Project Modelling in Construction

A review of the development of object oriented modelling and of the competitive advantages and pitfalls. This work reports on the computer visualisation for use in project design and planning, and examines the process of using a computer to manage the interaction between professional consultants and the project.

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'The authors of this study identify clearly the key issues surrounding project modelling in construction and demonstrate by means of case studies the progress achieved.' - Lord Rogers of Riverside, Chairman, Richard Rogers Partnership. The construction industry is constantly being expected to deliver better value to its clients, while at the same time improving the quality of the built environment. In 1994, in "Constructing the Team", Sir Michael Latham emphasised the need for innovation to achieve these goals through better and more effective design and construction. New technology, in the form of virtual reality, advanced object orientated technology and the Internet, now allows the industry to involve their clients in the design and construction of projects.Whereas conventional design and construction methods are often unable to provide the precision required for development of realistic and cost effective 3D 'electronic prototypes'. It gives clients along with their designers and project planners, the ability to visualise the project down to the smallest details and access buildability issues and try out sequences of work for site operations before construction commences.
The results are improved efficiency and economy in the construction process. "Project Modelling in Construction" is a review by leading academics and professionals from the construction industry of the current state of development of object oriented modelling and of the competitive advantages and pitfalls it will bring in the future.It reports on the state of the art of computer visualisation for use in project design and planning, and examines the process of using a computer to manage the interaction between professional consultants and the project. The thinking, technology and process reengineering behind project modelling are described and illustrated, and the numerous case studies show that the capabilities of this technique are tried and tested. Object, orientated modelling provides a major step forward for the industry. This publication is a valuable source to civil and structural engineers, architects, designers and project managers, and to the clients of the construction industry - who are seeking process and supporting IT improvements that will allow clients to achieve better value for money on construction projects.