This research investigated whether 4D construction model effectively helps project participants on construction sites in detecting time-space conflicts in the schedule. Previous researchers on construction space management typically modeled space requirements for equipment and paths for material and focused primarily on static or dynamic layout planning. Some researchers regarded time-space conflicts as an essential aspect of construction space management. They demonstrated the use of 4D modules in time-space conflict analysis. Although these 4D prototypes have been successful in tackling time-space conflict analysis, they have been validated with only post-hoc analysis of construction projects. Also, various currently commercially available 4D visualization softwares do not take into account the workspace required during the construction of a component unless space is modeled as a separate component into the CAD application. Therefore, without modeling space as a component in the 3D model it is necessary to assess whether 4D visualization can be effectively used on construction sites to detect time-space conflicts in the schedule. In order to fulfill the research goal an experiment was conducted. A 4D construction model of an ongoing project was developed. Project participants were introduced to two different graphic representations of the schedule; namely, an overlay drawing - the conventional method used on site to detect conflicts and the 4D construction model. Analysis of the results compared the performance of the participants in detecting time-space conflicts in the schedule using the two methods. The experiment produced empirical evidence that a 4D construction model may be effective on construction sites in detecting time-space conflicts in the schedule.

The construction industry continues to strive for new ways to improve construction operations. This requires better understanding and analysis of these operations, which necessitates a way to systematically capture and analyze the diverse elements involved. The dynamic nature of construction is very difficult to describe using existing computer simulation and modeling systems. What is needed is rather a common construction language and a comprehensive modeling system that can be used to capture and analyze construction operations and potentially lead to improvements. A new taxonomy and its use for modeling construction operations are developed here. This taxonomy identifies a hierarchical representation of construction projects based on operational considerations. The hierarchy consists of seven levels: product, assemblies and subassemblies, components, operations, processes, physics, and control. The hierarchical levels were established by looking in the ways that construction field operations are being carried out. The new modeling system successfully accounts for the geometric and physical representations of not only the product but also the processes involved in shaping the product. Six major blocks of construction knowledge are described and information about the interaction processes required to model construction operations in a logical way is provided. An overview of the current state of modeling and simulation techniques that are used to develop and evaluate construction operations is presented. The advantages and limitations of physical-based modeling, 4D-CAD, and virtual modeling techniques as an integral part of the developed taxonomy are identified. The potential uses of robotics and automation opportunities in construction are described. Also, distribution of work between humans and tools and equipment based on their physical and information contributions are reviewed and analyzed. Classifications of construction work at different levels of detail are described to identify which operations can be usefully modeled and the appropriate level of the model. Two practical case studies are discussed that show the capabilities and potential uses of the developed taxonomy. The first case study describes the modeling process of the fabrication, assembly, and erection of steel structures. The second exploratory case study shows the potential use of the developed modeling in improving the heat recovery system generator's (HRSG) erection process. Also, prototype models and 3D models of the HRSG assemblies are developed. Both case studies validate with great confidence the use of the developed taxonomy as a direct support tool that captures the diverse elements and enhances the modeling and analysis to improve construction operations. / Ph. D.

D. Tech. Electrical Engineering. / Developes a wheelchair motion platform whereby its user may be introduced into a simulated world. This simulated world is then required to be closely related to real world spaces that will be encountered by a disabled person using a wheelchair as a mobility aid. The wheelchair to be accommodated in the simulation environment may have multiple mechanical construct possibilities. The wheelchair used on the simulation platform needs to be driven by a combination of two wheels, as is generally found on manual and electric wheelchairs. The final objective was to design the simulation as closely as possible to the real world in order to use the VS-1 motion platform for architectural evaluations, possible training and general research in the field of simulators used in an enabled environment.

No description available.

The construction industry has consistently suffered the highest number of fatalities among all human involved industries over the years. Safety managers struggle to prevent injuries and fatalities by monitoring at-risk behavior exhibited by workers and equipment operators. Current methods of identifying and reporting potential hazards on site involve periodic manual inspection, which depends upon personal judgment, is prone to human error, and consumes enormous time and resources. This research presents a framework for automatic identification and analysis of potential hazards by analyzing spatio-temporal data from construction resources. The scope of the research is limited to human-equipment interactions in outdoor construction sites involving ground workers and heavy equipment. A grid-based mapping technique is developed to quantify and visualize potentially hazardous regions caused by resource interactions on a construction site. The framework is also implemented to identify resources that are exposed to potential risk based on their interaction with other resources. Cases of proximity and blind spots are considered in order to create a weight-based scoring approach for mapping hazards on site. The framework is extended to perform ``what-if'' safety analysis for operation planning by iterating through multiple resource configurations. The feasibility of using both real and simulated data is explored. A sophisticated data management and operation analysis platform and a cell-based simulation engine are developed to support the process. This framework can be utilized to improve on-site safety awareness, revise construction site layout plans, and evaluate the need for warning or training workers and equipment operators. It can also be used as an education and training tool to assist safety managers in making better, more effective, and safer decisions.

No description available.

M. Tech. Electrical Engineering. / Discusses how to develop the kinematic and dynamic model and the controller for the 2-DOf motion platform used in an augmented reality environment for wheelchair driving. This comes as a motivation to help to train disabled and elderly people to drive wheelchairs.. With accurate inverse dynamic model, it is possible to achieve high performance control algorithms of robots and direct dynamic model is required for their simulation. The other part of this research was to model and control the roller for the feedback of the wheelchair wheels.

The use and application of 4 Dimensional Computer Aided Design (4D CAD) is growing within the construction industry. 4D approaches have been the focus of many research efforts within the last decade and several commercial tools now exist for the creation of construction simulations using 4D approaches. However, there are several key limitations to the current approaches. For example, 4D models are normally developed after the initial planning of a project has taken place using more traditional techniques such as Critical Path Method (CPM). Furthermore, mainstream methodologies for planning are based on individual facets of the construction process developed by discrete contractors or sub-contractors. Any 4D models generated from these data are often used to verify work flows and identify problems that may arise, either in terms of work methods or sequencing issues. Subsequently, it is perceived that current 4D CAD approaches provide a planning review mechanism rather than a platform for a novel integrated approach to construction planning. The work undertaken in this study seeks to address these issues through the application of a distributed virtual reality (VR) environment for collaborative 4D based construction planning. The key advances lie in catering for geographically dispersed planning by discrete construction teams. By leveraging networked 4D-VR based technologies, multidisciplinary planners, in different places, can be connected to collaboratively perform planning and create an integrated and robust construction schedule leading to a complete 4D CAD simulation. Establishing such a complex environment faces both technological and social challenges. Technological challenges arise from the integration of traditional and recent 4D approaches for construction planning with an ad hoc application platform of VR linked through networked computing. Social challenges arise from social dynamics and human behaviours when utilizing VR-based applications for collaborative work. An appropriate 4D-based planning method in a networked VR based environment is the key to gaining a technical advancement and this approach to distributed collaborative planning tends to promote computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW). Subsequently, probing suitable CSCW design and user interface/interaction (UI) design are imperative for solutions to achieve successful applicability. Based on the foregoing, this study developed a novel robust 4D planning approach for networked construction planning. The new method of interactive definition was devised through theoretical analysis of human-computer interaction (HCI) studies, a comparison of existing 4D CAD creation, and 3D model based construction planning. It was created to support not only individual planners’ work but multidisciplinary planners’ collaboration, and lead to interactive and dynamic development of a 4D simulation. From a social perspective, the method clarified and highlighted relevant CSCW design to enhance collaboration. Applying this rationale, the study specified and implemented a distributed groupware solution for collaborative 4D construction planning. Based on a developed system architecture, application mode and dataflow, as well as a real-time data exchange protocol, a prototype system entitled ‘4DX’ was implemented which provides a platform for distributed multidisciplinary planners to perform real-time collaborative 4D construction planning. The implemented toolkit targeted a semi-immersive VR platform for enhanced usability with compatibility of desktop VR. For the purpose of obtaining optimal UI design of this kind of VR solution, the research implemented a new user-centred design (UCD) framework of Taguchi-Compliant User-Centred Design (TC-UCD) by adapting and adopting the Taguchi philosophy and current UCD framework. As a result, a series of UIs of the VR-based solution for multifactor usability evaluation and optimization were developed leading to a VR-based solution with optimal UIs. The final distributed VR solution was validated in a truly geographically dispersed condition. Findings from the verification testing, the validation, and the feedback from construction professionals proved positive in addition to providing constructive suggestions to further reinforce the applicability of the approach in the future.

Avec la construction et le développement de la ville intelligente, la façon de construire le modèle 3D réaliste des grands bâtiments de la ville rapidement et efficacement devient le hotspot de recherche. Dans cette thèse, une méthode procédurale de modélisation intelligente est proposée pour construire rapidement et efficacement un modèle de construction de ville 3D à grande échelle basé sur la modélisation de la forme de la façade et de la grammaire de forme. La technologie de l'information du bâtiment (BIM) est un moyen technique important pour améliorer l'industrie de la construction, pour la conception du bâtiment de la ville et la construction de la meilleure recherche et l'application de la technologie BIM est la clé, de gérer efficacement les informations du cycle de vie du bâtiment et de réaliser le partage et l'échange. Cette thèse a étudié l'acquisition et le traitement des données de modélisation. Google Earth et le logiciel ArcGIS sont principalement utilisés pour acquérir et traiter des données d'images-cartes et des données de cartes d'élévation de la zone cible, ces deux types de correspondance et de superposition de données, qui peuvent générer des données de terrain urbain 3D avec des informations de localisation géographique. Ensuite OpenStreetMap est utilisé pour acquérir les données routières de la zone cible, et il peut être optimisé pour le réseau routier nécessaire par le logiciel JOSM. La technologie de balayage laser 3D est utilisée pour collecter des images de texture de surface de bâtiment et pour créer le modèle de nuages de points de la modélisation d'architecture cible afin d'obtenir les dimensions de modélisation par mesure. Sur cette base, cette thèse a principalement étudié le principe et le processus de la règle CGA pour créer des modèles de construction, et étudié la méthode qui peut séparer les éléments architecturaux en utilisant la segmentation d'image pour générer automatiquement la règle CGA et de créer ensuite le modèle de construction. Ainsi, des modèles de construction 3D ont été établis dans le logiciel CityEngine en utilisant les règles CGA et la technologie de segmentation des façades. Cette thèse a construit le modèle d'information intégré au bâtiment urbain (CBIIM) basé sur BIM. L'information sur la construction de la ville est classée et intégrée, et le bâtiment et la composante ont été décrits avec la norme IFC, afin de gérer efficacement les informations du cycle de vie du bâtiment. Cette thèse étudie la technologie du modèle d'association d'information intégrée, qui permet de réaliser une conception standardisée des composants avec des caractéristiques associées et une conception intelligente des bâtiments avec des paramètres associés dans les règles de connaissances combinées avec l'IFC. La technologie de simulation de la construction de visualisation est étudiée. Les règles de connaissance dans le modèle d'information intégré fournissent une référence fiable pour la simulation de construction, et la scène de simulation est créée en invoquant le modèle d'information intégré, ainsi le processus de simulation est terminé. En prenant le campus Baoshan de l'Université de Shanghai comme exemple, le processus de modélisation de la scène entière est illustré, et les étapes de modélisation de toutes sortes d'objets 3D sont décrites en détail pour résoudre les problèmes spécifiques dans le processus de modélisation réelle. Ainsi, la faisabilité et la validité de la méthode de modélisation intelligente procédurale sont vérifiées. Prenant comme exemple le dortoir de l'Université de Shanghai, une simulation et le modèle de simulation ont été créés par les informations intégrées, combinées aux informations de construction pertinentes, la simulation de construction a été complétée par le programme. Ainsi, la faisabilité et la validité du CBIIM sont vérifiées. / With the construction and development of the smart city, how to construct the realistic 3D model of the large-scale city buildings quickly and efficiently which becomes the research hotspot. In this thesis, a novel 3D modeling approach is proposed to quickly and efficiently build 3D model of large-scale city buildings based on shape grammar and facade rule modeling. Building Information Model (BIM) is an important technical means to enhance the construction industry, for the city building design and construction, how to better research and application of BIM technology which is the key, in this thesis City Building Integrated Information Model (CBIIM) is specified to manage the information of building lifecycle effectively and realize the information sharing and exchanging. This thesis has studied the acquisition and processing of the modeling data. Google Earth and ArcGIS software are mainly used to acquire and process image-maps data and elevation-maps data of the target area, these two kinds of data match and overlay, which can generate 3D city terrain data with geographic location information. Then OpenStreetMap is used to acquire road data of the target area, and it can be optimal processed to the necessary road network by JOSM software. 3D laser scanning technology is used to collect building surface texture images and create the point clouds model of the target architecture modeling so as to get the modeling dimensions by measurement. On this basis, this thesis mainly has studied the principle and the process of CGA rule to create building models, and studied the method that can separate architectural elements using image segmentation to generate CGA rule automatically and to create building model furtherly. Thus 3D building models have been established in the CityEngine software using CGA rules and facade modeling technology. This thesis has specified the City Building Integrated Information Model (CBIIM) based on BIM. The city building information are classified and integrated, and the building and component was described with the IFC standard, in order to manage the informations of building lifecycle effectively. This thesis studies the integrated information association model technology, that it can realize standardized component design with associated features and intelligent building design with associated parameters in knowledge rules combined with IFC. The construction simulation technology is studied. The knowledge rules in the integrated information model provide a reliable reference for the construction simulation, and the simulation scene is created through the invoking the integrated information model, thus the construction simulation process is completed by the program. Taking Baoshan Campus of Shanghai University as an example, the modeling process of the whole scene is illustrated, and the modeling steps of all kinds of 3D objects are described in detail to solve the specific problems in the actual modeling process. Thus the feasibility and validity of the procedural intelligent modeling approach are verified. Taking the dormitory of Shanghai University as an example, a simulation scene and the simulation model were created by the integrated informations, combined with the relevant construction information the construction simulation was completed by the program. Thus the feasibility and validity of the CBIIM are verified.

Themen wie Verfügbarkeit der Rohstoffe, Materialsubstitution, Umweltverträglichkeit, Schonung der Ressourcen, aber auch Produktionskosten werden immer häufiger als Bewertungskriterien herangezogen. Die Notwendigkeit der intensiven Zusammenarbeit unterschiedlicher Fachdisziplinen rückt immer mehr in den Mittelpunkt, wenn innovative Lösungen für neue Anwendungen gefragt sind. Das Projekt AMARETO wurde mit dem Ziel initiiert, im Rahmen einer engen Kooperation der TU Bergakademie Freiberg, der TU Dresden, der TU Chemnitz und des Fraunhofer IWU deren herausragende Spitzenforschung zusammenzuführen und praxisnah umzusetzen, um die anwendungsnahe Forschung weiter voranzutreiben und den wissenschaftlichen Vorlauf in Sachsen wertschöpfend zu verankern. Unter dem Motto »Vom Werkstoff zum ressourcenschonenden Produkt« trafen sich am 31. Mai 2018 Vertreter von Politik, Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft in Chemnitz zum ersten AMARETO-Kolloquium, um aktuelle Fragestellungen in den Bereichen Werkstoff-, Bauteil und Prozessentwicklung zu diskutieren. Im vorliegenden Tagungsband berichten die Projektmitarbeiter und -leiter gemeinsam über ihre aktuellen Forschungsergebnisse. Wesentlicher Ansatz des Projekts AMARETO ist es, die im Rahmen der Produktentstehung zu bearbeitenden Teilaufgaben – Entwicklung der Werkstoffe, Gestaltung und Dimensionierung von Bauteilen sowie Erarbeitung von Produktionsstrategien – enger miteinander zu verknüpfen und parallel sowie abgestimmt zu bearbeiten. Dies spiegelt sich im Tagungsband durch die Einbeziehung der Bereiche Smart Material, Smart Design und Smart Production wider. / Topics such as availability of raw materials, material substitution, environmental compatibility, conservation of resources, but also production cost are increasingly used as criteria for evaluation. The need for intensive cooperation between different disciplines becomes more and more important when innovative solutions for new applications are required. The AMARETO project was initiated with the aim of bringing together the outstanding top-level research of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, TU Dresden, TU Chemnitz and Fraunhofer IWU within the framework of close cooperation. A further project goal is the implementation of this research in a practical manner in order to further advance application-oriented research and anchor the scientific lead in Saxony in a value-adding manner. On 31 May, 2018 representatives from politics, industry and science met in Chemnitz for the first AMARETO colloquium under the heading 'From material to resource-saving product' to discuss current issues in the areas of development regarding materials, components and processes. In these conference proceedings, the project members and managers report together on their current research results. The main approach of the AMARETO project is to closely link the required subtasks of product development with each other - development of materials, design and dimensioning of components as well as the development of production strategies - and to work on them in parallel and in a coordinated manner. This is reflected in the conference proceedings due to the inclusion of the areas of Smart Material, Smart Design and Smart Production.