After component design using a 3D-CAD system and a product model, if the result of thedesign checking system is violated, it is necessary to re-design until it is satisfied. Since thisincreases the number of data transferring, the improvement of efficiency is desired. Thus, in this research, we have developed MultiAgent-CAD to support the user's design by providing a multi-agent system including simplified code checking agents, external condition checking agents, etc., using the function of interoperability by the product model. Further, we have developed a 3D product model of steel structures and applied the MultiAgent-CAD to a sample design case to demonstrated its effectiveness.

View full abstract

The SXF (SCADEC eXchange Format) which conforms to the ISO 10303-202 (STEP/AP-202) will be adopted for the electronic delivery of CAD drawings in the Japanese construction industry in future; therefore, orderers will be reproducing on their displays electronically delivered CAD drawings with a STEP/AP202 browser offered by the Japan Construction Information Center (JACIC). Although JACIC developed STEP/AP202 browser, its basic functions are poor and there is no function for simple making correction of a drawing among the parties. Under the circumstances, the authors developed an SXF browser that is free from the shortcomings of the STEP/AP202 browser developed by SCADEC and that adds the function that supports drawing.

View full abstract

Recently the public-involvement infrastructure building is becoming very popular. Hence it is increasing in demand among the civil design engineers to grasp the public Kansei toward civil engineering structures and to reflect it to their actual structural designs. The present research makes effective utilization of Kansei engineering procedures that have been successfully applied to the development of commercial products related with the design and aesthetic of landscape of river protection works. In this undertaking the general public's Kansei together with that of river managing engineers toward the river protection works of Shikoku region are investigated by Kansei evaluation tests. Furthermore a Kansei database system for Shikoku region's river protection works is made up in order that it can be accessible through Internet.

View full abstract

For the advance of computer technologies, digital map has been noticed in recent years. An electronic map is used as guide map very well. A guide map is provided through Web or a mobile phone now, and its needs are increasing. However, a lot of time and cost are needed to produce a guide map. Therefore it is difficult for general users to make a guide map. The purpose of this research is a development of the system that can generate a guide map by using the Digital Map 2500 (Spatial Data Framework) of the Geographical Survey Institute publication. This system does not need advanced equipments and expert knowledge. Therefore, everyone can create a guide map easily and quickly. By using the Digital Map 2500 (Spatial Data Framework), the time and cost are decreased to generate a map. Moreover, simplifying map form based on the idea of a cognitive map, it is possible to make a guide map that is easy to understand.

View full abstract

We developed a 3D product model for prestressed concrete hollow slab bridges in order to enable interoperability of various application systems throughout preliminary, detailed, and construction design phases. The product model has been developed on the basis of IFC of IAI, aiming an international standard. We analyzed the characteristics of the bridge and defined new classes for slabs, PC cables, voids, rebars, etc. We selected ifcXML for implementation of the product model among several languages, and implemented the schema and an instance, using ifcXML. This model can be used for data transferring and conversion among various systems.

View full abstract

It is becoming important to grasp the sensitivity which people are actually demanding from an civil engineering structure, and the evaluation example of the bridge scene by the Kansei engineering technique has been increasing as maintenance of participation in municipal affairs type social capital spreads. However, the problem that an enormous time and work are required for the questionnaire is also pointed out to construction of a Kansei database. In this research, the visual classification of a photograph to be evaluate is available to clarify the relations between the design element of a bridge and sensitivity evaluation results by using the Self-OrganizingMap (SOM) which is a kind of neural network.

View full abstract

At present, the introduction of the construction CALS/EC is promoted as computerization of the construction industry. Photograph data raises credibility using GPS information. In this paper, presentation of efficient data and the systems configuration of inspection are tried. First, we describe the required element for which the role of a construction photograph. In order to fill those elements, the system using PDA and the external share server was built. Then, the actual proof field experiment is conducted by bridge construction, and we discuss the validity and the problem of the system.

View full abstract

As the CALS/EC has been improved in civil engineering construction, the various drawings, such as CAD data, and plan documents have changed into electronic processing. These data or information have used and have exchanged between clients and contractors. Furthermore, with the generalization of the survey technique using GPS, those data have applied to GIS in order to use form management or maintenance.
Based on these backgrounds, this paper reports the new construction management system, which used Web-GIS at the earthwork site, and verifies the availability in using this system.

View full abstract

In order to improve the efficiency, reliability, continuity of the on-site inspection task of civil engineering structures, we have investigated its required performance and functionality, and have designed its basic system architecture. On the basis of the architecture, we have developed a prototype on-site inspection support system using information technologies including RFID, voice input/output, PDA, wireless network, knowledge management utilizing cellular phone and VoiceXML, and showed its applications. The system will increase the efficiency of the inspection task, help the management deal with emergency, and facilitate the knowledge transfer from experienced inspection engineers to the younger generation.

View full abstract

Various problems, such as increase of the amount of garbage and diversification of the quality of garbage, are caused by fixing of mass consumption society in recent years. For this reason, the measure of a reducinggarbage, such as control of generating and promotion of reuse, has been a big subject. Moreover, in order to suppress the cost expansion-accompanying increase of garbage collection work, the increase in efficiency of collection work is a serious subject in many local government. However, in a minor local government, the present condition is that the estimation for increasing efficiency of collection work is not fully progressing owing to shortage of information gathering, the talented people of collection plan business, shortage of time, etc.
Then, in this paper, the easy method of acquiring the detailed garbage collection work information from the moving vehicle information acquired by the measurement equipment using cheap handy GPS was devised for supporting it. This method was applied to garbage collection work of Naruto-shi, the accuracy was verified, and the example of analysis of the collection work actual condition using the acquired information was shown.

View full abstract

To support practical utilization and promotion of the satellite remote sensing data, the internet-based satellite data processing and analysis system (termed “In-SAT”) have been developed, which could be operated under the network environment. The processing procedures for satellite data are divided into the following three groups; 1) pre-image processing, 2) image analysis, and 3) post-image processing. Furthermore, in terms of the input or output of data, the presence of parameters in analysis, etc., the peculiar processing and analysis algorithms are grouped into three types. Also, the four kinds of system operating orders are defined under the relation between the server and the processing data. Based on those system designs, the Software Library Management System (SLMS) has been also constructed. The system designs presented in this study might be a good guide to improve the efficiency in the management and operation of software-library, as well as to keep the continuity and the flexibility of software development

View full abstract

In this paper, a collaborative distributed education method is proposed. This method combined traditional lecture in classroom with asynchronous dispersed information exchange system supported by web technology. An experiment lecture with this method has been done in order to practice the roadway design using LDT/Civil, a software based on 3D-CAD. This training is about not only how to use the software, but to create new ideas, establish models and finish drawings for roadway design. Teachers can discuss with students about their design works in the web page, and can check the procedure that students experienced in their homework. So it is possible for those expert engineers of CAD or roadway design to take part in practical education. In this way, the quality and the efficiency of educational activities are improved greatly compared with traditional method.

View full abstract

Due to the advancement and diversification of the earth-observation satellite, this paper points out the necessities of providing and managing the Evaluated Information (termed EI) on the characteristics of the satellite data newly observed. As occasion demands from the end-users, those evaluated-information are continuously produced according to the following points of view: 1) pre-image processing, 2) image analysis, and 3) post-image processi g. Furthermore, we have been tackled to construct the Internet based-supporting system for providing the EI, and to investigate the practical use of those through the network. The structures of the data sets on the EI are divided into two sites as the “Web site” and the “Data Base (DB) site”, respectively. A huge amount of information resource in the.“Web site” is managed by the “DSMS (Data Set Management Systems)”. Without being disturbed in the management for the data sets, the users can only attend to retrieve the stored data sets through environment. Based on the unitary management of the data sets according to the kinds of satellites, the improvement of the work efficiency as well as the continuity in collecting, storing and managing the data sets on the EI could be achieved. Such a systematized approach might be essential to promote the future progressive satellite data.

View full abstract

As decentralization of power, local governments are pressed to draw up their own master plan. In this paper, we try to support their endeavor by presenting systems for fundamental data collection and for evaluation of alternatives on fire prevention planning. First, we develop an algorithm to convert “land cover classification map” to “attributed mesh map” and do 20 case simulation, applying fire spreading simulation system previously developed by authors to maps generated by the algorithm mentioned above. Secondly, we construct regression model based on these simulation results, in which the ratio of wooden building, wind velocity and number of regions blocked by firebreak are selected as independent variables, and we get a coefficient which determinant is 0.85. We define rank of regional vulnerability to fire spreading based on this regression estimate calculation. Finally, we show a mapping system of these regional data using chromatic difference of red-color and demonstrate to output such colored map applying the system to K-city. We also demonstrate to output reevaluation map of fire prevention alternative in this city.

View full abstract

On the operation for discharge-type microtunneling machines equipped with laser target positioning system, how to perform direction control of thedriving machine based on the obtained sensing data largely depends upon the skill of operators. In this paper, a direction control model which represents the dynamic behavior of the driving machine for head angle control is introduced and an on-line estimation method is adopted to estimate the posture of the driving machine and the model parameters matching the soil condition of the ground, for which direct observation is almost impossible. The direction control model to predict the behavior of the driving machine makes it possible to give an optimal control of the head angle. A prototype of auto navigation system with machine state estimator and optimal direction controller is designed and experimentally applied to an actual construction site, and validity of the navigation system to maintain sound control performance is confirmed.

View full abstract