ITcon Vol. 16, pg. 291-308, http://www.itcon.org/2011/19

Using rfid and real-time virtual reality simulation for optimization in steel construction

submitted:March 2010
revised:July 2010
published:February 2011
editor(s):Turk Z.
authors:Haiyan Xie, Ph.D. P.E., C.P.C., M.ASCE.,
Construction Management Department, University of Arkansas at Little Rock;
hxxie@ualr.edu and http://ualr.edu/hxxie/

Wei Shi, Ph.D.
M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction, University of Florida;
weishi@ufl.edu

Raja R.A. Issa, Ph.D., J.D., P.E., F.ASCE
M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction, University of Florida;
Raymond-issa@ufl.edu and http://www.bcn.ufl.edu/dcp_faculty_staff/issa.shtml
summary:This research discusses the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Virtual Reality (VR) simulations in construction processes and projects. The purposes are to improve the control and monitor of construction projects and to find the optimized solutions for construction processes. The authors have implemented a Building Information Model (BIM) and used it in a VR world. The details of the BIM model are the basis for the optimization analysis in construction. Using VR technology in the analysis helps the architect, engineer, and contractor (A/E/C) team to understand construction projects and plans. The team can gain experience by developing and critiquing construction sequences in a full-scale virtual environment. The team can also gain interactive operation, simulation, and optimization experiences. VR simulations in construction should not only focus on the pre-construction stage, but also record the site changes and update the system in real time. The real-time VR simulation in this study can be used throughout the entire construction process. In particular, the technology will help in the optimization of steel installation sequencing during construction.The real-time VR simulation is done via the use of RFID and its related database. In this study, the authors are experimenting with the use of a data hub for staging and cleansing the data before feeding it into the BIM database. This BIM/RFID enriched VR environment improves the straight forward representations which VR simulation can provide, automates construction data collection by acquiring RFID in real time, and accomplishes data integration through the use of BIM. The A/E/C team can use the system to explore different construction sequences, temporarily re-arrange facility or equipment locations, coordinate trades, identify safety issues, and improve constructability.
keywords:Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Real-Time Simulation, Virtual Reality (VR), Optimization, Data Hub, Building Information Modeling (BIM)
full text: (PDF file, 0.689 MB)
citation:Xie H, Shi W, Issa R R A (2011). Using rfid and real-time virtual reality simulation for optimization in steel construction, ITcon Vol. 16, pg. 291-308, https://www.itcon.org/2011/19