Integrated system of 3D process simulation, time and cost by using virtual reality technology

Abstract

Nowadays, construction planning is usually fragmented planning in terms of construction method and sequence, time, and cost. Moreover, construction planners have a limited capacity for the integrated decision-making necessary to determine construction method, time and cost. In order to reduce the degree of these problems, the objective of this research is to propose a new approach of construction planning by integrating the 3D processes of construction, operation time and cost in order to enhance effectiveness of construction project planners’ decision making. The prototype of the integrated system was developed by using Virtual Reality (VR) technology to display construction methods, construction sequences and resources used. The proposed system integrates simulation modeling method to provide possible construction duration and cost. In this research, construction processes in factory construction were selected to develop and implement the virtual construction conditions in the system. The library of building components, facilities, temporary works, and construction machines was created by using CAD software packages. The construction processes were simulated in a dynamic environment by using visualization software and were able to link to the system database of construction methods, equipment and their productivities generated by the database software. The proposed system was verified and validated by using data from real factory construction projects. The result shows that the proposed system is applied as a tool to assist planners in making decision including selecting suitable equipment, operating logic, construction methods, operation time, cost, construction site layout and construction-space conflict analysis, and it is also able to enhance effective communication among the project-planning team and other construction operators.