Fundamental Studies in Computer Integration of Design and Construction

设计和施工活动的计算机集成可以通过消除重复数据和工作、减少错误、缩短设计-施工时间、改进进度、提供更好的管理信息等来显著提高效率。然而，在真正的计算机集成成为现实之前，许多理论和实践问题必须得到解决。有两种类型的整合需要考虑，这个问题有两个方面。这两种类型的整合是：a)纵向，跨越规划、设计、施工和运营阶段；b)横向，跨越每个阶段的学科(例如，在设计阶段，跨越建筑、土木工程、结构、机械和电气学科)。将执行两项具体的研究活动，一项是非常狭隘和具体的，另一项是更广泛的。较窄的主题涉及数据库的设计，以支持结构设计和施工的集成，特别是连接在该数据库中所起的关键作用。与事实、规则和程序的表述和处理有关的更广泛的主题将仅限于澄清基本概念和确定需求和技术。本研究将在以下几个方面做出贡献：1)与设计和建设相关的数据库设计的最新进展。2)提高集成软件系统知识处理的水平。将探索仅在理论上开发的技术，或仅针对与施工无关的问题开发的技术，并将评估它们在建筑应用中的适宜性。这将有助于为高效开发计算机集成施工系统奠定基础。3)具有相似广泛兴趣但学科差异很大的研究人员之间将发展更紧密的合作和交流。产业界和大学之间的合作和交流也将得到加强。

Computer integration of design and construction activities can dramatically increase efficiency, by eliminating duplication of data and effort, reducing errors, decreasing design-construction time, improving scheduling, providing better management information, etc. However, before true computer integration can become a reality, many theoretical and practical problems must be resolved. There are two types of integration to be considered, and two sides to the problem. The two types of integration are: a) vertical, across the planning, design, construction and operation phases, and b) horizontal, across disciplines in each of the phases (e.g. in the design phase, across architectural, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical disciplines). Two specific research activities will be executed, one quite narrow and specific, and the other broader. The narrower topic is concerned with the design of a database to support integration of structural design and construction, and specifically with the key role that connections play in this database. The broader topic, concerned with representation and processing of facts, rules, and procedures will be limited to clarifying basic concepts and identifying needs and techniques. The research is expected to make the following contributions: 1) The state of the art of design- and construction-related database design will be advanced. 2) The state of the art of knowledge processing for integrated software systems will be advanced. The techniques which have been developed only in theory, or only for problems not related to construction, will be explored, and their appropriateness for construction applications will be assessed. This will help form a foundation for efficient development of Computer Integrated Construction systems. 3) Closer collaboration and communication will be developed between researchers who have similar broad interests but are in widely different disciplines. Collaboration and communication will also be cemented between industry and the university.