Huang, T; li, H; Guo, H; Chan, N; Kong, S; Chan, G and Skitmore, M (2009) Construction virtual prototyping: A survey of use. Construction Innovation, 9(4), pp. 420-433. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – The introduction of Building Information Model (BIM) tools over the last 20 years is resulting in radical changes in the architectural, engineering and construction industry. One of these changes concerns the use of virtual prototyping – an advanced technology integrating BIM with realistic graphical simulations. Construction virtual prototyping (CVP) has now been developed and implemented on ten real construction projects in Hong Kong in the past three years. The purpose of this paper is to report on a survey aimed at establishing the effects of adopting this new technology and obtaining recommendations for future development. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2007 of 28 key participants involved in four major Hong Kong construction projects – these projects being chosen because the CVP approach is used in more than one stage in each project. In addition, several interviews are conducted with the project manager, planning manager and project engineer of an individual project. Findings – All the respondents and interviewees give a positive response to the CVP approach, with the most useful software functions considered to be those relating to visualisation and communication. The CVP approach is thought to improve the collaboration efficiency of the main contractor and sub-contractors by approximately 30 percent, and with a concomitant 30 to 50 percent reduction in meeting time. The most important benefits of CPV in the construction planning stage are the improved accuracy of process planning and shorter planning times, while improved fieldwork instruction and reducing rework occur in the construction implementation stage. Although project teams are hesitant to attribute the use of CVP directly to any specific time savings, it is also acknowledged that the workload of project planners is decreased. Suggestions for further development of the approach include incorporation of automatic scheduling and advanced assembly study. Originality/value – Whilst the research, development and implementation of CVP is relatively new in the construction industry, it is clear from the applications and feedback to date that the approach provides considerable added value to the organisation and management of construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication; construction operations; project planning; prototypes; simulation |
| Index terms: | new technology, project manager, added value, project engineer, main contractor, Hong Kong, efficiency, construction operation, time saving, planner, project team, construction planning, planning manager, construction industry, implementation, scheduling, interview, workload, accuracy, survey, rework, prototype, questionnaire, sub-contractor, collaboration, construction project, methodology, project planning, virtual prototyping, visualization |
| Subjects: | production management, Geography, professional development, management, design practice, research methods, performance management, industry analysis, time analysis, control systems, practitioner, data collection methods, profession, innovation and technology management, construction operations, contractual arrangements, project delivery, economic analysis, construction planning, operations management, modelling and simulation, operations research |
| Topics: | Procurement, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Time Control, Human Resources, Quality Management, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here