| This research introduces a new methodology for simulating construction operations in virtual environments using the personal computer. Due to the complexity involved in most construction operations, traditional modeling and simulation techniques fail to describe the dynamic nature involved in these operations. Additionally, their methodologies fail to describe the geometric components of construction projects. With the recent advances in the digital industry, construction operations may be simulated using what are called virtual environments. There are some attempts in that direction. Although, these attempts study the effectiveness and usefulness of construction simulation using virtual environments, they are being done within research institutes and large construction companies where very expensive computer hardware is used, and sophisticated systems are developed. As a result, this technique of construction simulation still does not reach the general construction industry.; This research presents a new methodology for simulating construction operations in virtual environments on the personal computer (PC). Based on a case study from the real construction world, a virtual environment called SIMCON, (SIMulating CONstruction operations), was developed to simulate equipment-based construction operations with real-time user interaction. Additionally, using an object- oriented programming (OOP) concept, modules that describe user-machine interaction were also developed. Representation of machine dynamics was also added to the virtual environment in order to achieve more realistic simulation.; The work in this research should allow the general construction industry to effectively and economically utilize the concept of virtual environments to achieve an early insight into a construction operation. This should allow more problems to be predicted, more realistic alternatives to be tested, and more accurate decisions to be made using a visual, interactive, and inexpensive technique. |
