Jakob Beetz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jakob Beetz

With the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), the construction industry is rapidly ... more With the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), the construction industry is rapidly catching up with the digital revolution that has boosted productivity in virtually all economic sectors. In current practice, the focus of BIM lies on exchange of documents, often through proprietary formats exchanged using the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). However, with web technologies such as RDF, OWL and SPARQL, a data-and web-based BIM paradigm becomes within reach. The decentralisation of data and decoupling of information and applications will enhance a more general adoption of Big Open BIM, and is expected to lower the BIM threshold for smaller companies that are active in different phases of the building life cycle. Since one of the promises of the Semantic Web and Linked Data is a highly improved interoperability between different disciplines, it is not necessary to reinvent the wheel for the setup of an infrastructure that supports such a network of decentralised tools and data. In this paper, we evaluate the specifications provided by the Solid project (Inrupt Inc.), a Linked Data-based ecosystem for Social Linked Data. Although the exemplary use case of the Solid ecosystem is decentralisation of data and applications for social network purposes, we notice a considerable overlap with recent ambitions and challenges for a web-based AECO industry (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation). This includes standardised data representations, role-or actor-based authorisation and authentication and the need for modular and extensible applications, dedicated to a specific use case. After a brief introduction to Linked Data and its applications in the building industry, we discuss present solutions for building data management (Common Data Environments, multimodels, etc.). In order to translate these approaches towards a Linked Data context with minimal effort and maximal effect, we then review the Solid specifications for use in a construction-oriented web ecosystem. As a proof of concept, we discuss the setup of a web-service for creation and management of Linked Building Data, generated with the Solid-React generator. This application is envisaged as a bridge between the multiple data stores of different project stakeholders and the end user. It acts as an interface to a distributed Common Data Environment that also allows the generation of multi-models.

Automation in Construction, Nov 1, 2018

To date, widely implemented and full-featured query languages for building models in their native... more To date, widely implemented and full-featured query languages for building models in their native exchange formats do not exist. While interesting proposals exist for querying Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) models, their functionality is often incomplete and their semantics not precisely defined. With the introduction of the ifcOWL ontology as an equivalent to the IFC schema in the Web Ontology Language (OWL), an option to represent such models in RDF (Resource Description Framework, a general information modeling method) is provided, and such models can be queried using SPARQL (SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language). The size of data sets in complex building projects, however, renders the use of clear-text encoded RDF infeasible in many cases. A SPARQL implementation, compatible with ifcOWL, is proposed, directly atop a standardized binary serialization format for IFC building models. This novel format is the binary equivalent of traditional IFC serialization formats but with more compact storage and less overhead than the graph serialization in RDF. The format is based on ISO 10303-26 and relies on an open standard for organizing large amounts of data: Hierarchical Data Format version 5 (HDF5). Due to hierarchical partitioning and fixed-length records, only small subsets of the data are read to answer queries, improving efficiency. A prototypical implementation of the query engine is provided in the Python programming language. In several realistic use cases, the proposed system performs equivalent to or better than the state of the art in SPARQL querying on building models. For large datasets, the proposed storage format results in files that are 2-3 times smaller than the current, most concise, RDF databases while offering a platform-neutral, containerized exchange file.

Semantic web, Jun 9, 2023

In many industries, multiple parties collaborate on a larger project. At the same time, each of t... more In many industries, multiple parties collaborate on a larger project. At the same time, each of those stakeholders participates in multiple independent projects simultaneously. A double patchwork can thus be identified, with a many-to-many relationship between actors and collaborative projects. One key example is the construction industry, where every project is unique, involving specialists for many subdomains, ranging from the architectural design over technical installations to geospatial information, governmental regulation and sometimes even historical research. A digital representation of this process and its outcomes requires semantic interoperability between these subdomains, which however often work with heterogeneous and unstructured data. In this paper we propose to address this double patchwork via a decentralized ecosystem for multi-stakeholder, multi-industry collaborations dealing with heterogeneous information snippets. At its core, this ecosystem, called ConSolid, builds upon the Solid specifications for Web decentralization, but extends these both on a (meta)data pattern level and on microservice level. To increase the robustness of data allocation and filtering, we identify the need to go beyond Solid's current LDP-inspired interfaces to a Solid Pod and introduce the concept of metadata-generated 'virtual views', to be generated using an access-controlled SPARQL interface to a Pod. A recursive, scalable way to discover multi-vault aggregations is proposed, along with data patterns for connecting and aligning heterogeneous (RDF and non-RDF) resources across vaults in a mediatypeagnostic fashion. We demonstrate the use and benefits of the ecosystem using minimal running examples, concluding with the setup of an example use case from the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry.

Automation in Construction, 2015

A large amount of design and planning knowledge is created throughout the different phases in con... more A large amount of design and planning knowledge is created throughout the different phases in construction projects. This information is employed within planning but is often lost in transition to the production and construction phases. Within this work an approach towards robotics as a mediator between planning and production is analyzed. The flow of information between Building Information Management (BIM), design and production is closely examined. However due to the requirements within construction new concepts for design to production and construction need to be developed. For manufacturing industries a new work flow from design to production was mainly enabled through digitized machinery and virtual commissioning of factories. The current degree of automation in the construction industry is low especially compared to industrial production. This is mainly due to the differences in the work environment, that create multiple prerequisites for construction automation. Changing tasks and environmental conditions require a fast configurability of machines. Additionally, adaptation strategies for deviations and material tolerances are required. Within this work these requirements are addressed in detail, as well as potential solutions through developments within design to production and human-machine collaboration. The main focus is a continuous information flow between design, planning and execution as well as information feedback from the production phase back to the design. This creates new possibilities for a process informed design. Furthermore, a continuous feedback for the designer leads to new insights within design to production. Previous attempts at automation were made using specialized machines for specific tasks were mostly unsuccessful, due to their low flexibility. Construction tasks can be highly complex.

In this paper we suggest an extension to the Industry Foundation Classes model to integrate point... more In this paper we suggest an extension to the Industry Foundation Classes model to integrate point cloud datasets. The proposal includes a schema extension to the core model allowing the storage of points either as Cartesian coordinates, points in parametric space of a surface associated with a building element or as discrete height fields projected as grids onto (building element) surfaces. To handle considerable amounts of data, we further suggest to employ the Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) as an efficient serialization format as an additional alternative to clear text encoded ISO 10303 part 21 files. Based on prototypical implementations we show early results of population files and discuss potential benefits of dedicated compression algorithms.

DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of t... more DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers. Link to publication General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal. If the publication is distributed under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act, indicated by the "Taverne" license above, please follow below link for the End User Agreement:

Investment Analysis is a classical application in Long-Range Planning. It deals with the investig... more Investment Analysis is a classical application in Long-Range Planning. It deals with the investigation of uncertainties, the evaluation of alternatives, the answer to "What-if" questions. This paper shortly describes the key problems in this application domain, shows how the flexibility and power of APL can cope with the complexity of the problems, and especially highligths how the style of the APL programs and the problem solution influence each other. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS PART I: APPLICATION i.I Application Characteristics Investment Analysis belongs to the wide range of Business Management, specifically to the domain of Long-Range Planning. Long-Range Planning has 2 general characteristics: Low data volume: A Strategic Plan, e.g. a projected Profit and Loss Statement, typically has some 10...200 line items of 5...10 times periods (years) each. Many 'what if' questions: due to the uncertainty of estimates, forecasts, assumptions going into the plan, an important part of Long-Range Planning is the Sensitivity Analysis of the results ("what happens to our projected profit if raw material costs go up 40% ?") Investment Analysis is that part of Long-Range planning that deals with the financial evaluation of an investment, e.g. seizing the Cash Outflows (e.g. costs) and Cash Inflows (e.g. revenue) resulting from the production and sales of goods from a proposed new plant. In other words, Investment Analysis is the construction and usage of a Financial Model, involving factors internal and external to the company. Internal factors are, for instance, salary levels, marketing costs, product quality; external factors are market potential, raw material costs, inflation rate.

Parametric design and calculation of circular and elliptical tensegrity domes van Telgen, M.V. Aw... more Parametric design and calculation of circular and elliptical tensegrity domes van Telgen, M.V. Award date: 2012 Link to publication Disclaimer This document contains a student thesis (bachelor's or master's), as authored by a student at Eindhoven University of Technology. Student theses are made available in the TU/e repository upon obtaining the required degree. The grade received is not published on the document as presented in the repository. The required complexity or quality of research of student theses may vary by program, and the required minimum study period may vary in duration. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain Literature study Telgen, M.V. van 1 Parametric design and calculation of circular and elliptical tensegrity domes

Springer eBooks, 2015

Normen und Richtlinien dienen im Bauwesen der Vereinheitlichung von Anforderungen und sichern auf... more Normen und Richtlinien dienen im Bauwesen der Vereinheitlichung von Anforderungen und sichern auf diese Weise Technikstandards, um beispielsweise die Statik, Betriebssicherheit, Materialqualitat und nicht zuletzt die Sicherheit des Nutzers zu garantieren. Bislang handelt es sich bei der Uberprufung einer Gebaudeplanung hinsichtlich ihrer Konformitat mit den Richtlinien zumeist um einen immer wiederkehrenden, manuellen Kontrollprozess in der Planungsphase eines Bauwerks, welcher sich durch hohe Fehleranfalligkeit, Arbeitsaufwand und Kosten auszeichnet. Mit der Einfuhrung und Entwicklung neuer digitaler Methoden wie dem Building Information Modeling (BIM) und einheitlicher Datenstandards fur Gebaudemodelle stehen dem Bauwesen Technologien zur Verfugung, die einer Optimierung dieses Prozesses dienen konnen. Wahrend des BIM-Prozesses entsteht im Laufe der Planungsphase eines Bauwerks ein digitales Gebaudemodell, welches samtliche aktuellen Informationen fur alle Projektbeteiligten uber den gesamten Lebenszyklus des Gebaudes zur Verfugung stellt. Es bietet sich an, diese bereits gebundelten Daten fur eine automatisierte bzw. teilautomatisierte Uberprufung eines Modells auf Einhaltung von Normen und Richtlinien, das sogenannte Automated Code Compliance Checking, zu verwenden und auf diese Weise eine stetig hohe Planungsqualitat zu garantieren.

The maintenance of the complex infrastructure and facilities of Port of Rotterdam is based on lar... more The maintenance of the complex infrastructure and facilities of Port of Rotterdam is based on large amounts of heterogeneous information. Almost all activities of the Port require spatial information about features above-and underground. Current information systems are department and data oriented and cannot reflect the new process-& project-oriented needed for information exchange. Moreover most of the systems are able to process only two-dimensional data, while increasing number of 3D design models is becoming available. This complexity of activities and diversity of information challenges the Port authority to look for more advanced 3D solutions. This paper presents research in progress related to developing a 3D SII in support of information and process management within the Port of Rotterdam. The discussions and the research findings within this project are very relevant to the development of corporative information infrastructure for any large institution of a company.

Springer eBooks, 2015

Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliograf... more Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografie; detaillierte bibliografische Daten sind im Internet über http://dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar.

With the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), the construction industry is rapidly ... more With the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), the construction industry is rapidly catching up with the digital revolution that has boosted productivity in virtually all economic sectors. In current practice, the focus of BIM lies on exchange of documents, often through proprietary formats exchanged using the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). However, with web technologies such as RDF, OWL and SPARQL, a data-and web-based BIM paradigm becomes within reach. The decentralisation of data and decoupling of information and applications will enhance a more general adoption of Big Open BIM, and is expected to lower the BIM threshold for smaller companies that are active in different phases of the building life cycle. Since one of the promises of the Semantic Web and Linked Data is a highly improved interoperability between different disciplines, it is not necessary to reinvent the wheel for the setup of an infrastructure that supports such a network of decentralised tools and data. In this paper, we evaluate the specifications provided by the Solid project (Inrupt Inc.), a Linked Data-based ecosystem for Social Linked Data. Although the exemplary use case of the Solid ecosystem is decentralisation of data and applications for social network purposes, we notice a considerable overlap with recent ambitions and challenges for a web-based AECO industry (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation). This includes standardised data representations, role-or actor-based authorisation and authentication and the need for modular and extensible applications, dedicated to a specific use case. After a brief introduction to Linked Data and its applications in the building industry, we discuss present solutions for building data management (Common Data Environments, multimodels, etc.). In order to translate these approaches towards a Linked Data context with minimal effort and maximal effect, we then review the Solid specifications for use in a construction-oriented web ecosystem. As a proof of concept, we discuss the setup of a web-service for creation and management of Linked Building Data, generated with the Solid-React generator. This application is envisaged as a bridge between the multiple data stores of different project stakeholders and the end user. It acts as an interface to a distributed Common Data Environment that also allows the generation of multi-models.

Automation in Construction, Nov 1, 2018

To date, widely implemented and full-featured query languages for building models in their native... more To date, widely implemented and full-featured query languages for building models in their native exchange formats do not exist. While interesting proposals exist for querying Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) models, their functionality is often incomplete and their semantics not precisely defined. With the introduction of the ifcOWL ontology as an equivalent to the IFC schema in the Web Ontology Language (OWL), an option to represent such models in RDF (Resource Description Framework, a general information modeling method) is provided, and such models can be queried using SPARQL (SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language). The size of data sets in complex building projects, however, renders the use of clear-text encoded RDF infeasible in many cases. A SPARQL implementation, compatible with ifcOWL, is proposed, directly atop a standardized binary serialization format for IFC building models. This novel format is the binary equivalent of traditional IFC serialization formats but with more compact storage and less overhead than the graph serialization in RDF. The format is based on ISO 10303-26 and relies on an open standard for organizing large amounts of data: Hierarchical Data Format version 5 (HDF5). Due to hierarchical partitioning and fixed-length records, only small subsets of the data are read to answer queries, improving efficiency. A prototypical implementation of the query engine is provided in the Python programming language. In several realistic use cases, the proposed system performs equivalent to or better than the state of the art in SPARQL querying on building models. For large datasets, the proposed storage format results in files that are 2-3 times smaller than the current, most concise, RDF databases while offering a platform-neutral, containerized exchange file.

Semantic web, Jun 9, 2023

In many industries, multiple parties collaborate on a larger project. At the same time, each of t... more In many industries, multiple parties collaborate on a larger project. At the same time, each of those stakeholders participates in multiple independent projects simultaneously. A double patchwork can thus be identified, with a many-to-many relationship between actors and collaborative projects. One key example is the construction industry, where every project is unique, involving specialists for many subdomains, ranging from the architectural design over technical installations to geospatial information, governmental regulation and sometimes even historical research. A digital representation of this process and its outcomes requires semantic interoperability between these subdomains, which however often work with heterogeneous and unstructured data. In this paper we propose to address this double patchwork via a decentralized ecosystem for multi-stakeholder, multi-industry collaborations dealing with heterogeneous information snippets. At its core, this ecosystem, called ConSolid, builds upon the Solid specifications for Web decentralization, but extends these both on a (meta)data pattern level and on microservice level. To increase the robustness of data allocation and filtering, we identify the need to go beyond Solid's current LDP-inspired interfaces to a Solid Pod and introduce the concept of metadata-generated 'virtual views', to be generated using an access-controlled SPARQL interface to a Pod. A recursive, scalable way to discover multi-vault aggregations is proposed, along with data patterns for connecting and aligning heterogeneous (RDF and non-RDF) resources across vaults in a mediatypeagnostic fashion. We demonstrate the use and benefits of the ecosystem using minimal running examples, concluding with the setup of an example use case from the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry.

Automation in Construction, 2015

A large amount of design and planning knowledge is created throughout the different phases in con... more A large amount of design and planning knowledge is created throughout the different phases in construction projects. This information is employed within planning but is often lost in transition to the production and construction phases. Within this work an approach towards robotics as a mediator between planning and production is analyzed. The flow of information between Building Information Management (BIM), design and production is closely examined. However due to the requirements within construction new concepts for design to production and construction need to be developed. For manufacturing industries a new work flow from design to production was mainly enabled through digitized machinery and virtual commissioning of factories. The current degree of automation in the construction industry is low especially compared to industrial production. This is mainly due to the differences in the work environment, that create multiple prerequisites for construction automation. Changing tasks and environmental conditions require a fast configurability of machines. Additionally, adaptation strategies for deviations and material tolerances are required. Within this work these requirements are addressed in detail, as well as potential solutions through developments within design to production and human-machine collaboration. The main focus is a continuous information flow between design, planning and execution as well as information feedback from the production phase back to the design. This creates new possibilities for a process informed design. Furthermore, a continuous feedback for the designer leads to new insights within design to production. Previous attempts at automation were made using specialized machines for specific tasks were mostly unsuccessful, due to their low flexibility. Construction tasks can be highly complex.

In this paper we suggest an extension to the Industry Foundation Classes model to integrate point... more In this paper we suggest an extension to the Industry Foundation Classes model to integrate point cloud datasets. The proposal includes a schema extension to the core model allowing the storage of points either as Cartesian coordinates, points in parametric space of a surface associated with a building element or as discrete height fields projected as grids onto (building element) surfaces. To handle considerable amounts of data, we further suggest to employ the Hierarchical Data Format (HDF) as an efficient serialization format as an additional alternative to clear text encoded ISO 10303 part 21 files. Based on prototypical implementations we show early results of population files and discuss potential benefits of dedicated compression algorithms.

DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of t... more DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers. Link to publication General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal. If the publication is distributed under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act, indicated by the "Taverne" license above, please follow below link for the End User Agreement:

Investment Analysis is a classical application in Long-Range Planning. It deals with the investig... more Investment Analysis is a classical application in Long-Range Planning. It deals with the investigation of uncertainties, the evaluation of alternatives, the answer to "What-if" questions. This paper shortly describes the key problems in this application domain, shows how the flexibility and power of APL can cope with the complexity of the problems, and especially highligths how the style of the APL programs and the problem solution influence each other. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS PART I: APPLICATION i.I Application Characteristics Investment Analysis belongs to the wide range of Business Management, specifically to the domain of Long-Range Planning. Long-Range Planning has 2 general characteristics: Low data volume: A Strategic Plan, e.g. a projected Profit and Loss Statement, typically has some 10...200 line items of 5...10 times periods (years) each. Many 'what if' questions: due to the uncertainty of estimates, forecasts, assumptions going into the plan, an important part of Long-Range Planning is the Sensitivity Analysis of the results ("what happens to our projected profit if raw material costs go up 40% ?") Investment Analysis is that part of Long-Range planning that deals with the financial evaluation of an investment, e.g. seizing the Cash Outflows (e.g. costs) and Cash Inflows (e.g. revenue) resulting from the production and sales of goods from a proposed new plant. In other words, Investment Analysis is the construction and usage of a Financial Model, involving factors internal and external to the company. Internal factors are, for instance, salary levels, marketing costs, product quality; external factors are market potential, raw material costs, inflation rate.

Parametric design and calculation of circular and elliptical tensegrity domes van Telgen, M.V. Aw... more Parametric design and calculation of circular and elliptical tensegrity domes van Telgen, M.V. Award date: 2012 Link to publication Disclaimer This document contains a student thesis (bachelor's or master's), as authored by a student at Eindhoven University of Technology. Student theses are made available in the TU/e repository upon obtaining the required degree. The grade received is not published on the document as presented in the repository. The required complexity or quality of research of student theses may vary by program, and the required minimum study period may vary in duration. General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain Literature study Telgen, M.V. van 1 Parametric design and calculation of circular and elliptical tensegrity domes

Springer eBooks, 2015

Normen und Richtlinien dienen im Bauwesen der Vereinheitlichung von Anforderungen und sichern auf... more Normen und Richtlinien dienen im Bauwesen der Vereinheitlichung von Anforderungen und sichern auf diese Weise Technikstandards, um beispielsweise die Statik, Betriebssicherheit, Materialqualitat und nicht zuletzt die Sicherheit des Nutzers zu garantieren. Bislang handelt es sich bei der Uberprufung einer Gebaudeplanung hinsichtlich ihrer Konformitat mit den Richtlinien zumeist um einen immer wiederkehrenden, manuellen Kontrollprozess in der Planungsphase eines Bauwerks, welcher sich durch hohe Fehleranfalligkeit, Arbeitsaufwand und Kosten auszeichnet. Mit der Einfuhrung und Entwicklung neuer digitaler Methoden wie dem Building Information Modeling (BIM) und einheitlicher Datenstandards fur Gebaudemodelle stehen dem Bauwesen Technologien zur Verfugung, die einer Optimierung dieses Prozesses dienen konnen. Wahrend des BIM-Prozesses entsteht im Laufe der Planungsphase eines Bauwerks ein digitales Gebaudemodell, welches samtliche aktuellen Informationen fur alle Projektbeteiligten uber den gesamten Lebenszyklus des Gebaudes zur Verfugung stellt. Es bietet sich an, diese bereits gebundelten Daten fur eine automatisierte bzw. teilautomatisierte Uberprufung eines Modells auf Einhaltung von Normen und Richtlinien, das sogenannte Automated Code Compliance Checking, zu verwenden und auf diese Weise eine stetig hohe Planungsqualitat zu garantieren.

The maintenance of the complex infrastructure and facilities of Port of Rotterdam is based on lar... more The maintenance of the complex infrastructure and facilities of Port of Rotterdam is based on large amounts of heterogeneous information. Almost all activities of the Port require spatial information about features above-and underground. Current information systems are department and data oriented and cannot reflect the new process-& project-oriented needed for information exchange. Moreover most of the systems are able to process only two-dimensional data, while increasing number of 3D design models is becoming available. This complexity of activities and diversity of information challenges the Port authority to look for more advanced 3D solutions. This paper presents research in progress related to developing a 3D SII in support of information and process management within the Port of Rotterdam. The discussions and the research findings within this project are very relevant to the development of corporative information infrastructure for any large institution of a company.

Springer eBooks, 2015

Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliograf... more Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografie; detaillierte bibliografische Daten sind im Internet über http://dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar.