scholarly journals A generative design case study for UAV-based assembly and fabrication: parametric analysis and synthesis of Iranian-Islamic Muqarnas

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erfan Zamani ◽  
Theodoros Dounas
Keyword(s):  
Parametric Analysis ◽  
Analytical Study ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Islamic Architecture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Geographic Regions ◽  
Generative System

PurposeThis study proposes a DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and uses Iranian-Islamic Muqarnas as the main case study due to their geometric modularity. In Islamic architecture, different geographic regions are known to have used various design and construction methods of “Muqarnas”, a type of decorated dome.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a study on parametric analysis of the Iranian-Islamic Muqarnas and analyses its components, geometric relations and construction methods that should be considered when constructing one. This study aims to use the Muqarnas analysis as a driver to generate a DfMA basis on the UAVs and parametric fabrication. In Islamic architecture, different geographic regions use various design and construction methods of Muqarnas. There are four main parameters of the Muqarnas that define their classification; first, their three-dimensional shape, that provides volume. Second, the size of their modules is variable. Third, their own specific generative process-algorithm, and finally, the two-dimensional pattern plan that is used as a basis in the design. Thus, the authors present a global analytical study that drives a generative system to construct Muqarnas, through a careful balance of the four parameters.FindingsThis study thus presents a global analytical study that drives a generative system to construct Muqarnas, through a careful balance of four specifications. The paper reports the result of using a parametric tool, Grasshopper and parametric plugins, for creating a generative system of several types of Muqarnas. This synthetic translation aims at expanding our understanding of parametric analysis and synthesis of traditional architecture, advancing our understanding towards using parametric synthesis, with the scope to fabricate and assemble modules towards UAV-based fabrication of Muqarnas. To do so, the authors are taking advantage of their inherent repetition and recursion.Originality/valueIn the first step, this paper reviews studies on traditional Muqarnas (both Iranian and non-Iranian) and relevant parametric approaches. In the second step, the study aims to create a general generative system for Muqarnas. The creation of a generative system for Muqarnas is driven towards the creation of three-dimensional fabrication of their components so that these are assembled automatically using a swarm of UAVs. This particular drive imposes specific constraints in the parametric system, as the assembly of the final components, the authors posit, can only take place in a pick and place fashion.

Conflicts in adaptation: case studies from Nepal and the Maldives

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phu Doma Lama ◽  
Per Becker
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Adaptation appears to be regarded as a panacea in policy circles to reduce the risk of impending crises resulting from contemporary changes, including but not restricted to climate change. Such conceptions can be problematic, generally assuming adaptation as an entirely positive and non-conflictual process. The purpose of this paper is to challenge such uncritical views, drawing attention to the conflictual nature of adaptation, and propose a theoretical framework facilitating the identification and analysis of conflicts in adaptation. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on case study research using first-hand narratives of adaptation in Nepal and the Maldives collected using qualitative interviews, participant observation and document analysis. Findings The findings identify conflicts between actors in, and around, communities that are adapting to changes. These conflicts can be categorized along three dimensions: qualitative differences in the type of conflict, the relative position of conflicting actors and the degree of manifestation of the conflict. Originality/value The three-dimensional Adaptation Conflict Framework facilitate analysis of conflicts in adaptation, allowing for a critical examination of subjectivities inherent in the adaptation discourses embedded in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation research and policy. Such an inquiry is crucial for interventions supporting community adaptation to reduce disaster risk.

Three-dimensional sustainability of Kaizen

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Mendez ◽  
Mercedes Vila-Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Know How ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to know, from a three-dimensional perspective (operational, emotional and behavioral), the process of “putting down roots” related with the implementation of Kaizen until it becomes sustainable. The research aims to know how this “putting down roots” process is carried out, what transformations occur, what elements are involved and what role they represent in achieving sustainability. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a methodology based on the case study has been used, an interpretive approach to reality has been adopted as a paradigm and the Grounded Theory has been applied as an analytical technique. Findings The results suggest the existence of a transformation process that leads to creating new habits, beliefs and feelings, a phenomenon that the authors identify as a three-dimensional learning process (operational, emotional and behavioral). Practical implications This type of learning is perceived as a transition toward an organizational culture that ensures the roots of the Kaizen principles, which is essential for its sustainability and which favors the creation of talent and the well-being of employees, two challenges that the Kaizen of the twenty-first century must face. Originality/value The document includes innovative contributions to the Kaizen sustainability phenomenon, as it is dealt with from a three-dimensional perspective that underlies the inhibitors and enablers known in the current literature.

Construction of the Information Model of Ancient Architecture Components Based on BIM - A Case Study of Bracket Sets

2013 ◽  
Vol 300-301 ◽  
pp. 323-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru Wang ◽  
Wei Xin Sun ◽  
Xiang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Information Model ◽  
Data Dictionary ◽  
Dimensional Model ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Construction Methods

Taking Bracket sets as an example, we have discussed the construction methods of BIM-based Information model of the ancient architecture components. First, to build the three-dimensional model of the bracket sets with the method of CSG, and then write the information in the model with the technology of extended data and data dictionary, and to built Information model of the ancient architecture's components, at last we have given the key code to achieve it. The information model meet the rule about the ancient buildings’ modulus, it can be used for the measurement of existing ancient buildings, the repair and reconstruction of the ancient architecture, the design of antique architecture.

A personalized mandibular implant with supporting and porous structures designed with topology optimization – a case study of canine

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kangjie Cheng ◽  
Yunfeng Liu ◽  
Chunyan Yao ◽  
Wenquan Zhao ◽  
Xu Xu
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Optimal Design ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Fem Analysis ◽  
Von Mises Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Optimized Model ◽  
Supporting Structures ◽  
External Shape

Purpose The purpose of this study is to obtain a titanium mandibular implant that possesses a personalized external shape for appearance recovery, a supporting structure for physiological loading and numerous micro-pores for accelerating osseointegration. Design/methodology/approach A three-dimensional intact mandibular model of a beagle dog was created from cone-beam computerized tomography scans. A segment of the lower jaw bone was resected and replaced by a personalized implant with comprehensive structures including a customized external shape, supporting structures and micro-pores, which were designed by topology optimization. Then with FEM analysis, the stress, displacement distribution and compliance of the designed implant were compared with the non-optimized model. The weight of the optimized implant that was fabricated by SLM with titanium alloy powder was measured and contrasted with the predicted non-optimized model for evaluating the viability of the design. Findings The FEM results showed the peaks of von Mises stress and displacement on the optimized implant were much lower than those of the implant without optimization. With topology optimization, the compliance of the implant decreased significantly by 53.3 per cent, and a weight reduction of 37.2 per cent could be noticed. Originality/value A design strategy for personalized implant, with comprehensive structures and SLM as the fabrication method, has been developed and validated by taking a canine mandible as the case study. With comprehensive structures, the implant presented good biomechanical behaviors thanks to the most appropriate supporting structures obtained by optimal design. The topological optimal design combined with SLM printing proved to be an effective method for the design and fabrication of personalized implant with complex structures.

Archival research: a neglected method in organization studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshni Das ◽  
Kamal K. Jain ◽  
Sushanta K. Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Archival Research ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
Study Mode ◽  
Selective Bibliography ◽  
Network Studies ◽  
Research Endeavor

Purpose Archival research is a much under-rated and under-utilized method of research in management studies. Yet multi-disciplinary undertakings being observed in recent times, such as in knowledge management (KM) systems, business history and social network studies, among others, indicate that there is a lot of potential to be explored. The purpose of this paper is to highlight this point and make a case for its inclusion in the researcher’s toolkit in the future. Design/methodology/approach The authors follow a two-stage method here: the first stage being an improvised process to benchmark articles for this review; while the second stage involves content analysis and synthesis of the same. Findings The authors have dealt with the intricacies of the archival research methodology by minutely examining the fieldwork steps, proxies generation, other related processes of triangulation, etc. With the discussion on “multi-disciplinary undertakings,” the authors offer not only a selective bibliography of works that have effectively harvested this family of methods, but also critique the nuances involved. Finally, coming into more contemporary concerns and developments, the authors undertake an in-depth look at technological applications in the domain of KM, in case study mode. Methodological richness leads to substantive granularity. As such, the authors argue that archival methods contribute to the robustness, contextuality and holism of any research endeavor, more so in the study of business and organizations. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on the literature review. Practical implications This paper makes a case for archival method’s contribution toward the robustness, contextuality and holism of any research endeavor, more so in the study of business and organizations. Originality/value This paper re-positions the method of archival research as a viable and sophisticated tool for researchers to employ effectively in singular or mixed method studies.

An interactive virtual lighting maintenance environment for human factors evaluation

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qichang He ◽  
Shiguang Qiu ◽  
Xiumin Fan ◽  
Keyan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Task Lighting ◽  
Lighting Environment

Purpose – The paper aims to establish a virtual lighting maintenance environment (VLME), and to analyze the visibility-related human factors (HFs) during maintenance operations through interactive simulations. Design/methodology/approach – First, an accurate task lighting modeling method was developed, which includes lighting information modeling and illuminant parameters calibration. Then, the real-time interaction between the task lighting and three-dimensional virtual human was modeled. After that, the attenuation coefficient of visibility was determined. Also, the HFs’ analysis process in VLME was described in detail. Findings – A case study of power supply module replacement of radar equipment was performed in VLME. The HFs’ analysis demonstrated that the task lighting significantly affects the visibility, which causes indirect impact on posture comfort and operation safety. Practical implications – Through evaluating maintenance operation processing in lighting environment, engineers can better analyze and validate the maintainability design for complex equipment, and some potential ergonomics and safety issues can be found and dealt earlier. Originality/value – An VLME was built for interactive “human-in-loop” maintenance operation simulation, which can support HFs’ evaluation in lighting environment accurately and effectively.

Offsite construction skills evolution: an Australian case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Buddhini Ginigaddara ◽  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Yingbin Feng ◽  
Payam Rahnamayiezekavat
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Coordinator ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Specific Skill

Purpose The construction industry is currently responding to pressures of industrialisation happening across all sectors. Consequently, offsite construction (OSC) has become a vehicle to achieve industrialisation. This requires changes in traditional construction processes resulting in possible changes in construction skill requirements. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify and review prevailing OSC practices and skills in the Australian construction industry. This study aims to critically analyse the existing skill profile classifications through a single case study and identify the need for an OSC specific skill classification. Design/methodology/approach This study follows a case study design, with an in-depth analysis of a single construction project. Only one case study was studied because scientifically, one example was enough to prove that the prevailing skill classifications do not represent OSC skills in a modern context. Data was retrospectively collected through semi-structured interviews of project stakeholders representing design, manufacture and assembly. Content analysis was conducted to analyse the collected data and produce findings. Findings This study identifies the inadequacy of the existing classification system, unavailability and the need of OSC specific skill categorisation. It highlights new skills that enter OSC; building information modelling engineer, three-dimensional draftsperson, OSC project manager and project coordinator, which are not identified in the available Australian skill classifications. These, together with existing skills need to be carved in to create a new skill classification. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind where a comprehensive OSC project is evaluated as a case study to determine OSC skill classification requirements in Australia.

Extracting and prioritizing knowledge risk components by considering the knowledge map

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Akhavan ◽  
Mehdi Khodabandeh ◽  
Lila Rajabion ◽  
Mohamad Reza Zahedi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Analytical Study ◽  
Knowledge Map ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interview Technique ◽  
Cluster Organization ◽  
Library Studies ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Process Method

Purpose This paper aims to identify knowledge risk components. The present research also tends to determine the relationship between knowledge risk components, the importance of each component and the final ranking of components. Design/methodology/approach This is applied research regarding type, as well as being a descriptive, analytical study regarding performance; it is done according to the opinion of experts. Library studies are applied to extract knowledge risk components. After extracting components, components were screened using the interview technique. In addition, network analytical process method has been used for considering the interrelationship of components and determining their values. Findings After making the required analysis and studies, a total of 17 knowledge risk components were identified in four clusters. The four clusters include knowledge cluster, knowledge map cluster, organization cluster and expert cluster. It is to be noted that the extracted components are prioritized in each cluster. In the regarded case study, different parts of the organization have been evaluated in terms of exposure to knowledge risk. Originality/value Identifying the knowledge risk components enables the organization for moving toward the implementation of the knowledge management system and informing the organization in connection with risk aversion. In fact, such components provide the chance for the organization to identify risks inherent in each department of any organization and develop the necessary measures to reduce the risk in risky areas.

Transcoding authenticity: preserving unreleased gaming software outside of memory institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Formal Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
File Systems ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Settings ◽  
Compressed Images

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce new criteria for evaluating authenticity in digital preservation, particularly in cases related to unreleased software projects and preservation work that occurs in non-institutional settings.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive visual and formal analysis of image files is performed on three overlapping preservation efforts to understand the ways that self-appointed preservationists reframe content in varied settings. The unreleased mid-1990s console game Sonic X-Treme is used as a case study because assets from the development process have been widely preserved among former developers and enthusiasts alike.FindingsThe findings indicate that non-professional preservationists transcode original production files into a variety of formats, ranging from lossy compressed images to contemporary three-dimensional (3D) modeling files. Materials are presented in settings that range from colorful webpages mimicking the appearance of commercial software to browsable file systems. These results show that non-institutional preservation practices embody notions of authenticity that diverge significantly from those of professional archivists.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by its focus on a single case study, but helps to facilitate ongoing research concerning preservation of unreleased projects insofar as it surveys the current status of existing projects.Originality/valueExisting studies within preservation literature have established the need for increased attention paid to unfinished digital works. This study introduces new data and interpretative findings that outline such preservation efforts as they already occur in non-institutional settings.

General contractors’ experience using off-site structural framing systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-63
Author(s):  
John Killingsworth ◽  
Mohammed Hashem Mehany ◽  
Hana Ladhari
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
General Contractors ◽  
Expected Benefits

Purpose This paper aims to examine general contractors’ experiences of using off-site manufactured structural framing systems. This engaged a single-case study using a qualitative methodology to identify expected benefits, actual benefits and challenges of such systems. Design/methodology/approach A single-case study approach evaluated general contractors’ experience of using a manufactured structural framing system. Qualitative data were collated and analyzed from industry domain experts to determine commonalities and thematic thinking. Findings The study revealed that the reasons behind considering off-site building systems were: accelerating the project schedule, overcoming site constraints and having a better end-product. The top expected benefits were: saving time (schedule), saving cost and improving quality. The top actual observed benefits were: saving erection time, reducing waste generation, reducing project costs, reducing safety risks and improving construction site logistics. The main challenges encountered were: unfamiliarity of different project parties with the off-site framing system, difficulty with reducing the overall project schedule, heavy site logistics and complicated off-site system design and standards requirements. The findings include solutions to overcome the challenges associated with using a manufactured structural system. Research limitations/implications This paper was a case study and therefore inherently limited in its generalizability. The study was conducted with general contractors in the mountain-west region of the USA. However, the implications of the study may have a broad application, as contractors across the globe seek to find similar solutions to using off-site or manufactured construction methods. Practical implications Construction labor shortages around the world are forcing the construction industry to find creative solutions to meet the demand for their services. Manufactured or off-site construction methods provide a possible solution to that labor shortage. However, builders need to be aware of the immediate challenges and actual benefits of using a manufactured structural framing system. Social implications Manufactured structural framing systems have the potential to impact lean and sustainable practices in construction. Reduced waste, reduced on-site man-power requirements, reduced construction schedules and reduced injuries each improve the lives of construction workers and the communities around these buildings. Originality/value An extensive literature review was performed to guide the design of this case study. Much has been written about off-site construction practices, but there is a significant research gap on the topic of structural framing systems. This study contributes to expanding the knowledge of off-site construction and specifically helps researchers and practitioners understand the challenges and benefits of this systematic approach to construction.

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