Engineering Information Modeling Research Articles

A self-attention based global feature enhancing network for semantic segmentation of large-scale urban street-level point clouds

• A novel network for semantic segmentation of large-scale urban point clouds. • A self-attention-based channel-wisely enhanced global feature is constructed. • A weighted semantic mapping module for highly accurate semantic segmentation. Point clouds of large-scale urban street scenes contain large quantities of object categories and rich semantic information. The semantic segmentation is the basis and key to subsequent essential applications, such as digital twin engineering and city information model. The global feature of point clouds in large-scale scenes can provide long-range context information, which is critical to high-quality semantic segmentation. However, the learning of global spatial saliency considering class label constraints is often ignored in the feature representation of some deep learning models. With regard to this, we propose a Global Feature Self-Attention Encoding (GFSAE) module and a Weighted Semantic Mapping (WSM) module to make the semantic segmentation model of point clouds in large-scale urban street scene focus more on the global salient feature expression by self-attention enhancement channel by channel and take into account the constraints of semantic categories to learn a better semantic segmentation model for urban street scenes. The experiments are performed on the Semantic3D dataset and our own collected vehicle Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) point cloud dataset. The segmentation results show that the GFSAE and the WSM proposed by us can improve the semantic segmentation of point clouds in large-scale urban street scenes and prove the effectiveness of our model compared with other state-of-the-art methods.

Coding structure of highway engineering information model

Model identification code is the key to the data integration and effective transmission of highway engineering information model from the early stage of design to project construction and operation management, so as to form structured data for integrated management and analysis. By studying the existing information model classification and coding system, this paper analyzes the application and existing problems of various information model identification and code breakdown structures such as engineering system breakdown structure coding, space and classification coding, and work breakdown structure coding, comprehensively considers the different needs of construction management, measurement and payment, file management and big data utilization, and puts forward a "five-grade" highway engineering information model with location and version based on ISO 12006-2 framework, covering projects, construction sites, components, classification and coding framework. This model has been applied in the actual engineering construction management information system. The association and data transmission between construction management information and models are effectively realized through the application of model identification coding, which provides a basis for data sharing and exchange between information systems.

Development of Data Integration and Sharing for Geotechnical Engineering Information Modeling Based on IFC

With the rapid development of infrastructure construction, geotechnical engineering has always been worthy of attention due to its complexity and diversity. Accelerating the informatization of geotechnical engineering will contribute to the project management, but the information contained in geotechnical engineering cannot be well integrated because of the lack of unified data standards. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been considered as an effective technology to manage information, and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) in BIM serves as a neutral and open standard for the exchange of information. However, it was found that BIM cannot express the information of some structure objects and geological objects well during the construction process of geotechnical engineering. Combined with the characteristics of geotechnical engineering, taking advantage of the good extensibility of IFC, this paper proposes a “Built‐In Generation Schema” for geotechnical structure models and a “Plug‐In Extension Schema” for three‐dimensional (3D) geological models, ultimately forming the basic data system of geotechnical engineering information models based on IFC. Applying extended IFC to the modeling process, the BIM‐based modeling method of geotechnical models is proposed. In addition, an IFC‐based platform is developed to integrate geological models and structure models for further displaying and analyzing of geotechnical engineering models. The work in this paper provides a feasible way and technical support for promoting the integration and sharing of geotechnical engineering information and enhancing the multiprofessional collaborative work.

Modern selection criteria for procurement methods in construction

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive literature review that seeks to address modern factors worldwide that are associated with the selection of current procurement methods. The aim is to develop an up-to-date multi-attribute procurement decision-making chart for selecting the appropriate method for the project.Design/methodology/approach– Stage 1 (literature review). The search engines, Emerald; Business Source Premier; Science Direct and Sage were selected to identify journals that have published the most procurement methods-related articles. The search covered the period 1980-2015. Stage 2 (Survey) – after analyzing and appraising the literature, an up-to-date utility decision-making chart for selecting the appropriate procurement method for the project was developed. The chart was based on findings from a survey that included 57 construction professionals and who have demonstrated sound experience about the various procurement options.Findings– There is no one best procurement method for all projects. The selection depends on the nature of the issues or problem at hand. Decision making is not a punctual act. It is often a complex process. Effective decision making also demands quality and timely information, and a careful consideration of alternatives. The multi-attribute decision-making chart presented in this paper has included modern criteria and the client would have end up with different recommendations and consequences should these criteria were not included in priority weightings.Practical implications– The literature review provides states-of-the art research in the field of procurement methods in construction and the multi-attribute chart is intended to offer decision makers an opportunity to broaden their horizon on the different alternatives procurement routs that could lead to different consequences.Originality/value– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few publications have discussed modern selection criteria for procurement methods in construction under one study. Therefore, this paper has established a platform for scholars and researchers to obtain more useful insights into procurement methods concerns. It has identified research trends in procurement methods which may allow industrial practitioners to appreciate the key concerns in their development of modern concepts and principles such as supply chain, lean construction, sustainability, innovation, value engineering, e-procurement and Building information modeling. The inclusion of these modern criteria will present and add value to procurement decision makers within the construction industry.

Conceptual design of object-oriented databases for fuzzy engineering information modeling

Conceptual data modeling is essential for engineering applications. IDEF1X (Integration Definition for Information Modeling) data model provides a formal framework for consistent modeling of the data necessary for the integration of various functiona

Engineering information modeling in databases: needs and constructions

PurposeTo provide a selective bibliography for researchers and practitioners interested in database modeling of engineering information with sources which can help them develop engineering information systems.Design/methodology/approachIdentifies the requirements for engineering information modeling and then investigates how current database models satisfy these requirements at two levels: conceptual data models and logical database models.FindingsPresents the relationships among the conceptual data models and the logical database models for engineering information modeling viewed from database conceptual design.Originality/valueCurrently few papers provide comprehensive discussions about how current engineering information modeling can be supported by database technologies. This paper fills this gap. The contribution of the paper is to identify the direction of database study viewed from engineering applications and provide a guidance of information modeling for engineering design, manufacturing, and production management.

1.3.2 A Generic, Adaptive Systems Engineering Information Model

AbstractSystems engineering tasks generate large volumes of data and information that must be available over the lifecycle of the system. This paper outlines an information model designed to support existing systems engineering methods and practices as well newly developed techniques. Specific methods and models used for the capture, encoding and persistence of systems engineering information and design artifacts were given special attention during the evaluation, analysis and model design phases. A generic systems engineering meta‐model was then developed and used as a basis for the systems engineering information model that was developed and is presented in this work.

5.6.3 Integrating Systems and Software Engineering Concepts in AP‐233

ABSTRACTThis paper presents ongoing work to extend the ISO 10303‐233 (AP‐233) systems engineering information model in order to integrate software‐engineering concepts. The work is motivated by the increasing importance of software in contemporary systems and the gap between systems and software engineering's specification methods. Encoding entities supporting modern software engineering attains two objectives. Firstly, the model could be used for exchanging software specifications in addition to system specifications. Secondly, relationships between entities representing software and system concepts can be encoded which allows for traceability between requirements expressed in a systems specification and the software design specification.

Applying the system engineering environment to the reengineering process

There is increasing motivation in both government and commercial enterprises to make the tools, methods, and information models common to modern system engineering environments available to support the reverse engineering and re-design of complex, computer-based systems. This paper reports on recent efforts to develop and validate a comprehensive system engineering environment which adequately supports both forward and reverse engineering processes. A key component of this engineering environment is the System Engineering Technology Interface Standard (SETIS). SETIS is composed of stadardized engineering information models, data interchange mechanisms, and data access methods by which engineering and analysis tools in the Navy's Engineering Complex Systems (ECS) project are being integrated.

Data fusion for adaptive control in manufacturing: Impact on engineering information models

Data fusion is the integration and analysis of data from multiple sensors to develop a more accurate understanding of a situation and determine how to respond to it. Although data fusion can be applied in many situations, this paper focuses on its application to manufacturing and how it changes some of the more traditional, less adaptive information models that support the design and manufacturing functions. The paper consists of four parts. The first section explains what data fusion is and its impact on manufacturing. The second section describes what an information system architecture is and explains the natural language-based information modeling methodology used by this research project. The third section identifies the major design and manufacturing functions, reviews the information models required to support them, and then shows how these models must be extended to support data fusion. The fourth section discusses the future directions of this work.