EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Waseda University,
Tokyo, Japan
Dr. Naruo Kano
Also, Dr. Kano is developing a method to
compare plans with existing site conditions
by overlapping construction site photos
with 3D CAD images.
Dr. Kano is a professor in the engineering
department at Waseda University in Tokyo. ;
The application of 3D CAD in building projects has made little progress in Japan, large-ly because 3D CAD data is not fully utilized
in the construction phase. To remedy this,
Dr. Kano has developed construction management methods using virtual reality systems to enable real-time walk-throughs at
the construction site, giving users a visual
grasp of work progress. These technologies
are designed to allow faster, more accurate
construction.
Additionally, in order to manage the position of components at a construction site,
Dr. Kano is discussing the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached
to components. These tags would transmit
data, enabling the virtual reality system to
visually track work progress.
University of Buffalo,
Buffalo, New York
Dr. Stuart Chen
Dr. Chen’s research seeks to advance the
practice of bridge engineering and construction towards better, faster, and more
economical bridge delivery via 3D modeling and information transfer. In the context
of an actual New York State Thruway
Authority bridge replacement project, Dr.
Chen’s research explored the capabilities
and limitations of several of these technologies adapted from other industries.
An associate professor of engineering of
civil, structural, and environmental engi-
neering at the University of Buffalo, Dr.
Chen has taught a MicroStation-based CAD
course for civil engineering seniors since
1996, including supervising student proj-
ects based on MicroStation TriForma and
InRoads. He has also supervised a
MicroStation Development Language appli-
cation development project for the New
York State Department of Transportation. ;
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
