Application of Visualisation Tools in Project Management in Construction Industry: Innovation and Challenges

Abstract

The advancement of information technology has resulted in the development of new visualization and planning tools that offer major improvements when compared to the use of traditional planning tools such as Gantt charts and Critical Path Method. Despite their limited capability for planning and monitoring projects, these tools are still almost universally used by the construction industry. Two case studies managed using traditional techniques, one construction of an apartment block and other installation of a new high technology production facility in the Precast Concrete Industry have been reviewed in the paper from a viewpoint of how the application of new 4D (3D+time) and visual planning/simulation techniques would have improved the management and control of the projects. Widespread use of visualization and simulation techniques in the Aerospace and Car Industries is compared with the limited use in the Construction Industry. The paper examines the barriers to the introduction of the technology based on the experience gained from the presentation and demonstration of the visualization technology to six major construction companies operating in the UK construction industry and the means of breaking down the barriers to the implementation of the new IT innovation are discussed.