Web-based Virtual Reality Facility Representation and Simulation in Construction Pre-planning

This paper presents a prototype VR (virtual reality) system that allows participants of a construction project to immerse in a vivid 3-D environment via the Internet and effectively review alternative building models. Using the system, engineers, architects and other participants of a construction project can exchange project information. Construction sequences and schedules can be integrated into the 3-D model, and the model can visually simulate construction processes with respect to different alternatives. The prototype system demonstrates that the web-based virtual reality facility representations and simulation can effectively improve the construction pre-planning process.