Transportation Infrastructure Design and Construction: Virtual Training Tools.

摘要

This project will develop 3D interactive computer-training environments for a major element of transportation infrastructure - hot mix asphalt paving. These 'tools' will include elements of hot mix design (including laboratory equipment) and construction equipment and methods for building and maintaining asphalt pavements. These virtual tools are targeted towards university students and practitioners with the goal of providing a direct and realistic experience for learning about and interacting with both laboratory and construction equipment. This project builds on and complements projects that are supported by WSDOT and NAPA. This effort recognizes that hot mix design and construction in the U.S. is changing due to the development and implementation of the Superpave mix design system. A full implementation of the Superpave system requires several hundred thousand dollars of sophisticated laboratory equipment and trained technicians. This is not feasible for most universities and contractors. The proposed tools will significantly reduce the need for fully equipped laboratories and enable enhanced training for students and practitioners.