9451074 Hadipriono Studies have shown that rapid technological advances in the construction industry have left construction education obsolete. New construction graduates are expected to perform well on often unprecedented and complex construction projects. Inadequacies in their construction education have had grave consequences, including building and bridge failures. To prevent and remedy this situation, the investigators propose to incorporate simulation models for Construction Operations using Virtual Reality (COVR) in the Construction Program at The Ohio State University. Using COVR models students will immerse in a deep simulation process, allowing them to "participate" and "be in charge" in virtual construction operations. Initially, COVR will include the development of two models commonly encountered in state-of-the-art construction practice as well as in academic context: deep foundation construction and bridge erection. Since in the future, COVR can be expanded to accommodate numerous models its potential contribution to the curriculum is tremendous. In addition, COVR may become a model for other disciplines and institutions to enhance their undergraduate curriculum. In order for COVR to be technically sound, creative, well developed, worthwhile, and realistic, the acquisition of virtual reality instruments is essential. With the NSF support and OSU commitment to furnish additional/matching support, the acquisition of the following three instruments are planned: desk-top Binocular Omni-Orientation Monitors (BOOM2C-DT), SGI graphic workstations (WB-TWO50EX), Beachtron 3-D sound systems, and World Tool Kit software. COVR models will be completed in 2.5 years. COVR is expected to greatly enhance students' construction education by encouraging creative thinking and problem solving skills and by providing more practical training, and a greater feel for construction, as well as a greater understanding of overall structural behavior, and of understanding the un derlying causes of construction failures.
