ACPSS - Animated Construction Process Simulation System

Simulation has been applied to modeling and analysis of construction processes since the 1960's. Since then, many improvements have been made. Recent advances in computer hardware and software, especially in interactive graphics and object-oriented programming, have made possible a new addition to construction process modeling and simulation-animation. This paper presents a new simulation system for construction process modeling and simulation. This system, named ACPSS (Animated Construction Process Simulation System), was developed by integrating (1) simulation system design, (2) object-oriented programming, and (3) interactive computer graphics. The result is an animated environment for construction process modeling and simulation. Construction resources flows and resource built-up are vividly displayed in animated graphics. This animated environment allows the user to easily visualize process execution, verify the model accuracy, and convey the contents of the simulation to others without simulation knowledge.