Virtual Interactive Construction Education (VICE) using BIM Tools

Training and process analysis in the construction industry has not taken full advantage of new technologies such as building information modeling(BIM). The purpose of this research is to develop a framework for the virtual interactive construction education system using three dimensional technologies. The modules will simulate the construction process for a facility from start to finish using information drawn from real projects in the built environment. These modules can be used as training tools for new employees where they attempt to optimize time and cost in a virtual environment given a limited number of equipment, time and employee options. They can also be used as a process analysis tool for new construction where a number of situational variables can change leading to exposure of potential risk. These modules would be particularly useful for repetitive construction where the initial project is analyzed for optimization and risk mitigation. This paper describes the framework and shows a residential construction example using a 900 square foot wood frame single family house designed for the United States.