Research Areas Select a research areaBuilding Model RepositoriesProduct Modeling TechnologiesDesign Tool DevelopmentDrawing Recognition and TranslationThe Design Virtual Environment (DVE)Computer Applications in Visual and Sound DesignBuilding CAD/CAM

Building Model Repositories

An important issue in Building Information Models is the ability to support the integration of a wide variety of knowledge-based tools for architectural design, with focus on detailed construction technologies. We are developing a Product Model Server (PDM) that supports the storage, querying, extraction and exchange of knowledge-based models of buildings in different design domains. This work involves the development of effective support for moving to PDM technology. This includes:

• effective querying and extraction methods for defining and accessing a working dataset,
• change propagation and management, design collaboration among a distributed design team,
• new tools for assessing progress, and
• integration of product model technology with process modeling.

The work involves both formal issues and development of a prototype working system.

Professors:

• Prof. Eastman
• Prof. Augenbroe

Current Projects:

• The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC): http://www.coa.gatech.edu/~aisc/
• CIS2 and IFC Harmonization (supported by AISC): http://www.coa.gatech.edu/~aisc/cisifc/
• The Precast Concrete Software Consortium (PCSC): http://dcom.arch.gatech.edu/pci/
• Tekla IFC (ST-4) Translator Development (Tekla): http://dcom.arch.gatech.edu/TeklaIFC
• Tekla Usability Project (Tekla): http://dcom.arch.gatech.edu/TeklaHCI

Core Readings:

• Eastman, C. M. (1999). Building Product Models: Computer Environments Supporting Design and Construction. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Related Courses:

• Building Product Model, Eastman (COA8690)
• Design & Engineering IT, Eastman (COA8676/CS6754) http://dcom.arch.gatech.edu/cs6754
• Database System Concepts & Design, Navathe (COA6400)