A CAD-based simulation tool for earthmoving construction method selection

Simulation modeling of construction methods can be a useful tool for estimating, planning and controlling construction projects. Computer simulation provides advantages in modeling the dynamics of construction projects and the stochastic nature of its processes. Computer aided design (CAD) programs are commonly used design platforms, which contain immense amounts of data regarding the project design and the site specifics. This paper presents a method of analyzing construction methods through the use of an integrated CAD-based simulation system. The object of the integrated system is to incorporate the site and design information from CAD and use this data: (1) to define the simulation model from predefined atomic models, and (2) to link this data to simulation model activities and components, Once a sire has been defined in CAD, the simulation models can be used to analyze different construction methods, By simulating the construction using different atomic simulation models, different construction methods can be (1)evaluated. The presented system uses an earthmoving operation as an example.