NIST Research Toward Construction Site Integration and Automation.
NIST Research Toward Construction Site Integration and
Automation.
(962 K)
Stone, W. C.; Reed, K. A.; Chang, P.; Pfeffer, L. E.;
Jacoff, A.
Journal of Aerospace Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2,
50-64, April 1999.
Keywords:
construction; construction automation; virtual reality;
augmented simulation; equipment tracking; resource
tracking; information utilization; remote-controlled
construction; metrology
Abstract:
Current uses of computers in construction include
design, planning, scheduling, and cost estimating. Much
more could be achieved on a fully computer-integrated
construction site. This paper describes initial work at
the National Institute of Standards and Technology
toward construction site integration and automation,
beginning with a simple steel-erection procedure using
an instrumented crane. CAD-generated geometry sets are
transformed into a library of 3D construction site
objects. These objects are then loaded into an augmented
simulation system that tracks both equipment and
resources based on real-time data from the construction
site. With some future enhancements, the end result will
be a world model of the site, in which as-built
conditions can be assessed, current construction
processes can be viewed as they occur, planned sequences
of processes can be tested, and object information can
be retrieved on demand. A project can be viewed and
managed remotely using this tool. Remotely controlled
construction in hazardous environments is a natural
extension of this environment. The National
Construction Automation Testbed (NCAT) is currently
being used in various research projects with the
intentions of making sudti possibilities a reality. A
major effort in the NCAT is the development and testing
of the metrology, communication, and simulation
protocols required.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899