Virtual Prototyping

Virtual Prototyping

The problem of low productivity in the construction industry is well documented. Prominent researchers from the academic field have identified roots of this problem and have presented their points of view for possible remedies using Information Technologies (IT). A brief review of some previous work is presented in this paper in order to help and understand research motivations, interpretations and propose avenues for the solution of the persistently low productivity problems in the construction industry (Bédard 2003). A good understanding of the different points of view from within this field of research will sustain and enhance the efforts invested by various industry professionals and university researchers who are attempting to find innovative and applicable solutions. These contributions shed additional light on the construction industry information tunnels.

Long term solutions require a clear vision and innovations, which may be proposed by independent entrepreneurs and researchers willing to try alternative solutions that involve extensive research and complex application work. Once a solution becomes feasible, other issues will have to be addressed regarding the challenges of changing project mind-set, education of architects, engineers, draftsmen and technicians, assignment of work tasks to professionals, as well as defining new ways of using technology in the construction industry in order to achieve increased productivity and ensure business profits. 

There are many existing research projects on the subject, with a very large number of available publications. The authors have reviewed about one hundred papers that cover a balanced view of the present situation in the construction industry. Only a few typical papers will be discussed herein. In a paper called “Changes and the Unchangeable: Computers in Construction”, Claude Bédard (2003), Dean of Research and Technology Transfer at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal, presents a review of the changes in the areas of IT and construction during the past 50 years in North America and proposes possible future scenarios of development (Froese & Staub-French 2003). 

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