Transportation projects are unique projects that have many issues such as ROW acquisition, traffic control, and utilities. To help solve some of these issues projects should utilize constructability. Over the past 25 years research on constructability has consistently shown to have substantial cost and schedule benefits. To fully obtain those benefits, constructability should be utilized from the very beginning of the project at the conceptual planning phase. One of the tools to support implementation is 3D and 4D visualization. The benefits and applications of 3D and 4D for transportation project research is still lagging behind building projects. This thesis aims to provide a frame work for how 3D and 4D visualization could have an impactful role if used in the early planning and design process. Two case studies are used for developing that frame work, the Woodall Rodgers Deck Plaza and the Eastern Extension of President George Bush Turnpike projects in Dallas, Texas. Information taken from interviews of Texas Department of Transportation staff are used to develop a list of issues for each project, as well as the impacts those issues have had on the project. For each of those issues a proposal of how using 3D and 4D visualization could help mitigate those issues when implemented during the early planning phases. / text

It has been less than a decade that Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been used in construction industries. During this short period of time the application of this new modeling approach has increased significantly, but still the main users of such models are architects (for design purposes) and general contractors (for coordination purposes). Most of the BIM applications are developed to meet design and coordination requirements; yet sub-contractors face hassles when using this new technology to model their products, equipment and services in detail. The literature reveals that one of the reasons is they do not have access to the tools and objects they need to model their work within the BIM environment. Temporary structures, such as shoring systems and formworks, are good examples. Although these structures play a significant role in the logistics of the jobsite, there are neither a special tools nor predefined objects in BIM applications to help model these elements. In this case study a real building project has been used to model these temporary structures by two different methods: 1. Using ordinary tools in BIM application (Revit), and, 2. Using predefined parametric families of objects developed and customized for this project. During the modeling process, time has been recorded as well as other observations describing obstacles, advantages, and disadvantages of both methods. The results show that the usage of predefined parametric families speeds up the process of modeling and also helps to create a model which is more understandable and informative than 2D drawings that are currently being used by most of the sub contractors.

The Skellefte ore district in northern Sweden is a Palaeoproterozoic volcanic arc and one of the most important ones hosting volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits, producing mainly base metals and orogenic gold deposits. Due to high metal prices and increased difficulties in finding shallow deposits, the exploration for and exploitation of mineral resources is quickly being moved to greater depths. For this reason, a better understanding of the geological structures in 3D down to a few kilometers depth is required as a tool for ore targeting. As exploration and mining go deeper, it becomes more and more evident why a good understanding of geology in 3D at exploration depths, and even greater, is important to optimize both exploration and mining. Following a successful pilot 3D geological modeling project in the western part of the district, the Kristineberg mining area, a new project "VINNOVA 4D modeling of the Skellefte district" was launched in 2008, with the aim of improving the existing models, especially at shallow depth and extending the models to the central district. More than 100 km of reflection seismic (crooked) profiles were acquired, processed and interpreted in conjunction with geological observations and potential field data. Results were used to constrain the 3D geological model of the study area and provided new insights about the geology and mineral potential at depth. Results along the seismic profiles in the Kristineberg mining area proved the capability of the method for imaging reflections associated with mineralization zones in the area, and we could suggest that the Kristineberg mineralization and associated structures dip to the south down to at least a depth of about 2 km. In the central Skellefte area, we were able to correlate main reflections and diffractions with the major faults and shear zones. Cross-dip analysis, reflection modeling, pre-stack time migration, swath 3D processing and finite-difference seismic modeling allowed insights about the origin of some of the observed reflections and in defining the imaging challenges in the associated geological environments. / VINNOVA 4D modeling of the Skellefte district

The Skellefte District (SD) is one of the richest metallogenic mining areas in Sweden. The main deposits consist of volcanic-hosted massive sulphides (VHMS) rich in zinc, copper, lead, gold and silver, that have been explored and mined for more than a century. Considering that technological advancements allow deeper mining, and that today new discoveries rarely occur, renewed efforts are now directed at locating targets at greater depths.   Thus, current exploration strategies need to be adapted, and a better understanding of regional scale structures is necessary. To address these questions the project VINNOVA 4D modeling of the Skellefte District was launched. Its main purpose is to unravel the regional structures and tectonic setting of the SD. To accomplish this, new geological and geophysical data have been acquired in two key localities. This thesis presents the contribution from 2D and 3D inversion of magnetotelluric (MT) data and seismic reflection data. The main findings include: conductive hydrothermally altered zones within the otherwise resistive rocks of the Skellefte Group, the depth extension of early and postorogenic intrusions, prominent shear zones in the central part of the district, and enhanced reflectivity and conductivity at the base of the Skellefte Group throughout the SD. Even though the application of these methods is challenged by the complex geological setting of the SD, it is shown that after a careful processing and analysis of the data, they are able to provide a robust image of the deep subsurface. Additionally, the combination of reflection seismics and MT has proved to be a powerful tool for hypothesis testing and to develop the general understanding of the configuration and history of the SD. Furthermore, two 3D inversion models of MT data are presented and compared with the results of standard 2D determinant inversions. The 3D procedure shows significant improvements in data fit and is able to constrain better the observed model features. Although 3D inversion of MT data is not yet a run of the mill scheme and issues like model assessment and galvanic distortion effects need to be further addressed, results from complex environments with areal coverage, are already superior to those from 2D inversions. / Skellefteåfälten är ett av de viktigaste malmdistrikten i Sverige. Malmkropparna består av vulkaniskvärda Massiva Sulfider (VHMS) rika på Zink, Koppar, Bly, Guld och Silver, och har utforskats och brutits i mer än ett sekel. Med tanke på att de senaste tekniska framstegen tillåter djupare brytning, och att nya upptäckter är ovanliga idag, riktas nya ansträngningar mot att lokalisera malm på större djup. Aktuella prospekteringsstrategier måste därför anpassas, och en bättre förståelse av regionala strukturer är nödvändig. För att lösa dessa frågor lanserades projektet VINNOVA 4D modeling of the Skellefte District. Dess främsta syfte är att utreda de regionala strukturerna och det tektoniska läget av Skelleftefältet. För att uppnå detta, har nya geologiska och geofysiska data insamlats vid två viktiga platser i distriktet. Denna avhandling presenterar bidrag från inversionsmodellering i 2D och 3D av magnetotelluriska (MT) data samt resultaten av en reflektionsseismisk profil. De viktigaste resultaten är: bra ledande hydrotermiskt förändrade zoner inom de annars resistiva bergarterna i Skellefte-gruppen, djupet till tidiga och postorogeniska intrusioner, framstående skjuvzoner i den centrala delen av området, och ökad reflektionsförmåga och konduktivitet vid basen av Skellefte-gruppen i hela fältet. Även om tillämpningen av dessa metoder utmanas av fältens komplexa geologiska läge, visas det efter en noggrann bearbetning och analys av data att de ger en robust bild av den lite djupare berggrunden. Dessutom har kombinationen av reflektionsseismik och MT visat sig vara ett kraftfullt verktyg för hypotesprövning och för att utveckla den allmänna förståelsen av Skelleftefältet och dess historia. Därutöver presenteras två 3D inversionsmodeller av MT data och jämförs sedan med resultaten från 2D determinantinversioner. 3D tekniker visar betydande förbättringar av datapassform och begränsar observerade anomalier bättre. Även om 3D inversion av MT data ännu inte är en vanlig teknik och frågor som modellbedömning och galvaniska distorsionseffekter måste behandlas ytterligare, är resultat från komplexa miljöer med lagom yttäckning redan överlägsna. / VINNOVA 4D modeling of the Skellefte District

Considerando o grande volume de obras, a necessidade de gerenciar inúmeras equipes, prazos reduzidos, alta repetitividade e a pequena margem de lucro de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, tem crescido a importância projetar e simular os sistemas de produção de forma antecipada. A simulação de eventos discretos tem sido empregada como ferramenta de gestão para a análise de cenários alternativos em empreendimentos de construção, principalmente em trabalhos de cunho acadêmico. Entretanto, seu emprego tende a ser pouco explorado no projeto do sistema de produção de empreendimentos reais, principalmente devido à dificuldade de interpretação dos dados e da pouca experiência dos tomadores de decisão com essa ferramenta. Por esse motivo, a literatura tem recomendado o uso de ferramentas que auxiliem, de forma visual e espacial, a compreensão dos resultados. O objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um método para a elaboração do projeto do sistema de produção utilizando a modelagem BIM-4D e simulação de eventos discretos de forma integrada, na tomada de decisão de empreendimento habitacionais de interesse social. Foi escolhida a abordagem metodológica da design science research para a realização da pesquisa, a qual consiste na criação de um artefato, a ser utilizado para resolver classes de problemas, seguida da avaliação da sua utilidade. Este método foi desenvolvido através de três estudos empíricos nos quais o mesmo foi concebido e aplicado. Entre as principais contribuições deste trabalho, destaca-se uma proposta de integração entre a simulação de eventos discretos e modelagem BIM-4D no projeto do sistema de produção de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, e uma discussão do papel de ferramentas gráficas como auxílio na tomada de decisão. / Considering the large scale of work, the need to manage a large number of teams, tight deadlines, highly repetitive operations, and limited profit margin of low-income housing projects, the need to design and simulate production systems in advance has increased. Discrete event simulation has been used as a management tool for the analysis of alternative scenarios in construction projects, mostly in academic studies. However, the use of simulation has not been fully explored in the design of the production system in real projects, mainly due to the difficulty of interpreting data, as well as the lack of experience of decision makers in using this tool. Therefore, the use of visual and spatial tools that support the interpretation of simulation data has been suggested in the literature. The aim of this research work is to propose a method for production system design using BIM-4D modeling and discrete event simulation in an integrated way for supporting decision making in low-income housing projects. The methodological approach adopted in this investigation was design science research, which consists of the creation of an artifact for solving classes of problems, and the evaluation of its utility. This method was developed along three empirical studies in which it was conceived and applied. The main contributions of this research work are concerned with a proposal for the integration of discrete event simulation and BIM-4D modeling in the production system design of low-income housing projects, and a discussion on the use of graphical tools to support decision-making.

Considerando o grande volume de obras, a necessidade de gerenciar inúmeras equipes, prazos reduzidos, alta repetitividade e a pequena margem de lucro de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, tem crescido a importância projetar e simular os sistemas de produção de forma antecipada. A simulação de eventos discretos tem sido empregada como ferramenta de gestão para a análise de cenários alternativos em empreendimentos de construção, principalmente em trabalhos de cunho acadêmico. Entretanto, seu emprego tende a ser pouco explorado no projeto do sistema de produção de empreendimentos reais, principalmente devido à dificuldade de interpretação dos dados e da pouca experiência dos tomadores de decisão com essa ferramenta. Por esse motivo, a literatura tem recomendado o uso de ferramentas que auxiliem, de forma visual e espacial, a compreensão dos resultados. O objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um método para a elaboração do projeto do sistema de produção utilizando a modelagem BIM-4D e simulação de eventos discretos de forma integrada, na tomada de decisão de empreendimento habitacionais de interesse social. Foi escolhida a abordagem metodológica da design science research para a realização da pesquisa, a qual consiste na criação de um artefato, a ser utilizado para resolver classes de problemas, seguida da avaliação da sua utilidade. Este método foi desenvolvido através de três estudos empíricos nos quais o mesmo foi concebido e aplicado. Entre as principais contribuições deste trabalho, destaca-se uma proposta de integração entre a simulação de eventos discretos e modelagem BIM-4D no projeto do sistema de produção de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, e uma discussão do papel de ferramentas gráficas como auxílio na tomada de decisão. / Considering the large scale of work, the need to manage a large number of teams, tight deadlines, highly repetitive operations, and limited profit margin of low-income housing projects, the need to design and simulate production systems in advance has increased. Discrete event simulation has been used as a management tool for the analysis of alternative scenarios in construction projects, mostly in academic studies. However, the use of simulation has not been fully explored in the design of the production system in real projects, mainly due to the difficulty of interpreting data, as well as the lack of experience of decision makers in using this tool. Therefore, the use of visual and spatial tools that support the interpretation of simulation data has been suggested in the literature. The aim of this research work is to propose a method for production system design using BIM-4D modeling and discrete event simulation in an integrated way for supporting decision making in low-income housing projects. The methodological approach adopted in this investigation was design science research, which consists of the creation of an artifact for solving classes of problems, and the evaluation of its utility. This method was developed along three empirical studies in which it was conceived and applied. The main contributions of this research work are concerned with a proposal for the integration of discrete event simulation and BIM-4D modeling in the production system design of low-income housing projects, and a discussion on the use of graphical tools to support decision-making.

Considerando o grande volume de obras, a necessidade de gerenciar inúmeras equipes, prazos reduzidos, alta repetitividade e a pequena margem de lucro de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, tem crescido a importância projetar e simular os sistemas de produção de forma antecipada. A simulação de eventos discretos tem sido empregada como ferramenta de gestão para a análise de cenários alternativos em empreendimentos de construção, principalmente em trabalhos de cunho acadêmico. Entretanto, seu emprego tende a ser pouco explorado no projeto do sistema de produção de empreendimentos reais, principalmente devido à dificuldade de interpretação dos dados e da pouca experiência dos tomadores de decisão com essa ferramenta. Por esse motivo, a literatura tem recomendado o uso de ferramentas que auxiliem, de forma visual e espacial, a compreensão dos resultados. O objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um método para a elaboração do projeto do sistema de produção utilizando a modelagem BIM-4D e simulação de eventos discretos de forma integrada, na tomada de decisão de empreendimento habitacionais de interesse social. Foi escolhida a abordagem metodológica da design science research para a realização da pesquisa, a qual consiste na criação de um artefato, a ser utilizado para resolver classes de problemas, seguida da avaliação da sua utilidade. Este método foi desenvolvido através de três estudos empíricos nos quais o mesmo foi concebido e aplicado. Entre as principais contribuições deste trabalho, destaca-se uma proposta de integração entre a simulação de eventos discretos e modelagem BIM-4D no projeto do sistema de produção de empreendimentos habitacionais de interesse social, e uma discussão do papel de ferramentas gráficas como auxílio na tomada de decisão. / Considering the large scale of work, the need to manage a large number of teams, tight deadlines, highly repetitive operations, and limited profit margin of low-income housing projects, the need to design and simulate production systems in advance has increased. Discrete event simulation has been used as a management tool for the analysis of alternative scenarios in construction projects, mostly in academic studies. However, the use of simulation has not been fully explored in the design of the production system in real projects, mainly due to the difficulty of interpreting data, as well as the lack of experience of decision makers in using this tool. Therefore, the use of visual and spatial tools that support the interpretation of simulation data has been suggested in the literature. The aim of this research work is to propose a method for production system design using BIM-4D modeling and discrete event simulation in an integrated way for supporting decision making in low-income housing projects. The methodological approach adopted in this investigation was design science research, which consists of the creation of an artifact for solving classes of problems, and the evaluation of its utility. This method was developed along three empirical studies in which it was conceived and applied. The main contributions of this research work are concerned with a proposal for the integration of discrete event simulation and BIM-4D modeling in the production system design of low-income housing projects, and a discussion on the use of graphical tools to support decision-making.

L'objectif de cette thèse est d'expliquer les avantages qu'offrent la reconstruction de l'architecture des unités géologiques, leurs déformations ainsi que leurs variations au cours du temps à l'exploration de ressources minérales, tout en appliquant des méthodes et outils de modélisation 3D et 4D. La modélisation et la restauration structurale sont utilisées ici pour estimer des attributs géologiques qui peuvent aider à la compréhension de la formation des gisements, et à l'identification des zones favorables aux minéralisations. Cette thèse est axée sur l'application de la modélisation 3D et 4D à des cas réels pour trouver le lien entre une minéralisation et des processus géologiques tel que l'exhumation des terrains, l'activité des failles et la fracturation résultant d'un évènement de déformation. Ce mémoire est organisé en trois parties : (i) la modélisation structurale ainsi que la restauration surfacique ont été appliquées au district minier de la Ceinture de Cuivre de Legnica-Glogów (sud-ouest de la Pologne), pour estimer les conditions favorables à la fracturation hydraulique. Cette fracturation est intervenue dans le nord de l'Europe lors d'une phase d'inversion à la fin du Crétacé et au début du Paléocène. Dans notre hypothèse de départ, la fracturation hydraulique développée au cours de cette période a joué un rôle important dans la distribution en cuivre observée aujourd'hui dans le district minier ; (ii) la courbure des surfaces triangulées, représentant les horizons de la région des Sudètes polonaises, permet de mettre en évidence les systèmes de failles dans le socle. En particulier, des méthodes de restauration surfaciques ont été utilisées pour évaluer l'activité de des failles au cours du temps, en se basant sur la courbure des surfaces obtenues à chaque étape de la restauration. Les zones de fortes activités sont ici associées aux processus de minéralisation cuprifère de la région ; (iii) la restauration mécanique de la région de Mount Pleasant (Australie occidentale), a permis de simuler un évènement de raccourcissement apparu dans l'Archéen et qui est lié à un processus de minéralisation aurifère. La restauration mécanique est appliquée pour estimer le champ des déformations de la région au moment du raccourcissement. Avec ce champ de déformation, il est possible de calculer les paramètres d'endommagement de la masse rocheuse qui semblent liés aux zones aurifères situées hors des systèmes principaux de failles. Cette thèse a ainsi permis de mettre en évidence l'aspect prometteur de la modélisation et de la restauration structurale pour identifier des zones potentiellement minéralisées, mettant en valeur leur utilisation pour l'exploration des gisements et des ressources minérales / The objective of this Ph.D. thesis is to apply 3D and 4D modeling methods to reconstruct the architecture and deformations over time of geological entities in a defined region. Structural restoration modeling is used here to estimate geological, physical and structural attributes for understanding the origin of ore-deposits, and for identifying potential mineralized areas. We focused this thesis on 3D and 4D modeling on real case studies with different geological contexts (e.g. uplifting, fault activity and shortening), demonstrating the advantages and drawbacks on their use for similar situations. This thesis is organized into three parts: (i) the application of structural modeling in the mining district of the Copper Belt of Legnica-Glogów (south-west Poland). A surface-restoration approach was applied to estimate favorable conditions for hydraulic fracturing during an inversion, occurred in the northern part of Europe at Late Cretaceous--Early Paleocene. In our hypothesis, hydraulic fracturing developed at that time played an important role in the distribution of copper content observed in present days in the mining district. (ii) The curvature calculated on triangulated surfaces that represent the stratigraphic horizons in the Fore-Sudetic region (Poland), are used to highlight the fault systems in the basement as well as their activity. High curvature values reveal the fault activity which is associated with the copper mineralization process in the region. (iii) Mechanical restoration of the Mount Pleasant, Western Australia, simulates an Archean shortening event which occurred in the area linked to the gold mineralization process. The mechanical restoration was used to estimate the strain field in the region at the time of shortening. This deformation field was used to estimate the damage parameters of the rock mass. They show new potential gold areas located in off-fault gold systems. In conclusion, it is shown that 3D modeling and structural restoration could be used to identify potential favorable zones for the presence of mineralization, and seem promising as a tool for the exploration of ore-deposits and mineral resources