Arkady Retik

VR-based planning of construction site activities

Abstract This paper presents an approach to the integration of site-related activities into the planning and scheduling of the entire construction project. The paper starts by briefly reviewing some common methods used by construction firms in the planning and scheduling of site activities. Next follows a discussion of current research efforts concerned with the modelling of site-related procedures. Then a virtual-reality-based model is proposed, which uses both knowledge-based simulation of the work progress and visualisation capabilities, to achieve the desired integration. Finally the prototype system is described and its potential is demonstrated through several examples.

The applicability of project management software and advanced IT techniques in construction delays mitigation

Abstract The aim of this paper is to identify the techniques which are used in the construction industry for monitoring and minimising the effects of delays and to establish how these techniques could make use of both the current computer technology and advanced IT tools, such as knowledge-based expert systems (KBESs) and visualisation techniques. First, the techniques identified are briefly presented. They are as-built method, time impact analysis method, and as-planned method. The paper describes a study of the software packages that was carried out as a product survey, with material being sourced from 33 software vendors. The software packages evaluated are presented under three basic criteria: general characteristics; technical features; and specialist features. General characteristics consist of the name of the system and the name and address of its vendor. The technical features consist of an analysis of the standard features which apply to commercially available project management software. Specialist features consist of an analysis of features which are applicable to delay management. Hardware and software requirements were reviewed to establish what is physically needed to operate the software package. KBESs and visualisation techniques in the field of project scheduling are also examined, with close attention being paid to systems which assist in the field of delay dispute resolution. Finally, the possible way forward is presented and demonstrated.

Automated design of prefabricated building

Abstract The paper describes a knowledge-based system for the detailed design of prefabricated building. The system employs a comprehensive approach which integrates different design aspects, architectural, structural and technological. The system receives, as an input, a preliminary architectural design of the building to be erected, adjusts it to a modular grid, indicates the location of structured supports, breaks down the floors and walls into elements to be prefabricated and finally produces detailed drawings of the elements and their cost estimate. The premise of the system, its operation and the structure of its knowledge are described.

Integrating virtual reality and telepresence to remotely monitor construction sites: A ViRTUE project

The paper presents VIRTUE, a funded research project, which aims to integrate the Virtual Reality (VR), Telepresence (TP) and mobile video telecommunications technologies. A mobile, real-time, 3D-hybrid VR/TP system is being built at Strathclyde University, Glasgow. A system prototype has been completed and is being tested. The system will permit the user to integrate telepresence images with computer generated virtual environments superimposed over the remote real worldview. This integrated system incorporates emerging mobile telecommunications technologies to give rapid and easy access to the real and virtual construction sites from arbitrary locations. This system allows remote surveillance of the construction site, and integration of real world images of the site with virtual reality representations, derived from planning models, for progress monitoring.

Hybrid virtual reality and telepresence utilising mobile phone technology

An overview of the design and application of a unique mobile hybrid telepresence and virtual reality system is first provided. This is followed by a description of each of the integrated sub-systems. These include the telepresence and teleoperation sub-system comprising display, control, and communication elements together with camera platforms and a mobile vehicle, a virtual reality module capable of modeling capable of modeling a 4D civil engineering environment, in this case a construction site, and the image compression and decompression techniques which allow the video from the remote site to be transmitted across a very low bandwidth mobile phone network. The mobile telepresence system can be located on a real world construction site to observe work in progress. This video information can be accessed by a user from any remote location and compared with the VR model of planned progress. The user can then guide the vehicle and camera system to any desired viewpoint. Illustrations of the first trials of the full system, comments on problems experienced, and suggestions for further work are provided.

An intelligent simulation approach to cost-time forecasting for housing modernization works

Abstract This paper describes the development of an expert system prototype for forecasting contract cost and duration of housing modernization works in the U.K. There are two main phases in the systems operation: the first for generating a plan for a given project, and the second for simulating construction progress for cost-time forecasting. A probabilistic approach was chosen using the Monte-Carlo method for establishing productivity rate. If and when interference or delay occurs during the simulation, the decision is made with the help of integrated in situ knowledge. Visualization status provides a tool for intelligent simulation of the construction phase of the work. An object-oriented programming approach for carrying out these aims is described. The system and its knowledge base structure are presented. Finally, conclusions are drawn.

Visual search with deep zoom to explore curriculum resources interactively

In this poster session, we introduce and describe the Faculty Connection repository including Visual Search with Deep Zoom to help higher education academic faculty and instructors explore thousands of curriculum resources interactively -- from presentation slides to software tools.