Iconic Animation for Activity-based Construction Simulation

This paper discusses the development of an animation tool for the activity-based construction (ABC) modeling and simulation system. The tool uses an activity-based network diagram, i.e., ABC simulation model, as the animation background image, and uses precreated two-dimensional (2D) iconic images for simulation entities (e.g., resources). The animation process displays the queuing status and dynamic movements of 2D iconic images on the background. It also distinguishes active and idle states of resources and activities. Dynamic reports are available for selected activities with graphs including the production rate and utilization of involved resources. From visualizing the change of status of a simulation process and dynamic interaction between simulation entities in the process, the user can better understand the dynamic nature of the construction process. Animation provides an avenue to demonstrate how dynamic operations are simulated. It also provides an effective tool for the user to verify a simulation model and to validate the obtained simulation results. Compared to other systems, the ABC animation does not require any extra effort in addition to the ABC simulation model constructed for simulation purposes. Therefore, the presented technology greatly reduces the time and cost for achieving animation. A variety of useful information can be observed through animation, and is illustrated using two construction examples.