ESM 4714: Scientific Visual Data Analysis and Multimedia

Spring 1999

Principle Investigator: Phuwanai (Best) Wanamakok, best@vt.edu, (540) 951-2747

Project Advisor: Dr. Ronald D. Kriz, rkriz@vt.edu

                                     Kevin M. Curry, kcurry@vt.edu

                                     Kent O. Swartz, kswartz@vt.edu

Title:

Use of a Visualization Tool, CAVE^TM and Related Technology in Architecture-Engineering-Construction Industry

Background:

Computer-based visualization is becoming very important to AEC industry as it is to academic and scientific research as a mean for gaining insight and communicating ideas. It provides a number of opportunities for architects, engineers, and contractors to enhance the learning and understanding designs and processes. One of the most important opportunities of computer visualization is the capability it offers architects and engineers to interact with their designs or simulations. The benefits of visualization also include the ability to focus on specific problem components and details, to show the dynamics of construction operations, and to increase intuition and understanding of construction problems and processes. It is expected that visualization tools and techniques will become increasingly important in AEC industry, especially as computers continue to become cheaper, faster, and better, as standardized software development tools become commonplace, and as we take advantage of the technology.

In the spring of 1998, Dr. Julio C. Martinez of Construction Engineering and Management initiated a project about visualization in construction. I was very fortunate to work with him as an undergraduate researcher. We tried to construct computer models of construction projects in a personal computer, and allow users to walk through and interact with various components. Therefore, by taking ESM 4714 course, I would like to continue my interest in visualization in AEC industry by using cutting-edge technology available at Virginia Tech. I hope that with helps from Dr. Kriz and Dr. Martinez, plus my strong enthusiasm in this topic, I will come up with some guidelines for use of the CAVE^TM and related technology in AEC industry.

 Objectives:

The main objectives of the class project will be:

1. Extend the AutoCAD-CAVE Design Guidelines by Heath Beres and Jeff Mattingly (class project 1997) by exploring the conversion of AutoCAD textures into the CAVE^TM.
2. Establish guidelines and show examples for use of the CAVE^TM and related technology in design and construction of construction projects.
3. Investigate the use of LIMBO and CAVE Collaborative Console in the CAVE^TM for collaborative design and construction in AEC industry.

Tools:

I will concentrate mainly on the AutoCAD, CAVE^TM, I-DESK^TM, and CAVE Simulator^TM. The multimedia presentation/web will be developed using Macromedia Director and Microsoft FrontPage.

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Last updated: 05/09/99
Phuwanai Wanamakok: [best@vt.edu]   
CE&M/CEE Virginia Tech