Collision detection strategies for virtual construction simulation

Abstract This research aims at developing a simple and efficient collision detection method to support the rendering of a virtual construction scenario in real time. To expedite the collision detection algorithm, we approximated construction machineries and structural elements on a construction site by using spheres and cylinders. By modeling the objects using outer boundaries, the computational cost for collision detection can be significantly reduced. Using the outer boundary also provides the benefit of ensuring a conservative result (i.e. towards the safer side). VC-COLLIDE, the collision detection algorithm developed in this research, has also been presented. VC-COLLIDE has been implemented and tested by using three typical construction scenarios: small building scenarios (683 objects), large building scenarios (2143 objects) and tall building scenarios (2612 objects). The test results indicate that VC-COLLIDE can complete all the collision checks within 1/20th of a second, the upper bound of real-time refresh time in the three testing environments. We also compared VC-COLLIDE with the collision detection function in Open Dynamic Engine (ODE), a widely used physics engine for real-time visualization. Because VC-COLLIDE is designed specifically for using in a virtual construction scenario, its computational performance is significantly better than ODE.