MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

CE 165
DATABASE MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION
RESEARCH WORK

DEL PRADO, DANWISE

RAMIL, JUSTINE MYKE M.
BSCE 4-C

ENGR. JONAS PAUL B. DE LA CRUZ

INSTRUCTOR

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

Civil Engineering Information Systems

Throughout history, civil engineering has mainly depended on paper documents and

scattered data systems. But with infrastructure projects becoming more intricate and the call

for sustainable solutions growing louder, there's a push for a more comprehensive strategy.

Civil Engineering Information Systems (CEIS) are stepping in as a valuable solution. They

bring together data from different project phases and areas of expertise, making collaboration

easier and decision-making more efficient.

Civil engineering is vital for crafting our physical surroundings, handling tasks like

constructing roads, bridges, structures, and water systems. Today's infrastructure projects are

marked by complex designs, involving various parties and environmental concerns. To handle

the huge volume of data linked with these projects, spanning from initial planning to ongoing

maintenance, strong information systems are essential.

Civil engineering encompasses the design, construction and management of

infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, railways, water supply, sewage systems etc. Executing

these large and complex projects generates huge amounts of engineering data and requires

advanced information systems to manage this information throughout the project lifecycle

(Zayed and Liu, 2014). Key areas where civil engineering information systems play a crucial

role include:

Data Acquisition and Sensing

Field data collection is vital for survey, site analysis, construction monitoring etc.

Recent advances like LIDAR, photogrammetry, laser scanning, drones, image processing,

Internet of Things sensors, RFID, mobile devices, and Building Information Modeling have
revolutionized how project data is acquired and managed (Cartwright et al., 2019). These

technologies provide more abundant, accurate and real-time site data.

Analysis and Simulation

Powerful analytical software tools allow civil engineers to carry out complex structural,

geotechnical, hydrological, environmental, and construction simulations and analysis. Tools

like ANSYS, ABAQUS, MATLAB, HEC-RAS, ETABS etc. enable advanced analysis for

design optimization, safety evaluations and model verification (Khan and Jacob, 2013).

Design and Modeling

CAD and BIM platforms like Autodesk Civil 3D, Revit and Bentley OpenRoads allow

civil engineers to create detailed 3D/4D models and documentation for infrastructure design.

Parametric BIM models integrate architectural, structural and MEP components and provide

clash detection, quantity takeoffs, rendering and virtual walkthroughs (Sacks et al., 2018).

Project Collaboration

Web-based collaboration systems with document management, BIM model integration

and messaging improve multi-disciplinary coordination over the project lifecycle. Platforms

like Autodesk BIM 360, Procore, Asite, Aconex etc. enhance information sharing, version

control and workflow (Lu et al., 2018).

Construction Planning and Control

Scheduling software like Primavera P6 and MS Project helps to systematically plan

construction tasks, optimize resource allocation, manage budgets and track progress. Mobile

apps aid in information collection for quality, safety and progress monitoring (Azhar, 2017).
Asset Management

Asset management systems like Bentley AssetWise and Trimble Manhattan provide

lifecycle data on infrastructure condition, work history and performance trends, enabling data-

driven maintenance strategies (Halfawy, 2008).

Emerging Trends

Future opportunities lie in deeper integration of real-time data from the field into

analytical tools and digital twins for preventive maintenance and automation. Cloud platforms

will enable ubiquitous mobile access to project data. AR/VR will transform design reviews,

operator training and public engagement (Wang et al., 2020).

Advancements in civil engineering information systems and technologies are enabling

superior project outcomes in terms of safety, quality, efficiency and sustainability. The

integration of IoT, data analytics, cloud computing and visualization tools is poised to drive

further improvements in the future.

Information Engineering and Architecture

In the information age, where data reigns supreme, the disciplines of information

engineering and architecture converge to create the backbone of our digital landscape.

Although they have different methods, they collaborate closely, creating a mutually beneficial

relationship that influences how we engage with and make use of the fundamental aspects of

our digital era.

Information engineering (IE) adopts a comprehensive strategy for creating,

constructing, deploying, and overseeing information systems. Its fundamental concept revolves

around acknowledging data as the primary asset of an organization, steering the entire

development journey from initial assessment to ongoing system upkeep. Leveraging

techniques such as data modeling, process examination, and enterprise architecture. According

to Gartner, Information Engineering is described as a method for constructing a unified

information system by utilizing shared data, with a focus on fulfilling decision-making and

transaction-processing needs. It operates under the assumption that logical data representations

remain relatively constant, contrasting with the dynamic nature of processes utilizing the data.

Thus, systems development should be grounded in the logical data model, which mirrors an

organization's regulations and principles. The concept of information engineering aims to bring

together and integrate the diverse elements that need to be designed within any intricate system

or application.

Information Architecture (IA) is the design and organization of content, pages, and data

into a structure that aids users' understanding of a system. A more organized system enables

users to easily find the information they require and complete the intended tasks. To create an
effective information architecture, you need to understand the relationship between the content

and the interoperability of the system you are designing. A flow or hierarchy is often established

with IA that allows users to understand where they are, and where they can go next. Information

Architecture is a discipline of its own and can be performed by specialists or any other members

of a design team. An Information architect's output can be expressed visually through: site

maps, wireframes, navigation, taxonomic designs, metadata and more.

The true power lies in the intersection of these two disciplines. IA and IE seamlessly

integrate to create robust and user-centric information systems. By leveraging IE's analytical

approach to data architecture and process flow, IA can design efficient and intuitive information

landscapes. Conversely, IA's understanding of user needs and interaction patterns informs IE

decisions about system functionality and data presentation. This collaborative approach fosters

the creation of information systems that are not just functionally sound but also user-friendly

and efficient. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of information underscores the crucial

roles of information engineering and architecture. As we delve deeper into the digital age, the

seamless integration of these disciplines will be fundamental to building intelligent systems,

crafting intuitive user experiences, and effectively harnessing the power of information. By

understanding the individual strengths and collaborative potential of both IE and IA, we can

shape the future of information systems, enabling them to serve as efficient and invaluable

tools for progress and innovation.

Information Strategy Planning

Information strategy planning is the process of developing long-term goals and

objectives for managing and using information in an organization to gain competitive

advantage. It involves assessing the current state of an organization's information resources,

systems, and capabilities and mapping out a future vision and roadmap to get there (Newkirk

et al., 2008). Effective information strategy planning enables organizations to align their

information assets and technology systems with business goals, improve decision-making,

foster innovation, and deal with changes in the external environment (Pearlson & Saunders,

2019).

Several key components comprise a comprehensive information strategy plan (Newkirk

et al., 2008; Pearlson & Saunders, 2019):

Environmental scanning: Analyzing external opportunities and threats as well as

internal strengths and weaknesses. Key tools used include SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, and

scenario planning.

Strategic analysis: Identifying and prioritizing strategic information needs based on

business goals and objectives.

Resource analysis: Auditing existing information resources and systems. Assessing

gaps.

Information architecture planning: Defining frameworks and principles for

organizing, managing, and distributing information.

 Sourcing strategy: Evaluating make vs. buy alternatives for information systems and

services.

Implementation planning: Detailing action plans, budgets, timelines, responsibilities.

Benefits of Information Strategy Planning

Developing an effective information strategy plan provides several important benefits

(Pearlson & Saunders, 2019):

• Supports business strategy and goals by aligning information systems and

capabilities.

• Enables flexibility and adaptation to changes in the competitive environment.

• Optimizes information resource allocation and technology investments.

• Improves coordination and eliminates redundancies across business units.

• Drives innovation by identifying new ways to use data and information.

• Reduces operational and security risks around information.

• Best Practices

Research shows several best practices in developing and implementing a successful

information strategy plan (Newkirk et al., 2008):

• Secure senior management commitment and involvement.

• Take a long-term (3-5 years) perspective.

• Focus on business information needs, not just technology.

• Ensure strong linkage to business strategy and priorities.

• Involve key stakeholders across business units.

 • Develop quantifiable metrics and measures.

• Create an enterprise architecture roadmap.

• Communicate plan objectives and gain buy-in across organization.

An integrated information strategy plan provides critical guidance for organizations to

improve information management capabilities and decision making. By following best

practices around strategic analysis, resource planning, architecture, and implementation,

organizations can ensure their information assets fully support business objectives now and in

the future.
References

Azhar, S. (2017). Role of Information Technology in Construction Engineering and

Management. Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, 8(4), 56-65.
https://doi.org/10.5897/JCECT2017.0240

Cartwright, W., Miller, S., Pettit, C., Jia, A., Richards, D., Martin, J., Sengupta, D., Gharibi, H.,
Lodhia, S., & Nelson, A. (2019). Geospatial data acquisition and integration for
engineering-scale construction modelling. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 40, 23-
37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2019.01.007

Halfawy, M. R. (2008). Integrating municipal information systems for sustainable

infrastructures. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 22(6), 365-376.
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2008)22:6(365)

Khan, Z., & Jacob, C. (2013). Analyzing the application of information systems in managing
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https://doi.org/10.4301/S1807-17752013000300007

Lu, W., Zhang, D., & Rowlinson, S. (2018). Communication system platforms for managing
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https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784481288.006

Sacks, R., Lee, C.S., & Teo, M.M. (2018). BIM implementation in design firms: An
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Roberts, Stephen. "Introduction to Information Engineering". Oxford Information Engineering.

Retrieved 15 February 2024.

(Definition of IE (Information Engineering) - Gartner Information Technology Glossary, n.d.

Information Architecture - CIO Wiki, n.d.

Information Engineering | Department of Engineering, n.d.

Information Engineering (IE) - CIO Wiki, n.d.; What Is Information Architecture (IA)? |
Definition | Every Interaction Explain, n.d.)

Newkirk, H. E., Lederer, A. L., & Srinivasan, C. (2008). Strategic information systems
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Pearlson, K. E., & Saunders, C. S. (2019). Managing and using information systems: A strategic
approach. John Wiley & Sons.