Principles for Utilization of Construction Equipment Operator Training Simulators

Abstract

Due to the costs and hazards of field training on heavy construction equipment, a market has emerged for computer-based simulators that eliminate such risks involved in construction-equipment operator training. Systems endorsed and utilized by equipment manufacturers are also being adopted by independent equipment operator training schools. Although the potential for facilitating skill development is evident, proof of the principles that make for efficient utilization of these systems is still not found in the published literature. Careful experimentation on how these systems are used is needed to demonstrate both the successful acquisition of skills and transfer of those skills to the operation of real equipment. After reviewing the market and summarizing principles of learning applicable to the skill development required for operation of heavy construction equipment, this paper highlights how those principles should be embodied in the implementation of training simulators and summarizes an experimental investigation focused on excavator training.