Virtually real construction components and processes for design-for-safety-process (DFSP)

Abstract

Bulky 2D design drawings from consultants create difficulties for users to interpret into a 3D mental picture for construction purposes. If only visualizing a 3D mental picture of the project creates burdens to user, then he will find more problems in integrating this information with other plans such as the construction process and safety regulations. In other words, it is difficult to add more contents in the 2D- design representation. Virtual Reality (VR) aims to allow the end-user to view a 3D model of a project. So, contents of the design can be added, such as construction processes and a design-for-safety-process (DFSP), before real construction is undertaken. This paper discusses some key elements required to build virtually real construction components and processes focussing on the concept of a reusable object library and variables for construction processes simulation. A brief discussion of design-for-safety-process (DFSP) is presented. © 2004 ASCE.