Grand Challenges in Simulation for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management Industries

Abstract

Today’s Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Facility Management (AEC/FM) industry has to deal with complex obstacles (e.g., aging infrastructure, the protection of the natural environment, the need for resilient infrastructure). Among several technical fields that have been adopted and advanced, computer simulation has been widely researched and practiced for the effective delivery and maintenance of capital projects. Considering the unprecedented problems of today’s infrastructure and the rapid advancements in simulation research, it is very timely to investigate what grand challenges exist in simulation that if properly addressed, can help create a more sustainable and resilient engineering of infrastructure lifecycle. To this end, this paper aims to identify grand challenges in simulation by presenting major areas of interest that can benefit the AEC/FM domain and discussing three specific areas identified as challenges in simulation: 1) realistic simulation modeling; 2) applicability of simulation models to the industry; and 3) academic and educational obstacles. Specific foci are the knowledge gaps in these major areas, and the current efforts to mitigate these gaps based on extensive literature reviews. This paper also proposes the next steps for addressing these challenges based on the findings herein.