1. Electronic Simulation in Construction
Electronic Simulation in Construction Research Team
Bryan Sharp Petrofac
CII Annual Conference 2001

2. Electronic Simulation
in Construction
Research Team

3. Team Members David Darby Kværner Songer
Makarand Hastak University of Cincinnati
Bruce Kingsbury Kværner Songer
Bryan Sharp Petrofac LLC, Chair
Randy Williams CadCentre
Past Members
Lawrence Pfeffer NIST
Dustin Schwartz ABB Lummus
Bob Sullivan Stone & Webster, Chair

4. Purpose and Objectives
Identify, analyze, and evaluate current use of interactive electronic simulation in construction.
Objectives
Determine and evaluate existing technologies.
Develop procedures and recommendations on when, how, and what type of technology to use.

5. Definitions Electronic simulation includes:
Spatial Visualization (3D-Static) – 3D CAD systems and tools
Virtual Interactive Environment (3D-Dynamic) – adds ability to manipulate objects

6. 3D Static – Plant Walk Through

7. Definitions
Electronic simulation includes:
Spatial Visualization (3D-Static) – 3D CAD systems and tools
Virtual Interactive Environment (3D-Dynamic) – adds ability to manipulate objects

8. 3D Dynamic – Crane Lift

9. Definitions Construction Process Simulation
Mathematical models used to simulate system interactions
Integrated Simulation Environment
The integration of 3D-static, 3D-dynamic, and mathematical simulation models into a unified framework.

10. Integrated Simulation Environment

11. Research Method/Approach
Three different surveys
Two case studies
Extensive review of literature and supplier product information
Industry conferences and trade shows

12. Constraints
Rapidly changing technology
“Snapshot in time”

13. General Findings 82 percent used 3D CAD systems.
67 percent used Virtual Reality/Visualization tools.
65 percent used these tools to improve project management.
Mathematical simulation tools not widely used.
Most respondents have made some level of integration and desire more.

14. Major Uses of Visualization Tools
Design interference checks
Equipment installation and access
Plant layout
Maintenance and operations review
Constructability review
Construction interference checks

15. Perceived Barriers High capital cost Cost-benefit unclear
Lack of information
Lack of trained people
Resistance to change
No champion

16. Special Considerations
Training
Hidden Costs
Learning curve
Administration and customization costs
Establishing standards
Cultural changes
Support group
Specialized training for different groups
Sharing vs. hoarding of information

17. Perceived Benefits Constructability benefits Reduction in rework
Client satisfaction
Improvement in quality
Project management benefits

18. Tool — Decision Aid Emerging Technologies Web site
Web-enabled database
Module 1 – Is ESIC right for you?
Module 2
Specify desired applications, features
Identify suitable products

20. Conclusions ESIC is a rapidly evolving technology.
Research latest technology for best fit.
ESIC adds value (92 percent believe).
Significant benefits
reduction in costs
reduction in schedule
reduction in rework
Benefits outweigh barriers.

21. Recommendations Analyze current and future needs.
Research current technology.
Training!
Use the tools.
ESIC Implementation Guidelines
Supplier Criteria Review Checklist
Decision Aid

22. Future of Industry: Through the Crystal Ball
Integration (FIATECH)
Web-enabled
Data-centric
VRML, XML
Hand-held computers