A library-based 4D visualisation of construction processes

The lack of tools for activity level visualisation of construction projects presents problems to planners when considering the future implications of their decisions. Current research into the application of computer-graphics to construction planning goes only as far as the component level of a building. Though desirable, this approach does not match the efforts of planners who have to work at the activity level. This work acknowledges the above problem and proposes a new approach. This paper presents a strategic framework for the realistic visualisation of simulations of construction projects at the activity and component levels. This strategy is based on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to support practitioners to plan and visualise their plans in a near-reality sense. It proposes the use of a pre-prepared library of 3D graphical images of building components, facilities etc. and their related activities which constitutes the 'resource pool' on which this strategy thrives.