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A method for discrete event simulation and building information modelling integration using a game engine

Sandoval, Carlos A Osorio; Tizani, Walid; Koch, Christian

Authors

Carlos A Osorio Sandoval

Christian Koch



Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) are tools widely used in the context of the construction industry. While BIM is used to represent the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, DES models are used to represent its construction process. Integrating both is beneficial to those interested in the field of construction management since it has many potential applications. Game engines provide a human navigable 3D virtual environment in which the integrated BIM and DES models can be visualised and interacted with. This paper reports the experience obtained while developing a simulator prototype which integrates a BIM and a DES model of a single construction activity within a commercial game engine. The simulator prototype allows the user to visualise how the duration of the construction activity is affected by different input parameters interactively. It provides an environment to conduct DES studies using the user's own BIM models. This approach could increase the use of DES technologies in the context of construction management and engineering outside the research community. The presented work is the first step towards the development of a serious game for construction management education and was carried out to determine the suitable IT tools for its development.

Citation

Sandoval, C. A. O., Tizani, W., & Koch, C. (2018). A method for discrete event simulation and building information modelling integration using a game engine. Advances in Computational Design, 3(4), 405-418. https://doi.org/10.12989/acd.2018.3.4.405

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 27, 2018
Online Publication Date Oct 25, 2018
Publication Date Oct 25, 2018
Deposit Date Jan 11, 2019
Journal Advances in Computational Design
Print ISSN 2383-8477
Electronic ISSN 2466-0523
Publisher Techno-Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 3
Issue 4
Pages 405-418
DOI https://doi.org/10.12989/acd.2018.3.4.405
Keywords building information modelling; discrete event simulation; game engine; serious game; construction management
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1461549
Publisher URL http://koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO201832853257550.page