Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models Alcínia Zita Sampaio Pedro Gameiro Henriques Dep. of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Lisbon, PORTUGAL

Virtual Reality techniques • The virtual reality techniques can be used to develop educational applications: • The developed models visually simulate the construction process of two types of construction work; • Techniques of geometric modelling and virtual reality were used to defined the didactic models; • These models have been used to distinct advantage as educational aids in first-degree courses in Civil Eng. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Didactic models in construction area • The applications developed are concerned with the construction of a cavity wall and a bridge. These models make it possible: • to view the physical evolution of the work; • to follow the planned construction sequence; • to visualize details of the form of every component of the works; • To support the study of the type and method of operation of the equipment necessary in construction; • To prepare students to local visits. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

The cavity wall virtual model • One of the applications developed corresponds to the model of a masonry cavity wall, one of the basic components of a standard construction. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

The wall modelling process • To enable the visual simulation of the construction, the 3D model is composed of a set of elements, each representing one component of the construction. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Showing the construction process • Through direct interaction with the model, it is possible both to monitor the progress of the construction process of the wall … Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Access to construction information • …and to access information relating to each element, namely, its composition and the phase of execution or assembly of the actual work. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Bar of the construction progress • Included, under which virtual scene, is a bar showingthe progress of the construction. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Highlight construction components • It is possible to highlight the component incorporated at each new phase and to examine it in detail. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

The steel reinforcements • In the model, the rods of each steel reinforcement are shown as tubular components with circular cross-section. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Explodingpresentation • During the animation, the student can observe the model using the most suitable presentation (exploding), camera and zoom positions for a correct perception of the details of the elements. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Virtual model of a bridge • The second model created allows the visual simulation of the construction of a bridge using the cantilever method. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

The cantilever method • The construction of the deck starts: • by applying concrete to a first segment on each pillar; • then proceeds with the symmetrical positioning of the segments starting from each pillar; • finally, the end segment. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Modelling the construction scenario • The models of the deck segments were created using a graphical system for bridges. • The pillars, the abutments, the scaffolding and the advanced equipment were modelled using the AutoCAD. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

The virtual construction animation • Definition of the virtual construction sequence: • landscape • first segment on top of pillar • a form traveller is placed on each segment • the deck is defined symmetrically • the end segment is concreted • the deck near the supports is constructed. Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Conclusions The student can interact with the virtual model in such a way that he can: • set in motion the construction sequence demanded by actual construction work; • observe the methodology applied; • analyse in detail every component of the work and the equipment needed to support the construction process; • observe how the different pieces of a construction element mesh with each other and become incorporated into the model. • The technology of virtual reality was used in the elaboration of teaching material of educational interest in the area of construction processes (Civil Engineering). Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models

Visual simulation of Civil Engineering activities: Didactic virtual models