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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Synergising Bim And Real-Time Data For Improved Efficiency: An Irish Case Study, Ahmed Hassan, Ankur Mitra, Alan Hore, Mark Mulville Nov 2023

Synergising Bim And Real-Time Data For Improved Efficiency: An Irish Case Study, Ahmed Hassan, Ankur Mitra, Alan Hore, Mark Mulville

Conference Papers

The evolution of 3D visualisation and the Internet of Things (IoT) presents a substantial opportunity for integrating real-time data with Building Information Models (BIM) to improve its functionality and construction workflow efficiency. Integrating real-time data with BIM can enhance the digital representation of construction buildings’ physical and functional characteristics and provide recordable status of on-site operations. Nevertheless, the integration between Visualisation and IoT technologies with BIM remains in its preliminary stages and faces a myriad of technical and operational challenges. Furthermore, developing advanced solutions to facilitate this complex integration requires a considerable understanding of the viability and feasibility of merging …


An Investigation Into Ireland’S Bim Skills Gap, Guadalupe Centanni, Barry Mcauley Sep 2023

An Investigation Into Ireland’S Bim Skills Gap, Guadalupe Centanni, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

The adoption of digital skills within the Irish AEC Sector has the potential to enhance efficiency and competitiveness among its stakeholders. Despite this opportunity, there is still a high demand for skilled BIM professionals, which cannot be currently met. To meet this skills demand and directly target future skills gaps within Ireland, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate broader BIM adoption. This paper focuses on addressing this gap by identifying steps to be followed to develop skilled professionals within BIM. This has been achieved by investigating the extent to which construction stakeholders in Ireland comprehend BIM and, examiningthe training …


Accelerating Bim Adoption In Ireland: A Ten-Year Review Of Cita Bim Gathering Proceedings, Alan Hore, Roger West, Barry Mcauley Sep 2023

Accelerating Bim Adoption In Ireland: A Ten-Year Review Of Cita Bim Gathering Proceedings, Alan Hore, Roger West, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

Digital construction interfaces have been studied extensively over the last few decades, with an ever-grow- ing catalogue of publications. The CitA BIM Gathering conferences have played a key role in bringing together the research and industry communities ina collaborative setting over the past decade in Ireland. In this paper the authors systematically review 10 years of papers published in the BIM Gathering pro- ceedings since the inaugural conference in 2013. A total of 175 papers involving over 200 authors have been reviewed and classified under the 2018 World Economic Forum (WEF) recommendations in respect to ac- celerating BIM adoption. The …


The Development Of A Lean Digital Construction (Bim) Innovation Framework For Irish Construction Smes, Marina Andreou, Barry Mcauley, Alan Hore Sep 2023

The Development Of A Lean Digital Construction (Bim) Innovation Framework For Irish Construction Smes, Marina Andreou, Barry Mcauley, Alan Hore

Conference Papers

The adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must overcome several challenges to succeed. Potential barriers include the need for financial resources, correct BIM guidance, and training. In recent years, SME organisations have investigated how the complementary application of BIM and Lean principles can maximise digital construction practices. For this approach to be successful, structured guidance is paramount. This paper presents the results from an extensive literature review that explores BIM and Lean capabilities, focusing on synergies and existing frameworks. Based on the results from the literature review, the paper suggests an experimental framework that …


Barriers To Bim Implementation For Cost Management In The Irish Construction Industry, Uchenna Sampson Igwe Dr, Alan Hore Dr, Dermot Kehily Dr., David Colmenero Lechuga Sep 2023

Barriers To Bim Implementation For Cost Management In The Irish Construction Industry, Uchenna Sampson Igwe Dr, Alan Hore Dr, Dermot Kehily Dr., David Colmenero Lechuga

Conference Papers

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry that enables efficient collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders in the industry. It has been identified as a powerful tool for construction cost management because it provides accurate and timely information about the cost implications of design decisions. BIM development in Ireland is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the proposed 2024 government mandate, continued state supports and the benefits that BIM brings to the construction industry, including improved collaboration, reduced errors and waste, and increased efficiency. Notable …


Skills Matter – Up-Skilling Across Construction Stakeholders For Emerging Roles, Avril Behan, Paul Mccormack, Barry Mcauley Aug 2023

Skills Matter – Up-Skilling Across Construction Stakeholders For Emerging Roles, Avril Behan, Paul Mccormack, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

The EU’s Climate Target Plan To 2030 (European Union 2020b) of achieving at least 55% reduction in Green House Gas emissions from 1990 levels, delivering towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050, requires systems-level change in the way we design, construct, and operate our built assets. Funding initiatives, such as co-ordinated by BUILD UP Skills, aim to deliver upskilling to the market but targets set by the European Skills Agenda may not be reached at current achievement levels. This paper presents the results of one completed and the progress of one ongoing Horizon 2020 funded project, BIMcert and ARISE, respectively. Learning …


Public Sector Bim Adoption: Development And Evaluation Of Government Policy Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review, Shiyao Kuang, Alan Hore, Ahmed Hassan, Barry Mcauley, Roger West Jul 2023

Public Sector Bim Adoption: Development And Evaluation Of Government Policy Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review, Shiyao Kuang, Alan Hore, Ahmed Hassan, Barry Mcauley, Roger West

Conference Papers

Rapid technological advancements in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector have provided a significant opportunity for improving the industry's efficiency, performance and sustainability. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an innovative approach to information management in construction that provides a structured methodology for storing and analysing building information exchanged between project stakeholders. However, successful interventions and supports introduced by the public sector in accelerating BIM adoption can be seen through BIM mandates, promotion of information management ISO standards, guidance, funding and procurement integration. In this study, a systematic literature review is adopted to identify BIM policy interventions. The study aims …


Using Bim To Increase The Efficiency Of Energy-Driven Retrofitting Projects, Anne Grego, Shannon Chance, Barry Mcauley May 2023

Using Bim To Increase The Efficiency Of Energy-Driven Retrofitting Projects, Anne Grego, Shannon Chance, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

The building sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global energy consumption. Many existing buildings have poor thermal insulation and low energy performance, hindering sustainability goals. Energy-driven building retrofitting could address this issue and implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) in retrofitting can reduce process time, costs, and waste associated with such undertakings. Yet, there is a lack of research and insufficient guidance for implementing BIM in energy-driven retrofitting. A BIM framework is presented to enhance decision-making processes during retrofitting. The aims of this study were to (1) identify BIM technologies and methodologies that could address existing barriers and improve efficiency …


A-Eye Tech: Framework To Evaluate An Ai Construction Visibility Platform, Ahmed Hassan, Alan V. Hore, Mark Mulville Jan 2023

A-Eye Tech: Framework To Evaluate An Ai Construction Visibility Platform, Ahmed Hassan, Alan V. Hore, Mark Mulville

Conference Papers

The authors present the early stages of an Irish government-funded project, A-EYE. This disruptive technology seeks to create a construction visualisation platform that enables measurable productivity advantages through passive data capture and real-time delivery of mission-critical information in an accessible form. The authors outline how they will utilise data captured during construction site operations using camera and sensor equipment to monitor construction resources and processes. Moreover, the positive impact of easy access to visualised data on collaboration between construction stakeholders is discussed. Extensive user-experience research data will be captured after deploying the technology on live projects to create interactive dashboards …


Infusing Research Know-How Into The Construction Sector: Pedagogies To Support Digital Construction In Ireland, Shannon Chance, Barry Mcauley Jan 2023

Infusing Research Know-How Into The Construction Sector: Pedagogies To Support Digital Construction In Ireland, Shannon Chance, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and BIM Management (BIMM) support digital construction and have the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. In countries where BIM has been most readily adopted, and national supports and mandates put into place, the use of these digital construction methodologies is yielding results. National governments work in various ways to encourage and support the use of BIM, and research is an important part of moving ahead the knowledge base, usability, and uptake of BIM. This paper focuses on the use of BIM in Ireland, the role of education in the shift toward digital construction, and the …


Optimising Existing Digital Workflow For Structural Engineering Organisations Through The Partnering Of Bim And Lean Processes, John Mclaughlin, Barry Mcauley Aug 2022

Optimising Existing Digital Workflow For Structural Engineering Organisations Through The Partnering Of Bim And Lean Processes, John Mclaughlin, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is now seen as one of the leading transformative processes within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector and has the potential to assist in streamlining the structural design process. However, its practical implementation can often add another layer to the existing workflow and can result, to its detriment, in the primary objective of optimising structural workflows being hindered. This can lead to structural organisations producing 3D models in tandem with traditional drawings, a lack of human intervention regarding software interoperability, and a reluctance to move away from conventional work methods. This paper will explore how …


Development & Validation Of A Piv System For Obtaining Data From A Uasb Reactor, Camila D' Bastiani, Gerald Gallagher, David Kennedy, Anthony Reynolds Apr 2022

Development & Validation Of A Piv System For Obtaining Data From A Uasb Reactor, Camila D' Bastiani, Gerald Gallagher, David Kennedy, Anthony Reynolds

Conference Papers

Anaerobic digestion processes can generate energy in the form of biogas while treating organic wastewater. The efficiency of the treatment, and thus the generation of biogas, is closely linked to the type and design of the reactor, and the technology used. Granular anaerobic digestion technology offers advantages such as a higher loading rate and reduction of the space needed. However, the hydrodynamics inside this type of reactor can be complex due to the presence of solids (granules) and gas (biogas) phases along with the liquid phase (wastewater). This is one of the reasons why the study and optimization of reactors …


Engineering Students' Perceptions Of Their Development Of Professional Skills, Caitriona Depaor, Una Beagon, Aimee Byrne, Darren Carthy, Patrick Crean, Louise Lynch, Dervilla Niall Jun 2021

Engineering Students' Perceptions Of Their Development Of Professional Skills, Caitriona Depaor, Una Beagon, Aimee Byrne, Darren Carthy, Patrick Crean, Louise Lynch, Dervilla Niall

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.


An Approach To Mapping The Development Of Professional Skills In A Structural Engineering Programme, Patrick Crean, Dervilla Niall, Una Beagon, Aimee Byrne, Darren Carthy, Caitríona De Paor, Louise Lynch Jan 2021

An Approach To Mapping The Development Of Professional Skills In A Structural Engineering Programme, Patrick Crean, Dervilla Niall, Una Beagon, Aimee Byrne, Darren Carthy, Caitríona De Paor, Louise Lynch

Conference Papers

Engineers of the future will be presented with complicated, complex problems and their role in the development of sustainable solutions to global problems will become even more critical. Recent literature highlights the need for the development of a set of professional skills in order to address these challenges. These skills include technical, non-technical and attitudinal skills. This paper describes a case study of a whole-of-programme review of teaching and assessment of professional skills in a structural engineering programme. In a systematic process, lecturing staff mapped the modules they teach against a set of professional skills, which were distilled from literature …


Considering Children’S Travel Needs: Perceptions Of Transport Planning Professionals In Ireland, Sarah Mcdonagh, Sarah Rock Jan 2021

Considering Children’S Travel Needs: Perceptions Of Transport Planning Professionals In Ireland, Sarah Mcdonagh, Sarah Rock

Conference Papers

In recent years it has been reported that in an international comparison of children’s independent mobility that Ireland has one of the lowest rates of both children’s independent mobility and active travel among several countries (Shaw et al., 2015). Children’s independent mobility and active travel are shown to be affected by several factors including parental time pressures and lifestyle choices; societal fears (‘stranger danger’); and the fear of traffic and road safety (Shaw et al., 2015, Hillman et al., 1990; Lynch, 1977; Johansson, 2006; Shaw et al., 2013; and Zwerts et al., 2010). This research focuses on the latter – …


Economic Appraisal Of Hybrid Solar-Biomass Thermophotovoltaic Power Generation, C. M. Iftekhar Hussain Cmih, Aidan Duffy, Brian Norton Jan 2019

Economic Appraisal Of Hybrid Solar-Biomass Thermophotovoltaic Power Generation, C. M. Iftekhar Hussain Cmih, Aidan Duffy, Brian Norton

Conference Papers

The techno-economic parameters that influence the commercial deployment of hybrid thermophotovoltaic (TPV) solar power generation are determined using annual system simulations. It has been found that a TPV cell price of E5/cm2 or less together with a TPV operating temperature under 800°C is required for a hybrid solar–biomass TPV power plant to be economically competitive with the state-of-the-art hybrid solar–biomass Rankine cycle power plants.


An Overview On The Irish Breweries And Distilleries Potential For Generating Bioenergy Through The Anaerobic Digestion Of The Wastewater, Camila D' Bastiani, Anthony Reynolds Dr., David Kennedy Prof. Apr 2018

An Overview On The Irish Breweries And Distilleries Potential For Generating Bioenergy Through The Anaerobic Digestion Of The Wastewater, Camila D' Bastiani, Anthony Reynolds Dr., David Kennedy Prof.

Conference Papers

This work presents an overview on the potential for generating bioenergy through the anaerobic digestion of the Irish breweries and whiskey distilleries effluents. The results showed that it would be possible to generate 28,210,958 Nm3/year of biogas or 154,846 MWh of thermal heat with 110,715 tonnes of CO2 savings in a year. The electricity generation potential and CO2 savings were also calculated. It was possible to conclude that the anaerobic digestion of the wastewater from the brewery and distillery industries stand out as a feasible option to increase the share of renewable energies in Ireland.


Vegetation Mapping Of A Coastal Dune Complex Using Multispectral Imagery Acquired From An Unmanned Aerial System, C. Suo, Eugene Mcgovern, Alan Gilmer Jan 2018

Vegetation Mapping Of A Coastal Dune Complex Using Multispectral Imagery Acquired From An Unmanned Aerial System, C. Suo, Eugene Mcgovern, Alan Gilmer

Conference Papers

Vegetation mapping, identifying the distribution of plant species, is important for analysing vegetation dynamics, quantifying spatial patterns of vegetation evolution, analysing the effects of environment changes on vegetation, and predicting spatial patterns of species diversity. Such analysis can contribute to the development of targeted land management actions that maintain biodiversity and ecological functions. This paper represents a methodology for 3D vegetation mapping of a coastal dune complex using a multispectral camera mounted on an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with particular reference to the Buckroney dune complex in Co. Wicklow, Ireland. UAS, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) or drones, …


A Transfer Matrix Approach To Aid In The Design And Optimization Of Hybrid Advanced Passive Structures For Enhancing Photovoltaic Efficiency, James Walshe, Sarah Mccormack, Hind Ahmed, John Doran Jan 2017

A Transfer Matrix Approach To Aid In The Design And Optimization Of Hybrid Advanced Passive Structures For Enhancing Photovoltaic Efficiency, James Walshe, Sarah Mccormack, Hind Ahmed, John Doran

Conference Papers

The addition of a luminescent down-shifting (LDS) layer directly onto a photovoltaic (PV) cell introduces additional loss mechanisms within the system. The combination of non-ideal photo-luminescent materials encapsulated within a limited range of viable host materials, with the increased reflection losses arising from the newly created interface represent losses which must be overcome for LDS to offer an enhancement to the underlying cells efficiency. Exploiting the interaction between the highly enhanced electric fields established close to a metal nanoparticles (MNP’s) surface is one route aimed at mitigating the poor optical properties of the luminophore-host combinations available. Alternative approaches, aimed at …


The Feasibility Of Utilising Compressed Natural Gas As Part Of A Systematic Approach To Establishing The Necessary Groundwork For The Hydrogen Based Transport Economy, James Brunton, John Howlett, David Kennedy Sep 2016

The Feasibility Of Utilising Compressed Natural Gas As Part Of A Systematic Approach To Establishing The Necessary Groundwork For The Hydrogen Based Transport Economy, James Brunton, John Howlett, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

One key objective for vehicle manufacturers is to develop technology and infrastructure to facilitate the progression from combustion to conversion by the year 2050. In the short to medium term however, the combustion of fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel, coupled with advanced transmission innovations and emission control technology that are governed by strict Euro VI regulations appears to be the main path forward for the transport sector and the environment. This paper presents the feasibility of utilising the developing compressed natural gas network capabilities as part of a systematic approach to establishing the necessary groundwork for a hydrogen …


Lifelong Housing Design: User Feedback Evaluation Of Smart Objects And Accessible Houses For Healthy Ageing, Matteo Zallio, Niccolò Casiddu Jul 2016

Lifelong Housing Design: User Feedback Evaluation Of Smart Objects And Accessible Houses For Healthy Ageing, Matteo Zallio, Niccolò Casiddu

Conference Papers

According to the latest research by the European Community and ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) surveys, Europe has the highest average age for its population. According to those data, in the near future, it could be necessary to move from a welfare model based on the centralization of care systems, to a system based on the distribution of certain healthcare facilities [1]. This means that the ageing population is ever increasing, thanks to better lifestyles, innovative medical care and wider access to different services. This work seeks to observe and analyse key implications of architectural and interior design features …


A Comparative Technological Review Of Hybrid Csp-Biomass Chp Systems In Europe, C. M. Iftekhar Hussain, Aidan Duffy, Brian Norton Aug 2015

A Comparative Technological Review Of Hybrid Csp-Biomass Chp Systems In Europe, C. M. Iftekhar Hussain, Aidan Duffy, Brian Norton

Conference Papers

This paper aims to explore different solar technologies and its suitability for hybridization with biomass for combined heat and power (CHP) generation in Europe. Although hybrid solar-biomass research and demonstration is in its infancy, it has the potential to provide dispatchable renewable energy at a significant scale over many areas in Europe. Therefore, this review examines the technical and economic reported performances on hybrid systems in order to assess the technical and economic viabilities of newly-emerging projects. Three different combinations of solar and biomass technologies are discussed in this paper: solar tower (ST) - biomass, parabolic trough (PT) - biomass …


The Design Of A Modelling, Monitoring And Validation Method For A Solid Wall Structure, Timothy O'Leary, Gillian Menzies, Aidan Duffy Jan 2015

The Design Of A Modelling, Monitoring And Validation Method For A Solid Wall Structure, Timothy O'Leary, Gillian Menzies, Aidan Duffy

Conference Papers

Hygrothermal assessment is the combined analysis of heat, air and moisture transfer through the building fabric. The two approaches are covered by conventions known as the IS EN 5250:2011 (Glaser method) and IS EN 15026:2007 which differs from Glaser by solving the equations numerically using computer software. Results for hygrothermal analysis provide valuable information for surface and interstitial condensation risk assessment and the impact of energy upgrades. For traditional solid walled structures, conditions such as wind driven rain (WDR) and rising ground water can have a significant impact on the environmental behaviour and in particular the moisture behaviour of the …


Equity And Fairness In Transport Planning: The State Of Play, Sarah Rock, Aoife Ahern Prof., Brian Caulfield Dr. Jan 2014

Equity And Fairness In Transport Planning: The State Of Play, Sarah Rock, Aoife Ahern Prof., Brian Caulfield Dr.

Conference Papers

This paper explores the concept of equity, or fairness, in transport. As a pillar of sustainable development, social equity is an important objective of transport planning. The provision of transport infrastructure can have significant equity impacts on society through the distribution of costs and benefits. In recent years, there has been an increase in research interest in transportation related equity issues. The paper outlines the primary theoretical traditions that relate to equity and transport equity, and how equity concerns are currently addressed and evaluated in academia and in practice. Recent research has attempted to establish stronger principles from which to …


A Life Cycle Cost Analysis Of Large-Scale Thermal Energy Storage Technologies For Buildings Using Combined Heat And Power, Kenneth Gaine, Aidan Duffy Jul 2010

A Life Cycle Cost Analysis Of Large-Scale Thermal Energy Storage Technologies For Buildings Using Combined Heat And Power, Kenneth Gaine, Aidan Duffy

Conference Papers

Buildings account for approximately 40% of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developed economies, of which approximately 55% of building energy is used for heating and cooling. The reduction of building-related GHG emissions is a high international policy priority. For this reason and because there are many technical solutions for this, these polices should involve significant improvements in the uptake of small-scale energy efficient (EE) systems. However the widespread deployment of many technologies, must overcome a number of barriers, one of which is a temporal (diurnal or seasonal) mismatch between supply and demand. Costeffective thermal storage solutions have …


Assessment Of The Embodied Co2eq In Buildings Towards A Sustainable Building Design And Construction, Adolf Acquaye, Aidan Duffy, Biswajit Basu Jul 2009

Assessment Of The Embodied Co2eq In Buildings Towards A Sustainable Building Design And Construction, Adolf Acquaye, Aidan Duffy, Biswajit Basu

Conference Papers

Research studies have shown that the initial energy embodied in a building can be as much as 67% of the operational energy over a 25 year period. With growing global concerns over material and resource consumption and the emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, the energy embodied in buildings constructed in town and cities becomes important and one of the key issues that needs to be tackled in the design stages in order to strive towards sustainable buildings design. In this paper, a hybrid embodied carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) methodology used to assess the CO2eq embodied in buildings is presented. …


Embodied Energy Analysis: A Sustainable Construction Design Assessment Tool, Adolf Acquaye, Aidan Duffy, Biswajit Basu Apr 2009

Embodied Energy Analysis: A Sustainable Construction Design Assessment Tool, Adolf Acquaye, Aidan Duffy, Biswajit Basu

Conference Papers

Embodied energy analysis can be used as a construction design assessment tool in a sustainable matrix for a building. Its implementation however remains challenging mainly because of data measurement errors. A comparison between the deterministic embodied energy (EE) of a building and the stochastic EE of the same building undertaken using Monte Carlo simulation showed a wide variation in results. It is recommended that the specification of EE intensity of building materials in the construction industry can assist in producing accurate and more credible EE values of building.


The Embodied Transport Energy Analysis Of Imported Wood Pellets, Aidan Duffy, Michael Conroy Jan 2007

The Embodied Transport Energy Analysis Of Imported Wood Pellets, Aidan Duffy, Michael Conroy

Conference Papers

The Irish Government has recently introduced a series of capital grants to boost the uptake of domestic wood-pellet technologies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These have proved popular and have encouraged a significant number of people to switch from gas- and oil-fired boilers to the cleaner fuel. The demand for wood-pellets has, however, greatly exceeded the national capacity for production. The market for wood pellets elsewhere in Europe is also tight and, consequently, a large proportion of Irish pellets are sourced in Canada. This presents possible problems: the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transport may significantly offset the …


Analysis Of Cooling And Heating Of Water With Flat-Plate Solar Radiators, Igor Balen, Vladimir Soldo, David Kennedy Jan 2003

Analysis Of Cooling And Heating Of Water With Flat-Plate Solar Radiators, Igor Balen, Vladimir Soldo, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Extensive analysis of flat-plate radiative panels operation using average hourly weather data for a maritime climate region was performed. The panels are integrated in the space ventilation system with air-cooling by means of a cold-water coil. Their primary function is to prepare sufficient quantity of cold water, integrating radiative and convective cooling, that is collected in the cold-water tank during the nighttime operation. That cold water is used for cooling of the air during daytime. By small modification during daytime, solar panels could be turned into collectors and used to produce the hot water that is collected in a separate …