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The main aim of the research project in progress is to develop virtual models as tools to support decision-making in the planning of construction maintenance. The virtual models gives the capacity to allow them to transmit, visually and interactively, information related to the physical behaviour of materials, components of given infrastructures, defined as a function of the time variable. The interactive application allows decisions to be made on conception options in the definition of plans for maintenance, conservation or rehabilitation. The first virtual prototype that is now in progress concerns just lamps. It allows the examination of the physical model, visualizing, for each element modelled in 3D and linked to a database, the corresponding technical information concerned with the wear and tear aspects of the material, calculated for that period of time. In addition, the analysis of solutions for repair work or substitution and inherent cost are predicted, the results being obtained interactively and visualized in the virtual environment itself. The aim is that the virtual model should be able to be applied directly over the 3D models of new constructions, in situations of rehabilitation. The practical usage of these models is directed, then, towards supporting decision-making in the conception phase and the planning of maintenance. In further work other components will be analysed and incorporated into the virtual system.
This paper describes a didactic application that is part of a research project whose main aim is to develop a computer-aided system which will assist design and construction processes. It is based on the visual simulation of construction activities. Geometric modeling and virtual reality techniques are used in the visualization of the design process and to define user-friendly interfaces in order to access construction information, which could prove useful to Civil Engineering professionals. As a first step, was developed a prototype that serves as a didactic tool for Civil Engineering students of disciplines concerned with building construction. The construction of a double brick wall is the case studied. The wall is defined as a three dimensional model formed with the several components needed to edify it. Using the wall's virtual model it is possible to show, in an interactive way, the sequence of the construction process and observe from any point of view the configurations in detail of the building components. This is then a didactic tool application in construction processes domain of great interest to Civil Engineering students.
The construction of a new building interferes with the existent environment. A careful aesthetic study must be made at an early stage in the design and the visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of the structure is the best way to analyse it. As some structures presents a complex shape is difficult to execute a 3D model as well as the specific drawings. Using traditional graphical systems, the execution of deck specific drawings is extremely time consuming and the 3D deck model gives an approximation only of the exterior shape of the deck. The modelling scheme proposed here allows the automation of the geometric design phases related to the deck bridge element using as a means of integration a geometric database representative of the real deck shape. This concept was implemented in a computer program. This application is an important support in the process design namely at the conceptual and graphical stages. The computer application provides an important tool to the bridge designer particularly at the conceptual stage, as it allows aesthetic and structural evaluation of the bridge at an early stage in the design. The geometric modelling process and graphical results of a case study are presented.