Abstract
Hybrid concrete construction is a technologically advanced approach to frame construction. It utilizes an optimal mix of structural materials;eg, in situ concrete with precast concrete and steelwork. The process of selecting an hybridoptimized solution, however, often requires several factors to be considered, eg, “hard”criteria such as time and cost, and “soft” criteria such as safety and aesthetics (to be considered simultaneously) - the complexities of which can often be a core barrier to implementation. This paper introduces the concept of hybrid concrete construction and presents a virtual prototyping tool to assist the decisionmaking process. This model is able to import computer aided design information into a central database - the details of which are then layered with additional information; eg, hard and soft performance criteria and so on. Solutions can be interrogated and demonstrated through an interactive virtual environment, in which multioption scenarios can be evaluated against specific userdefined criteria. Findings have identified several core benefits, including the ability to: justify decisions corroborated with detailed data; evaluate options against each other; interrogate objects at a much greater detail than before; and see the effects of changes in a “realtime” environment.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 47-60 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Construction Innovation |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Keywords
- cement composites
- composite materials
- decision making
- design
- virtual reality