Simulating Civil Engineering Projects In Virtual Worlds

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects

in Virtual Worlds

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds

Virtual world tools can aid in the planning phase

SkyTran system set up by Crista Lopes in Second Life

“The virtual version of SkyTran has already been useful in addressing urban-planning issues, such as demonstrating how close the tracks could be to buildings and vegetation without making passengers uncomfortable” Chris Perkins, chief executive of Unimodal


Virtual worlds improve citizen engagement

Birmingham, England is exploring citizen engagement in Second Life through the use of virtual world tools


Virtual worlds allow for alternate visualizations of plan


Future builds?

With its city center built in 3-D, cities could require developers to submit their proposals in 3-D, fit them into place, and collect citizen input through in-world surveys


Future builds?

Zoning regulations can be difficult for citizens to understand – a display of examples can help educate people about proper uses


3-D elements in virtual worlds can be used to create

design aids


3-D libraries can be built as resources for designs


Future builds?

3-D visualizations of diagrams from the MUTCD not only serve as resources for those designing and placing signs, but also offer a resource for drivers


Clicking an info button distributes a note card with more specific code information.

Virtual Worlds can be used to visualize specifications & standards


Future builds?

The bidding process is enhanced with an in-world build of a project.


Operators of facilities can enter virtual worlds to better visualize and monitor operations


Virtual worlds offer an easy way for engineering students to scope out their prospective colleges

Gateway College’s display at college fair

Overview of college fair held in Second Life in 2008


Online training and education can be enhanced through the use of Virtual Worlds

This bridge has been built by the Texas Engineering Extension to demonstrate bridge maintenance issues


Online training and education can be enhanced through the use of Virtual Worlds

Animations in-world, like this brick-laying display, can be used to illustrate the trades and practices on a typical jobsite


Field trips can also be taken in virtual worlds saving on costs and allowing for online participation

Cement plant sim Topographic map display


Virtual worlds can help educate the public about concepts & solutions that are normally difficult to visualize A display showing how

to reroute plumbing to avoid sewer backups

A display showing how to mitigate radon in a home


Future builds?

Like the college fair, an industry trade show allows for networking, 24/7 display of products, increased attendance


In the civil engineering industry, we are still in the exploratory phase of using virtual worlds

However, like any emerging technology, we need to consider how to implement it as a tool & help guide development of the software


Design

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects In Virtual Worlds