Collaborative 4D/nD Construction Simulation: What Is It?
Résumé :
Planning is crucial in the success of construction projects and 4D/nD simulation is an innovative approach to improve it. Because construction planning is mainly a collaborative activity, the collaborative use of 4D/nD simulation is growing in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), following the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) workprocesses. Multiple scientific research works have been devoted to collaborative 4D/nD simulation. Major software editors in the industry are also proposing solutions to develop it. But many challenges remain such as adapting visualization or optimizing collaboration processes. To be able to address these challenges, it is important firstly to conceptualize the notion of collaborative 4D/nD construction simulation. This article is based on an understanding of collective activity in the AEC industry, and theoretical elements from Simulation and CSCW scientific fields. It provides a generic definition and identifies the key components to consider in the improvement of collaborative 4D/nD simulation tools.