This book focuses on the intelligent application of advanced information technology tools (such as CAD and KBES) to design and planning in construction. It describes and explains the current applications of computer tools, presents new ideas for their use in design and planning processes, and in particular, concentrates on the preliminary design stage. Computer Integrated Planning and Design for Construction aims to demonstrate the implementation of these ideas and uncover the extraordinary opportunities for design improvement as a result.

The contributions in this volume portray, in terms of the current state of the art, research on computer-aided construction in the building industry. A complete overview is given within the areas of computer-aided design, product modelling in construction, and robot-oriented design and construction together with a summary of the commercial developments in computerized systems within those areas. The papers will be essential reading for all those interested in future automation in relation to the building construction industry with the accent on design and engineering.

Written in a style that is meant to be open and inviting to the reader with shorter paragraphs and interesting illustrations, this book provides a single source comprehensive examination of construction project scheduling. Content begins with introducing concepts of the construction industry to provide the necessary framework and background, then fully discusses planning and scheduling topics in detail. It offers extensively reviewed coverage on the most current version of SureTrak Software, thorough coverage of manual network diagramming and CPM calculations, and has built into it a capstone project. The book includes an abundance of real world examples of numerous scheduling exercises--including 17 pages of full-size drawings and schedules that are part of the exercises. Additionally, the information is presented modularly in such a way that it can be customized to fit any learning situation. Covers planning and scheduling including the determination of project activities, logic, and durations; drawing precedence network diagrams and manually calculating CPM schedules; creating and updating computer-generated schedules and schedule reports. Well suited to be used as a guide or reference by construction practitioners such as Project managers, Superintendents, and Construction managers.

This internationally conducted study of the latest construction industry practices addresses a broad range of Information and Communication Technology applications. Drawing on research conducted in the US and UK, this book presents the state of the art of various ebusiness processes, and examines BIM, virtual environments and mobile technologies. Innovation is a theme that runs throughout this book, so in addition to the direct impact of these new technical achievements, it also considers the management styles that helped them to emerge. Examples from industry are illustrated with case studies and presented alongside research from some of the best known academics in this field. This book is essential reading for all advanced students and researchers interested in how ICT is changing construction management and the construction industry.

This book presents range of topics concerning integrated CAD (including Optimization) for use in Architecture (including Planning), Civil Engineering and Construction (AEC), and thus, helps introduce a full-length treatment of the subject, enabling practitioners to adopt an Integrated Computer-Aided Design Approach in their professional activity. The book gives to readers an understanding of the main elements of CAD, highlighting the importance of integrating these elements and the applicability of Integrated CAD in AEC. Many examples and problems (including Optimization) are included to help professionals and students to develop and apply such tools in solving problems in AEC field. Adopts a problem solving approach in planning, design, and management stressing IT and Computer Application in AEC sector as a whole; Emphasizes resource-efficiency and social equity in problem solution in the AEC sector in general, and in urban development and management in particular; Stresses optimization and an integrated approach covering all components, including costs, affordability and environmental factors, scarcity of resources, and resolution of conflicting interests; Includes an accessible overview and source codes of C++ and Auto Lisp programs needed to carry out design analysis, optimization and drafting-drawing in an integrated manner.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is the computerized handling of integrated business processes among all different functions in an enterprise. The consistent application of information technology, along with modern manufacturing techniques and new organizational procedures, opens up great potential for speeding up processes. This book discusses the current state of applications and new demands arising from the integration principle. It mainly emphasizes on strategies for realization and implementation based on the author's concrete experience. The "Y-CIM information management" model is presented as a procedural method for implementing CIM. The third edition has been supplemented by up-to-date specified examples of applied CIM solutions and transfer strategies.