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ItemVisualization enhancements to facilitate the use of digital demonstrators for instructional applications(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2023-07) Kangisser, Steven ; Shankar, Abhishek ; Irizarry, Javier ; Sharma, HarnishThis paper investigates a novel approach to instruction in the use of complex instruments. A laser scanner is employed as a test bed for lessons which can then be more broadly implemented. Laser scanners use optical signals from reflected light. These signals are then processed to create a 3D point cloud of the scanned object or environment. The point clouds can be used to derive accurate information about the mapped area's dimensions. Laser Scanners are widely used in aerospace, manufacturing, law enforcement, agriculture, and construction industries to capture details and create models of existing structures and objects. Many universities teach students the theory and process of laser scanning. Laser scanners are typical instruments for which instruction on their application requires students to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on exposure to technology. Limited access to instructional scanning instruments presents a challenge when class sizes are large, or courses are offered remotely. In these cases, access to the equipment required can impede the accomplishment of the stated course objective. As a means of negating the limited access to a physical instrument, a digital demonstrator was developed. This digital prototype can augment or replace a physical artifact, such as a laser scanner. To accomplish this task, the researchers examined the current method of scanner instruction at undergraduate and master's degree levels. A simulated scanner was then developed and tested in actual courses at three universities' graduate and undergraduate level courses. Student performance was measured using a mixed methods approach. Testing confirmed that a digital representation of a complex instrument could be an effective teaching tool, even to the extent of replacing a physical artifact. Having established the utility of a digital demonstrator, the researchers incorporated additional visualization capabilities into the digital scanner interface. These interface enhancements are not found on the physical scanner and are intended to facilitate student understanding of scanner theory rather than instrument operation alone. Such visualization enhancements had to be offered in a way in which the absence of the added visualization component would not be critical to the student's ability to operate an actual physical scanner. User testing confirmed that visualization additions to the interface facilitated an understanding of the theory behind the instrument's application and that students could later operate a physical scanner without these enhancements. The authors conclude by offering a set of principles for visualization enhancements to a digital interface that others may apply when designing demonstrators for instructional use.
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ItemAn automated safety planning approach for residential construction sites in Malaysia(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2014) Irizarry, Javier ; Zolfagharian, Samaneh ; Ressang, Aziruddin ; Nourbakhsh, Mehdi ; Gheisari, Masoudin particular residential building construction. This paper aims at proposing an Automated Safety-Planning Plug-in (ASPP) for project scheduling software applications, to mitigate the occurrence of construction accidents. To achieve this aim, frequency and severity of the common construction safety hazards in residential buildings were investigated by distributing a questionnaire to safety managers and construction managers in Malaysia. A total of 106 completed responses were received. Then, risk level associated to each hazard was calculated based on the relevant risk matrix. The ASPP extracts current construction activities from any computer based schedule (Microsoft Project® in this paper) and identifies their risks level as well as safety regulations and hazards related to each activity as a report. A case study is used to investigate the reliability and usability of the ASPP. The ASPP was found to be efficient and helpful for rigorously complying with safety regulations and control potential hazards. The practical implication of this study is to improve construction safety by promoting the project managers’ awareness of safety hazards and associated risks as well as essential safety indicators provided through a comprehensive report.
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ItemMobile Application Prototype for On-Site Information Management in Construction Industry(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2012) Nourbakhsh, Mehdi ; Zin, Rosli Mohamad ; Irizarry, Javier ; Zolfagharian, Sameneh ; Gheisari, MasoudPurpose: This paper presents the results of a study aimed at investigating the information requirements for broad use mobile applications for construction projects. It also presents the results of usability testing of a mobile application prototype for improving information management in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the research objectives, the information required to properly design the mobile application was collected by distributing an online questionnaire among construction professionals. Then a server-based application prototype was developed based on enterprise content management concepts. The mobile application was tested in a laboratory by setting a group of construction management postgraduate students who had experience on working in construction industry. Finding: This study determines and ranks the critical on-site information artifacts, considered highly important from the perspective of clients, consultants, and contractors. The study also illustrates the development of a mobile application prototype and results of a usability test. The test results demonstrate that the application is well designed, user friendly, and meets user requirements. Practical implications: The results of this study are useful for developing a functional mobile application to manage on-site information in construction projects. Originality/value: The paper makes an original contribution of investigating information requirements of a mobile application for on-site information management.