Sexton, M; Goulding, J; Zhang, X; Kagioglou, M; Aouad, G; Cooper, R and Barrett, P (2005) The role of the hycon design-support tool in elevating hybrid concrete as a design option for structural frames. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 12(6), pp. 568-586. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify interdependent barriers to the search and selection of new technologies by design engineers at industry, organisation and individual levels. A "proof of concept" HyCon tool is presented to demonstrate the role of information technology design support tools in supporting designers to overcome these inhibitors, in this case for hybrid concrete, by providing immersive and interactive, information-rich environments to explore design solutions. Design/methodology/approach - The HyCon tool was developed through a prototyping methodology encompassing a testing, analysis, design and coding iterative cycle. This was supported by case studies and industry workshops. Findings - The results of a collaborative research project are presented, which describes the HyCon design support tool to promote the understanding and use of hybrid concrete in structural frames. This tool is built around a knowledge creation, application, storage, and retrieval cycle to envision and support the use of this new technology. Originality/value - This paper fulfils an identified need to integrate technology management and design process considerations within the context of an information technology design support tool, and offers a "proof of concept" HyCon tool to demonstrate key issues and potential utilities and applications.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication technologies; concretes; design; new products |
| Index terms: | technology management, design process, prototyping, methodology, information technology, case study, new technology, workshop, designer, utilities, engineer, design support tool, structural frame, option, knowledge creation, testing |
| Subjects: | research methods, design practice, architectural elements, decision analysis, design methods, computing systems, innovation studies, construction type, profession, data collection methods, knowledge management, innovation and technology management, professional practice |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Construction Technology, Design Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here