A framework for construction workspace management: A serious game engine approach

Abstract

Construction workspace is regarded as one of the main constraints on construction sites. Construction workspaces are generally difficult to proactively plan and manage due to the dynamic nature of a site where workspace requirements keep changing as time evolves. However, project managers are looking for ways to develop proactive site plan for the workspaces required for construction activities as this can impact not only on the cost and project duration, but can also contribute to provide a safer site. This research paper presents an approach for integrating workspace management within the planning process using a serious game engine technology. This paper first illustrates a review of the workspace management practices and advanced visualization techniques in the construction industry. Then, it presents a process framework for an interactive decision support system that integrates workspace planning into 5D planning in order to enable safer, efficient and more productive construction sites. The decision support system will identify schedule conflicts, workspace conflicts and the severity of their conflicts, and workspace congestions on a construction site and allow construction planners to resolve spatial conflicts prior to construction. Finally, the paper shows the current progress in the development of an initial prototype and outlines the future work and research. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.