Object-based 3D Intelligent Model for Construction Planning/Simulation in a Highway Construction

This study proposes a 3D visualization model in highway design/construction that electronically represents information of highway projects. The 3D model will be based on the Standard for the Exchange of Product (STEP) model data, which is an open standard, so it can be used as data structures. Because the design model includes integrated resources to represent 3D geometric shape and project management information of the infrastructure, the built visualization model will allow end users to extract the necessary data from the object-based 3D intelligent model. This integrated data model is expected to provide practical engineering information to improve the design/construction process. This study presents the framework for the integration of application programs, such as existing 3D CAD programs used in practice by applying the STEP-based information model and information technologies. With the system integration framework comprised of the information model, data repository, application program, and application programming interface, this research proposes establishing a prototype system according to the system integration framework so that end users can manage information of an infrastructure in an integrated computing environment. The final output of this research is to present a methodology to generate a construction schedule automatically from infrastructure facility design information. This method is performed by the full connection between construction quantity take-off analysis and design information by using the information model.