Thesis ProposalThesis Proposal

Virtual Reality in Construction Cost Virtual Reality in Construction Cost EstimatingEstimating

By: Mandy FrazureBy: Mandy Frazure

Date: 5/12/04Date: 5/12/04

AgendaAgenda

• IntroductionIntroduction• What is the problem?What is the problem?• What is the objective?What is the objective?• What is going to be accomplished?What is going to be accomplished?• What is the method?What is the method?• How will this project be approached?How will this project be approached?• What are the expected results?What are the expected results?• Why is this important?Why is this important?• ActivitiesActivities• DatesDates• What resources will be required?What resources will be required?• By implementing this project, what will be accomplished?By implementing this project, what will be accomplished?• What would be the impact of the accomplishments?What would be the impact of the accomplishments?• What are the possible extensions?What are the possible extensions?• SummarySummary

IntroductionIntroduction

In the construction industry, cost estimating is a In the construction industry, cost estimating is a time-consuming, costly and essential phase of time-consuming, costly and essential phase of any building project. Cost estimates rely on the any building project. Cost estimates rely on the decisions made throughout the project by clients, decisions made throughout the project by clients, designers and constructors. Decisions made by designers and constructors. Decisions made by the clients, designers and constructors early in the clients, designers and constructors early in the project have the the project have the greatest impactgreatest impact on the on the final construction cost. final construction cost.

What is the problem?What is the problem?

• clients lack technical expertise to fully clients lack technical expertise to fully understand/visualize the construction documentsunderstand/visualize the construction documents

• clients lack the technical knowledge to assess the clients lack the technical knowledge to assess the cost impact of their decisionscost impact of their decisions

What is the What is the objective? objective?

• To research existing To research existing software on the market software on the market and to develop/alter a and to develop/alter a three dimensional three dimensional software program that software program that will aid in the will aid in the estimating and estimating and visualization processes visualization processes of the construction of the construction industryindustry

• The development of a virtual The development of a virtual reality tool that contains a cost reality tool that contains a cost information databaseinformation database

• This environment will address This environment will address using only Division 9 (Finishes) using only Division 9 (Finishes) in the CSI format in the CSI format

• The goal is to aid in saving time The goal is to aid in saving time and money in the detailed and money in the detailed processes of putting together a processes of putting together a construction project, in terms construction project, in terms of conceptual design phase up of conceptual design phase up

through the finished product.through the finished product.

What is going to be accomplished?What is going to be accomplished?

What is the method?What is the method?

• Implement existing methods of cost-estimating Implement existing methods of cost-estimating into the virtual development tool by adding a cost into the virtual development tool by adding a cost database, and a set of calculations to determine database, and a set of calculations to determine the cost impact of the changes to be made by the the cost impact of the changes to be made by the clients clients

How will this project be approached?How will this project be approached?

• Identify and acquire virtual reality software and Identify and acquire virtual reality software and cost data infocost data info

• Become familiar with proposed softwareBecome familiar with proposed software• Make decisions according to the research effortsMake decisions according to the research efforts• Create test codes and virtual environmentCreate test codes and virtual environment• Implement the codes into the virtual environment Implement the codes into the virtual environment

What are the expected results?What are the expected results?

• It is anticipated that the real-time cost update It is anticipated that the real-time cost update and the visual component of the modified virtual and the visual component of the modified virtual reality development tool will allow the clients to reality development tool will allow the clients to better understand the impact of the changes and better understand the impact of the changes and therefore save money by making decisions early therefore save money by making decisions early in the project.in the project.

• According to a study done According to a study done at Stanford University, “For at Stanford University, “For the most part, the clients the most part, the clients are unaware of the overall are unaware of the overall scale of the project in the 2-scale of the project in the 2-D documents placed in front D documents placed in front of them and fail to see the of them and fail to see the magnitude in the loss of magnitude in the loss of profit margins involved with profit margins involved with the possible reworking of a the possible reworking of a project.” project.”

-Kam, 2003-Kam, 2003

Why is this important?Why is this important?

• According to another study done at Purdue According to another study done at Purdue University, “Visualizing the final product in University, “Visualizing the final product in construction processes is also difficult task in itself; construction processes is also difficult task in itself; therefore, the logic for industry professionals to therefore, the logic for industry professionals to identify ways to combine tasks, save time, and save identify ways to combine tasks, save time, and save money is evident.” money is evident.”

-Bozell & Cory, 2001-Bozell & Cory, 2001

• According to the study done at Stanford University, According to the study done at Stanford University, there is a need to “develop visualization tools that there is a need to “develop visualization tools that support decision-making across different support decision-making across different architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) domains.” domains.”

-Kam, 2003-Kam, 2003

ActivitiesActivities

Activity 1: Identify Virtual SoftwareActivity 1: Identify Virtual Software• Identify software by internet research and/or contacting Identify software by internet research and/or contacting

persons in AEC industry to inquire about current software persons in AEC industry to inquire about current software and make decisions based on current programs, and make decisions based on current programs, availability, price, and compatibility. availability, price, and compatibility.

Activity 2: Identify Cost Database Activity 2: Identify Cost Database • Choose a cost database according to the most efficient and Choose a cost database according to the most efficient and

up to date information by researching existing construction up to date information by researching existing construction cost estimate databases (to extract the cost information cost estimate databases (to extract the cost information needed from these databases and implement into Activities needed from these databases and implement into Activities 3-10) 3-10)

Activity 3: Acquire VR Software and CostActivity 3: Acquire VR Software and Cost DatabaseDatabase• Acquire necessary software and data base information Acquire necessary software and data base information

proposed in Activities 1 and 2 in order to begin testing proposed in Activities 1 and 2 in order to begin testing

Activity 4: Filter Cost Data for Division 9Activity 4: Filter Cost Data for Division 9 • Acquire the cost data information, using only Division 9 Acquire the cost data information, using only Division 9

(Finishes) (Finishes)

Activity 5: Get familiar with VR Software and Cost Data Activity 5: Get familiar with VR Software and Cost Data SoftwareSoftware

• Get familiar with the software proposed to create project by Get familiar with the software proposed to create project by researching linkage methods and processes to implement researching linkage methods and processes to implement into the project into the project

Activity 6: Create a Pseudo Code to link VR to Cost Activity 6: Create a Pseudo Code to link VR to Cost DatabaseDatabase

• Create a pseudo code to test and link VR environment Create a pseudo code to test and link VR environment components to cost database. In this phase, the limitations, components to cost database. In this phase, the limitations, commands, and necessary coding will be decided upon commands, and necessary coding will be decided upon

Activity 7: Identify and Acquire Architectural Plans for Activity 7: Identify and Acquire Architectural Plans for VR ProjectVR Project

• Identify and acquire a set of house plans with the following Identify and acquire a set of house plans with the following characteristics: Approximately 2500 sq. ft. 3 bedroom characteristics: Approximately 2500 sq. ft. 3 bedroom house, 2 bath, kitchen, living room, dining room, and house, 2 bath, kitchen, living room, dining room, and laundry room. It is the researcher’s intention to use these laundry room. It is the researcher’s intention to use these plans to build a VR project (3D model) and to use the cost plans to build a VR project (3D model) and to use the cost database information in Activity 4 to calculate the cost of database information in Activity 4 to calculate the cost of each room after the information has been linked together each room after the information has been linked together with the VR project (Activity 9) with the VR project (Activity 9)

Activity 8: Create VR ProjectActivity 8: Create VR Project • Create a virtual reality project from a set of architectural Create a virtual reality project from a set of architectural

floor plans to use in the linking of the pseudo code with the floor plans to use in the linking of the pseudo code with the VR project and cost database VR project and cost database

Activity 9: Link VR and Cost Database with Pseudo Activity 9: Link VR and Cost Database with Pseudo CodeCode

• Link together the VR components and the cost data Link together the VR components and the cost data information with the pseudo code created in Activity 6 and information with the pseudo code created in Activity 6 and make any necessary revisions make any necessary revisions

Activity 10: Create Code and Implement: Phase I Activity 10: Create Code and Implement: Phase I • Create code used for final project based upon all activities, Create code used for final project based upon all activities,

and revisions up to this point and implement and revisions up to this point and implement

Activity 11: Create Code and Implement: Phase 2 Activity 11: Create Code and Implement: Phase 2 • Complete necessary revisions Complete necessary revisions

Activity 12: Prepare Paper Following Conference Activity 12: Prepare Paper Following Conference ProceedingsProceedings

• Create a paper following conference proceedings between Create a paper following conference proceedings between 8-12 pages 8-12 pages

Activity 13: Prepare ThesisActivity 13: Prepare Thesis • Prepare Thesis for public viewingPrepare Thesis for public viewing

Activity Activity StartStart EndEnd1. Identify virtual 1. Identify virtual reality software reality software

June 2June 2 June 16June 16

2. Identify cost 2. Identify cost database database

June 16June 16 June 23June 23

3. Acquire VR 3. Acquire VR software and cost software and cost databases databases

June 23June 23 July 7July 7

4. Filter cost data for 4. Filter cost data for Division 9Division 9

July 7July 7 July 14July 14

5. Get familiar with 5. Get familiar with VR software and cost VR software and cost data software data software

July 14July 14 July 28July 28

6. Create a pseudo 6. Create a pseudo code to link VR to code to link VR to cost database cost database

July 28July 28 August 18August 18

7. Identify and 7. Identify and acquire architectural acquire architectural plans for VR project plans for VR project

August 18August 18 August 25August 25

Activity Activity StartStart EndEnd8. Create VR project 8. Create VR project August 25August 25 September 1September 1

9. Link VR and cost 9. Link VR and cost database with pseudo database with pseudo codecode

September 1September 1 September 22September 22

10. Create code and 10. Create code and implement: Phase 1implement: Phase 1

September 22September 22 October 13October 13

11. Create code and 11. Create code and implement implement (Revisions): Phase 2 (Revisions): Phase 2

October 13October 13 November 3November 3

12. Prepare paper 12. Prepare paper following conference following conference proceedingsproceedings

November 3November 3 November 17November 17

13. Final preparation 13. Final preparation for thesisfor thesis

July 1July 1 September 8September 8

What resources will be required?What resources will be required?

Computer: (Hardware: 1.79 GHz, 256 MB of RAM; Software: Computer: (Hardware: 1.79 GHz, 256 MB of RAM; Software: Microsoft Windows XP, Excel, 3D software, etc.)Microsoft Windows XP, Excel, 3D software, etc.)

Internet AccessInternet Access References/Books (References: References/Books (References: Emerging Technology in Emerging Technology in

Construction Estimating; 3D Modeling for the Architectural Construction Estimating; 3D Modeling for the Architectural Engineering and Construction Industry; Applied Virtual Engineering and Construction Industry; Applied Virtual Reality in Construction Engineering-with Focus on Large and Reality in Construction Engineering-with Focus on Large and Complex Buildings; Developing IRoom Visualization Complex Buildings; Developing IRoom Visualization Technologies to Balance Cross-Disciplinary Decision Factors; Technologies to Balance Cross-Disciplinary Decision Factors; BooksBooks: : Means Estimating Handbook, Second EditionMeans Estimating Handbook, Second Edition

DeskDesk ChairChair Set of architectural house plans with the following Set of architectural house plans with the following

characteristics: approximately 2,500 square foot, 3 bedroom characteristics: approximately 2,500 square foot, 3 bedroom house, 2 bath, kitchen, living room, dining room, and laundry house, 2 bath, kitchen, living room, dining room, and laundry

room.room.

By implementing this project, what will be By implementing this project, what will be accomplished? accomplished?

• Provide an easier way for clients, designers, and constructors to Provide an easier way for clients, designers, and constructors to be able to work together to make decisions addressing cost be able to work together to make decisions addressing cost issues earlier in the projectissues earlier in the project

• Save the construction industry money by aiding the clients in Save the construction industry money by aiding the clients in visualization processes and reveal potential cost problems of the visualization processes and reveal potential cost problems of the projectproject

• Save time by supplying the users with estimating costs and Save time by supplying the users with estimating costs and updates in a real time virtual environment instead of examining, updates in a real time virtual environment instead of examining, collecting, and verifying data from a set of 2-D working drawings collecting, and verifying data from a set of 2-D working drawings (the most commonly used methods of construction estimating (the most commonly used methods of construction estimating in the past)in the past)

• OVERALL GOAL:OVERALL GOAL: Provide the clients, designers, and Provide the clients, designers, and constructors a way to visualize the final product in construction constructors a way to visualize the final product in construction processes and in doing so, combine tasks, save time, and save processes and in doing so, combine tasks, save time, and save money money

What would be the impact of the What would be the impact of the accomplishments?accomplishments?

Provide a way for the project leaders and clients to work Provide a way for the project leaders and clients to work together more efficiently, while the clients will have a together more efficiently, while the clients will have a better understanding of the project and the potential cost better understanding of the project and the potential cost problems involved with reworking a projectproblems involved with reworking a project

Affect the profit margins in the construction industry by Affect the profit margins in the construction industry by saving the industry money and reducing reworksaving the industry money and reducing rework

Combine every day tasks that will result in better time Combine every day tasks that will result in better time managementmanagement

Potential for providing fundamentals in learning for Potential for providing fundamentals in learning for beginners in the AEC field beginners in the AEC field

Provide a way for clients, designers, and constructors to Provide a way for clients, designers, and constructors to work in a partnership environment and link information work in a partnership environment and link information togethertogether

Potential marketing device to bring together clients with Potential marketing device to bring together clients with designers and constructors, make decisions, and sell a designers and constructors, make decisions, and sell a project while the clients will have a broader understanding project while the clients will have a broader understanding of the project in its entirety and have the power to see the of the project in its entirety and have the power to see the finished product and a reliable, up-to-date budget finished product and a reliable, up-to-date budget

What are the possible extensions?What are the possible extensions?

Cost Analysis Including all DivisionsCost Analysis Including all Divisions Design Solution AnalysisDesign Solution Analysis Interior DesignInterior Design Architectural/Structural Design ComponentsArchitectural/Structural Design Components Construction SchedulingConstruction Scheduling

SummarySummaryThe decisions made early in the project between the The decisions made early in the project between the clients, designers, and constructors have the clients, designers, and constructors have the greatest impact on the final construction costs. Most greatest impact on the final construction costs. Most clients are unable to fully visualize a construction clients are unable to fully visualize a construction project in its final stages and do not have the project in its final stages and do not have the knowledge or expertise to understand the cost knowledge or expertise to understand the cost impact of their decisions. The results of this thesis impact of their decisions. The results of this thesis will allow the clients, designers, and constructors to will allow the clients, designers, and constructors to visualize the project, navigate through it the virtual visualize the project, navigate through it the virtual world, make materials changes to the project, and world, make materials changes to the project, and calculate the cost-impact of these decisions. As a calculate the cost-impact of these decisions. As a result, the real-time cost update and the visual result, the real-time cost update and the visual component of the virtual reality development tool component of the virtual reality development tool will aid the clients in understanding the cost impact will aid the clients in understanding the cost impact of changes and therefore save money by making of changes and therefore save money by making decisions early in the project.decisions early in the project.