Comprehensive Design Process Research Articles

Repositing Thinking for Future Social Systems Design: In Tribute to Bela H. Banathy and His Inspiration of the Fuschl Conversations

Contemporary systems activity can be divided into that stressing feasible and practical short-term measures, and that which is more ideal-aware, focussed on mid-longer term futures, and typically involving on-going community or social systems design. The paper highlights the key differences in approach, but then invites closer collaboration in the cause of the possible contribution that systems thinking could make for a longer term future, with Y3K (Year 3000) as a metaphor for this. This analysis, which derives from work undertaken at Asilomar 1995 and Fuschl conversations in 2000 and 2002, finds that contemporary social system design, which is driven by western culture and is action-oriented, needs adaptation before it could contribute to greater future global harmony. A truly comprehensive systems design process must accommodate a wide range of possible parameters in terms of culture, and appreciation of time and progress. An emerging paradigm as basis for thinking and engaging in social systems design work of the future is offered, which also has relevance to general systems practice.

Modelling of auxiliary ventilation systems

In subsurface excavations, auxiliary ventilation systems are an important and integrated component of the overall ventilation scheme. Without adequate auxiliary ventilation, it is impossible to provide sufficient air to working faces, regardless of the quantity or quality of air in the main airways. Extended development headings are typically ventilated using fan and duct systems, which either force or exhaust air through the duct. The optimum design of such systems can be complex, depending on factors such as duct resistance, leakage and diameter, fan selection and spacing, and shock losses. This paper describes the development and application of a comprehensive design process for auxiliary ventilation systems. Included is a summary of published theory and literature, a description of software development, information and results from detailed field measurements, and a description of the application of the software to the design of an actual extended auxiliary fan and duct system.

A Multipurpose, Artificial Reef at Mount Maunganui Beach, New Zealand

A multipurpose, artificial, offshore reef has been designed for construction at Mount Maunganui Beach, New Zealand. The proposed reef will form the basis for research into coastal protection, amenity enhancement (particularly surfing, but also diving, fishing, and beach recreation), biological response, and social and economic impacts. In order to proceed with reef construction, a five-year resource permit is being sought from the regulatory authority, and this application required an assessment of the likely environmental impacts of the proposed reef. The studies undertaken for the assessment included the examination of physical, biological, social, and economic impacts. A comprehensive design process was undertaken to incorporate the amenity of surfing into a submerged reef shape. Programs to monitor physical and biological responses, as well as social and economic impacts, were also established. These studies support the use of multipurpose, artificial, offshore reefs as an environmentally friendly solution to coastal protection. The reefs also cater to the growing demand for more coastal-amenity development.

SEISMIC DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.

Keywords GIBB WALLS, RETAINING, SEISMIC, DESIGN, BEHAVIOUR, EARTHQUAKES, PERFORMANCE, DISPLACEMENT, METHODS, CAISSONS, DAMAGE, MODELS, LOADS, PORTS, QUAYS, PSEUDO STATIC, AMPLIFICATION, SOFTENING, FILL, BACKFILL, MOVEMENT, LOADING, EARTH, PRESSURE, HYDRODYNAMICS, FORCES, ROCKING, ELASTIC, FLEXIBILITY, SOILS, DEGRADATION, STRENGTH, STIFFNESS, DISTRIBUTION, DYNAMICS KOBE, HYOGO KEN NAMBU JAPAN, ASIA... Show All

Development On and Adjacent to Landfill

ABSTRACTThis paper outlines the engineering design philosophy for development sites affected by landfill gas. The hazards of landfill gas need to be fully understood and evaluated in relation to the location and type of building structure proposed, and a comprehensive assessment and design process should be undertaken. This involves interpretation of investigation and monitoring data, prediction of future trends, selection of appropriate design parameters, evaluation of gas‐control measures, safety during construction, and long‐term serviceability and monitoring.A description is given of the principal types of gas control measures which allow building development to take place on sites affected by landfill gas, and guidance is provided for the design of such measures. These measures include site encapsulation, gas‐venting trenches and wells, gas‐resistant membranes and barriers, natural ventilation to structures, and gas‐detection and management systems.

High-level, three-pronged design methodology for N-CHIME interface system software

To enable users of the Hierarchical Simulation Language (HSL) to take full advantage of that software and its supportive tools, an interface system, called N-CHIME, was designed and implemented. It takes into account the capabilities and constraints of the user, the interface software/hardware, and the applications software. The paper provides a guided tour through the software design methodology that was developed. It represents a study of techniques for tailoring interface software for industrial use. Methodological steps are illustrated through the N-CHIME case study. Design principles and factors applicable to each of the three major system prongs are outlined. A high-level graph of user-visible states encapsulates the functionality available to the user at each point of a session. The object-oriented software architecture that accommodates those user states is an extension of the user interface management system model. The paper emphasizes the importance of defining a well structured, comprehensive design process and of ensuring designer accountability through recordings of the rationale behind each design decision.

Facilities Planning for Aviation Education

The importance of properly designed physical facilities as an environment for the delivery of an aviation and education program cannot be over emphasized. While excellent teaching can and does take place in inadequate physical settings, the delivery process and related human experience both for teachers and students invariably suffers. At the same time, the decision making process involved in producing suitable facilities for any aviation related activity has become exceedingly complex. Growing sophistication of technology and state of the art of aviation systems, changing educational programs, complex administrative structures, and difficulties in' the economy and abili ty for institutions to fund building programs all serve to C01Dplicate any well intentioned building development goals. It is essential that a broad based comprehensive planning and design process be utilized if the product of any building development is to achieve requisite facility objectives. Short term, expedient approaches to replacement of inadequate facilities invariably result in an equally short lived solution to the problem. Even worse, they often complicate longer range development opportunities due to the absence of an overall masterplan, and usually create a poor architectural image. The planning process must incorporate a successful integration of client/users and plaMing/design professionals as well. Input and expertise from all parties involved must cxae together in a continuing interaction and dialogue. The key words in any facility development endeavor are comprehensive planning and professional interaction. Thia process has been applied to the long range facility needs of t he Institute of Aviation at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. A review of the methods and techniques utilized in this project can be beneficial in developing insights for application to other similar programs.