Embedded Construction Record Data Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction structures face challenges in managing and accessing scattered construction, design, and maintenance records over time, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs during upgrades, renovations, and post-disaster repairs, as conventional methods often rely on costly and time-consuming identification tests rather than readily available records.
Innovation Solution
A structurally-embedded data management system that includes an electronic archive with a record management program, capable of storing, updating, and retrieving construction, design, and maintenance records, along with sensor data, using a combination of electronic and optical media storage, and allowing authorized personnel to access and transfer data via a mobile communication device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional methods are used to access construction records, then records can be retrieved, but the process is time-consuming and costly due to scattered records and reliance on identification tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding data management systems and recording devices during the initial construction phase. Construction records, design documents, and maintenance logs are captured and stored in centralized databases from the outset, ensuring that comprehensive data is already available when future access is needed, thereby eliminating time-consuming search processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data management system that acts as a mediator between various construction entities (architects, engineers, contractors) and the centralized record storage. This intermediary system standardizes data formats and provides unified access interfaces, transforming scattered records from multiple entities into a cohesive, easily accessible database.
2Loss of information
If scattered records from multiple entities are used, then comprehensive information can be gathered, but the records become difficult to track and access over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges scattered construction records from multiple entities into a single centralized database system. Construction records from architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and maintenance personnel are all consolidated into one unified storage platform with standardized formats, making comprehensive information both available and easily trackable through integrated search and retrieval functions.
3Measurement precision
If costly identification tests are performed on aged structures, then accurate structural analysis can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and maintains digital copies of all construction records, design documents, and maintenance logs in a centralized database. When structural analysis is needed for an aged building, the system retrieves relevant historical data from these digital copies, providing accurate structural information without requiring time-consuming and expensive physical identification tests or X-ray scanning.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If records are stored in traditional formats, then long-term preservation is possible, but the records cannot be easily accessed or updated by authorized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical storage formats (paper documents, physical files) with a digital electronic database system. This substitution maintains long-term preservation through secure digital archiving while enabling authorized personnel to easily access, search, and update records through electronic interfaces, eliminating the limitations of traditional physical record storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel structurally-embedded construction, design, and maintenance record data management system and a related method of operation provide immediate and on-the-property access to construction, design, and maintenance records that are electronically stored and updated in an electronic archive of the structurally-embedded construction, design, and maintenance record data management system. An authorized personnel who is physically on the property of a building, a bridge, a monument, or another construction structure for maintenance or improvement work, even after a natural disaster event, can readily access and update a history of construction, design, and maintenance records on-site. The extensive time, efforts, and expenses in tracking down various documents and information associated with a particular construction structure (i.e. for maintenance and renovation approvals and analysis by authorized personnel and various regulatory agencies) can be dramatically reduced, if the novel structurally-embedded construction, design, and maintenance record data management system is utilized.