Simulating Civil Engineering Projects In Virtual Worlds

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds

Virtual world tools can aid in the planning phase

SkyTran system set up by Crista Lopes in Second Life “ The virtual version of SkyTran has already been useful in addressing urban-planning issues, such as demonstrating how close the tracks could be to buildings and vegetation without making passengers uncomfortable” Chris Perkins, chief executive of Unimodal

Virtual worlds improve citizen engagement

Birmingham, England is exploring citizen engagement in Second Life through the use of virtual world tools

Virtual worlds allow for alternate visualizations of plan

Future builds?

With its city center built in 3-D, cities could require developers to submit their proposals in 3-D, fit them into place, and collect citizen input through in-world surveys

Future builds?

Zoning regulations can be difficult for citizens to understand – a display of examples can help educate people about proper uses

3-D elements in virtual worlds can be used to create design aids

3-D libraries can be built as resources for designs

Future builds?

3-D visualizations of diagrams from the MUTCD not only serve as resources for those designing and placing signs, but also offer a resource for drivers

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Clicking an info button distributes a note card with more specific code information. Virtual Worlds can be used to visualize specifications & standards

Future builds?

The bidding process is enhanced with an in-world build of a project.

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Operators of facilities can enter virtual worlds to better visualize and monitor operations

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Virtual worlds offer an easy way for engineering students to scope out their prospective colleges Gateway College’s display at college fair Overview of college fair held in Second Life in 2008

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Online training and education can be enhanced through the use of Virtual Worlds This bridge has been built by the Texas Engineering Extension to demonstrate bridge maintenance issues

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Online training and education can be enhanced through the use of Virtual Worlds Animations in-world, like this brick-laying display, can be used to illustrate the trades and practices on a typical jobsite

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Field trips can also be taken in virtual worlds saving on costs and allowing for online participation Cement plant sim Topographic map display

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds Virtual worlds can help educate the public about concepts & solutions that are normally difficult to visualize A display showing how to reroute plumbing to avoid sewer backups A display showing how to mitigate radon in a home

Future builds?

Like the college fair, an industry trade show allows for networking, 24/7 display of products, increased attendance

Simulating Civil Engineering Projects in Virtual Worlds In the civil engineering industry, we are still in the exploratory phase of using virtual worlds However, like any emerging technology, we need to consider how to implement it as a tool & help guide development of the software