Application of Virtual Reality in Task Training in the Construction Manufacturing Industry

Automation in construction manufacturing is becoming increasingly common due to the drive for higher productivity and increased quality. One important consideration in the implementation of automation is the training and maintenance of the equipment. This study proposes an approach to assess the training for assembly/disassembly and maintenance of machines developed for the construction manufacturing industry by using immersive virtual reality (VR). The application of VR allows the collection of data such as the time required to complete the task, the distance travelled, the identification of ergonomic risks (e.g., awkward body posture), and the layout effectiveness, as well as the observation of multiple users performing an identical task under laboratory circumstances. Moreover, VR significantly reduces the costs associated with real mock-ups and the time required for implementation as it allows testing machine designs in a virtual environment that mimics the machine’s real operation setting. To demonstrate the proposed approach, a case study (i.e., VR experiment) is conducted. The primary objective of the case study is to use VR to assess the effectiveness of training using the VR environment for maintenance, and the complexity of the task (i.e., the amount of time needed to understand the task). The VR experiment is performed inside an office room dedicated exclusively for that purpose where participants can move freely, and interactions with the virtual environment are possible through the utilization of a headset and wireless controllers. During the experiment, information is collected both by manual observation and automatic extraction of data from the computer. Based on the analyses of the data collected, the average time to complete the task is determined, and potential areas of design improvement are identified.

[1]  Mustafa Alshawi,et al.  Construction industry offsite production: A virtual reality interactive training environment prototype , 2012, Adv. Eng. Informatics.

[2]  Mohamed Al-Hussein,et al.  A VR Model of Ergonomics and Productivity Assessment in Panelized Construction Production Line , 2012 .

[3]  Charles M. Eastman,et al.  BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors , 2008 .

[4]  Steve Rowlinson,et al.  Integration of virtually real construction model and design-for-safety-process database , 2002 .

[5]  Carl Machover,et al.  Virtual reality , 1994, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[6]  James L. Burati,et al.  QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY , 1991 .

[7]  Alcínia Zita Sampaio,et al.  3D and VR models in Civil Engineering education: Construction, rehabilitation and maintenance , 2010 .

[8]  Jay Yang,et al.  Virtual prototyping for planning bridge construction , 2012 .

[9]  Xiangyu Wang,et al.  Using affective human-machine interface to increase the operation performance in virtual construction crane training system: A novel approach , 2011 .

[10]  Roberto Revetria,et al.  Augmented and virtual reality applications in industrial systems: A qualitative review towards the industry 4.0 era , 2018 .

[11]  Mani Golparvar-Fard,et al.  Enhancing construction hazard recognition with high-fidelity augmented virtuality , 2014 .

[12]  Oh-Seong Kwon,et al.  A framework for proactive construction defect management using BIM, augmented reality and ontology-based data collection template , 2013 .

[13]  Jiejie Zhu,et al.  Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality for Virtual Learning Environments , 2006, Edutainment.

[14]  Thenkurussi Kesavadas,et al.  Virtual prototyping of assembly components using process modeling , 2003 .

[15]  Hung-Lin Chi,et al.  Development of user interface for tele-operated cranes , 2012, Adv. Eng. Informatics.

[16]  Yantao Yu,et al.  An experimental study of real-time identification of construction workers' unsafe behaviors , 2017 .

[17]  A. Schütz,et al.  Comparing immersive virtual reality and powerpoint as methods for delivering safety training: Impacts on risk perception, learning, and decision making , 2019, Safety Science.

[18]  Jian J. Zhang,et al.  A VR-based the emergency rescue training system of railway accident , 2018, Entertain. Comput..

[19]  Martin Skitmore,et al.  Multiuser Virtual Safety Training System for Tower Crane Dismantlement , 2012, J. Comput. Civ. Eng..

[20]  Dong Zhao,et al.  Virtual reality simulation for construction safety promotion , 2015, International journal of injury control and safety promotion.

[21]  Shih-Chung Jessy Kang,et al.  SimCrane 3D+: A crane simulator with kinesthetic and stereoscopic vision , 2013, Adv. Eng. Informatics.

[22]  Andrew N. Baldwin,et al.  A virtual prototyping system for simulating construction processes , 2007 .

[23]  G. G. Stokes.  "J." , 1890, The New Yale Book of Quotations.

[24]  Wen Yi,et al.  A critical review of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) applications in construction safety , 2018 .

[25]  Heng Li,et al.  Using game technologies to improve the safety of construction plant operations. , 2012, Accident; analysis and prevention.