Detection of spatio-temporal conflicts on a temporal 3D space system

It is critical to detect the spatio-temporal conflicts in a project schedule, since many construction conflicts occur due to constraints in construction space and unavailability of intermediate functions of the in-progress building. This paper introduces a temporal 3D space system modelling method using a COmponent State network CEntric Model (COSCEM) to integrate such project aspects as product, process, space, and intermediate functions. Based on COSCEM, a 3D CAD model can be transformed into a temporal 3D space system. The concept of ‘existence vector’ and the Boolean logic operations are defined for depicting and deriving the dynamic characteristics of project entities. The procedures for detecting spatio-temporal conflicts are also presented. A case study of moving a truck crane on an excavated access road is selected to illustrate the proposed spatio-temporal detection methodology.