13 posts tagged with "hola"

Flood Risk Assessment: Utilizing Topography Analysis for Informed Decision Making​

To comprehensively assess the flood risk, we employed Digital Terrain Model LIDAR tiles in QGIS to generate contour polygons at 0.25m intervals. These polygons were then color-coded based on elevation, providing a clear visualization of the area's topography and highlighting potential flood-prone zones.

A crucial aspect of the flood risk assessment was the identification of suitable locations for outbuildings. Our objective was to ensure that any new structures would be strategically positioned on high ground, minimizing their vulnerability to flooding. Through a meticulous examination of the contour polygons, we selected appropriate sites situated on the highest available ground.

By leveraging Digital Terrain Model LIDAR tiles and contour polygons, we obtained accurate flood risk assessments and made informed decisions about the placement of outbuildings. This meticulous topography analysis allowed us to safeguard new structures from potential flooding, ensuring the safety and resilience of developments.

Innovative Dodecahedron Structural Node: Enhancing Truss Flexibility and Strength​

In this project, our objective was to design and fabricate a unique dodecahedron-shaped structural node to be utilized in a truss system. Trusses are vital components in structural engineering, consisting of interconnected struts that work collaboratively to evenly distribute loads, ensuring the stability and strength of the overall structure. Our innovative node boasted 12 pentagonal faces, and each truss strut was connected to the center of one of these faces using a single bolt. The bolt passed through a hole in the center of the strut's end cap and was securely fastened by screwing it into a threaded hole located at the center of the dodecahedron face.

Fabricated from sturdy steel, our node was expertly designed to withstand the forces transmitted through the truss. Its dodecahedron shape and the single-bolt connection for each strut granted an impressive level of flexibility and adaptability. The modularity of the design allowed for easy rearrangement or removal of the struts, a critical feature that significantly contributed to the overall truss system's versatility. The node became an essential element in the truss design, enabling swift modifications to meet changing needs and requirements.

Overall, the dodecahedron-shaped structural node we created proved to be an effective and efficient solution for joining multiple truss struts at a single point. Its paramount role in distributing loads evenly and maintaining the truss's stability and strength, combined with its modular design, ensured the structure's adaptability, making it a remarkable achievement in structural engineering.

Cyr Wheel Performances: A Custom Modular Circular Stage​

We were tasked with designing and building a circular stage for Cyr wheel performances. The stage needed to meet several requirements: it had to have a 6-meter diameter, be easily disassembled into pieces small enough to fit through a 2.6-meter-wide door, support the weight of performers, be quickly assembled by two people (with each panel weighing no more than 50kg), remain flat and level on rough terrain, and withstand the rough handling and moisture typically encountered in circus life.

To achieve these goals, we explored various designs for the circular stage and ultimately settled on a composite panel construction. Each panel was made with an XPS core sandwiched between two layers of extra durable fiberglass, coated with a non-slip surface. The material was shaped using a hot wire cutter with a rectangular profile, and the foam from the mating edges was removed, leaving only the outer fiberglass material. Aluminum extrusions were then pressed into the edges of the panels, providing protection, supporting the edges to prevent deflection, and creating slots for the removable leg structures that connected the panels together.

The leg structures were positioned at the intersection of three panels and consisted of three pieces of steel box section fitted within aluminum U channels, welded at 120-degree intervals to form a three-directional cross. A threaded tube was left at the intersection, into which a bolt or long grub screw with a foot plate on the bottom could be threaded. This allowed for easy adjustment of the legs from above through a small hole in the stage using an allen key bit on an impact driver. The quick and simple assembly process involved extending the legs until they touched the ground to level the stage. Inner steel box sections curved along the outer edges of the panels held the pieces together, and a large ratchet strap was used to wrap around the entire structure and compress the circle inward, pulling all the pieces together.

Overall, the design and construction of the circular stage were challenging yet rewarding. We successfully met all the client's requirements, creating a durable, stable, and easily assembled stage that could withstand the demands of circus performances.

Creating 3D Buildings from Mastermap with QGIS​

The Ordnance Survey Mastermap Topography Layer, Building Height Attribute (BHA), and Environment Agency LiDAR Digital Terrain Model (DTM) are valuable data sources that enable the creation of 3D models of buildings. By leveraging this data and utilizing the Qgis2ThreeJS plugin in QGIS, we can visualize the BHA data in 3D and generate detailed building models.

To begin, install the Qgis2ThreeJS plugin and load the BHA data, DTM data, and any other desired layers into the QGIS project. Utilizing the plugin, customize the styling of the BHA data and define the height attribute for extrusion, which results in a realistic 3D representation of the building. This 3D model can be saved as an HTML file and effortlessly viewed in a web browser.

The inclusion of the LiDAR DTM enhances the accuracy of the 3D model, and it can also be opened in Grasshopper, a visual programming language and environment within the Rhinoceros 3D CAD application. By incorporating the Ladybug plugin, this 3D model becomes a powerful tool for conducting in-depth climate analyses and generating interactive visualizations for environmentally-informed design, including sunlight studies.

Through this integrated approach, we can harness the potential of spatial data and advanced visualization tools to create sophisticated 3D models that facilitate informed decision-making in architectural and environmental design.

Provisioning Cisco Cloud Wireless Controller​

In this project, our aim was to successfully install and configure the Cisco Catalyst c9800-CL wireless controller using Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM). The c9800-CL is a powerful and flexible cloud-based wireless controller capable of managing both on-premises and cloud-based wireless networks. It belongs to the Cisco Catalyst 9800 series and offers a range of advanced features, such as wireless intrusion prevention, location services, and guest access.

To begin, we installed virtualization software and enabled the libvirtd service on our system. This allowed us to create and manage virtual machines using KVM. We then created a network bridge using the brctl command, enabling communication between the virtual machine and the host system.

With the necessary infrastructure in place, we used the virt-install command to install the c9800-CL on a new virtual machine. During the installation process, we specified several options, such as the connection to the virtualization server, the operating system variant, the architecture of the virtual machine, and the CPU type.

Once the virtual machine was set up and the c9800-CL was installed, we provided a script to configure the controller. This script contained a series of steps necessary to properly set up the c9800-CL. These steps included setting the hostname, creating a user account, configuring the Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, creating a VLAN, setting up static routes, shutting down and re-enabling the radio frequencies, and setting the country code. We also configured the virtual wireless LAN controller (VWLC) and set the DNS and NTP servers to ensure proper network connectivity and synchronization.

Finally, we demonstrated how to access the GUI of the c9800-CL at the specified IP address and walked through the zero-day configuration steps to set up a wireless network. By following these steps, users can easily configure the c9800-CL to meet the specific needs of their wireless network.

Improving Wireless Connectivity using ArcGIS​

To achieve this goal, our team implemented a robust wireless network across the show grounds and utilized ArcGIS to create a comprehensive heat map. This heat map was generated by collecting geolocated signal strength readings from smartphones all over the site. The data was then analyzed and visualized in ArcGIS, revealing areas with weak signal strength or wireless black spots.

To further enhance our understanding of the network's performance, we overlayed the heat map on a georeferenced site map. This site map showcased the precise locations of wireless access points, cable routes, and network switch points. This integration of data helped us identify potential network issues and make informed decisions to optimize connectivity for the staff and trader areas.

Thanks to this meticulous planning and deployment, the wireless network operated flawlessly. It played a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations during the event, meeting the connectivity needs of staff and traders alike. We take pride in our contribution to the event's success and in supporting the seamless communication and operations.

Optimizing Wireless Connectivity at a Festival - A Heatmap Analysis​

During the Festival, our team strategically deployed access points to offer WiFi connectivity to event attendees. To ensure widespread and dependable coverage, each access point was connected to a sector on an adjacent building via a point-to-point wireless link. In addition to this, we established dual Internet connections for each access point, combining an ADSL line and a temporary satellite on the roof to provide redundancy and seamless connectivity.

To evaluate the performance of the access points and identify any areas with weak signal strength or wireless black spots, we conducted a thorough geolocated signal strength analysis using an Android app. The collected data points were organized in Excel and then imported into ArcGIS, where we generated a comprehensive heat map. This heat map was superimposed on the site plan, offering a visual representation of signal strength throughout the festival grounds.

Through careful analysis of the data, we successfully pinpointed areas with weaker signals or potential black spots. Armed with this valuable insight, we took proactive measures to enhance coverage in these areas, ensuring that festival attendees could seamlessly access the WiFi network throughout the entire event. The combination of point-to-point wireless links, ADSL lines, and temporary satellite connections allowed us to deliver a reliable and robust Internet experience to all festival-goers, catering to their connectivity needs in a dynamic and redundant manner.

Visualizing AONB Permitted Development Zones with QGIS: Streamlining Site Analysis​

Site analysis for building development often involves navigating a maze of zoning laws and regulatory constraints, especially in areas designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software like QGIS can significantly simplify this complex task.

To begin the site analysis, we import polygons of topographic features from OS MasterMap into QGIS. Using the buffer tool, we generate zones around these polygons, effectively illustrating areas permitted for development under various regulations.

In AONB locations, for instance, there are specific rules concerning the placement of outbuildings. Such buildings must be situated within 20 meters of the main dwelling house if their floor area exceeds 10m^2. To visualize this, we generate a 20-meter buffer zone around the polygon representing the main dwelling house, thus identifying areas where outbuildings can be compliantly placed.

Furthermore, if the proposed outbuilding is within 2 meters of the property boundary, its maximum allowable height is capped at 2.4 meters. To pinpoint these constraints, we use the buffer tool to create a zone around the property boundary. The area where these zones intersect defines the permissible development space for an outbuilding. This overlap allows for construction of outbuildings with a pitched roof up to 4 meters tall (eaves height of 2.5 meters) or a flat roof up to 3 meters tall.

By leveraging the capabilities of QGIS, we can efficiently and precisely identify ideal locations for building development. This technology not only streamlines the site analysis process but also enables us to make well-informed decisions, ensuring that each project is both compliant with relevant regulations and optimized for its specific environment.

Sustainable Salad Bars Through Vertical Farming​

We've designed a self-sufficient salad bar that leverages vertical farming to meet its produce needs. The system employs a rotating mat, reinforced with steel cables, that hangs vertically and is supported by two large drums. Seedlings are planted at the bottom, and by the time they rotate to the top and back down, they are ready for harvest. This allows for a continuous supply of fresh produce.

To nourish the plants, an ultrasonic fog delivers dissolved nutrients in a chamber between the planting surfaces. For climate control, a vertical poly tunnel is proposed in colder settings to regulate temperature.

This innovative approach aims to fulfill fresh produce demands sustainably and could reshape how food establishments source their greens.

Innovative Uses of Natural Materials in Architecture​

We set out to explore the unique characteristics of natural building materials and how they could be incorporated into architectural designs that reflect the essence of their natural settings. Our goal was to merge the elemental qualities of materials like stone, wood, and mud in innovative ways.

In our experiments, we explored lightweight hazel structures to integrate the elements of wood and air into our design. While initially aiming to dig a tunnel into a hillside, safety concerns led us to use concrete blocks as load-bearing walls, without losing sight of our original rustic concept.

Our design includes a layer of mud situated between stone and wood, serving as a bridge between these elements and underscoring mud's role in supporting organic life. The upper wooden layer is designed as a cozy sleeping loft, while the ground floor accommodates functional spaces like a kitchen and bathroom. We also considered adding a subterranean stone chamber for future purposes.

Despite challenges, our focus remained on creatively using natural materials to capture the atmosphere of the environments where these materials are found. The project became an enriching experience, resulting in a design that embodies the unique characteristics of each natural element.