Utilization of Virtual Reality Visualizations on Heavy Mobile Crane Planning for Modular Construction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a virtual reality environment for planning and training heavy lift operations with mobile cranes in modular construction, improving safety and efficiency on industrial sites.

Contribution

It presents a novel VR model for heavy lift planning and training, demonstrated on an actual petrochemical plant construction site.

Findings

VR environment improves lift planning accuracy

Enhances safety training for crane operators

Successfully implemented on a real construction site

Abstract

Many kinds of industrial projects involve the use of prefabricated modules built offsite, and installation on-site using mobile cranes. Due to their costly operation and safety concerns, utilization of such heavy lift mobile cranes requires a precise heavy lift planning. Traditional heavy lift path planning methods on congested industrial job sites are ineffective, time-consuming and non-precise in many cases, whereas computer-based simulation models and visualization can be a substantial improving tool. This paper provides a Virtual Reality (VR) environment in which the user can experience lifting process in an immerse virtual environment. Providing such a VR model not only facilitates planning for critical lifts (e.g. modules, heavy vessels), but also it provides a training environment to enhance safe climate prior to the actual lift. The developed VR model is implemented successfully on an actual construction site of a petrochemical plant on a modular basis in which heavy lift mobile cranes are employed.