Virtual Reality Training for Occupational Risk Prevention: Application Case in Geotechnical Drilling Works

Abstract

The construction industry is considered one of the most dangerous industries globally. The construction site is a complex environment where diverse teams of people interact with large machinery. In addition, the lack of safety culture on the job site and deficiencies in safety training increase these problems. Within the construction works, geotechnical drilling worksites involve high-powered machinery, and workers are exposed to different risks when using them. Despite these risks, safety training courses on these topics are not specialized. Most of the training courses are generic in occupational hazards, failing to address in detail the work dynamics and risks associated with geotechnical work, where heavy machinery is a fundamental factor. There is a lack of adequate learning content specific to drilling works, meaning the heavy machinery, how to use it and how to prevent accidents due to these drilling tasks are poorly understood. This research investigates the risks associated with geotechnical drilling work and explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) to simulate immersive work environments, focusing on interaction with drilling machinery. A geotechnical drilling machine modelled 3D and integrated into a realistic VR environment. The machinery motions and the different tasks of the work team were modelled. The simulation allows a worker to interact in a working environment, identify risks and prevent accidents, and, moreover, be trained in best practices for machinery usage, according to previous real-world experiences from senior workers.

A Review of Data Mining Strategies by Data Type, with a Focus on Construction Processes and Health and Safety Management

“…In construction process field, 20 out of 61 observations were made regarding the construction of buildings, dams, roads, and tunnels. Within this field, the 60 out of 202 observations covered topics such as construction delays [22], crane, drilling and excavation tasks [14,18,24,39,48,70,74]; geological conditions [54], scaffolding collapse [68]; transport delays [31]; tunnelling [28,36,37,41,43,55,67]; workers and machinery location [34,40]. According to Erzaij et al [22], project suspensions are among the most persistent tasks facing the construction sector, due to the difficulty of the industry and the essential interdependence between the bases of delay risk.…”

Application of Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Mining and Civil Engineering

“…Virtual reality-based training simulators are also being successfully used outside of academia by operators and professionals. In recent years, the construction industry has begun to use the technology to train, among others, operators of heavy construction equipment [28,31] in a real working environment filled with virtual materials and instructions, excavator operators using a remote-controlled cockpit that gives the operator the impression of sitting in a real hydraulic excavator [32], drilling machine operators [36,37], crane and overhead crane operators [33] or timber wall construction installers [34].…”

Revolutionizing Higher Education Teaching Evaluation with Interactive Mobile and Mixed Reality: A Methodological and Applied Analysis

“…The progression of educational technology, especially the emergence of mixed reality (MR) technology, has positioned it as a key driver of innovation within educational fields. The integration of MR technology, augmented with interactive mobile technologies, not only broadens the spectrum of teaching methodologies and content by combining virtual environments with real-life scenarios but also introduces innovative perspectives and tools for educational evaluation [4][5][6]. This amalgamation enhances the precision and interactivity of educational evaluations, marking a novel area of research within the educational technology landscape.…”