Automated Virtual Assembly with Simulated BIM

Abstract

To meet the stringent time and budget constraints of construction projects, contractors are increasingly adopting prefabricated construction methods to accelerate the building process. However, the success of these methods relies on well-planned scheduling and a clear understanding by both contractors and builders. One major challenge is that creating virtual construction models remains time-consuming and requires experienced personnel. This project aimed to automate virtual construction modeling by simulating virtual assembly using data from Building Information Modeling (BIM). As part of my work at the CARL Lab, I modeled the virtual construction scene and implemented the A algorithm for simulation in Unity*, under the supervision of Professor Kevin Han at NC State University.