Functionality Index for Building Asset Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing building functionality to support specific missions lack a quantitative and objective metric, leading to inefficient resource allocation and ineffective sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) decisions due to the absence of a reliable measure of functional capability.
Innovation Solution
A top-down, tiered, standardized data collection and evaluation process that calculates a functionality index (FI) using a numerical scale from 0-100, combining severity and density of functional issues to objectively assess and prioritize modernization needs, integrating with condition index (CI) for comprehensive asset evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional facility assessment methods are used to identify and record deficiencies, then the scope and estimate of required SRM work can be determined, but no quantitative metric is produced to objectively describe the functional capability of the building to support a given mission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional qualitative assessment methods with a quantitative functionality index (FI) calculation system. The FI is calculated by multiplying the condition index (CI) by the functionality factor (FF), transforming subjective deficiency identification into an objective numerical metric that precisely measures functional capability to support missions.
2Productivity
If facility assessments focus on identifying and categorizing issues or deficiencies, then the scope of required SRM work can be determined, but resource allocation remains inefficient due to lack of prioritization guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the functionality index (FI) calculation results provide quantitative guidance for prioritizing SRM activities. The FI values feed into decision-making processes, enabling efficient resource allocation by objectively identifying which facilities require immediate attention versus those that can wait, thus improving productivity while reducing time loss in resource allocation decisions.
3Measurement precision
If conventional assessment procedures are followed, then building deficiencies can be identified and recorded, but the ability to objectively compare functional capability across different facilities is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal functionality index (FI) calculation system that can be applied across different facility types, missions, and assessment contexts. The standardized formula (FI = CI × FF) provides a common metric that enables objective comparison of functional capability across diverse facilities, while the system maintains flexibility to accommodate various building types and mission requirements through the functionality factor adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A top-down tiered process establishes an objective measure of the functional capacity of an asset to address a specified use. The process comprises: developing Issue Categories and lists of functional impact Sub-issue Types and specific issues under each type that may impact functionality of the asset for a specified use; providing the list to evaluators; employing evaluators to evaluate functionality, evaluators assigning a numerical Severity measure to each Sub-issue Type present during the evaluation; recording occurrences of issues under each Sub-issue Type discovered, summing occurrences to determine a Density of each Sub-issue Type; recording the evaluation in one or more engineering management systems (EMS); and using the recorded evaluation, calculating a value to be inserted on a numerical scale as a functionality index, FI. In select embodiments of the present invention, a numerical scale is used with values from 0-100.