Construction animations make it possible to conduct detailed analyses of geometric constellations in dynamic construction processes and therefore form an excellent basis for feasibility studies. Construction animations are, however, usually generated manually and typically time-consuming and therefore costly. In this paper we introduce a new method for automating the generation of construction site animations. The method is based on "animation snippets" which represent individual work steps that can be assembled to form a complete animation sequence. The animation snippets are parameterized with respect to geometry and time so that they are adaptable to the specific conditions of a particular construction process. In the proposed concept, these parameters are set by the output of a constraint-based discrete event simulation. The animation snippets themselves are realized using a game engine. The entire methodology is illustrated using the example of a bridge construction process. An animation snippet used to model a crane transporting concrete is discussed in detail.     «

Construction animations make it possible to conduct detailed analyses of geometric constellations in dynamic construction processes and therefore form an excellent basis for feasibility studies. Construction animations are, however, usually generated manually and typically time-consuming and therefore costly. In this paper we introduce a new method for automating the generation of construction site animations. The method is based on "animation snippets" which represent individual work steps that...     »