Automating the Integration of 4D Models in Game Engines for a Virtual Reality-Based Construction Simulation

Abstract

This article is part of the first steps of a more global work in progress. It aims at automating the integration of 4D simulations in virtual reality environments, to easily generate 4D simulation alternatives in such environments. The final goal is to support collaborative constructability analysis sessions based on intuitive simulations of the construction process using BIM models. The results show that while it is possible to create 4D models in a game engine directly from a BIM model and an existing schedule, several improvements still need to be made in order to achieve the desired situation. Similar to most workflows presented in the literature, the one used in this work is not free of limitations. The evaluation of the application shows that most of the problems encountered come from the imperfect transfer of the model from the BIM software to the game engine.