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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 10 csengineermag.com
publisher Zweig Group media manager Chad Coldiron | 479.200.3538 | ccoldiron@zweiggroup.com Editor Luke Carothers | lcarothers@zweiggroup.com Cover Margot Moulton | mmoulton@zweiggroup.com
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Merging a modern image of the Columbia River bridge with a vintage photograph of the same space visually encapsulates the rich history and enduring legacy of this iconic steel structure. By juxtaposing the past and present, the aim is to symbolize the bridge's enduring legacy and its pivotal role in the region's history. We invite readers to explore the bridge's remarkable journey since 1917, and contemplate its place in shaping the landscape of the Pacific Northwest from the past, present and future. ABOUT THE COVER Photo Credit: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
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CONTENTS
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THE COVER 8 Bridging the Columbia River: Past, Present, and Future CHANNELS TECH + SOFTWARE 12 Comsa Digitizes Renovation of Century-old Bridge in Cabrianes, Barcelona 14 Unlocking AECO Knowledge with GPT: Natural Language Queries for Document Management 16 It's All About the Data 18 It’s Not a Digital Twin If It Can’t Pass These Two Tests STRUCTURES 20 Insulated Composite Panels for Challenging Environments 22 Simple Steps on How to Specify FRP Composites for your Next Job 24 The Importance of Sourcing Safe Building Materials 26 A Match Made in Schunnemunk State Park: The USMA and OSI 28 Structural Lightweight Concrete: A Game-Changer for Longevity and Sustainability in Bridge Deck Repairs TRANSPORTATION + INFRASTRUCTURE Sponsored by Presto Geosystems 30 Technology to Revolutionize America’s Transportation Infrastructure ADCMS Grants Create a Tipping Point for Digital Transformation 32 Reimagining How Cities Can Leverage Holistic Platforms For Urban Mobility Solutions 34 Introducing Presto Geo P 3 : Expanding the Universe of Value Engineering Solutions ENVIRONMENTAL + SUSTAINABILITY 36 Reducing Embodied Carbon BUSINESS NEWS 40 A new risk landscape is reshaping owner-contractor relationships 42 Mobile Tech: Fast-Tracking Accounts Payable, Improving Cash Flow and Other Surprising Benefits departments 6 Events
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43 Benchmarks 48 Reader Index
Columns LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD 4 A Covered Bridge Over Ohio’s History Luke Carothers INDUSTRY INSIGHTS 5 A Love Letter to the AEC Industry
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looking back, moving forward
A Covered Bridge Over Ohio’s History Luke Carothers
Written in the names of streets and towns–scattered throughout the State of Ohio in aging ruins amongst rural communities–the reverberating waves of its past as a center for canal building can still be seen almost two centuries later. Despite its current position squarely within the Midwestern United States, Ohio was a frontier territory at the start of the 19th century, becoming the 17th state admitted to the Union in 1803. Settlers flocked to Ohio in droves–setting up farms, communities, and towns in places like the Cuyahoga and Ohio river valleys. However, even with promises of rich land, Ohio was still a frontier, and many of its citizens found the years after its founding tremendously hard to scratch out a living. In the years after its founding, much of Ohio was a hard place to live–made even harder by a distinct lack of access to wider networks of trade. Although Ohioians had access to Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south, there wasn’t a reliable route connecting these to economic assets. There had been plans to build a canal between Lake Erie and the Ohio River for some decades, but political entanglements slowed any of these plans from coming to fruition over the first two decades of Ohio’s existence. This changed in 1825, however, with the completion of the nearby Erie Canal linking the Hudson River with Lake Erie at Buffalo as a new national transportation network began to take shape. The completion of the Erie Canal dramatically shifted the economic fabric of what was then America’s Western frontier, connecting the Great Lakes with Eastern markets like New York City for the first time. This shift set off a rush of canal construction, and plans were soon drawn up to build a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Completed in sections from 1825 to the 1830s, the Ohio and Erie canal formed the superhighway of the age, transforming places like Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus into burgeoning economic powerhouses. Its construction and economic flow also carved out a number of small communities along the route, places like Lockville, that existed to operate and maintain this vital network of infrastructure. From its construction in the 1820s and 30s to the ending of the American Civil War, canals defined the Ohio economic and social landscape. However, as the 19th century moved forward, it soon became apparent that canals were no match for the emerging power of railroads, and many sections of the Ohio and Erie Canal began to fall into disuse and disrepair. Further flooding in the early 20th century led to the canal’s total abandonment by 1913. After their economic value dwindled to nothing and work ceased on their upkeep and maintenance, many of these canals and their locks fell into disrepair or were removed to make way for roads and trains. Some few remain to this day, and have found a new life in the modern age. While they no longer bear witness to the
Photo Credit: Megan Payne
thrumming clamor of flowing goods, animals, and people, many still rest where they were first set in the Ohio soil. These forgotten relics of our ever-developing understanding of infrastructure and mobility now sit quietly amidst the verdant Ohio countryside–in places like Lockville Canal Park, which sits just outside the town of Carroll. Once a bustling place of commerce, Lockville is now an unincorporated community that houses a handful of neat little homes. Just beyond these homes and the road is what remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal through this place. The depression left where the canal once was is straddled by another relic of a similar tradition: the covered bridge. On either side of the bridge’s red walls, some 50 yards in either direction, sit what remains of Lock South 11, Lock South 12, and Lock South 13. Although worn and tumbled by the passage of time, massive slabs of native sandstone still tower over those who walk between them. Although it didn’t cross the Ohio & Erie Canal until 1967 when it was moved there to prevent its destruction, the Hartman No. 2 Covered Bridge has formed a poetic relationship with its new setting–giving eager visitors solid footing with which to step into the region’s history.
LUKE CAROTHERS is the Editor for Civil + Structural Engineer Media. If you want us to cover your project or want to feature your own article, he can be reached at lcarothers@zweiggroup.com.
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Industry Insights
A Love Letter to the AEC Industry By Ezequiel Tovar
placemaking, as they design the physical environments that foster community, connectivity, and belonging. Over the last few years, demand for our services has skyrocketed and has created burnout in the AEC workforce. Because of this, AEC professionals often overlook the profound impact they have on industries and communities. But let this serve as a reminder: You may view your work as routine, just another day at the office, planning meeting, or on the construction site. Yet, the reality is that your contributions have a multi-generational influence on the built environment. Without you our built environment as we know it would not exist and the comfort that society experiences would cease to exist. It is with this profound importance in mind that we should shape our future endeavors, ensuring the bridge to a better future is built around solid foundations. The AEC industry is not merely an economic engine; it is an integral part of all our lives. It transforms the barren into the habitable, the chaotic into the organized, and the dream into reality. Its significance cannot be overstated. As we celebrate the AEC industry, let us not forget how it affects the communities we call home. It is a force for unity as it shapes the world in which we live in ways that extend far beyond the tangible structures we see. AEC professionals help to create spaces where people thrive, connect, and flourish. Their work gives structures a soul and story while enhancing the spirit of community. As AEC professionals, we should take a moment to be thankful to be part of an industry that creates value in lives and communities.
The AEC industry is a cornerstone of modern society, shaping the world in which we live, work, play, and worship. Yet, it often goes unnoticed and underappreciated by the very people who benefit from its innovations and creations. To understand the essence of being an AEC professional, one must delve into the multifaceted nature of this industry. Whether an individual is meticulously analyzing geotechnical data to determine the stability of soil or rock samples, envisioning the schematic design of a cutting-edge commercial office space, surveying a site for a potential wastewater treatment plant, or navigating the intricate processes of a planning commission meeting to secure a building permit for a multi-family development, all these endeavors and many more converge towards a singular goal: improving the built environment to make our lives easier and better. In this light, our work as AEC professionals converges in its many forms to create a bridge from what is to what can be. The AEC industry thrives on the collaboration of various disciplines, each contributing its unique expertise to shape the physical world around us. Architects bring artistic vision and functional design, engineers provide the structural and technical prowess, and construction professionals bring those visions to life. Together, they craft the physical spaces that define our existence. One of the key aspects of the AEC industry is its potential to enhance the quality of life for people everywhere. Step-by-step, piece-by-piece, block-by-block, we come together to move the shared spaces of our existence into a better vision of the future. The built environment is more than just brick and mortar; it is the backdrop of our daily experience–the homes where we raise our families, the parks where we find solace, the theaters we go to be entertained, and the historical downtowns we walk to. Furthermore, AEC professionals have the unique privilege of being placemakers. While "placemaking" has gained prominence in recent years as a concept focused on creating people-centric spaces, AEC professionals have been doing just that for centuries. They are the true stewards of
EZEQUIEL TOVAR is an analyst within Zweig Group’s Ownership Transition team. He works directly with AEC firms to develop and implement successful ownership transition efforts with financial modeling, valuations, and comprehensive strategic planning.
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events + virtual Events
October 2023 Chief Strategy Officer Roundtable October 11-13 – Fayetteville, AR
2023 SE3 National Symposium: Engagement and Equity in the Structural Engineering Profession NOVEMBER 7 – ANAHEIM, CA This half-day program is the second Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) Symposium to be held in conjunction with a national engineering conference since the 2019 NCSEA Summit. The event welcomes engineers of all levels, business owners, human resource managers, and anyone within the AEC industry who is interested in promoting dialogue on engagement and equity in the structural engineering profession. As part of this program, attendees will participate in five separate sessions focused on various aspects of engagement, retention, diversity and inclusion. They will learn about SE3 initiatives and activities, hear from industry panelists on the state of our profession, and acquire practical strategies and best practices for improving retention within their organizations. Look for Zweig Group's Director of Learning and ElevateHER, Shirley Che, as she delivers one of the main stage sessions: ElevateHER, A Path to a More Engaged & Sustainable AEC Workforce. https://www.ncseasummit.com/special-program/ preconferencesymposium2023 Meet the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations in the happiest place on earth to network and learn with the happiest engineers around. Interact with and learn from leaders in the field, curious problem solvers, and expert speakers. Stay current on advancements and best practices in structural engineering and building and design codes—in education sessions and in the Exhibit Hall. Discuss technical, business, and industry challenges—and work toward solutions in a collaborative community. Look for Zweig Group's Kyle Ahern and Shirley Che at their breakout session: A modern day AEC professional's guide to Employee Experience (EX). https://www.ncseasummit.com/ NCSEA Summit NOVEMBER 7-10 – ANAHEIM, CA This is the unmissable global event for the lifting industry; almost 100 exhibitors, over 1,500 industry professionals attending, two days of knowledge sharing and training, as well as the celebrated LEEA Awards. The annual event hosted by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, the leading global representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry worldwide, is your chance to connect with your customers, meet new clients and do business. The show attracts end users from a wide range of vertical markets, including oil and gas, energy, offshore, road & maritime transport, construction, utilities, rail, renewable energy, civil engineering, entertainment and manufacturing, and more. https://liftex.org/liftex-liverpool-2023 LiftEx 2023 November 21-22 – Liverpool
The CSO Roundtable Retreat is a unique opportunity for AEC firm leaders to engage and interact with industry peers to discuss current issues facing firms today, explore industry trends and next practices, and confront the biggest challenges they face leading their firms. Come prepared to discuss your biggest challenges and successes during this highly interactive session. With you in control of the subject matter, roundtable discussions strike at the heart of what you need to effect change in your organization. https://zweiggroup.com/products/chief-strategy-officer-roundtable The Fall Conference is ACEC’s signature business-focused event designed to give engineering industry executives the unique opportunity to network with their peers, gain insights from tailored education sessions, and hear from inspirational keynote speakers. Look for Zweig Group consultants on the exhibit floor for a complimentary speed consultation session; and catch Kyle Ahern and Shirley Che at their breakout session: A modern day AEC professional's guide to ACEC 2023 Fall Conference October 15-18 – Austin, TX
Employee Experience (EX). https://conference.acec.org/
November 2023
Minds & Machines: Dominating the Convergence of AI Intelligence and Strategy in AEC November 2-3 – Nashville, TN Zweig Group’s T(AI)SK FORCE will be hosting a two-day symposium to deep dive into AI integration and operations. Our immersive seminars and workshops equip AEC leaders and managers with understanding, insight, and intelligence to identify and act upon AI opportunities within their organizations. We liken AI to a marathon that never ends. No matter if you walk, run, or sprint, this will be your first step to getting in the race. This training provides a high-impact, hands-on learning experience that is designed to help emerging and current leaders be at the forefront of the AI technological revolution. AI is not a trend or fad, it is a fixture. AI is here to stay. https://zweiggroup.com/products/minds-machines
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We recognize and applaud all the amazing women — architects, engineers, interior designers, and professionals — of O’Connell Robertson who are impacting the world with their talents and making the industry better through their contributions.
We are proud to be a sponsor of and support HER Elevate www.oconnellrobertson.com
Austin
San Antonio
Houston
Bringing value through creative problem solving.
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Bridging the Columbia River: Past, Present, and Future
By Luke Carothers
Spanning over 3,500-feet across the Columbia River where it draws a border between Oregon and Washington, the bridge that now carries I-5 between Vancouver in Washington state and Portland in Oregon first opened to traffic in 1917. This important piece of infrastructure was incorporated into the newly built Interstate-5, which ran roughly parallel to the West Coast of the United States. Then a single bridge carrying two-way traffic, the structure was expanded in 1958 when a second twin bridge was built directly adjacent to the original structure. With the twin bridge structure, each bridge was opened to one- way traffic–northbound traffic being run over the 1917 structure and southbound over the 1958 structure. As a part of the Interstate Highway System, this transportation corridor expanded in importance and the bridge crossing the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington has come to represent a vital piece of infrastructure when speaking about the continued growth, economic success, and happiness of communities throughout the region. In existence for over a century, the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River has become outdated, leading to a number of significant problems that negatively impact those living in surrounding communities. The lift bridge design is so outdated that there are less than 20 still in service throughout the United States. Most significantly, perhaps, is the I-5 Bridge’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The current structure is a lift bridge that rests on timber piles driven into a silty river, which makes it incredibly prone to serious structural damage in the event of an earthquake. The most likely seismic threat to the structure is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which is roughly 70 years overdue for a significant movement.
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Because of the bridge's design–lack of shoulders, lifts, and closely spaced interchanges–it is currently one of the highest crash locations in Oregon’s interstate system, and averages 7-10 hours of congestion during the morning and evening commutes. Congestion issues are further exacerbated by the bridge’s location between the Ports of Portland and Vancouver, which added over 13,500 trucks to the number of vehicles that crossed the bridge in 2019. In this congestion, trucks are joined by a high number of motor vehicles as there are limited high capacity transit options between Portland and Vancouver. The only alternative means of crossing the bridge is a small walking and biking path on either side of the bridge measuring 3.5-feet in width, which isn’t capable of safely supporting any meaningful amount of foot or bicycle traffic. The push to replace this vital piece of infrastructure has been going on for over 25 years. Hampered by the failure of efforts to update the structure in 2014 when the Washington State Legislature declined to take up the funding package, the bridge’s condition only continued to worsen. The need to do something about this vulnerable piece of infrastructure was recognized in 2019 when Governor Kate Brown of Oregon and Governor Jay Inslee of Washington agreed to create the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR). The goal in creating the IBR program is to replace the Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River with a modern, seismically-resilient multimodal structure that improves mobility for people, goods, and services. Greg Johnson explains that equity and the climate are the forefront of the IBR program considerations. Johnson is the IBR Program Administrator, having joined the project in July of 2020. For Johnson and the IBR program, the first step to building equity into the program was understanding the history of major transportation construction and development in the region. The construction of I-5 in the 1950s displaced a number of communities throughout the region, and the reverberating effects of displacing existing communities are still felt to this day. Johnson says that one of their first acts was to hire a Principal Equity Officer whose main focuses are to assure their processes are appropriate and that the program is reaching out in appropriate ways to “amplify voices that have not been a part of projects like this [and] look at outcomes.” This includes steps like reaching out to small, minority-, and women-owned businesses who have historically been excluded from similar building projects.
More than most, Johnson knows the struggle of being displaced– having been displaced from his home at four years old by a Department of Transportation project–and recalls his father’s frustration at not being treated fairly in the process. This experience informs Johnson’s approach to his work on the IBR program, driving him to always make sure people’s voices are being heard.The IBR program’s focus on equity also includes having a continued Community Advisory Group, which meets monthly to have “substantial conversations…to make
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sure that they understand where the project is and how their voices can help shape the project.” By focusing on things like urban design as well as community and contractor outreach, Johnson says the goal is to let the community know that their voices are heard and reflected in the IBR program’s designs. To engage the community in these processes, the IBR program has shown the community visualizations meant to increase the understanding for what they were proposing and what impacts it would have on the community. Johnson believes this level of conversation allows people to get a better understanding of what the project will feel like in their community. Another major area of focus for the IBR program is its sustainability and larger impact on the climate. With an average of 7-10 hours of congestion during the morning and evening commutes, vehicles spent an outsized amount of time with their engines running and not moving, which significantly increases the amount of greenhouse gasses released into the region’s air and atmosphere. To assess and improve the project from a sustainability perspective, the IBR program employs a Principal Climate Officer. While the vision for a better future for this vital piece of infrastructure is taking shape through discussions about climate and community impact, the IBR program has been working to secure additional funding for the project. According to Johnson, the first steps to completing the IBR project was securing funding and tolling rights from both Washington and Oregon, which was done earlier this year. Recently, Washington State passed legislation giving the project $1 billion in 2022, with Oregon doing the same in June of this year. Johnson says that an additional $1.3 billion is projected in the program’s financial plan. While both legislatures have authorized tolling, the details of a formal plan have not been developed. Johnson says the project is around 57 percent of the way towards their goal, and the remaining piece of the funding puzzle is to work with federal partners. Johnson is confident that the project will be able to secure federal funding through a number of infrastructure grants that are coming out this year. The program recently submitted its application to the FHWA for a $600 million mega grant, and will submit an application later this Fall for a $1 billion Bridge Investment Program grant. The IBR program also plans to seek up to $1.2 billion from the FTA for a Capital Improvement Grant that will pay for transit investments. This confidence stems in large part from the unique nature of the IBR project, which covers several areas of infrastructure and transportation including high capacity transit, freight considerations, and vehicles as well as bicycle and pedestrian traffic. As the IBR program continues to secure federal funding, the project moves closer and closer to its ultimate completion, which will significantly improve mobility in the region. Project construction is slated to begin in 2025.
LUKE CAROTHERS is the Editor of Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine. If you want us to cover your project or feature an article, he can be reached at lcarothers@zweiggroup.com.
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STEEL SHEET PILE BRIDGE ABUTMENTS
The Nucor Skyline Steel Sheet Pile Bridge Abutment Technical Design Manual n An introduction to the most cost-effective, accelerated, construction method available in the industry today n Complete design methodology for permanent, vertically loaded, steel sheet piles
n AASHTO based design procedures and references
n Multiple, complete design examples at your fingertips
Visit nucorskyline.com/abutment to request your free copy!
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Software + Technology
Comsa Digitizes Renovation of Century-old Bridge
management model, Comsa is delivering the refurbishment and reconstruction project using a BIM methodology. Understanding Design and Construction Schemes The bridge features existing piles, walls, and slabs that need refurbishing and were poorly maintained. Additionally, the newly built infrastructure needs to be integrated with the existing renovation works. “The remodeling of the bridge combines existing renovated elements with new ones,” said Pardo. Faced with this complex integration challenge, Comsa realized the need to create a digital 3D model to better convey and understand the design and construction scheme. During the initial project phase, the bridge had not been modeled, making it difficult for engineers and construction staff to visualize and fully grasp the design intent and construction plans. “Although the blueprints, cross-sections, and longitudinal plans are intuitive, especially for experienced construction staff, this was not enough to provide a complete view of the project in the initial phase,” said Pardo. With a multidisciplinary team dedicated entirely to the development and implementation of BIM, Comsa set out to model the existing site and structure and, based on that model, generate an integrated project model for the bridge extension and accesses. They wanted to digitize project execution, coordinating layout and geometry of the structure, streamlining workflows, and monitoring construction
Bentley’s Integrated BIM Applications Optimize Design and Construction Monitoring, Reducing On-site Errors
By Amy Heffner, Director, Product Marketing, Bentley Systems
Reconstructing a Historic Bridge Over the Llobregat River Located in the Bajes region of Barcelona, the Cabrianes Bridge is a century-old structure spanning the Llobregat River along the Carretera B-430 road. To improve safety, service, and traffic flow, as well as to accommodate pedestrian and cyclist mobility, the bridge and roadway access points are being renovated and modernized. The EUR 2.4 million project consists of widening the bridge from 6 meters to 12 meters to include two-way vehicle traffic lanes and a pavement for non-vehicular transport. It also includes constructing a new deck supported by a central arch. “The works will improve the level of service and favor safety and fluidity in driving, as well as the mobility of pedestrians and cyclists,” said Santiago Martinez Pardo, surveyor and BIM modeler of linear infrastructure at Comsa. With a commitment to continually improving in construction processes and implementing an innovative project
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progress. Although they used a third-party software during the bidding process, the software did not meet their subsequent modeling needs. To achieve their digital goals and implement lifecycle, collaborative BIM processes, Comsa needed integrated 3D modeling technology and an open connected data environment to make the model accessible to the entire team. Establishing a Collaborative 3D Modeling Environment Comsa selected MicroStation, OpenRoads, and OpenBuildings to establish a collaborative 3D modeling environment, enabling them to model the different geological and structural elements and link them in an integrated BIM model. “I used Bentley products because they include the most appropriate tools and workflows for a project of this size: topography, road layout, 3D modeling of the structure, metadata, and export to IFC. In addition, I have been familiar with Bentley technology for more than 20 years,” said Pardo. The different discipline-specific models are integrated into a unified 3D project model using OpenBuildings, and then shared in an open file format among the team for a holistic view and better understanding of the project works. Based on the BIM model, the team could accurately obtain earthworks and surface volumes, then identify and resolve differences between the theoretical design and the executed version. Additionally, the interoperability of Bentley software with other technology applications allowed the team to access and manipulate the federated model in an open BIM format, as well as digitally track monthly progress of on-site works. Working in a collaborative, dynamic modeling environment, Comsa was able to graphically check whether the different component works would be correctly executed and remotely monitor the construction process. The BIM model was key to visualizing the finished project before it even began, and the final model represents the project as it was actually executed. “The 3D model helped us understand how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together,” said Pardo. BIM Sets New Standards “Modeling the different objects and linking them in the overall model enabled us to check some geometrical errors that would have gone unnoticed until they were made on site,” said Pardo. Working with the 3D models using Bentley’s BIM technology, Comsa could digitally see any mistakes and identify potential costly errors prior to construction. Sharing the BIM model on a monthly basis made it easy for all participants to see the progress of the project. The integrated digital solution facilitated better understanding of the project and optimized construction. It also helped optimize time and resources, reduce pollution, and improve overall project execution. The 3D model will be used for continued asset maintenance and management. “MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, and OpenBuildings Designer, combined with BIM methodology, have facilitated understanding of the project, the monitoring of the construction, and the maintenance of the asset,” said Pardo. This project has highlighted the pillars of BIM methodology for Comsa—including transparency, collaboration, and communication—to provide the best client service. Working
in a collaborative BIM environment helps with the understanding, arrangement, and execution of complex engineering projects. As a company, BIM allowed Comsa to not only successfully execute this bridge renovation, but also to create digital libraries that will serve as the basis for other projects, setting new corporate digitization standards for project delivery.
Project Summary Organization: Comsa Corporación Solution: Bridges and Tunnels Location: Cabrianes, Barcelona, Spain Project Objectives • To renovate and modernize a century-old bridge structure to accommodate additional vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles. • To use the 3D model to digitize workflows, construction monitoring, and asset management. Project Playbook: AutoPIPE, MicroStation, OpenBuildings, OpenRoads Fast Facts • The project consists of widening the bridge from 6 meters to 12 meters to include two-way traffic lanes. • Initially, the project was not modeled, and paper plans failed to provide a holistic view of the project. • Using Bentley applications, Comsa established a collaborative 3D BIM model for better understanding of design and construction plans. ROI Using a digital, visual 3D model, Comsa identified potentially costly errors prior to on-site construction.
AMY HEFFNER is a director of product marketing at Bentley Systems. She leads a team of global product marketers focused on Bentley’s civil design, bridge design and analysis, building design, and mobility simulation product lines. Joining Bentley in 2007, Amy has held various roles in product marketing, corporate marketing, and user-focused events and training. She has over 18 years of experience in marketing, event planning, communications, and project management. Prior to her time at Bentley, Amy worked as an associate producer at WPVI Philadelphia and as a marketing manager for DesignDesign, Inc., a Philadelphia area industrial and creative design firm. She can be reached at amy.heffner@bentley.com .
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Software + Technology
Unlocking AECO Knowledge with GPT: Natural Language Queries for Document Management
By Dr. Jeff Chen, Director of Digital Transformation and George Broadbent, VP of Asset Management, Symetri
A Mountain of Documents Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) stands as one of the most document-intensive industries in the world. From early design sketches to finalized contracts, and comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals, stakeholders are inundated with reams of paperwork and digital documents. This paperwork, albeit essential, often slows down processes. Imagine an engineer looking for a specific clause in a 200-page contract or an operator trying to understand a certain aspect from a complex O&M manual. Such hands-on searches not only consume time but also Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) has emerged as a game- changer in the field of artificial intelligence. Its foundational architecture has been heralded for its ability to comprehend, generate, and interact with human-like textual finesse. To truly understand GPT's potential, imagine an assistant that has read virtually every book, article, and significant document up to a last training cut-off in 2021 (as in the case of GPT-4). It retains this vast sea of knowledge, ready to offer insights, generate texts, and answer a plethora of questions with a precision that is remarkably close to human intellect. increase the potential for error. The Rise of a Textual Savant One of the standout features of GPT is its “zero-shot” or “few-shot” learning capabilities. For many tasks, GPT does not have to be extensively trained. Give it a set of instructions or a couple of examples,
and it gets to work, generating relevant responses. This ability means it is versatile and can be adapted to numerous scenarios without heavy retraining. While GPT can be likened to a superhuman textual brain, it is crucial to remember its knowledge is not inexhaustible. Information created after 2021 is a blind spot for it. This implies that while GPT can provide a vast general knowledge base and even industry-specific insights up to its last update. However, for real-time, contemporary data or post-2021 developments, a supplementary method becomes essential. In the context of AECO, while GPT could provide general knowledge on industry standards, protocols, and best practices available up to 2021, newer project documents, recently established protocols, or contractual changes past this date would be out of its purview. Thus, there is an inherent need to marry GPT's prowess with another technological solution to ensure continuous knowledge updates and relevance–and
that is where embedding comes to shine. Embeddings and Vector Databases
Embeddings, in the realm of digital technology, work like magic. They take complex, lengthy, and often hard-to-understand texts and convert them into colorful vectors—numerical representations that are compact yet bursting with meaning. Each vector captures the essence, or soul, of its original text. In this fantastical library, vectors are those glowing colors, each hue and shade representing a theme, topic, or sentiment.
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Now, when a question arises, it is not spoken or typed into a computer. Instead, thoughts are transformed into a radiant vector. The moment this happens, the library comes alive. The books (or documents) that resonate with the query light up, leading straight to the most relevant pieces of information. This real-time matching and guidance are orchestrated by what is known as a 'vector database.' The magic deepens when this is applied to the AECO world. Picture an architect standing in this library, wondering, "Which designs have been optimized for tropical climates?" As the question forms, related project blueprints and design documents shimmer in response, ensuring the architect does not waste hours but gets instantaneous resources. In digital, real-world applications, this means that the vastness of AECO documentation — from initial drafts to finalized O&M manuals — can be transformed into a responsive, intuitive database. Questions from, "Show contracts that involve sustainable materials," to "Where are the protocols for earthquake-resistant infrastructures?" get swift, precise answers, eliminating the tediousness of manual searches and ushering in an era of streamlined information retrieval. In essence, embeddings and vector databases weave the tapestry of the future, where information is not just sought but is intuitively and vividly presented, ensuring that the AECO industry remains not just on the cutting edge but also marvelously efficient. Boundaries of the System Harnessing the power of embeddings and vector databases has undeniably brought a huge change in how vast amounts of information are accessed and processed. Yet, like all pioneering technologies, this method comes with its unique set of challenges. First, there is the question of text chunking and how to determine the ideal size of text to be fed into the system for vector conversion? If too small a slice is taken, the risk is losing context, making the resulting vector a poor representative of the actual content. Think of it as trying to understand the plot of a novel by reading a random paragraph–there is some information, but not the whole story. Conversely, if the text chunks are too large, not only is the system flooded with unnecessary data, but also risks exceeding the token limit, especially when further processing it with GPT. While embeddings can determine thematic relevance, they are not inherently designed for precise data retrieval. They shine when answering queries like, "How can BIM benefit our agency?”, and pulling insights from presentations, roadmaps, and guiding documents. However, for more data-specific questions such as, "How many BIM projects were completed last year?", the embedding method might falter. It is a matter of qualitative versus quantitative data retrieval– while embeddings excel at the former, they are less adept at the latter. To navigate these challenges, it is essential to see embeddings and vector databases as evolving tools. As the AECO industry and its informational needs grow, so too will the sophistication and adaptability of these technologies. Balancing the size of text chunks, refining the vector database for more precise queries, and integrating
other AI systems can further optimize and refine this promising avenue of information management. A Bright Horizon Navigating the vastness of AECO documentation has been a historic challenge. But with the integration of GPT and embeddings, the brink of an information revolution is close. The potential to instantly access the right knowledge not only streamlines processes but also fosters a culture of informed decision making. While the system has its limitations, its introduction marks a significant step forward, setting the stage for a more informed, efficient, and agile AECO industry. Unlocking Potentials Implementing GPT combined with embeddings offers the AECO sector unprecedented advantages: • Efficiency: Searching becomes instantaneous. A project manager could request, "Show all protocols for seismic safety in high-rise buildings," and get immediate results. • Precision: Instead of sifting through irrelevant data, stakeholders receive only pertinent documents, minimizing information overload. • Learning: New employees can get up-to-speed quickly, asking questions about company protocols or past projects, and receiving precise answers. Use Cases • Design Phase: Architects can effortlessly retrieve design standards or past project references that match current project specifications. • Construction: Contractors can instantly access material safety data sheets or machinery operation manuals without hands-on searches. • Operations: Facility managers can query specific O&M procedures, ensuring optimal building operations and safety Dr. Jeff Chen, Ph.D., LEED AP is Director of Digital Transformation, Symetri . Dr. Chen leads digital technology integration services for all aspects of client businesses to drive efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and increase sustainability. George Broadbent is Vice President of Asset Management, Symetri . Prior to his current role, George was Director of Asset Management. He has more than 25 years of diversified professional experience in Asset Management, Electronic Content Management, System Architecture and Vital Records Planning and Management.
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October 2023 csengineermag.com
By Claire Rutkowski It's All About the Data Software + Technology
must be standard across the entire lifecycle. We use P&IDs to tie things together, but let’s go deeper. If we move data definitions further up the lifecycle and define what is needed through each phase, we can ensure that the right data is captured as projects progress. By using digital twin capabilities, infrastructure stakeholders can combine and amalgamate data from various sources, making a series of data silos into one cohesive bank of geospatially referenced data points about an asset, whether that is a carbon footprint, emissions, as-designed data, as-built data, maintenance information, or asset performance information. However, even digital twins can become siloed and stagnant if not done right. To truly be valuable across the infrastructure lifecycle, digital twin technologies need to have an open foundation to build upon with infrastructure schemas that have standards for data translation from one application to another. Only then can a digital twin be leveraged as a dynamic, comprehensive living data set. Only then can we light up all the dark data we currently lose throughout the infrastructure and asset lifecycle to gain true insights. Is the work worth the effort? Absolutely. Rich datasets drive actionable insights to improve project decision-making and operational performance. These insights can shed light on previously undetected trends, allowing an organization to proactively course correct, leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders – design firms, EPCs, constructors, asset owners and operators, and the public at large. Stakeholders can then leverage machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other tools, which thrive on rich data to glean insights into their data for carbon calculations, predictive maintenance recommendations, and better, more sustainable outcomes. But it all comes back to the data. Let us not settle for 4 percent data reuse. The opportunity for smarter infrastructure outcomes across the lifecycle is in the 96 percent. By using data as a foundation, we can collaborate, leverage, reuse, and become much more efficient and insightful. Given the increased demand for infrastructure projects, the growing backlogs, resource shortages, and the urgent need to reduce climate change, we must get the fundamentals right. We cannot afford not to.
Our world runs on data. The advent of BIM and the proliferation of IoT-sensing devices have driven a veritable deluge of data. We are drowning in it. But surprisingly, we are not using it. A report by FMI Corporation, a consultancy firm, stated that 96 percent of the data generated by infrastructure projects specifically is never reused. You could argue that a certain portion of that data should not be reused because it is project-specific, but certainly not 96 percent of it. One of the reasons we are unable to leverage data in the infrastructure sector is that every time we hand a deliverable off from one firm to another or from one phase of the asset lifecycle to another (e.g., the handoff from project design and delivery to construction or construction to commissioning), we lose data. Perhaps the tools or systems being used in each phase do not talk to one another, or the data being generated in one phase is incompatible with the structure of the data in the next phase. As a result, we lose a lot of the hard work performed in one phase and in many ways start over in the next phase–with less fidelity and detail. The same FMI study reported that 90 percent of the total data its accounts produce during engineering and construction is unstructured. Unstructured data can be difficult, if not impossible, to translate and migrate from one tool to another; it is one of the main drivers for information getting lost along the way. The result is a lack of visibility into data, leading to challenges in communication and collaboration because stakeholders are not looking at or talking about the same data sets. It also means that decision makers are making decisions based on incomplete data, because some of it did not transfer over. And siloed data gets left behind, driving obsolescence. For the infrastructure sector to take full advantage of tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning, stakeholders need robust data sets containing structured and unstructured data that can be mined for patterns and insights. AEC firms and asset operators need cohesive, complete data sets to foster communication and collaboration. Cohesive and complete data sets can also ensure that we are measuring the complete carbon footprint of an asset, from project delivery to construction to operations and potential decommissioning. This will help the sector drive sustainable outcomes. And robust and accurate data that can be leveraged by machine learning and artificial intelligence tools will also help ensure accuracy to design intent, greater efficiencies throughout the asset lifecycle, and provide insights not otherwise gleaned. How can the infrastructure sector achieve this? From a technology perspective, the creation and maintenance of rich data sets require open platforms that can work with multiple tools. Interoperability among those tools is also required, and the data must be able to be shared securely and appropriately throughout the entire supply chain. The data also needs to be captured and maintained. Data requirements
Claire Rutkowski joined Bentley in 2016, where she serves as the company’s CIO Champion, advocating for CxOs at engineering firms and serving as a bridge between Bentley and its engineering accounts. Previously, Claire led the global IT organization at Bentley, shaping and delivering a technology agenda across Bentley’s business. By collaborating with executive leadership, she ensured Bentley leverages the most advanced solutions to achieve the goals of the company and its users. Before joining Bentley she was CIO at MWH, responsible for delivering IT strategy, services, and support to 7,000 engineer - ing professionals globally. Claire is a PMP and has received numerous awards, most recently the Top 80 CIOs You Should Know, and was named to 2022’s Top 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders.
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csengineermag.com
October 2023
Marking the 60th anniversary of Henri Vidal’s patent, Reinforced Earth. The invention of modern Mechanically Stabilized Earth.
Reinforced Earth® | T-Wall® | TechWall™ | TechSpan® ENGINEERED RETAINING WALLS, ARCHES, & SOUND WALL SYSTEMS
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reinforcedearth.com
October 2023 csengineermag.com
Software + Technology
By Chris Harman It’s Not a Digital Twin If It Can’t Pass These Two Tests There is growing buzz about digital twins, and it’s easy to see why. While architects, engineers, and construction professionals have almost always relied on models to plan and deliver projects, static visualizations have real limitations. That’s particularly true for large- scale infrastructure that must operate seamlessly in a complex and dynamic environment, particularly one that could look and feel very different from the world we live in today. In recent years, we’ve seen a move from the use of static data to smart systems that use active data inputs. That is a meaningful advancement, and I’ve seen many call that a digital twin. In reality, a true digital twin is far more complex and must pass two key litmus tests. First, a true digital twin provides a technological representation or digital counterpart of current and/or planned real-world objects, creating a model that aims to be effectively indistinguishable from the source. The creation of dynamic simulations of the way structures interact with their environments goes beyond isolated infrastructure to offer interactive models of complex systems, grounded in real-world and often real-time data. This involves breaking down information silos to develop an integrated visualization of data that is typically spread out across departments and agencies. Consider the strides being made in water management. From Canada to Sweden, utilities are making use of detailed digital twins
of water networks, linked to real-time data and controls, enabling operators and engineers to consider the entire water supply system when they plan repairs, upgrades, or respond to unusual situations. It’s not an easy problem. Networks of pipes have “folds” due to topography, “cuts” due to rail or highway corridors, and “strings” that link distant parts via tunnels or transmission mains. Disturbing any point of this surface affects the entire system in ways that are hard to predict. A digital twin can pinpoint the area where water is exiting the system, tell operators the fastest safe speed or sequence to close water valves to isolate an impacted area so they might only have to shut off supply to three buildings instead of 300 – and even generate a list of the impacted customers. That brings us to the second essential criterion for calling something a digital twin: it must offer analytics that help predict outcomes under various scenarios. At their heart, digital twins are “systems thinkers,” enabling teams to stress test the ways that different parts of the world interact and predict probable outcomes before infrastructure investments are made. For example, a true digital twin can model various approaches to reducing carbon emissions and project the cost and health impacts of each over the project’s total lifecycle. Or, it can promote more equitable access to transportation by applying the results of site-
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csengineermag.com
October 2023
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