability to warm the earth by absorbing heat from the sun and trapping it the atmosphere. Global Warming Potential is a tool that allows scientists to compare the severity of greenhouse gasses based on how much heat they can trap, and how long they remain in the atmosphere. By using carbon dioxide for each comparison, a larger GWP number, the more a gas warms the earth, and contributes to climate change.
Look for GWP data on Environmental Product Declarations, and learn more about interpreting these numbers at http://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials.
short for "GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals", a chemical disclosure and assessment standard developed by Clean Production Action to rank chemicals along a four point scale between the most toxic chemicals and the most benign to guide substitution efforts.
also known as Health Product Declaration. It is a standardized format that allows manufacturers to share contents of their products, including any hazardous chemicals.
HPD-1
status marked for products that have a Health Product Declaration with full ingredient and hazard listings and a hazard translator with a disclosure threshold of 1000 or 100 ppm; can contain LT-1 scored components
status marked for products that have a Health Product Declaration with full ingredient and hazard listings and a hazard translator with a disclosure threshold of 1000 or 100 ppm; can NOT contain LT-1 scored components
HPD-Partial
status marked for products that have a Partial Health Product Declaration and have characterization of hazards and hazard translator for ingredients; exceptions are acceptable with a disclosure threshold of 1000 ppm
Hazard is an intrinsic property of a substance – its potential to harm humans or some part of the environment based on its physical structure and properties. We can assess the hazard of a chemical or material by reviewing the scientific evidence for the specific kinds of harm that a substance can cause (often called the endpoints), such as damage to the human reproductive system, or the onset of asthma. On HomeFree, hazards are displayed with a color indicating the level of concern for each one. Purple is the highest level of concern, followed by red, and then orange.
Because very few products on the market are made with ingredients that have no hazards, you should expect to see hazards called out, even for products that are considered healthier options. The trick is to compare hazards between products, and whenever possible, prefer the product with fewer hazards.
Health Endpoint
A disease symptom or related marker of a health impact on a human or other organism. Examples of human health endpoints include carcinogenicity (causes cancer), reproductive and developmental toxicity, respiratory sensitization, etc. Health endpoints are due to the inherent hazards of a substance, and are determined by authoritative bodies, such as the US EPA or the National Institutes of Health.
Information Request Sent
this means that an email letter has been sent to the manufacturer requesting information about a specific product. This IR may ask the manufacturer to share HPD type data, a GreenScreen Assessment, or a C2C certification in order to meet Google's Healthy Materials criteria
Intentional Content
each discrete chemical, polymer, metal, bio-based material, or other substance added to the product by the manufacturer or supplier that exists in the product as delivered for final use requires its own line entry and must account for over 99% of the total product. To add content you may enter it by using a CAS registry number, chemical name, abbreviations, common/ trade names, genus/species (for biobased materials), product or manufacturer name (for components)
list of product contents, ingredients
In biology, the term "lifecycle" describes the arc an organism undergoes from birth, through stages of growth and development, to its death. When applied to building products, "lifecycle"describes the arc that chemicals or materials take from the extraction of the raw materials needed for their creation, through their synthesis and inclusion in a building product, the period of time that the product is installed in a building, its eventual removal from the building, and its disposal/reuse/recycling at the end of its useful life. Products (and the chemicals and materials used to make them) often present human and environmental health hazards at any step in this lifecycle.
Material Health
listing the ingredients and present chemical hazards of a product and optimizing towards safer materials
Can cause or increase the rate of mutations, which are changes in the genetic material in cells. This can result in cancer and birth defects.
the absence of any "chemicals of concern" in the product/material formulation.
Ozone Depletion
Can contribute to chemical reactions that destroy ozone in the earth's upper atmosphere.
PBTs
Persistent, Bio-accumulative Toxicants; these are chemicals that are toxic, persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in the food chains, and consequently pose risks to the human health and environment
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicant (PBT)
Does not break down readily from natural processes, accumulates in organisms, concentrating as it moves up the food chain, and is harmful in small quantities.
formerly known as the Healthy Materials Tool; is a new portal for entering and accessing building product data. Portico is a database that allows project teams unparalleled access to a vast selection of building products. Portico automatically screens manufacturer product information so that products are available in front of Google's design teams right away.
Predicted from Process Chemistry
Fully disclosed projected residuals based on process chemistry. This option is suggested for manufacturers without the capability of measuring actual residuals. Indicate the tool or other basis for prediction in the Disclosure Notes. The HBN Pharos tool is an example of a tool that predicts potential residuals.
share HPD information solely to Google, not to general public. If public, please share public URL in the transparency section
Reproductive Toxicant
Can disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of a fetus during pregnancy.
Residual Content
the by-product of a reaction of two or more chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process; known as trace substances remaining in the product from manufacturing steps (such as monomers and catalysts) or contaminants that come with raw materials. Residuals can be known from testing as well as estimated from process chemistry assessment. Predicted from Process Chemistry definition noted above.
Respiratory Sensitization/Asthmagen
Can result in high sensitivity such that small quantities trigger asthma, rhinitis, or other allergic reactions in the respiratory system. This can can exacerbate current asthma as well as cause the disease of asthma.
review contents against authoritative chemical hazard lists. Health Product Declaration standard uses screening as a pathway to understand and assess products for any human health hazard endpoints.
Self-declared
a product disclosure and screening/assessment which is created "in-house" by the manufacturer of the product, and does not utilize a third party assessor.
Third Party Assessor
an independent assessment body which is not affiliated with the manufacturer or the product.
Tints are a mix of pigments and other ingredients that give paints their distinct color. These tints can be a substantial source of VOC content in addition to whatever VOCs are in the paint itself. Darker and richer colors will tend to be higher in VOC content. Some manufacturers have developed low or zero VOC tint lines that can be used to insure that a low VOC paint product remains so even in dark or rich colors.
the level of product/material formulation information (including ingredients names and associated hazards) being shared by the manufacturer with the end users (i.e. public, third party, Google). Portico's transparency category gives points to manufacturers who share product information (HPD) publicly rather than just to Google.
Volatile Organic Compound
VOC Content
provide the regulatory VOC content for liquid/wet applied product in g/L; if the VOC content has not been third party certified and there is no standard for the product, indicate "none" on the VOC content line. If the product is not wet applied, indicate N/A
VOC Emission
emissions testing and certification for any product for which the current version of the CDPH (CA Department of Public Health) Standard Method provides emission scenarios
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) means any compound of carbon (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate), which react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight.
assessments verified by an independent, third party assessor, in compliance with specific requirements pertaining to the standard at hand.
5 g/L cutoff threshold recognized by SCAQMD for products that are Zero VOC
parts per million (1,000 ppm = 0.1%; 100 ppm = 0.01%).
(Source: https://homefree.healthybuilding.net/glossary)
Benefits of Using Digital Twins for Construction
Posted: July 13, 2018 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Design, More FC3, Science & Technology | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Architecture of the Future, ArchyTechy, BIG DATA, BIM, BIM model, Building Information Model, CAD, Connectivity, Construction, Contractors, Design, Design Build, Design Builders, Designer, Designining, Devices, Digital Twins, fc3 tech, Geek, General Construction, HVAC, HVAC systems, Information, Information Architect, Innovation, Internet of Things, IoS, IoT, Space, Systems, Tech, Technology, Technology Trends, Techy, Trends, Wearables | 1 Comment
Technologies like augmented reality in construction are emerging to digitalize the construction industry, making it significantly more effective.
What if we could have instant access to all the information about a construction site, down to smallest details about every person, tool, and bolt? What if we could always be sure about the final measurements of a beam or that soil volumes in the cuts are close to those of the fills? What if we could always track how fast the supply of materials runs out, and re-order supplies automatically?
All this is achievable with a digital twin — a concept of having a real-time digital representation of a physical object.
The following are some real-time digital twins applications on construction sites.
Automated Progress Monitoring
Progress monitoring verifies that the completed work is consistent with plans and specifications. A physical site observation is needed in order to verify the reported percentage of work done and determine the stage of the project.
By reconstructing an as-built state of a building or structure we can compare it with an as-planned execution in BIM and take corresponding actions to correct any deviations. This is usually done by reconstructing geometry of a building and registering it to the model coordinate systems, which is later compared to an as-planned model on a shape and object level.
Often data for progress monitoring is collected through the field personnel and can be hugely subjective. For example, the reported percentage of work done can be faster in the beginning and much slower close to the end of the project. People are often initially more optimistic about their progress and the time needed to finish the job.
Hence, having automated means of data collection and comparison means that the resulting model to as-designed BIM models is less liable to human error. Digital twins solve the common construction process problems.
As-Built vs As-Designed Models
With a real-time digital twins, it is possible to track changes in an as-built model — daily and hourly. Early detection of any discrepancies can lead to a detailed analysis of historical modeling data, which adds an additional layer of information for any further decision-making processes.
The project manager can then reconstruct the steps that led to the error and make changes in the future work schedule in order to prevent any similar mistakes from occurring. They can also detect under-performers and try to fix the cause of the problem earlier in the project or plan the necessary changes to the budget and timescale of the whole project.
Resource Planning and Logistics
According to the Construction Industry Institute, about 25% of productive time is wasted on unnecessary movement and handling of materials.
Digital twin technology provides automatic resource allocation monitoring and waste tracking, allowing for a predictive and lean approach to resource management. With digital twin technology companies would avoid over-allocation and dynamically predict resource requirements on construction sites, thus avoiding the need to move resources over long distances and improving time management.
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States, more than four thousand construction workers died on-site between 2008 and 2012.
The real-time site reconstruction feature digital twins allows the industry's companies to track people and hazardous places on a site, so as to prevent inappropriate behavior, usage of unsafe materials, and activity in hazardous zones. A company can develop a system of early notification, letting a construction manager know when a field worker is located in dangerous proximity to working equipment and sending a notification about nearby danger to a worker's wearable device.
Microsoft recently shared a great vision of how AI combined with video cameras and mobile devices can be used to build an extensive safety net for the workplace.
Image-processing algorithms make it possible to check the condition of concrete through a video or photographic image. It is also possible to check for cracks on columns or any material displacement at a construction site. This would trigger additional inspections and thus help to detect possible problems early on.
See an example of how 2D images using 3D scene reconstruction can be used for concrete crack assessments.
Optimization of Equipment Usage
Equipment utilization is an important metric that construction firms always want to maximize. Unused machines should be released earlier to the pool so others can use them on other sites where they are needed. With advanced imaging and automatic tracking, it is possible to know how many times each piece of machinery has been used, at what part of the construction site, and on what type of the job.
Monitoring and Tracking of Workers
Some countries impose tough regulations on how to monitor people presence on a construction site. This includes having a digital record of all personnel and their location within the site, so that this information could be used by rescue teams in case of emergency. This monitoring is another digital twins application. Still, it is better to integrate digital twin-based monitoring with an automatic entry and exit registration system, to have a multi-modal data fused into a single analytics system.
Getting Data for Digital Twins
Some ways to gather data to be used for digital twins includes the following:
Smartphone Cameras
Autonomous UAV and Robots
Head-mounted Cameras and Body Cameras
Image data processing algorithms for digital twins can be created with the following methods:
3D Reconstruction: Conventional Photogrammetry
3D Reconstruction: Structure from Motion
Object Detection and Recognition
(Source: https://www.intellectsoft.net/blog/advanced-imaging-algorithms-for-digital-twin-reconstruction)
From an Investor's Viewpoint
On projects to date, this approach has proven to save time, reduce waste and increase efficiencies.
From a Standardization Proponent's Viewpoint
Open, sharable information unlocks more efficient, transparent and collaborative ways of working throughout the entire life-cycle of buildings and infrastructure.
From a Solution Provider's Viewpoint
While the digital twin is needed initially for planning and construction, it's also intended to provide the basis for building operations moving forward.
(Source: https://www.siemens.com/customer-magazine/en/home/buildings/three-perspectives-on-digital-twins.html)
The vision of "construction 4.0" refers to the 4th industrial revolution and is a fundamental challenge for the construction industry. In terms of automated production and level of digitalization, the construction industry is still significantly behind other industries. Nevertheless, the mega-trends like Big Data or the Internet of Things offer great opportunities for the future development of the construction sector. Prerequisite for the successful Construction 4.0 is the creation of a digital twin of a building. Building Information Modeling (BIM) with a consistent and structured data management is the key to generate such a digital building whose dynamic performance can be studied by building simulation tools for a variety of different boundary conditions.
Along the total life cycle from design to construction, operation and maintenance towards remodeling or demolition, the digital twin follows all modifications of the real building and dynamically readjusts itself in case of recorded performance differences.
Thus, for the whole life span of the real building, performance predictions generated with the virtual twin represent an accurate basis for well-informed decisions. This helps to develop cost-effective operation modes, e.g. by introducing new cyber-controlled HVAC systems. The digital twin may also analyze the building's dynamic response to changes in occupation or energy supply; it also indicates the need for building maintenance or upgrades.
The digital twin follows all modifications of the real building and dynamically readjusts itself in case of recorded performance differences.
(Source: https://www.bau.fraunhofer.de/en/fieldsofresearch/smartbuilding/digital-twin.html)
Posted: July 11, 2018 | Author: Frank Cunha III | Filed under: Architecture, Design, Science & Technology | Tags: 3 Dimensional, 3-D point clouds, 3d, 3d volume, 3D volumetrics, Architect, Architecture, ArchyTechy, BIG DATA, Building Design, Construction, context, Contractor, Data, Data collected, data collection, Design, Designer, Drone, Drone Technology, Rhino, Robot, surrounding area., Technology, three-dimensional, UAV, unmanned aerial vehicles, volume | 1 Comment
Drones—also called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—are most simply described as flying devices that do not carry a human pilot. They can be remotely piloted or they can pilot themselves based on pre-programmed instructions. They can be equipped with GPS, on board computers, hardware, electronics, sensors, stabilizers, auto-pilots, servo controllers, and any other equipment the user desires to install. Drones can resemble fixed-wing airplanes but more commonly take the form of quad-copters, that is, rotor-wing aircraft that can take off and land vertically. Most people know that drones can be equipped with infra-red cameras (still and video), license-plate readers, "ladar" (laser radar that generate three-dimensional images and can be seen through trees and foliage), thermal-imaging devices, or even sensors that gather data about weather, temperature, radiation or other environmental conditions. All of this can be used to generate images, recordings or data that design professionals eventually will want to use in their business.
Drones could be a valuable tool in construction, widening the spectrum of what's possible in architecture, according to architect Ammar Mirjan.
"We can fly [drones] through and around existing objects, which a person couldn't do or a crane couldn't do," explains Mirjan. They can be programmed to weave simple tensile structures in the air, for example.
Sources & References:
https://www.dezeen.com/2017/05/04/mark-dytham-interview-drones-uavs-bring-profound-change-architecture-cities/
http://www.theaiatrust.com/architects-guide-using-drones/
https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/25/10-ways-drones-will-change-the-world/
How are aerial mapping drones helping architects?
Architects are exploring the many benefits of mapping drones for improving and expanding their businesses. Here are just a few examples:
The most popular application for small drones is aerial photography and video capture to track and share "before and after" progress over time.
Ability to securely collaborate on specific areas of interest with your team, contractors, and customers.
Tell the story of your project. Show current and potential customers before and after fly-throughs of your job site so they can experience and appreciate the scale and impact of your work.
3-D point clouds with centimeter grade accuracy on progress, so you can get the precision updates you need to keep project approvals on time, without physically traveling to the site.
Get context for your project, plan your architecture with a full view of the surrounding area.
See 3D volumetrics so you know what you're building on and can track progress.
Uses for Drones
Presentation + marketing
Architectural cinematography
Site analysis
Topographic mapping
Construction observation
Lead generation (working with Realtors)
According to an interview in Dezeen.com with Mark Dytham, architect and co-founder of Tokyo-based Klein Dytham Architecture, "Drones will transform the way buildings are designed, the way they look and the way they are used.
One way in which drones are proving to be a useful tool in architecture is through surveying. Due to their small size and relative ease of maneuverability, drones make an easy task of accessing difficult to reach places.
According to ArchDaily.com, "While using satellite imagery for site planning is common among architects, these visuals are often available in low resolution and produce less accurate data. Data collected by drones can completely eliminate the need for hiring land surveyors for creating topographic surveys. Instead, architects can use this information to build accurate 3D models of the terrain and site and import them directly into drafting and modeling software like Rhino." In the past, architects would have relied on planes, helicopters, or satellite imaging for aerial footage.
https://www.identifiedtech.com/blog/construction-drones/how-aerial-mapping-drones-can-help-architects/
http://residencestyle.com/the-use-of-drones-in-architecture-soars-to-new-heights/