University of Twente Student Theses
Integrating VR and simulation to deal with complex planning challenges : a case of asphalt compaction
Dalence, A.R.R. (2021) Integrating VR and simulation to deal with complex planning challenges : a case of asphalt compaction.
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| Abstract: | The current decision-making practices in construction projects, such as road construction, are largely based on tacit knowledge, craftsmanship, tradition, and custom. This results in considerable variability in the execution of projects and deviation between as-planned and as-executed practices. New simulation-based planning techniques try to address this issue by offering a more realistic representation of the construction processes through capturing uncertainties and interdependencies between parameters that impact project execution. However, the current simulation-planning techniques are limited because they tend to present spatial and temporal characteristics of projects separately. This segregated approach ignores the interdependencies between spatial and temporal aspects of projects especially with respect to safety and process quality assessment. This is more palpable in the asphalt compaction projects because the quality of the compaction depends on a myriad of temporal (e.g., compaction speed) and spatial (e.g., homogenous compaction of the mat) parameters. Therefore, this research aims to develop a novel framework to capture the factors affecting the compaction process in a holistic manner and translate them into relevant decision variables. This framework achieves this objective by integrating simulation and virtual reality technologies. In this framework, simulation is responsible for capturing the affecting factors and generating temporal decision variables, whereas VR virtualizes them and provides high (3D) spatial assessment and awareness. The proposed framework provides a stepwise guideline into (a) collection of appropriate data for the simulation, (b) development of agents, physics, and environment for the simulation, (c), integration of the simulation output with VR, (d) generation of a VR environment with data-driven agents and physics, and (e) assessment of the equipment behavior and operational quality feedback. A prototype is developed and tested with ASPARi case studies to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework. It is shown that compared to current planning practices, the integrated model can significantly improve various aspects of planning the construction process, especially by improving awareness among decision-makers concerning the development of more standardized compaction patterns. Therefore, this work provides to the body of knowledge a framework for a holistic HMA planning tool able to capture all the temporal and spatial characteristics of a project and translating them into relevant decision variables for planners. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering and Management MSc (60026) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/85820 |
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