| Author(s): |
William C. Stone; K A. Reed; P Chang; L E. Pfeffer; Adam S. Jacoff; |
| Title: |
NIST Research Toward Construction Site Integration and Automation |
| Published: |
April 01, 1999 |
| Abstract: |
Current uses of computers in construction include design, planning, scheduling, and cost estimating. Much more could be achieved on a fully computer integrated construction site. This paper describes initial work at NIST toward construction site integration and automation, beginning with a simple steel erection procedure using an instrumented crane. CAD-generated geometry sets are transformed into a library of 3D construction site objects. These objects are then loaded into an augmented simulation system that tracks both equipment and resources based on real-time data from the construction site. With some future enhancements, the end results will be a world model of the site in which as-built conditions can be assessed, current construction processes can be viewed as they occur, planned sequences of processes can be tested, and object information can be retrieved on demand. A project can be viewed and managed remotely using this tool. Remotely controlled construction in hazardous environments is a natural extension of this environment. The National Construction Automation Testbed (NCAT) is currently being used in various research projects with the intentions of making such possibilities a reality. A major effort in the NCAT is the development and testing of the metrology, communication, and simulation protocols required. |
| Citation: |
Journal of Aerospace Engineering |
| Volume: |
12 |
| Issue: |
No. 2 |
| Pages: |
pp. 50 - 64 |
| Keywords: |
augmented simulation;construction automation;equipment tracking;information exchange;metrology;remote-controlled construction;resource tracking;virtual reality |
| Research Areas: |
Building and Fire Research |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (940KB) |
