Integrated Visualization and Simulation for LiftingOperations of Modules under Congested Environment

Modular-based heavy construction projects are recognized as faster, safer, and more efficient than traditional those completed through on-site construction methods. The successful completion of these projects relies on an efficient material handling system, especially when mobile cranes are utilized to satisfy heavy lift requirements. However, engineers are faced with the challenge of planning the lifting operations of heavy modules within congested areas. Currently, mobile crane analysis is implemented manually, but requires timeconsuming data input resulting in an increase of errors and a lack of proper crane productivity performance analysis; this complicates the planning process. To overcome these limitations, the research presented in this paper proposes to integrate visualization and simulation, in an approach known as post-3D visualization simulation, in order to plan collision-free crane lifts by eliminating potential errors in 3D visualization and to predict crane productivity performance in simulations. This proposed system will contribute to the successful completion of construction projects with high productivity and site-error reduction by selecting the best crane operation that includes various crane lifts. An actual industrial project which has a number of constraints, including space limitations, different types of site layouts, and various crane lifts, is used to validate the proposed framework.