Dissertation Kwaichunghousing[1]

7/21/2019 Dissertation Kwaichunghousing[1]

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A Study of Virtual Prototyping in Construction

Industry : A case study of Kwan Chung Public

Housing Estate Project

By

Li Ka Ming

DISSERTATION

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR

THE DEGREE OF BSC (HONS) IN BUILDING SURVEYING

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY


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Table of Contents

Declaration i

Table of Contents ii

List of Tables vi

List of Figures vii

Acknowledgements x

Abstract xi

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION P.1

1.1 Problem Statement P.2

1.2 Purpose of Research P.4

1.3 Research Objectives P.5

1.4 Structure of the Dissertation P.5

CHAPTER II: LITERATIVE REVIEW P.7

2.1 Traditional Techniques for Construction Project Planning P.8


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2.2.1 3D P.13

2.2.2 4D P.13

2.2.3 Virtual Prototyping (VP) P.14

2.2.4 CATIA P.15

2.2.5 DELMIA P.16

2.2.6 Advantage of Simulation P.17

CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY P.19

3.1 Literature Search P.20

3.2 Reasons for using Case Study and Interviews P.20

3.3 Case Study P.21

3.4 Interview P.22

CHAPTER IV: VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING IN BUILDINGS P.23

4.1 Design P.25

4.2 Manufacture and Assembly P.26

4.3 Sale & Promotion P.30

4.4 Facilities Management P.32

4.5 Demolition P.32


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5.6 Part Design and Modeling P.42

5.7 Assembly Tools P.44

5.8 Surfacing P.46

5.9 Knowledge Ware P.47

5.10 Simulation Process P.49

CHAPTER VI: CASE STDUY AND ANALYSIS P.53

6.1 Background Information P.53

6.2 Project Features P.56

6.3 Simulation Process P.56

6.3.1 3D Model Construction P.56

6.3.2 Construction Process Simulation P.61

6.3.3 Day 1 P.64

6.3.4 Day 2 P.67

6.3.5 Day 3 P.70

6.3.6 Day 4 P.73

6.3.7 Day 5 P.75

6.3.8 Day 6 P.77

6.4 Summary of the Project P.79


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6.5.1.5 Information Management P.83

6.5.1.6 Safety P.83

6.5.2 Limitations P.84

6.5.2.1 Design for Manufacture P.84

6.5.2.2 License Fee P.84

6.5.2.3 Lacking in Skilful Labour P.86

6.5.2.4 Hardware Requirement P.86

6.5.2.5 Human-Initiated Characteristic P.87

CHAPTER VII: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS P.88

7.1 Conclusions P.89

7.2 Recommendations P.90

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHIES P.91

LIST OF APPENDIX P.98

APPENDIX I: Sample of Accompanying Letter P.99

APPENDIX II: Sample of Questionnaire P.100

APPENDIX III Method & Sequence of Construction P.101

APPENDIX IV 6-day Cycle Programme for Typical Floors P.102


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List of Tables

Table 4.1 Virtual Prototype Concept P.24

Table 6.1 Project Particulars P.55

Table 6.2 Cost Comparison of CATIA V5 & DELMIA and AutoCad

2006

P.85


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List of Figures

Figure 4.1 Example of lighting analysis P.26

Figure 4.2 Example of CFD Source P.26

Figure 4.3 2/F B5 Column of HKCC P.28

Figure 4.4 Clash of Reinforcement Bar P.28

Figure 4.5 Five tower cranes operates simultaneously in Venetian

Macau Hotel

P.29

Figure 4.6 Construction Method of Westland Road Office Project P.30

Figure 4.7 Construction Process of Westland Road Office Project P.31

Figure 5.1 CATIA V5 & DELMIA P2 Platform P.35

Figure 5.2 Traditional Tool Bars, Keyboard Shortcuts & Drop Down

Menu

P.36

Figure 5.3 CATIA V5 and DELMIA document types P.36

Figure 5.4 CATIA V5 GUI P.38

Figure 5.5 Rotation P.39

Figure 5.6 Sketcher environment P.40

Figure 5.7 Constraint Examples P.41


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Figure 5.14 A tangent cover P.46

Figure 5.15 Simulation Process Work Bench P.50

Figure 5.16 Insert Activity P.50

Figure 5.17 Grab Activity P.51

Figure 5.18 PERT Chart P.51

Figure 5.19 Gantt Chart P.52

Figure 6.1 Proposed Kwai Chung Public Housing Estate P.54

Figure 6.2 Kwai Chung Public Housing Estate P.54

Figure 6.3 Location of the Site P.55

Figure 6.4 Concrete Slab P.57

Figure 6.5 Wall Reinforcement P.58

Figure 6.6 Fascade P.58

Figure 6.7 Toilet P.59

Figure 6.8 Temporary Wallform P.59

Figure 6.9 Working Platform P.60

Figure 6.10 Strut P.60

Figure 6.11 Tower Crane P.61

Figure 6.12 PERT CHART P.61

Figure 6.13 PERT CHART P.62


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Figure 6.20 Movement of Wall Form P.67

Figure 6.21 Day 2 a.m. P.68

Figure 6.22 Day 2 noon P.68

Figure 6.23 Day 2 p.m. P.69

Figure 6.24 Construction Process P.69



Figure 6.27 Day 3 p.m. P.71

Figure 6.28 Movement of Concrete Boom P.72

Figure 6.29 Concreting by Boom P.72


Figure 6.31 Day 4 noon. P.74

Figure 6.32 Day4 p.m. P.74



Figure 6.35 Day 5 p.m P.76

Figure 6.36 Fix Conduit & Reinforcement P.77

Figure 6.37 Day 6 a.m P.78



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Acknowledgements

I would like to express my respect, gratitude and foremost to my supervisor,

Dr. Heng Li, Professor of Department of Building and Real Estate at the Hong

Kong Polytechnic University, for his kindly patience and advice on my

dissertation. He always makes me in critically thinking and lets me recognize

the enjoyment and happiness of undergoing a dissertation.

I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Stephen C. W. Kong, Mr. Yuk

Huen Chan and Mr. Ting Huang, the Project Associate, the Research

Assistant and Ph. D. Candidate respectively of the Construction Virtual

Prototyping Laboratory, in the Department of Building and Real Estate of the

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who shared their valuable time to give me

suggestions and provide me with useful data which strengthened the content

of this dissertation.

Besides, i would like to thank Ms. Louie Law for spending her invaluable time

to proof-read my dissertation and giving me useful advice on the use of


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Abstract

This research presents an alternative tool, i.e. CATIA and DELMIA, for

construction programme planning apart from traditional tools, e.g. AutoCAD,

MicrosoftProject. Regarding the problems of traditional tools in terms of space

and facilities management, scheduling and communication, the concept of

Virtual Prototyping (VP) and functions of CATIA and DELMIA are introduced.

An analysis concerning strengths and limitations of the new tool accompanied

by an in-depth case study of Kwan Chung Public Housing Estate Project is

administered. After investigation, it is found that CATIA and DELMIA can

improve the planning process; however, they have not been extensively

adopted in construction industry in Hong Kong because of its design purpose,

license fee, requirement on hardware, also a lack of man power who

familiarize with the software and its human-initiated characteristic.


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CHAPTER I

Introduction

1.1 Problem Statement

1.2 Purpose of Research

1.3 Research Objective

1.4 Research Structure


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Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Problem Statement

In construction project management, planning process is critical to the

successful development and execution of a construction project (Waly and

Thabet 2003). However, the planners rely on their experience and intuition,

imagination and judgment to extract data from paper-based design documents

and to decide the appropriate method of construction, its timing and site usage

layout (Zhang, 2004). This drives faults or inefficiency in site space and

facilities management, communication and information storage and

scheduling.

Site space and facili ties management

Present planning method has weakness in managing site space and facilities

which is critical in a construction project as a result of the resources-driven

nature of construction management a construction manager must develop a


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of site space and facilities (Ma, Shen & Zhang, 2004).

Communication

2D drawings are not able to visualize the end product to the parties involved in

a construction project, e.g. the clients, the contractors, etc. The increasing

complexity of construction projects multiplies difficulties of handling huge

amount of information. Much project information stored on paper as drawings

and written documents is frequently unstructured and thus hinders its usage,

also, it is very easy to lose or damage (Construct IT, 2000). This causes poor

information transfer and communication among parties.

Scheduling

Critical Path Method (CPM) fails to seamlessly synchronize activity planning

and resource planning, the two integral functions in project planning (Waugh

and Froese 1990) Although it is used in time control and scheduling it is


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Innovative Technology

As a result, researches start investigating information technology to solve the

above problems of paper-based documents, site space and facilities

management and communication. Virtual Prototyping (VP) is one of the latest

innovative technologies which integrates planning, visualization and simulation

in construction programme, thus improves the efficiency of construction

projects in planning stage.

1.2 Purpose of Research

The purpose of this research is to provide an alternative choice for

construction project planning by studying the concept of VP and the application

of the software of CATIA and DELMIA in construction industry in Hong Kong.


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1.3 Research Object ives

The following objectives are examined in this study:

1. To outline the general problems arisen from traditional construction project

planning in Hong Kong

2. To discuss the utilization of VP in construction industry

3. To introduce the functions of CATIA and DELMIA

4. To describe the construction simulation process of 6-day Cycle of Kwan

Chung Public Housing Estate Project by CATIA and DELMIA (Case Study)

5. To analyse the strengths and limitations of CATIA and DELMIA

1.4 Structure of the Dissertation

This dissertation is mainly divided into 7 parts.

Part I Introduction

This part states clearly problem statements purposes of research


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problems, basic principles of VP and introduction to CATIA and

DELMIA.

Part III Research Methodology

The research methods employed in this research are presented in

this part.

Part IV Funct ions of CATIA and DELMIA

This part presents the main functions of CATIA and DELMIA.

Part V Virtual Prototyping in Buildings

This part presents the utilization of VP in areas relevant to buildings

Part VI Case Study and Analysis

This part describes the case of Kwan Chung Public Housing Estate

Project and gives analysis from the case and interviews.

Part VII Conclusions and Recommendations

This part summarizes findings in this research, and makes a final

conclusion


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CHAPTER II

Literature Review

2.1 Traditional Techniques for

Construction Project

Planning

2.2 Latest Techniques for

Construction Project

Planning


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Chapter 2 Literature Review

Chapter 2 LITERATUREREVIEW

Planning is crucially important in construction projects. The planning of

construction operations is a complicated activity involving abstraction of

constriction activities from the drawings, choosing on suitable plans and

falsework, allocation of construction schedule and site space management are

essential to project management, as they directly influence security, machine

running, material deployment, power distribution as well as construction

progress and cost (Ma, Shen and Zhang, 2004), so planners use different tools

to develop the programme. In this chapter, firstly, some drawing and

scheduling tools will be discussed and secondly, VP, CATIA and DELMIA will

be introduced.

2.1 The Traditional Techniques for Construct ion Project Planning

2 1 1 Drawing Tools: 2D Computer Aid Design (CAD)


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of the most commonly used software and largest share of the CAD market

(Howard 1998).

2.1.1.1 Strengths

1. As Sun & Howard (2004) points out, 2D CAD tools increase productivity,

especially at the information production stage. This benefit is more evident

when design changes. Instead of reproducing all the drawings, CAD allows

designers to make changes to the existing ones.

2. Sun & Howard (2004) believes that 2D CAD tools help to improve the

quality of design information. Using traditional paper drawings, keeping data

accurate and consistent is a big challenge. In CAD drawings, all

measurements are precise.

3 2D CAD tools help to increase the speed of information exchange between


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4. 2D CAD tools allow designers to reuse previous drawings or part of the

drawings (Sun & Howard 2004).

5. 2D CAD tools make the drawing storage and archive task a lot easier. Paper

drawings present storage problems as they deteriorate, are usually very large

and cause documentation problems. A CAD file stored in a structured directory

on a PC prevents these problems from occurring, which will also ease quality

assurance issues (Sun & Howard 2004).

2.1.1.2 Limitations

1. In 2D CAD drawings, a building is represented by points, lines and surfaces,

not by walls, windows and rooms. It cannot visualize the three-dimensional

end product.

2 2D CAD system cannot present the process of construction and thus is not


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software packages (Sun & Howard 2004).

4. Most CAD packages are only suitable for drawing at the information

production stage when all major design decisions have been made, not during

the early design stages (Sun & Howard 2004).

5. The user interface of many CAD programmes is complex. Designers often

find it difficult to operate it effectively. As a result, they can sometimes be

distracted form the design task that they should really be concentrating on.

While not undervaluing the benefits of computer aided drafting systems

especially for information production purposes, their weakness are also

apparent (Sun & Howard 2004).

2.1.2 Schedul ing Tools: Bar (Gantt ) Chart

A bar chart is a graphic representation of project activities shown in a


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as a calendar which shows the timescale horizontally and flow of activities

vertically. The vertical column also shows the timescale, duration and

sequence of activity. It is commonly used in construction industry due to

simplicity and ease of preparation and understanding. However, it lacks logical

representation (relationships), too simple and insufficient to show the details of

multitude of inter-related activities. It commonly used in small-sized project.

2.1.3 Scheduling Tools : Crit ical Path Method (CPM)

A critical path method (CPM) is a scheduling technique using networks for

graphic display of the work plan (Mubarak S. A. 2005). The method is used to

determine the length of a project and to identify the activities critical to project

completion. It was developed during the 1950s by DuPont and US Navy. It is

one of the common techniques used in practice for construction planning and

scheduling. Microsoft Project (2003) is one of the common software product

used for project scheduling The typical CPM is used to provide an overall view


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2.2 The Innovative Technique of Construction Planning

The traditional construction planning tools restricted by their limitations are

insufficient to meet with the planners requirements nowadays. The

construction projects are currently becoming more and more complicated and

the traditional tools are insufficient to manage the information in these projects,

so a new planning concept, VP, has came to the industry. The concept of VP

will be introduced gradually.

2.2.1 3D

3D modeling is the basic components for producing virtual environment. The

planners, engineers can view the realistic images of construction projects in a

3D environment. However, 3D models can only provide static images and

cannot display the exact status of a project at a specific moment, which means,

no integration and interaction between models and time presents.


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and finish of activities in different colour. It provides the project participants with

a better communication in utilizing the space.

2.2.3 Virtual Prototyping (VP)

VP provides a capacity to construct in the computer. It provides a modeling

and simulation environment so powerful that the production, fabrication and

assembly of construction components, including the associated operational

processes, can be simulated in the computer (Karam 2004). VP takes into

account all of variables in the project procurement process from feasibility

analysis to maintenance management (Karam 2004). The primary objective is

to evaluate the feasibility of construction processes with a view to minimize the

time and resource use. VP can be described as simulation of construction

activities in 3D Environment. All the construction activities are represented by

dynamic behaviours of 3D CAD models and are linked by a simulation engine.

The 3D CAD models resources information and construction schedule are


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2.2.4 Computer-aided Three-dimensional Interactive Appl ication

(CATIA)

Computer-aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) was first

developed by Dassault System in the early 1980s for the aerospace industry.

CATIA is one kind of VP software developed by IBM. It integrates a suite of

collaborative product design software applications covering Computer Aided

Design (CAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computer Aided

Manufacturing (CAM).The latest vision is now CATIA V5. It allows users to

design the products by 2D layouts as well as 3D models concurrently. The

software has being applied by many manufacturing industries, e.g. aerospace,

automotive, industrial machinery, electrical, electronics, shipbuilding, plant

design, and consumer goods, including design for such diverse products as

jewelry and clothing. It is now bringing into construction industry.

According to Karam (2004) CATIA is the leading product development solution


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consumer goods, including design for such diverse products as jewelry and

clothing.

CATIA is the only solution capable of addressing the complete product

development process, from product concept specifications through

product-in-service, in a fully integrated and associative manner (Karam 2004).

It facilitates true collaborative engineering across the multi-disciplinary

extended enterprise, including style and form design, mechanical design and

equipment and systems engineering, managing digital mock-up, machining,

analysis, and simulation (Karam 2004).

By enabling enterprises to reuse product design knowledge and accelerate

development cycles, CATIA helps companies speed their responses to market

needs and helps free users to focus on creativity and innovation (Kleismit

2004)


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adopted as an effective presentation tools for various types of usage, eg.

teaching. This is particularly true of simulation that make intelligent use of

computer graphics and animation. Such simulators dynamically show the

behaviour and relationship of all the simulated system's components, thereby

providing the user with a meaningful understanding of the system's nature.


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CHAPTER III

Research Methodology

3.1 Literature Search

3.2 Reason for using Case Study

& Interviews

3.3 Case Study

3.4 Interviews

Ch t 3 R h M th d l


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Chapter 3 Research Methodology

Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section describes the methodology used in achieving the research

objectives. The dissertation is based on data collected from three main

sources, namely literature, interview and case study.

3.1 L iterature Search

The data collection stage would rely on the reference books, journals, reports

and websites which were mainly collected and obtained from the library and

on-line electronic database systems, such as Sciencedirect and ProQuest.

3.2 Reasons for using Case Study and Interviews

After investigation, there are few projects which have used CATIA & DELMIA

as a planning tool. People who familiarize with the application of CATIA &

DELMIA in construction industry are also limited



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the utilization of CATIA & DELMIA in Hong Kong Construction Industry.

3.3 Case Study

The case of Kwan Chung Public Housing Estate Project (KC Project) was

brought into analysis. In case study, the VP software CATIA and DELMIA was

used to simulate the 6-day construction cycle in New Harmony Block (Option 2)

in Kwan Chung. I have participated in the Project on development of 3D

models and simulation on the Construction Virtual Prototyping Laboratory, the

Department of Building and Real Estate of the Hong Kong Polytechnic

University. The drawings, schedules and other relevant information of the

cases are provided by Yau Lee Construction Co., Limited.



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3.4 Interviews

Interviews with construction professionals were carried out to have a further

understanding on the practice of VP in KC Project.

In this research, three professionals involved in from the project were

interviewed.

They are:

1. Mr. Richard Lee, a Design Manager of the KC Project from Yau Lee

Construction Co-operation Limited on 25 February 2006.

2. Mr. Patrick Ho, Site Agent of the KC Project from Yau Lee Construction

Co-opertaion Limited on 4 March 2006.

3. Mr Zeon Yu, Project Manage of the KC Project from Yau Lee Construction

Co-opertaion Limited on 11 March 2006.


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CHAPTER IV

VIRTUARL

PROTOTYPING IN

BUILDINGS

4.1 Design

4.2 Manufacture & Assembly

4.3 Sale & Promotion

4.4 Facilities Management

4.5 Demolition

Chapter 4 Virtual Prototyping in Buildings


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Chapter 4 VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING IN BUILDINGS

Virtual Prototyping involves in different stages of a building life cycle, including

design, manufacture, assembly, sales/promotion, facility management and

even demolition. Extent utilization of Virtual Prototyping in construction

industry is subject to the practicability of legacy, procurement and training

(Brandon, 2003). The application of VP is discussed in the following sections.



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p yp g g

4.1 Design

In design inception stage, architects/engineers usually make scale models to

illustrate their design concept with clients in order to make discussions and

compromises. While alteration of design often happens, amending scale

models frequently may be a problem. VP provides an easy changing visual

model to designers.

Secondly, a scale model is difficult to involve building services design. Steady

state heat loss and heat gain calculation is utilizated currently, some factors,

e.g. thermal mass, are neglected in building services design. VP allows the

negligence to be involved and visualized, dynamic thermal modeling can be

workable. (Stribling, 2003)

Thirdly, integration of various kinds of design, e.g. building aesthetics, building

services is feasible through the technology of VP which can include different



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Mechanics (CFD) (Figure 4.2). CFD can predict the internal climate which is

widely used on assessment of HVAC system and ventilation strategies. These

technologies can identify energy saving opportunities and thus reduces

expenditure on energy.

Fig 4.1 Example of lighting analysis Source:http://homepage.ntlworld.com



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4.2 Manufacture and Assembly

Manufacture and assembly stages are merged together in construction. The

successful of these stages depend on planning before works. Frequent faulty

of sequences and crash of activities can seriously affect the construction

progress causing uneconomical. VP gives various means to overcome these

problems.

Firstly, try before you use (Li, 2005) is a slogan of promoting the idea of VP in

construction industry. That means project planner can preview the processes

of the project visually in advance and test alternative courses of action. By

preview, identification of idle time and resources, and rapidly experiment new

alternatives to achieve optimization can be achieved. In the case of Ho Tung

Lau Railway Extension Project, three alternative construction methods,

including gantry, mobile crane and rolling trolley were tested.



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especially on suspended ceiling and raised floor. The function of identifying

clash can detect whether there is any clashes of building services elements

including air duct, fire sprinkler pipe, pipe, electricity trucking etc. To illustrate,

in the project of Hong Kong Community College, the clashes of reinforcement

bars between the precast elements was sorted out to shorten the construction

period (Fig 4.3&4.4). In the project of Venetian Macau Hotel, VP can eliminate

hurtles of five towel cranes which operate simultaneously (Fig 4.5).

Fig. 4.3 2/F

B5 Column of

HKCC

Fig.4.4 Clash of



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Fig.4.5 Five tower cranes operates simultaneously in Venetian Macau Hotel

Thirdly, VP acts as a presentation tool to disseminate the complicated

construction processes to project staff from top management to worker level,

so they can understand planning information easily (Kong, 2006). In Westlands

Road Office Building Project, contractors utilized the technology of VP to

introduce the construction method(Figure 4.6) and the construction process to

developers.



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Fig. 4.6 Construction Method of Westland Road Office Project

4.3 Sales/Promotion

In Property Sales, firstly, buyers may expect to preview the product before they

buy. Sellers/developers in Hong Kong usually build show-room to fulfill buyers

expectation Show-rooms can also be a promotion tool to attract potential



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4.4 Facili ty Management

According to Sarshar (2004), people responsible for collecting and archiving

project data may not always understand the specific needs of those who will

utilize it, such as those involved in building maintenance. VP has a function of

storing information. The storage and transfer of construction information

thoroughly by VP can contribute to a better management of facilities in future,

e.g. providing a detail plan of building services to help the facility manager to

sort out the problems.

4.5 Demolition

VP allows demolition professional to identify building technologies, process

and methods, eg. Post-tension members, so the professionals can choose the

most appropriate demolishing method for particular building. Time & Cost of

investigating the buildings may be reduced.


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CHAPTER V

FUNCTONS OF

CATIA V5 AND

DELMIA

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Document Types

5.3 CATIA V5 GUI

5.4 View & Manipulating Object

5.5 Sketching

5.6 Part Design and Modeling

5.7 Assembly Tools

5.8 Surfacing

Functions of CATIA V5 and DELMIA


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Chapter 5 FUNCTIONS OF CATIA V5 AND DELMIA

This chapter describes the main functions of CATIA and DELMIA. The

software screen captures are used to illustrate how the functions work.

5.1 Introduct ion

CATIA is designed for collaborative product development. It is mostly used in

virtual product design. DELMIA is designed for digital development of factory

and production processes. It is mainly used in manufacturing process planning,

detailing and simulation.

CATIA V5 provides various configurations including Platform configuration,

Application portfolios and Workbenches. The P2 Platform (Figure 5.1) is

commonly used and provides the extended design tools and additional

process oriented tools. The process tools are fully interchangeable and



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Part Design to Sheet Metal to Surfacing by CATIA, DPM Assembly Process

Simulation by DELMIA.

Fig.5.1 CATIA V5 & DELMIA P2 Platform

CATIA V5 and DELMIA interface is more like a typical Windows-type

environment It provides Window-like features (Figure 5 2) including object

Workbench

CATIA V5 Platform P2

Application portfolios



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The change of object-orientated tools on the right side relies on which module

is currently adopted. The first icon (Figure 5.2) shows which module (e.g. Part

Design) is used. A set of selection tool is always available on the screen no

matter which module is adopted.

Fig. 5.2 Traditional Tool Bars, Keyboard Shortcuts & Drop Down Menu

5.2 Document Types

There are three types of document in CATIA V5 including Part Product and

Dro Down Menu

Traditional Tool Bars

First Icon

E . Part Desi n



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5.3 CATIA V5 GUI

Generally, CATIA V5 and DELMIA share the same GUI. This helps users to

famaliarise with the operation of both of them.

5.3.1 Configuration Tree

Configuration tree (Figure 5.4) is fundamental tool for manipulating, controlling,

and organizing model elements and features. The branches along the tree

comprise the history and processes used to create parts. For example, in

Figure 5.4, when the Chamber icon is currently selected, the corresponding

identification in the tree turns orange.

5.3.2 Compass Tool

Compass tool (Figure 5.4) is used to modify the location or orientation of part

correspondent to the X-Y-Z co-ordinate system.



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Fig. 5.4 CATIA V5 GUI

5.4 Viewing and Manipulating Objects

CATIA allow objects viewed and manipulated easily. There are various

functions including pan, rotation and zoom for object viewing and manipulating.

Configuration Tree

Compass Tool

Chamber Element



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Rotation: To hold down the roll of mouse and either button of mouse and then

move the mouse simultaneously to rotate (Fig. 5.5).

Fig. 5.5 Rotation

5.5 Sketching



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Figure 3.5 Rotation

Fig.5.6 Sketcher environment

The function of Constraints is commonly used in Sketcher Workbenches.

Supplementary geometrical or dimensional constraints are added when

creating or adjusting 2D elements. For example, the dimension of rectangle is

easily edited by dimensional constraint and properties of line are edited by

Position Display

Sketcher Grid

Sketcher Geometry

Operation Toolbar

X-Y Plane



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Fig. 5.7 Constraint Examples

Constraint Toolbar

Element Colour Description

Under Constrained White

Over Constrained Violet

Inconsistent Red

Selected Orange

Constraint Defined

in Dialog Box



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5.6 Part Design and Modeling

A set of modeling tools (Figure 5.9) can be used after a 2D sketch is finished.

The sketch-based toolbar (Figure 5.9) helps users to handle the functions of

filleting, chamfering, shelling, hole creation etc. e.g. as shown in Figure 5.9, a

2D element is constructed to 3D object by Pad and the dimensions of 3D

object can be adjusted by dimensional constraint.

Sketch-Based Toolbar

2D Sketch

Dimension Constraint



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number of formulas (Figure 5.10) can be established to modify the elements or

objects from the original part file to a newly formed part file, so elements or

objects in the original part files can be used in other projects in the future.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5.10, there are different types of parameter in

the design table. Options in the design table are entered, CATIA V5 can then

automatically select the most appropriate option to be used in the elements or

objects. If there is a change in parameters, it will also have an effect on

construction cost and schedule generated by CATIA V5 and DELMIA.

Formula



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The Compass tool located in the upper right corner makes the movement and

rotation of 3D objects easier. The Compass tool can also be attached to an

object for the purpose of moving and rotating it (Figure 3.10).

Fig. 5.11 Compass Tool to move and rotate the element

Compass Tool



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should be created before any changes of an object.

Fig 5.12 CATProduct Sample

CATParts

Constraints

ApplicationProduct Structure

Toolbar



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5.8 Surfacing

CATIA V5 provides basic surfacing tools including extrude, sweep, revolve and

loft 2D profiles. The tools can also help to join, extend, split and trim surfaces

and extract surfaces from a solid. There is also a healing tool and a Fill

command which can be used to create a tangent cover for the shape shown in

Figures 5.13 and 5.14. It solves most CAD programs problems.

Fig. 5.13 Sample Creating top surface Fig. 5.14 A tangent cover

(Source: http://www.3ds.com/products-solutions/plm-solutions/image-gallery/?no_cache=1)

CATIA Generative Shape Design (GSD), a basic tool for constructing surfaces,


9 K l d W


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5.9 Knowledge Ware

According to Beckert (2000), Dassault offers three KnowledgeWare products

on CATIA V5 targeted at users performing advanced design and engineering.

CATIA Knowledge Expert helps designers establish rule bases that capture

and automate knowledge process such as best practices, profession

processes, or design validation and corrections. CATIA Knowledge Advisor

ensures design compliance with corporate standards early in the design

cycle. CATIA Generative Knowledge, based on a scripting language, lets

users declare and reuse specification in a script format to automatically

generate intelligent designs. Those designs have to respect the softwares

programmed constraints. For example, titanium cladding torques at this

thickness but not at that or glass windows reflecting light at that angle will

create heat traps. Therefore, the software allows for considerable freedom of

design choices yet ensures that design decisions conform to corporate rules

during the design process (Schrage 2000)


biliti A i th t dd it k h b d fi i l


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capabilities. A company using the system adds its know-how by defining rules

in the knowledge base. These rules are then invoked by various means when

the system is being used to support a specific process or scenario. For

example, a company may determine that the treatment or material for screws,

which are the basic connections between the framing members of building

facades, will have a particular specification for a corrosive commodity. On

placing the screws, the system can check the suitability against the rules and

automatically assign the appropriate attribute.

5.10 Simulation Process

When the workbench changes to Assembly Simulation Process (Figure 5.15),

it provides different sets of icon to carry out a simulation process by DELMIA. A

clear overview of the sequences and links among processes, timing, cost, and

resources shows in this workbench. All the components involved in the

simulation process can be inserted in the lists which include Process Product


to operate a simulation process by means of simulation creation tool and the


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to operate a simulation process by means of simulation creation tool and the

data can be adjusted if required. These data can be adjusted through Microsoft

Excel.

The sequence of activities can be adjusted by PERT Chart (Figure 5.18). Each

activities and links are represented by pictures and symbols which are easily

understood and modified if necessary. The function of Gantt Chart (Figure 5.19)

is similar to Microsoft Project which shows the duration, start and end time of

an activity and resource used in each activity (Figure 5.19). The changes in

Gantt Chart or PERT Chart can directly reflect in the simulation process.



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Fig. 5.15 Simulation Process Work Bench

Simulation Tools

Simulation Creation Tools

P.P.R List

PERT Chart /Gantt Chart

Movement Set up



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Fig. 5.17 Grab Activity

Set Activities Icon

Sequence of Activities

Motion Set up



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Fig. 5.19 Gantt Chart

Duration of Activities

CHAPTER VI


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CHAPTER VI

CASE STUDY and

Analysis

6.1 Background Information

6.2 Project Features


6.4 Summary of the Project

6.5 Analysis

Chapter 6 Case Study and Analysis

Chapter 6 CASE STUDY AND ANALYSIS


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Chapter 6 CASE STUDY AND ANALYSIS

6.1 Background Information

Fig. 6.1 Proposed Kwai Chung Public Housing Estate


Project Name Redevelopment of Kwai Chung

(C


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Flatted Factory, (Contract No.

20040031),Kwai Chung Public Housing Estate

Domestic 1983 Rental Flats

Location Wo Tong Tsui Street, Kwan Chung,

Hong Kong

Architect, Engineer and QualitySurveyor

Housing Department Developmentand construction division, The Hong

Kong Housing Authority

Main Contractor Yau Lee Constriction Co-operation

Limited

Cooking Bench, Sink Unit and Panel

Wall

Yau Lee Wah Concrete Precast

Product Co., Limited

Project Duration 18 Jan 2005 17Aug 2007

Construction Time 31 Months

Contract Sum HK$366M

Project Situation Under Construction

Table 6.1 Project Particulars

Proposed Kwan Chung

Public Housing Estate


6.2 Project Features


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The works comprise the construction of two nos. 41 storey modified New

Harmony 1 (Option 2) Blocks (Blocks 1 and 2), each block approximately 51.4

x 46.4m overall on plan and approximately 127m high from ground floor to

main roof level.

The external fascade, walls (structural and non-structural), bathrooms,

stair-core, lift shafts and bathroom-cum-kitchens of the domestic units to Block

1 and 2 are proposed to construct in precast concrete panels/components. In

this project, over 70% of the concrete elements are constructed by precast

concrete.


The construction process simulation of 6 Day Cycle of Harmony One was

constructed by CATIA V5 and DELMIA for the purpose of developing a detailed


cranes are draw. The concrete structure is divided into slab, beam and wall


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elements, as shown in the following figures. The division is made according to

the sequence of concrete pouring and the layout of 6-day construction cycle.

These elements can be easily regrouped when there is a change in

construction sequence or redesign in layout of construction bays

Parametric models are built for generating reinforcement elements. By

adjusting parameters like dimensions of concrete elements, concrete cover,

steel bar diameter, steel bar spacing, length of steel bar projection from

concrete element, etc, the 3D slab, beam and wall reinforcement elements are

generated automatically.



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Fig. 6.5 Wall Reinforcement

After creating the basic elements, they can be grouped into external walls,

internal wall panels, etc.



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Fig. 6.7 Toilet

Temporary works elements including wall form, slab form, beam form and

working platform are also generated from parametric models. Parameters in

these models are defined according to their specific design criteria. All of the

parametric models are stored in library and can be reused easily in the future

projects



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Fig. 6.9 Working Platform

Fig. 6.10 Strut



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Fig. 6.11 Tower Crane

6.3.2 Construction Process Simulation

The 6-day cycle for construction of typical floor in Kwan Chung Public Housing

Estate is inputted through Gantt chart and PERT chart interface. Activity start

time, duration and precedent activity are handled in Gantt chart interface, while

logical sequence of activities is handled in PERT chart interface



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Figure 6.13 PERT CHART


Microsoft EXCEL for update and modification. The duration of activities is


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linked to these parameters and are updated automatically when there is

change in these parameters

The duration of concreting is linked to concreting rate parameter and the

measurement value of volume of concrete elements. The measurement value

is taken directly from 3D models and is updated dynamically.

The construction process simulation can run in real time or in accelerated and

decelerated speed. In reality every construction material or temporary support

is moved from one place to another by human or plant. In this Kwan Chung

Public Housing Estate 6-day cycle simulation, only those movements involving

use of tower crane are simulated, as other movements are considered not

necessary for supporting the 6-day cycle planning. Construction activities

without movement simulation are simulated by change in color Please refer to


6.3.3 Day 1


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Wing B Install Precast component (Figure 6.15)

Wind D Fix Reinforcement and Conduit (Blue while in progress) (Figure 6.15)

Wing D Fix Precast Component Reinforcement & Conduit (Figure 6.16)

Wing B Weld Type A Precast Wall (Figure 6.16)

Wing B Install Wall From for Fascade and Type C Wall (Figure 6.17)

Wing B Concrete to Wall (Red while in Progress) (Figure 6.17)

Wing B

Wing A



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Fig. 6.16 Day 1 noon.



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Fig. 6.18 Construction Process.



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Fig 6.20 Movement of Wall Form

6.3.4 Day 2

Wing A Fix Slab Reinforcement & Conduit (Blue while in Progress)(Fig. 6.21)

Wing B Strike Wall Form (Green While in Progress) (Fig. 6.21)

Wing C Install Precast Components (Blue while in Progress)(Fig. 6.22)

Wing C Fix Precast Component Reinforcement & Conduit (Figure 6.22)



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Fig. 6.21 Day 2 a.m.

Wing B

Wing C

Wing A

Wing D



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Fig. 6.23 Day 2 p.m.


6.3.5 DAY 3


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Wing C Strike Wall Form (Figure 6.25)

Wing C Erect Scaffolding for Semi-precast Slab(Red while in progress)

(Figure 6.25)

Wing B Install Semi-Precast Slab (Red while in progress) (Figure 6.26)

Wing B Grouting to Type A Precast Wall (Figure 6.26)

Wing C Install Semi-precast Slab (Figure 6.26)

Wing D Concrete to Floor Slab & Half Central Core (Figure 6.27)

Wing A Concrete to Floor Slab (Figure 6.27)

Wing B

Wing A



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Fig. 6.26 Day 3 noon



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Fig. 6.28 Movement of Concrete Boom


6.3.6 DAY 4


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Wing D Install Precast Components (Figure 6.30)

Wing B Fix Slab Reinforcement & Conduits (Figure 6.30)

Wing C Grout Fascade Joint (Blue while in progress) (Figure 6.30)

Wing D Fix Precast Component Reinforcement & Conduit (Blue while in

progress) (Figure 6.31)

Wing D Weld Type A Precast Wall (Figure 6.31)

Wing D Install Wall Form for Fascade and Type C Wall (Figure 6.32)

Wing D Concrete to Wall (Red while in progress) (Figure 6.32)

Wing B

Wing A



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Fig. 6.31 Day 4 noon.


6.3.7 DAY 5

Wi D St ik W ll F (G hil i ) (Fi 6 33)


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Wing D Strike Wall Form (Green while in progress) (Figure 6.33)

Wing C Fix Slab Reinforcement & Conduits (Blue while in progress) (Figure

6.33)

Wing A Install Precast Components (Figure 6.34)

Wing A Fix Precast Component Reinforcement & Conduit (Figure 6.34)

Wing D Erect Scaffolding for Semi-precast Slab (Figure 6.35)

Wing A Grout Fascade Joint (Purple while in progress) (Figure 6.35)

Wing A Concrete to Wall (Red while in progress) (Figure 6.35)

Wing B

Wing A



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Fig. 6.34 Day 5 noon



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Fig. 6.36 Fix Conduit and Reinforcement

6.3.8 DAY 6

Wing A Strike Wall Form (Green while in progress) (Figure 6.37)

Wing A Erect Scaffolding for Semi-precast Slab (Figure 6.37)

Wing D Install Semi-precase Slab (Figure 6.38)

Wing D Grout Fascade Joint (Purple while in progress) (Figure 6 38)


Wing A


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Fig. 6.37 Day 6 a.m

Wing B

Wing C

Wing A

Wing D



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Fig. 6.39 Day 6 p.m

6.4 Summary of the Project

This project study the feasibility of a 6-days floor cycle in the construction of

two 40th stories residential buildings. This pioneering project is the first to

adopt the new precast public housing design from the Hong Kong Government.

More than 70% of the building structure is made of pre-cast elements


to fully utilize the tower crane and shorten the construction cycle. This project

successfully shortens the 6 full days works to 5 days The simulation also


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successfully shortens the 6 full day s works to 5 days. The simulation also

helps the contractor to produce an improved sequence of installing precast

elements.


6.5 Analysis

Integrating the findings from the case and the interviews, an analysis


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Integrating the findings from the case and the interviews, an analysis

concerning the strengths and limitations of utilizing CATIA and DELMIA is

conducted.

6.5.1 Strengths

CATIA and DELMIA has the strengths of the present 2D CAD technology as

mentioned in Chapter 2.1.1 2D Computer Aid Design and overcome some of

its limitations which are discussed in the following sections.

6.5.1.1 Drawings

Referring Yip (2005), by using CATIA, it can offer the building industry a

breakthrough 3D digital environment enabling the shift away from 2D drawing,

layering-oriented systems originally used to produce paper documents. The

object-orientated tools allow users to create model three dimensionally, but not


utilizing CATIA and DELMIA which allows managing the site space visually.

The simulation environment provides an intuitive way to plan storage (Kong,


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p y p g ( g,

2006).

6.5.1.3 Communication

CATIA and DELMIA stimulates communication in various aspects. Holtzman

(2002) explained that using CATIA can decrease the amount of discrepancy

between different contractors work as everyone is directly referencing a single,

complete, 3D model. The 3D model and the simulation process which provide

an easy understanding platform allow planners to communicate within their

team, with their clients and the contractors, e.g. the function of process

simulation in DEMIA allows users to view various stages of a cycle, so the

dynamic and interrelationship between activities can be understood by

different parties (Kong, 2006). Subsequently, communication became more

efficient and effective according to Lee (2006)


types of resources usage report can be generated automatically from the

simulation. The first type is report showing usage of a particular resource for


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yp p g g p

which activities and at which time. The second type is report showing what

resources are used for a particular activity and at what time. These reports can

be in bar chart or table format to improve the flow and optimize the use of

resources (Kong, 2006).

6.5.1.5 Information Management

One of the functions of CATIA is parameter editing. The case of 6-day cycle

simulation is based on productivity rate parameters which can be checked

against the real productivity rates measured during construction, and then, be

adjusted to refine the simulation. The adjusted productivity rate can be used as

a benchmark for projects in the future, so information management for future

use is improved.


6.5.2 Limi tations

Although CATIA and DELMIA has plenty of advantages, planners do not adopt


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the technology in a large extent because there are still many limitations to be

overcame.

6.5.2.1 Design for Manufacture

Martyn Day (2003) stated that although Dassault System (CATIA V5 and

DELMIA) has perfectly viable systems for structural and mechanical, CATIA

does not have any as it is not tailored to the building industry which involves

huge amount of complex information. Buildings may contain 10 to 50,000

structural plates and I-beams with corresponding numbers on the curtain

wall and ductwork, so CATIA and DELMIA may not have the capability to

integrate all that information so it still has modeling limitation.

6 5 2 2 License Fee


As a license that can be shared by moving between configurations

A set of products bundled together to solve a particular design or engineering


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problem is called a configuration. Most of these configurations include four to

twelve products and their price is quite high. After the first configuration is

purchased, it is possible to expand the toolset by purchasing a single product.

Moreover, the company has to pay for the license subscription fee annually.

The license fee of CATIA and DELMIA is comparatively superior to the

traditional CAD software, e.g. AutoCAD 2006, Microsoft Project 2003, etc, as

shown in the following table.

Software AutoCAD

2006

Microsoft

Project 2003

CATIA V5 & DELMIA

License Fee HK$32,999a HK$6,999a >HK$1,000,000

Remarks : (Asscess though www hkishop com on 20 February 2006)


6.5.2.3 Lacking in skil lfu l labour

CATIA and DELMIA is fresh to construction industry. According to Ho (2006),


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there is a lack of skillful labour who familiarize with the operation of CATIA and

DELMIA in construction field (Lee, 2006). Although there are publications

teaching CATIA and DELMIA, training programme is far lacking comparing with

AutoCAD, Micro Station and Microsoft Project, etc.

6.5.2.4 Hardware Requirement

Apart from license fee and labour problem, CATIA and DELMIA requires high

quality computer hardware to support processing of massive amount of data,

e.g. according to website of IBM, an internal or external disk drive (minimum

recommended size is 4 GB) is required to store program executables

(installation of all CATIA Version 5 Products requires 2.0 GB on Windows, 2.4

GB on AIX, 2.7 GB on HP-UX, 2.5 GB on IRIX, and 2.3 GB on Solaris),

program data usage environment and paging space These are also a


6.5.2.5 Human-Initiated Characteristic

CATIA and DELMIA are obviously very powerful software to help planner


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design the construction programme, however, they cannot generate the best

programme to achieve optimization by itself. Software cannot create the best

programme without planner who design, prepare and input the basic data, and

then, the software help to generate and simulate the possible programme in

order to identify any possible planning errors. CATIA and DELMIA can improve

the programme designed by planners, but not create a new one. They must be

initiated by professionals.

CHAPTER VII

Conclusions and


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Conclusions andRecommendations

7.1 Conclusions

7.2 Recommendations

Chapter 7 Conclusions & Recommendations

Chapter 7 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Conclusions


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Inefficient site space and facilities management, crashes of activities and poor

communication are common problems in construction projects. These

problems often lead to inefficient utilization of cost and time. A comprehensive

planning is the solution to solve the problems. CATIA and DELMIA provides a

platform to create a comprehensive planning.

Derived from the functions of CATIA V5 and DELMIA and interviews with

professionals, advantages in terms of drawings, site space and facilities

management, communication, scheduling and information management are

found. However, there are some limitations to restrict the popularity of CATIA

and DELMIA in construction industry in Hong Kong because, firstly, it was

designed for manufacture, but not tailor made for construction, secondly, its

Chapter 7 Conclusions & Recommendations

design construction programme, however, they have not widely used in

construction industry subject to the limitations mentioned in previous


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paragraph.

7.2 Recommendations

This research investigates the utilization of CATIA and DELMIA by qualitative

method because of the limitation in collecting data from companies. However,

it is worth to have further study on the issue by using quantitative method, e.g.

comparing the cost and time invested in a project with and without using CATIA

and DELMIA. It can provide investors with more convincing reasons to adopt

this new tool in their developments.

Reference and Bibliographies

References and Bibliographies

1 A till J W d R W W dh d (1990) C iti l th th d i


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1. Antill, J.W., and R.W. Woodhead. (1990).Critical path methods in

construction practice. 4thed. New York: Wiley,

2. Brandon, P. S., (1999) Product Process Development in 2000 Beyond,

Berkeley-Stanford CE&M Workshop, Standford 1999.

3. Beckert, Beverly A. (2000) CAD software gets "smarter", Computer -

Aided Engineering Vol 19, Iss 1, Jan 2000

4. Bocking C E, Rennie A E W and Jacobson D M (2003).Rapid and Virtual

Prototyping and Applications, Professional Engineering Publishing

Limited.


York, New York, 1991.


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7. Chau K, W,,Anson M, Zhang J.P. (2005). 4D dynamic construction

management and visualization software : 1.Development. Automation in

Construction 14(2005) 512-524.

8. Chau C. K., S.H. and R.K. L. Gay (1999). Rapid Prototyping Verus Virtual

Prototyping in Product Design and Manufacturing. Int J Adv Manuf

Technol (1999) 15:597-603. Springer-Verlag London Limited.

9. Chau K. W., M. Anson, J.P. Zhang (2004) 4D dynamic construction

management and visualization software : 1. Development. Automation in

Construction 14 (2005) 512-524.

10 Construct IT (2000) Construction Modelling Methodologies for Intelligent


Simulation with an Adaptable Graphical User Interface. St. John's

Newfoundland


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12. Halpin, D., and Woodhead, T. (1998). Construction management, 2ndEd.,

Wiley, New York

13. Howard R., 1998, Computing in construction pioneers and the future.

Butterworth Heinemann.

14. Issa, R.,(1999) Virtual Reality: A solution to Seamless Technology

Integration in the AEC Industry, Berkeley-Stanford CE&M Workshop,

Stanford 1999.

15. Karam Fred and Kleismit (2004), Using CATIA V5, Thomson Learning.


17. Ma Z., Shen Q. & Zhang J. (2004) Application of 4D for dynamic site

layout and management of construction projects. Automation in


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Construction 14 (2005) 369-381

18. Malkawi Ali M. and Godfried Augenbroe (2003). Advanced Building

Simulation, Spon Press .

19. Mubarak, Saleh A. 2005. Construction project scheduling and control.

Pearson Education limited.

20. Popescu, C.M., and C. Charoenngam. 1995. Project Planning, scheduling

and control in construction : An encyclopedia of terms and application.

New York: Wiley.

21. Pratt M. J.(1994), Virtual prototypes and product models in mechanical

engineering Proceedings IFIP WE 5 10 on Virtual Environment and their


Management Institute.


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23. Ripley, Brian D., Stochastic Simulation, John Wiley & Sons, New York,

New York, 1987

24. Sarshar,M., Betts, M., Abbott, C., Aouad, G., (2000) A Vison for

Construction IT 2005-2010, RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors)

Research Series, Dec 2000.

25. Sarshar,M., Tanyer, A., Underwood, J.,(2002) A Vision for Construction IT

2005-2010, RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) Research

Series, Dec 2000.

26. Sawhney, A., (1999) Research and Development Plan for the AEC

Industry Berkeley Stanford CE&M Workshop Stanford 1999


28. Shi, J. J. (1999) Computer Simulation in AEC and its Future

Development, Berkeley-Stanford CE&M Workshop, Stanford 1999.


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29. Stribling, David (2003), Building Simulation Virtual prototyping for

construction projects, Ingenia Issue 17 October/November (2003) 32-35.

30. Sun Ming and Rob Howard (2004), Understanding I.T. in Construction.

Spon Press

31. Tang S.L., S.W. Poon, Syed M. Ahmed and Francis K.W. Wong. 2003.

Modern Construction Project Management, second edition, 227- 230.

Hong Kong University Press.

32. Thabet, W., (1999). Design-Construction Integration Through Virtual

Construction for Improved Constructability Berkeley Stanford CE&M


139-154.

34 W h L M d F T M (1990) C t i t k l d f


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34. Waugh, L. M., and Froese, T. M. (1990). Constraint knowledge for

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35. WISE consortium (2002) State of the Art Survey: Managing Engineer

knowledge. The WISE consortium.

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London, Academic Press, 1984.

Appendix

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I - Sample of Accompanying Letter


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Appendix II - Sample of Interview Question

Appendix III - Method and Sequence of Construction at Typical Floor

Appendix IV - 6-day Cycle Programme for Typical Floors

Appendix

Appendix I: Sample of Accompanying Letter

February 2006

Dear Sir,


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Invitation of Participating in a Research Interview

I am hereby writing to invite you being the interviewee of a research. I am Li Ka

Ming, a student of BSc (Hons) of the Building Surveying of the Department of

Building and Real Estate in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I am currently

carrying out a research project on The application of Virtual Prototyping in the

Construction Industry : a case study of Kwan Chung Redevelopment Project .

The main objectives of this project are to evaluate the effectiveness of construction

simulation process, improve the traditional construction planning and make

recommendations on the further development of virtual prototyping.

I strongly believe that your experience and opinion is highly valuable to the

academics and practitioners. The information you provide will be kept in strict

confidentiality and used for academic purposes. Only generalized summaries and

conclusion will be presented even in research reports.

Time and place of interview can be arranged at your convenience. If you have further

enquires, please contact me via mobile (no. 98511622) at your convenience. I am

looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Appendix

Appendix II: Sample of Interview Questions

Interview Questions Aims

1. What are your expectations on the To collect the practitioners view on the


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technology of virtual prototyping in

projects? Were the results complied

with your expectations?

expectations of virtual prototyping

2. Why do you/your company invest

in the technology of virtual

prototyping?

To collect the practitioners view on the

investment of innovation technology

3. Do you think that virtual

prototyping is effective in

improving the planning and

construction of a project in term of

time, cost and quality ?

To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual

prototyping to improve the planning and

construction of a project

4. What are the considerations/criteria

of using virtual prototyping?

To identify the relative importance of

various factors using virtual prototyping.

5. What do you think about the ease of

use, practicability and cost of usingvirtual prototyping in construction

industry ?

To evaluate the attractiveness of using

virtual prototyping in project planning

6. Do you think virtual prototyping

acts as a Design tool successfully ?

To evaluate whether virtual prototyping

helps designers to choose the best

alternative designs

7. What do you think about usingvirtual prototyping in project

planning ?

To collect the practitioners view on

using virtual prototyping in the

construction industry.

Appendix

Appendix III: Method and Sequence of Construction at Typical Floor


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Appendix

Appendix IV: 6-day Cycle Programme for Typical Floors


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Dissertation Kwaichunghousing[1]

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