As the technological, procedural, and organizational complexity of projects grows, the planning and communication of projects become more challenging. Additionally, with the rising popularity and shifting attention from cost/time-based to value-driven project management, conventional heuristic planning methods are rendered inefficient. The transition from uni-/bi-dimensional assessment to multi-dimensional (e.g., sustainability, health, and safety, resilience, etc.) project assessment calls for more advanced methods of project planning.
CME is aware of this need and is actively pursuing this line of research by looking at how simulation (e.g., discrete-event, system dynamics, and agent-based) and visualization (virtual, augmented, and simulated reality) techniques can contribute to this shifting paradigm. We follow user-centered approaches to develop tailor-made simulation models that can capture complex project dynamics at both strategic (i.e., managerial) and tactical (i.e., operational) levels. We are especially committed to not limiting ourselves to the development of only theoretical models and always try to use simulation models as an anchor point for the development of decision-support tools that can assist practitioners. We also use VR technologies not only for improved communication and visualization in the industry but also as an indivisible part of the next generation of professional training and education in the construction industry. Our niche and signature research in this domain is to integrate VR technologies with real-time data collection tools (e.g., sensors and sensor modalities) to build digital replica/twin of actual construction processes. These context-realistic VR scenes are used not only for project monitoring but also for ultra-realistic training medium that allows trainees to experience construction sites in a safe and controlled environment.
Figure 1: The schematic representation of our research approach
Figure 2: Data-driven contextualized training simulator
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