Publications / 2024 Proceedings of the 41st ISARC, Lille, France

Virtual Reality-based Blockchain Application for Optimized Collaborative Decisions of Modular Construction

Mohamed Assaf, Rafik Lemouchi, Mohamed Al-Hussein, Xinming Li
Pages 331-338 (2024 Proceedings of the 41st ISARC, Lille, France, ISBN 978-0-6458322-1-1, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

Game engine technology has been studied extensively lately in offsite construction (OSC) research due to its ability to develop virtual reality (VR) environments that can be used in the decision-making process prior to the actual project implementation. However, accessing these VR scenes typically requires the participant to be in a VR lab or at least possess VR-specialized hardware and software. Also, these models are typically accessed in isolation with no real-time connectivity with other stakeholders, limiting their collaboration efficiency and questioning their applicability in real life. Thus, this study proposes a web-based multi-player framework based on game engines and blockchain technologies to promote collaborative decision-making processes in OSC projects. The developed system allows users to access a cloud simulation-optimization (SO) model to evaluate several decisions based on identified key indicators. The system is validated using an offsite construction (OSC) case study. The results of the system ensure efficient connectivity among the OSC stakeholders and the security of the developed network.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Operation Management, Modular Construction