CAD-based integrated simulation environment (CAD-ise)

Existing construction simulation systems lack the capability to integrate with CAD systems. Although many studies and investigations have been carried out, full integration between construction simulation and CAD has not yet been achieved. Most previous work focused on transferring data from CAD systems to simulation systems, which is limited to one-direction information flow. This thesis undertakes an investigation of the integration of computer simulation methods with CAD to facilitate better decision-making during construction and addresses the Product Atomic Component (PAC) that is the fundamental element of integration between CAD and simulation. The thesis objective is to conceptualize an environment that allows an engineer to specify how construction of the facility will be carried out using CAD. The environment could then populate relevant information to produce simulation models that will enable a better understanding of the construction process, better estimating of cost, and appropriate planning. A new product-oriented simulation methodology has been developed to achieve this objective. The prototype system CAD-ISE developed based on this methodology demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of this product-oriented simulation methodology.