A Framework for Developing an As-built Virtual Environment to Advance Training of Crane Operators

Although hands-on practices are considered as the most effective training method for crane operators, they are always expensive and dangerous to be performed in the real world. As an alternative, virtual reality and simulator technology provide a close-to-reality experience in lifting operation while minimizing costs and hazards. However, the virtual environment in current training systems are static and designed ahead of time rather than representing an as-built construction site with its dynamic construction resource (workers, equipment, materials). Such drawback greatly limits the effectiveness of virtual training systems. To advance virtual training for crane operators, this research presents a framework towards constructing as-built virtual training environments by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and real-time location tracking technology in a virtual environment. Implementing the proposed framework, a virtual training system for lifting tasks at an actual construction site was developed. The results of a pilot test show that such approach can effectively construct as-built work scenarios and potentially assess and improve operator proficiency in a virtual training environment.