All modeling elements are implemented as objects with integrated functionality of interactive computer graphics and simulation. Models are constructed through a friendly graphical user interface.
Simulation is accomplished by active objects sending messages to one another.
This paradigm of simulation system design can provide many advantages over traditional design, such as realistic resource tracking, precise simulation control, and linkage with other knowledge-based expert systems. Potential schedule conflicts and interferences can be easily identified with the visual display. Alternative construction sequences can be simulated and compared as if a facility were being constructed in real life. 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.