Пособия / Л.П. Даниленко, Ю.Ю. Сильман TECHNICAL ENGLISH FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS AND STRUCTURAL DESIGNERS

and tools (both software* and hardware*) designed to image volumetric objects. 3D-modeling* is the process of creating a three-dimensional model of an object.

Recent development in high technology has reached the point where 3D-modeling is no longer just an abstract picture and the service of visualization of projects has become an ordinary thing. Working with visual material is easier and more convenient not only for the customer, but also for designers and architects. Three-dimensional modeling allows to describe the real territory, the objects and their position towards each other, it also helps when planning changes in the external appearance* of a city, placing utilities*, roads and buildings. Today, no one serious project is done without 3Dmodeling. It allows to see how a building will look at the design stage. Nothing can be compared with the opportunity to look at your dream even before the beginning of its implementation*.

Three-dimensional modeling helps correct mistakes and shortcomings* easily at the design stage that certainly pays off when constructing a building. 3D-visualization improves understanding, and information is perceived* easier and faster, it reduces the process of making responsible decisions. It allows to calculate and evaluate possible effects of man-made and natural disasters such as floods, fires and earthquakes.

Modern 3D-modeling and visualization are possible thanks to up-to-date* software. It allows not only “draw pictures” and combine different components and spare parts on them but also calculate their size and other parameters. In other words, now you can effectively use professional software instead of doing

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everything by hands (drawing, applying the colour, the texture and lighting features).

The designing work, depending on its complexity practically always takes a long time, because engineers of different specialities are involved in this process. The use of modern, powerful computers and special software leads to a significant reduction* in time spent on design work and as a result reduces the complexity of this work. Using computer-aided design (CAD)* allows virtual testing of designed objects, which also reduces the cost of prototyping*.

AUTODESK is one of the leading and the most stable companies producing high quality software for a long time. Computer-aided design AutoCad was developed in the1980s, and still has not lost its significance. Moreover, the company is constantly developing and improving new versions of its legendary product.

Notes:

3D-modeling – трехмерное моделирование software – программное обеспечение hardware – аппаратное обеспечение appearance – внешний вид/облик implementation – ввод в эксплуатацию

to perceive – воспринимать, понимать up-to-date – современный

reduction – сокращение, уменьшение utilities – коммунальные сооружения shortcoming – дефект, недостаток

CAD – система автоматизированного проектирования prototyping – изготовление опытных образцов

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Ex. 3. Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1.Theterm“3D-modeling”comesfromEnglish

“3dimensions”andmeans“threemeasurementsofanobject”.

2.3D-modeling is still a wonder and only the largest designing companies can provide such service.

3.The cost for this service is too high and it doesn’t pay off when constructing.

4.Computer-aided design reduces the cost of prototyping.

5.Manual drawings, applying the light, colour and the texture have replaced computer simulation and have made engineers’ work faster and easier.

6.AUTODESK Company isconstantlyimprovingits productionandeverynewversionisgettingmoreperfect.

Task. Look through the text and render it.

TEXT 8. AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS IN

CONSTRUCTION

Construction is one of the most creative and hardest industries. It can’t excuse the lack* of progress, technology and engineering knowhow*. The need for construction industry in automation and robotics is doubtless. The first large-scale experiments in the field of robotics in construction industry started in the early 1990s. The casting, erection, joining and finishing of

building components require a high level of skilled manual

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work on a site. The problem with the shortage of skilled personnel and the need to increase productivity in the industry has prompted research and development into robotics in the construction industry.

Innovations in IT (Information Technologies)*, simulation, engineering and management software, and object-oriented programming are opening new possibilities for engineers and designers. Automation and robotics are referred to the new technologies that have come to improve the efficiency of work, make it easier and also to speed up production.

For example, in Japan the leading position of civil engineering today is primarily explained by entirely automated and computer-controlled process though workers are still involved in overseeing operations. The process of construction begins with the installation of speed platform for covering the upper floor. Further robots, equipped with computer controlled systems, accurately install all modules, and automatic machines weld beams and columns according to the draft. After installation of intermediate floors integrated stepped platforms are raised* hydraulically to the next level, and the whole cycle repeats. The automated system allows not only to reduce day and night time of constructing, but also to minimize labor costs (on average, by 30 %) and it practically eliminates* injuries. Accuracy* for complex technical projects is a guarantee for predictable* behavior of buildings during earthquakes, strong wind loads and other tests of strength and stability.

Future of building robots

The ideal situation in future construction world looks like a space where people and robots co-work and interact with one

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another. Large volume structures will be built widely with preassembled components. Intelligent* robots will work to assemble predominantly heavy components. Each robot will be able to communicate easily with people.

Notes:

lack – недостаток

know-how – секрет производства, умения, навыки IT – информационные технологии

to raise – сооружать, возводить, поднимать to eliminate – устранять, ликвидировать accuracy – точность, правильность predictable – предсказуемый

intelligent – интеллектуальный, мыслящий

EXERCISES

Ex. 1. Say which part of text 8 gives the answer for the following questions.

1.Which country takes the leading position in civil engineering and why?

2.Whatnewtechnologiescontribute toconstructionindustry?

3.What’s the image of the ideal future construction world?

4.Why is there an acute need of construction in automation and robotics?

Ex. 2. Give synonyms for:

Heavy industry, shortage of progress, drawing, erection, cladding, automatic machine, professional labour, scope of

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construction, development, new opportunities, 3D-modeling, robotics, to set modulus, to co-work with people, to reduce cost.

Ex. 3. Give antonyms for:

Easy project, ground floor, low level, light breeze, fragility of material, stagnation in progress, ancient technique, past of construction industry, destruction, unpredictable behaviour, automated work, routine work, doubtful, to disassemble components, to reduce productivity, to increase injuries.

Ex. 4. Try to imagine an ideal situation in construction world in the near future.

How does it differ from the present one? Are robots able to perform all the work without people’s control and help? Is the world of robots safe or dangerous in your opinion? Would you like to work at such design office or construction site? Why? Why not? Speak about all advantages and disadvantages of this world.

Task. Look through the text and give a short summary.

TEXT 9. BUILDING ROBOTS

What do we mean by the word “robot”? The word itself was introduced by the Czech play-writer Karel Capek in the early part of the last century, having been taken from the Czech word

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“robota” meaning forced work or slavery. In Capek's play the robots were humanoid machines. Most robots used in the construction industry are not humanoids in their configuration. They often look like a huge arm. Sometimes, that’s the only thing the robot is made of. This increases its efficiency.

Building robots face* with different demands: they must move around the site, because buildings are stationary* and of a large size. They require engines, batteries or motors and drive themselves. Building robots also face with changing site conditions and must be reprogrammed with each new condition. They must be able to function under unfavourable* weather conditions including variations in humidity* and temperature. The robot is governed by an AI (Artificial Intelligence)* that makes certain decisions, and guides the robot to perform certain tasks in construction industry.

Notes:

to face (with) – сталкиваться с … stationary – неподвижный unfavourable – неблагоприятный humidity – влажность

AI – искусственный интеллект

What Building Robots Can Do

Building robots have components that go into almost any other complex machine. Robots are extremely smart these days. They carry out a complex sequence* of operations, but they can also control their performance. Depending on AI building robots can carry out different tasks from the simplest repetitive actions to complex analytical ones.

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There are some that can create complex patterns, some that can do heavy lifting, some that perform high-speed tasks on small items, some that perform simple assembly. Not all robots are created equally. The level of AI is what determines the way construction tasks are carried out. An example is Obayashi’s “Super Construction Factory” which

integrates the concepts of factory automation into the building site for steel structures. Building components and materials are delivered* to the floor under construction through elevators and are lifted to the exact location of the floor by cranes. Welding and fastening are then carried out by robots. Upon completion of one floor, the factory is jacked up* through an internal climbing system to start work on the next floor. The other famous system for reinforced concrete building named “Big Canopy”* integrates technologies of climbing canopy, prefabricated components, automated

assembly and computerized management systems. Independent tower crane* posts* are used as four columns supporting the canopy. The rise of the canopy is performed by the climbing equipment* of tower crane. Vertical movement of

materials to and from the working storey is performed with the use of lifts and horizontal movement by hoists*. The movement of the hoists is entirely automated to improve work efficiency.

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The main components for constructing a robot:

AI (Artificial Intelligence). This is the most important part of a robot, and the part that makes it think. Having no a clear set of instructions, the robot will not be able to perform any task without human assistance.

Structure. It goes without saying that a robot needs a body to move. Typically the structure is a series of joints and arms that increases the mobility.

Muscle System. The muscle system is usually made up of various hydraulics, suspensions and an electronic system to get it all moving. This allows the AI to dictate what it wants the body to do, and then translates that signal to the “muscles” for a reaction. It works very similarly as a human body.

Power. Apowercellisanotherimportantelement which makes the robottowork.Thereisnoelectricalstimulation withoutpowerthatmakes themusclesorthe AIwork.

Senses. Most robots need to receive ordered data for the AI to make an evaluation and decision of the product that they are constructing. This is why it is important to have a series of data receivers that essentially act like eyes, ears, touch, and even taste. Combined with the other elements of the robot, this allows it to make the most accurate and efficient construction decisions.

Notes:

sequence – последовательность to deliver – подавать, доставлять to jack up – поднимать домкратом canopy – навес

tower crane – башенный кран

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