The objective of this research is to use 3-D modeling and animation environments for schedule evaluation and reasoning. Information will be extracted directly from components of a design in the 3-D environment and chained with a knowledge base for schedule evaluation and reasoning. University of Illinois Construction engineers face the challenge of selecting the most effective construction methods for tasks within a project. Different methods, equipment, and crew sizes can be chosen for tasks depending upon the contract time limit and budget. Not all tasks are of equal importance in a project.
Some tasks carry floats and can be delayed without impacting the project duration.
Some tasks are critical because any delay on those tasks delays the project. Construction engineers may choose alternative construction methods, smaller crew sizes, and less productive equipment at lower costs while maintaining the same project duration. The scope of this project is to develop a software application called the Construction Agent to provide construc tion expertise in a concurrent engineering environment. Preliminary construction costs and schedules can be generated to give designers immediate feedback. It provides an effective tool for answering what-if questions during the design phase.