A prototype object-oriented system for three-dimensional CAD and schedule integration

Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) is a recent movement that may provide answers to the need for technological advancements in construction. One essential technological requirement for achieving the goals of CIC is integrated computer applications that allow the use of design data for construction and provide the downstream data for facility management. The use of 3D CAD systems in the design phase of the project is rapidly increasing. The construction phase applications of 3D CAD design, however, are still limited. The data contained in the 3D CAD design representation and the visualization capabilities of 3D CAD models are underutilized by construction management teams in their performance of construction scheduling functions. The primary objective of this research is to develop a prototype system for integrating 3D CAD building design data and construction schedule information. The JSpace object-oriented environment provided by Jacobus Technology Inc. is used for developing the prototype system. Construction Project Information, such as, 3D CAD building components, work packages, construction method and resources, are defined in the form of reusable object classes. The prototype system (1) creates an integrated project model by automatically relating the objects to each other by sending messages to all objects to find the objects to which they are to be related (2) automatically generates the initial schedule data for a multi-story building from the object-oriented building model using conventional construction methods and (3) provides the construction management teams with an integrated decision support tool by using an animated 3D CAD building model for visualizing schedules, updating progress and querying project information. The prototype system is tested and evaluated on an actual construction project by the information systems and construction management personnel of a large construction company. The automatic schedule generation capability eliminates many tedious manual information processing tasks. The visualization functions provide new ways of displaying schedule and progress information that benefits construction personnel. The integration approach used in this research provides a foundation for integrating other construction management functions with 3D CAD and develops a CIC system that further integrates information distribution and utilization.