Constructing a Unique and Complex Tilt-Up-Panel Structure Utilizing 3D CAD and Animation

This paper presents the concept used to construct a complex residential Tilt-Up-Panel structure utilizing 3D-Modeling and animations. The residence is comprised of 108 panels of varying rectangular shapes with "dog legs" and window and door "cutouts" that look like an assembled jigsaw puzzle. The erection and installation procedure calls for a maximum panel-to-panel joint tolerance of 1.27-cm (1/2-in), often in ninety-degree joints of one panel to another. Due to the inherent complexities of the program, the owner, the design and construction team decided to utilize 3D-modeling and animations to experiment with the construction process on the screen before construction in order to avoid potential costly on-site error. In addition, the 3D-Animation is also expected to be used as a training tool to contractors. This paper focuses on describing the methodology used to integrate a crane selection algorithm, a 3D-modeleing and animation for the selection and utilization of the crane on the construction sites. A crawler crane (Manitowoc-888 with maximum capacity of 230-ton) equipped with a 45.72-m (150-ft) boom length to lift all 108-panels was selected;. Analytical optimization processes were used to decrease the traveling time of the crawler crane, to improve the crane lifting sequence, and to minimize the cost of the panel casting plates. The crane selection process followed the algorithm developed by [1] and [2]; AutoCAD was used as a medium to develop the 3D-Solid objects of the crane, the panels and the site; MS- Solver was used for the optimization of the casting plate size, location of the cast panels and to minimize the crane relocations; and 3D-Studio MAX was used for the animations. The methodology is best described using the case study which is also presented in this paper.