Visualizing simulated construction operations in 3D

Simulation modeling and visualization can substantially help in designing complex construction operations and in making optimal decisions where traditional methods prove ineffective or are unfeasible. However, there has been limited use of simulation in planning construction operations due to the unavailability of appropriate support tools that can provide users with a more realistic and comprehensible feedback from simulation analyses. Visualizing simulated construction operations in 3D can significantly help in establishing the credibility of simulation models. 3D visualization can also provide valuable insight into the subtleties of construction operations that are otherwise nonquantifiable and presentable. This paper describes the methodology and a first version of a general-purpose 3D visualization system that is simulation and CAD software independent. This system, the Dynamic Construction Visualizer, enables spatially and chronologically accurate 3D visualization of modeled construction operations and the resulting products.