scholarly journals Multi-User Virtual Reality for Remote Collaboration in Construction Projects: A Case Study with High-Rise Elevator Machine Room Planning

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 2806
Author(s):  
Phong Truong ◽  
Katja Hölttä-Otto ◽  
Paulina Becerril ◽  
Reetta Turtiainen ◽  
Sanni Siltanen
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Remote Collaboration ◽  
Real Cost ◽  
Business Context ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Cost Benefit Ratio

Virtual Reality (VR) is considered among the major technologies to address the inefficient collaboration issue caused by the predominant use of 2D drawings in the construction industry. However, there is still a knowledge gap between researchers and practitioners about the actual benefits of VR in the business context. This paper presents the benefits of VR usage in four real-life high-rise elevator projects from the user and business perspectives. Four VR environments of actual machine rooms for planning were created and tested in a multi-user setting. Overall, users find VR more intuitive than conventional tools to enhance planning accuracy and collaboration. The results also show that VR brings significant economic savings and gains for business in the industry. Future study should investigate the real cost-benefit ratio of VR and streamline its technical implementation within construction projects. The research contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing real-life economic benefits and directions to address the research gap in both academia and industry to promote the wide adoption of VR.

Technical and Economic Assessment on Various Energy-Saving Reconstruction of Public Buildings

2013 ◽  
Vol 368-370 ◽  
pp. 1289-1295
Author(s):  
Ren Jun ◽  
Peng Wang ◽  
Xiang Yang Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Public Buildings ◽  
Benefit Ratio ◽  
Financial Assessment ◽  
Cost Benefit Ratio

The Paper, based on the theory of technical and economic assessment, puts forward to make financial assessment (on net present value, payback time, risk-benefit ratio, etc.) as the economic control index in accordance with the ideology of entire life cycle during the energy-saving reconstruction of public buildings. Then the Paper makes analysis on cost-benefit ratio of energy-saving reconstruction measures taken on various parts and equipment of outer protective structure, finds out approaches to energy-saving reconstruction with high efficiency, and finally adopts the method of sensitivity analysis on individual energy-saving reconstruction measures to further optimize reconstruction plan, thus improving economic benefits of energy saving.

scholarly journals BIM-Enabled Virtual Reality Technology in Construction Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (08) ◽  
pp. 31-38
Author(s):  
Siddharth Jain ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Smart Environment ◽  
Virtual Reality Technology ◽  
Road Map ◽  
The Impact

Construction 4.0 (a concept of Industry 4.0) is an ongoing transformation that aims at digitalization and automation of traditional construction and industrial practices using modern smart technology. The technological development especially of the construction sector is of utmost importance to meet the requirements of rapid construction projects aiming at quality work, increased productivity, and cost savings. One such technology that has come to the limelight is Virtual Reality (VR), which is a computer-generated smart environment that is artificially created using various types of hardware and software. This smart environment is created to resemble a real-life structure that can be explored, visualized, and interacted with by users using electronic devices for better decisionmaking before actual construction. The purpose of this paper is to design a Virtual Reality model using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and to examine the impact and influence of Virtual Reality Technology in the Indian construction industry with the help of a questionnaire survey. This study provides necessary information for implementing Virtual Reality technology in the construction industry. The results of this study provide a research road map to researchers for their future efforts.

scholarly journals Applying Virtual Reality to Improve the Construction Logistics of High-rise Modular Integrated Construction

2019 ◽  
pp. 76-83
Author(s):  
Enoch H.L. Cheung ◽  
S. Thomas Ng
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Human Errors ◽  
Management Philosophy ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Speed Up

Modular and offsite construction is becoming increasingly popular around the world. In Hong Kong, a modular integration construction (MiC) method is identified as a pragmatic approach to speed up the housing construction program and to solve the productivity and manpower problems of the industry. Using the MiC, virtually all the construction works including the finishing as well as the mechanical and electrical installation are completed offsite. The MiC units are then delivered to and installed on site. While the MiC can shift the risks of construction projects to the factories, this construction method is not without challenges. This is particularly the case for Hong Kong as most of the construction sites in the city are cramped due to the high-density urban environment. The problem is aggravated when every modular unit is unique and they are time consuming to produce. Any damages to the MiC components during the lifting process could seriously affect the entire construction sequence under a just-in-time management philosophy. Therefore, it is imperative to plan and monitor the logistics carefully when the MiC technique is used. To reduce any human errors and increase the efficiency and accuracy of the lifting process, a virtual reality (VR) approach may be adopted to simulate the construction logistics of MiC construction and train the crane operators. In this paper, a VR model is developed to simulate the construction of a high-rise residential building in a confined site. Various functions are built into the VR model to support the decisions pertinent to lifting logistics planning. In this paper, the design considerations and functions of the VR model are identified through a series of interviews. Moreover, the validation interviews help unveil the potentials and pitfalls of the developed VR model.

scholarly journals Developing Novel Technologies and Services for Intelligent Low Voltage Electricity Grids: Cost–Benefit Analysis and Policy Implications

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Alemu Moges Belay ◽  
Sanket Puranik ◽  
Ramon Gallart-Fernández ◽  
Heidi Tuiskula ◽  
Joaquim Melendez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Policy ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
The Eu

The paper presents a set of prototype smart grid technologies and services and validates the economic viability of the proposed solution using cost–benefit analysis (CBA). The study considered the EU-funded project called RESOLVD and implemented the technologies and services in a real-life pilot. the technologies and services on the EU-funded H2020. The paper focuses on the analysis of technological solutions which enhance the operational efficiency and the hosting capacity of low-voltage electricity distribution grids. The solutions provided better integration of a hybrid battery storage system, with the grid interfacing power electronics, smart gateways for the interconnection of assets at the grid edge, and sensors enhancing infrastructure observability and control. The result from the CBA indicates the economic viability of the project, high scalability, and replicability. The economic benefits were realized with the breakeven value of eight secondary substations (SS) and 16 feeders. The scenario test on the DSO’s willingness to pay for the software as a service (SaaS) revealed that the payback period can further be reduced by almost half with a higher internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV). Both the CBA and scenario tests showed RESOLVD solution can become more economically viable when deployed in largescale. Moreover, the CBA results provide evidence to the energy policy by allowing DSOs to consider both CAPEX and OPEX for better investment decisions. Further, the paper proposes an alternative business approach that shifts from grid reinforcement to service provision. The paper also discusses the research implications on energy policy and business.

scholarly journals Improvement of the cost-benefit analysis algorithm for high-rise construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 03073
Author(s):  
Andrey Gafurov ◽  
Oksana Skotarenko ◽  
Vladimir Plotnikov
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Risk Mapping ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
Standard Algorithm ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Project Analysis

The specific nature of high-rise investment projects entailing long-term construction, high risks, etc. implies a need to improve the standard algorithm of cost-benefit analysis. An improved algorithm is described in the article. For development of the improved algorithm of cost-benefit analysis for high-rise construction projects, the following methods were used: weighted average cost of capital, dynamic cost-benefit analysis of investment projects, risk mapping, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis of critical ratios, etc. This comprehensive approach helped to adapt the original algorithm to feasibility objectives in high-rise construction. The authors put together the algorithm of cost-benefit analysis for high-rise construction projects on the basis of risk mapping and sensitivity analysis of critical ratios. The suggested project risk management algorithms greatly expand the standard algorithm of cost-benefit analysis in investment projects, namely: the “Project analysis scenario” flowchart, improving quality and reliability of forecasting reports in investment projects; the main stages of cash flow adjustment based on risk mapping for better cost-benefit project analysis provided the broad range of risks in high-rise construction; analysis of dynamic cost-benefit values considering project sensitivity to crucial variables, improving flexibility in implementation of high-rise projects.

Application of Virtual Reality Technology for Emergency Evacuation in High-Rise Buildings

2012 ◽  
Vol 204-208 ◽  
pp. 4941-4945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Fang Zhang ◽  
Shu Ping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Emergency Evacuation ◽  
Fire Departments ◽  
Virtual Reality System ◽  
Virtual Reality Technology ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Emergency Evacuations ◽  
High Rise

A virtual reality system was developed to simulate emergency evacuations during fires. The spreading of the flame and smoke in the virtual fire was modeled based on numerical fire simulations, so that the conditions are similar to real life. The paper investigates a number of evacuation strategies in high-rise buildings and the set of human factors affecting high-rise evacuations. It also discusses the challenges that building occupants and fire departments face during a fire emergency.

Virtual reality (VR) supported lift planning for modular integrated construction (MiC) of high-rise buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiqian ZHANG ◽  
Wei PAN
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Building Construction ◽  
Construction Simulation ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Tower Crane ◽  
Site Layout ◽  
Building Project

Modular integrated construction of high-rise buildings has shown its potential in accelerating the speed of construction, improving safety, safeguarding quality and enhancing productivity. However, due to the disruptive change to the construction process, challenges are identified to effectively plan and handle multiple lifts for hoisting heavy modules. Research on lift planning includes the development of simulation tools. However, the previous tools provided either static simulations or pre-designed animations that did not address the interactions between planners and the tools. Virtual reality (VR) offers an opportunity to build an interactive and navigable 3D environment. This paper aims to develop a userfriendly VR-supported tool for achieving effective lift planning for constructing high-rise modular buildings. First, the module lifting process and tower crane operations were analysed. Second, a VR demonstration was developed using a real-life modular building project. Third, the demonstration was used during interviews with the project team to verify the effectiveness of the developed tool. Results suggest that the tool can help optimise the site layout and lift logistics through the provided functions of collision detection and construction simulation. The findings suggest that VR-supported lift planning will contribute to ensure site safety and enhance the productivity of modular high-rise building construction.

scholarly journals Estimation of increased regional income that emanates from economically justified road construction projects

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 108-117
Author(s):  
W. J. Pienaar
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Regional Income ◽  
Income Multiplier ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Input Variables

This article identifies the possible development benefits than can emanate from economically justified road construction projects. It shows how the once-off increase in regional income resulting from investment in road construction projects, and the recurring additional regional income resulting from the use of new or improved roads can be estimated. The difference is shown that exists between a cost-benefit analysis (to determine how economically justified a project is) and a regional economic income analysis (to estimate the general economic benefits that will be developed by investment in and usage of a road). Procedures are proposed through which the once-off and recurring increases in regional income can be estimated by using multiplier and accelerator analyses respectively. Finally guidelines are supplied on the appropriate usage of input variables in the calculation of the regional income multiplier.

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