A SURVEY ON THE USE OF VISUALISATION TOOLS TO COMMUNICATE BUILDABILITY INFORMATION

Computer Visualisation has been identified by researchers as a tool with potential for communication between different construction participants. For example, it can be used as an effective tool to communicate design information on how components can be assembled together to site operatives. This paper presents an industry survey on the use of computer visualisation to communicate design information as part of a project which aims to demonstrate how computer visualisation can be used in clarifying design details and buildability problems. The survey shows that traditional tools are not adequate to communicate design information related to buildability between designers and builders. It also shows that more effective communication tools may improve the communication between construction and design practitioners. The paper concludes that the use of computer communication may cut costs of construction of buildings by simply considering how components assembled together and buildability problems can be solved during the construction stage. In addition to this, effective communication tools may improve collaboration between construction and design practitioners. Therefore, contractors, architects and engineers with field experience can often improve designs. Keywords: Computer visualisation, Communication, Buildability. 1