Automatically Transforming Virtual RealitySimulations into Project Schedules

A novel framework is contributed that facilitates a workflow, algorithms, and methods that can be followed to automatically transform desirable results of first-person virtual reality (VR) problem solving simulations into project schedules for some challenging construction and deconstruction situations. VR’s strengths for this application include immersive visualization, building information modeling (BIM) integration, physics-based simulation, collaboration, and intuitive interactive controls. Within the framework, an initial ontology, formal definitions, relevant data structures, and simulation script pseudocodes are established. These elements enable the automatic capture during VR simulation sessions of critical task attributes, such as descriptions, predecessor relationships, estimated durations, and resource requirements. This captured information is then processed using defined procedures and pseudocode logic to generate critical path method (CPM) schedules in commercial construction planning and scheduling software. A planning and scheduling workflow integrates these elements to support effective problem solving within the framework, including the capture and comparison of multiple schedule options from the simulations. The efficacy of the framework is demonstrated in the generation and analysis of construction schedules for the dismantling of a portion of a Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactor core. Additional research is required to refine and expand the VR-to-schedule approach to support broader applications acr­oss various construction scenarios.