Using visualization technologies for design and planning of a healthy construction workplace

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to investigate how health and safety gains and improvements ofrnthe construction workplace can be made through the use of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensionalrn(4D) visualization technologies.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The methodology used in the paper was a combination ofrnsemi-structured interviews with five construction project planners from three construction projects andrnobservations of a 4D model used in one of the three projects.rnFindings - The findings of the paper have shown a great potential for 3D and 4D visualization in termsrnof communicating construction information as well as the health and safety risks in the design processrnwhere clash detection, work tasks sequence, workspace congestion can be identified by projectrnstakeholders who are thus able to plan for alternative solutions to reduce or eliminate rework, heavyrnmaterial handling and repetitive and awkward postures which expose workers to musculoskeletalrninjury risk.rnResearch limitations/implications - The 3D and 4D models as they are currently used in therndesign of construction projects, particularly in the three projects investigated in this paper, still lackrnthe worker reference frame and the visual interaction between the worker and the permanent as well asrnthe temporary works.rnOriginality/value - The paper describes the current and emerging trends in the development of 3D,rnvirtual reality and 4D computer-aided design visualization and simulation, which have affected or arernlikely to have an impact on construction projects planning in the Swedish construction sector.