3-D Animation for Planning Crane Operations

This paper illustrates thr benefits of using 3-D animation in planning crane operations for heavy and critical lifts on construction sites.A methodology for crane selection,location,and on site utilization is presented.The methodology is incorporated into a computer system that integrates a selection module,3-D animation module and three databases,dedicated respectively for cranes,rigging equipment and project information.The paper describes the essential features of the developed system and its basic components,including its use,for determining the optimum or near optimum selection of crane lift configurations.The paper focuses primarily on the 3-D animation module and its use in planning core operations.A case example is presented in order to demonstrate the use of the developed 3-D animation module and to illustrate its essential features.The developed methodology can easily be adapted for evaluation of robots and automated machine in the prototyping stage and later for task planning