Development and validation of natural user interfaces for semantic enrichment of BIM models using open formats

Purpose: Despite the technological paradigm shift presented to the architecture, engineering, construction and operations sector (AECO), the full-fledged acceptance of the building information modelling (BIM) methodology has been slower than initially anticipated. Indeed, this study aims to acknowledge the need for increasing supportive technologies enabling the use of BIM, attending to available human resources, their requirements and their tasks. Design/methodology/approach: A complete case study is described, including the development process centred on design science research methodology followed by the usability assessment procedure validated by construction projects facility management operational staff. Findings: Results show that participants could interact with BIM using openBIM processes and file formats naturally, as most participants reached an efficiency level close to that expected for users already familiar with the interface (i.e. high-efficiency values). These results are consistent with the reported perceived satisfaction and analysis of participants’ discourses through 62 semi-structured interviews. Originality/value: The contributions of the present study are twofold: a proposal for a virtual reality openBIM framework is presented, particularly for the semantic enrichment of BIM models, and a methodology for evaluating the usability of this type of system in the AECO sector.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of Virtual Reality Game-Based interfaces for Civil Engineering Education

Virtual Reality (VR) is gradually becoming a part of the life of the average person as hardware prices become more affordable for the end user. A growing variety of hardware allows users to engage in a series of immersive experiences for ludic, educational or even professional activities. In this regard, the diversity of affordable solutions could provide an alternative to highly immersive, but expensive environments such as, CAVE experiences [1]. The development of VR technologies is starting to spread its influence to the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations) sector through the creation of new work methodologies and techniques, as well as original interfaces for communication. Creating new tools for the discussion of topics and providing collaborative work among participants with different backgrounds provides opportunities not only for the industry, but also for applications in education. The development of VR applications and its outcomes, regarding the acceptance (or lack of it) from the students will be the focus of this paper. The description of three case studies will be fully detailed, providing data analysis from each one of the tests conducted

Virtual and Augmented Reality game-based applications to Civil Engineering Education

Gaming scenarios and virtual environments have shown beneficial results in Engineering Education. Various activities conducted in different fields demonstrate that students reveal appraisal for the integration of innovative technologies such as Virtual or Augmented Reality in the learning process. In this paper, Virtual Reality (VR) applications developed by first year students during an introductory class of the Integrated Masters in Civil Engineering are described. Additionally, two trials concerning the application of VR and Augmented Reality (AR) to Civil Engineering held at a local school (K-12 students) are also detailed. After the tests, students were surveyed and data was collected. Results and considerations are revealed in the final sections of this paper

Disseminating Civil Engineering through Virtual Reality: An Immersive Interface

The application of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) interfaces has shown favourable results for Engineering Education. In fact, VR interfaces provide new practises for improvising transferability of knowledge and communication amongst users, thus disclosing new tools for decision making, planning, project review and multidisciplinary cooperation.The present work comprises a description of an immersive VR interface developed under the scope of Civil Engineering and an ongoing educational programme, Educational Lab - Big Machine. The project intends primarily, to disseminate Civil Engineering amongst pre-university students, simultaneously providing new tools for enhancing students’ motivation and decreasing early school leaving.The VR interface is available online and can be tested anywhere as long as the minimum requirements are met