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的数据和工作、减少错误、缩短设计施工时间、改进调度、提供更好的管理信息等，大大提高效率。然而，在真正的计算机集成成为现实之前，必须解决许多理论和实践问题。需要考虑两种类型的集成，以及问题的两个方面。两种类型的整合是：a)垂直的，跨越规划、设计、施工和运营阶段；b)水平的，跨越每个阶段的学科（例如，在设计阶段，跨越建筑、土木、结构、机械和电气学科）。将执行两项具体的研究活动，一项是相当狭窄和具体的，另一项是更广泛的。狭义的主题涉及数据库的设计，以支持结构设计和构造的集成，特别是连接在该数据库中所起的关键作用。涉及事实、规则和程序的表示和处理的更广泛的主题将限于澄清基本概念和确定需要和技术。本研究可望作出以下贡献：1)推动与设计及建造相关的资料库设计的发展。2)集成软件系统的知识处理技术将得到提升。将探讨仅在理论上或仅针对与建筑无关的问题而开发的技术，并评估其对建筑应用的适当性。这将为计算机集成建筑系统的高效开发奠定基础。(3)兴趣相近但学科不同的研究人员之间将开展更密切的合作与交流。工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.