HyCon : virtual prototyping in hybrid concrete construction frame design

Zhang, X; Goulding, JS; Sexton, MG; Aouad, GF; Kagioglou, M

Abstract

Hybrid concrete construction is a technologically advanced approach to frame construction. It utilizes an optimal mix of structural materials;eg, in situ concrete with precast concrete and steelwork. The process of selecting an hybrid-optimized solution, however, often requires several factors to be considered, eg, “hard”criteria such as time and cost, and “soft” criteria such as safety and aesthetics (to be considered simultaneously) – the complexities of which can often be a core barrier to implementation. This paper introduces the concept of hybrid concrete construction and presents a virtual prototyping tool to assist the decision-making process. This model is able to import computer aided design information into a central database – the details of which are then layered with additional information; eg, hard and soft performance criteria and so on. Solutions can be interrogated and demonstrated through an interactive virtual environment, in which multi-option scenarios can be evaluated against specific user-defined criteria. Findings have identified several core benefits, including the ability to: justify decisions corroborated with detailed data; evaluate options against each other; interrogate objects at a much greater detail than before; and see the effects of changes in a “real-time” environment.

Citation

Zhang, X., Goulding, J., Sexton, M., Aouad, G., & Kagioglou, M. (2006). HyCon : virtual prototyping in hybrid concrete construction frame design. Construction innovation (London. Online), 6(1), 47-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/14714170610710604

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: Sep 21, 2007
• Journal: Construction Innovation
• Print ISSN: 1471-4175
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 47-60
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14714170610710604
• Keywords: Hybrid concrete construction, Performance measurement, Prototyping, Simulation, Virtual reality
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14714170610710604