How do we use advanced sensing and computing technologies to create safer, more efficient construction sites? And how do we teach these new technologies to the next generation of builders and construction managers? Dr. Amir Behzadan, associate professor of construction management, was awarded more than $300,000 from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for research projects focused on addressing these challenging issues.

Simulating construction activities
Behzadan was awarded a research grant (award No. 1602236) from the NSF for a project titled “Real-Time Feedback-Enabled Simulation Modeling of Dynamic Construction Processes.”

“This project is focused on discovering how to improve construction workflows by integrating real-time crew data into the decision-making process,” said Behzadan. “We will use construction simulation modeling, data mining and analytics, and real-time interaction to simulate how a complex project evolves in the real world.”

The total grant funding for this project is $275,000.

Context-aware augmented reality
The NSF was also awarded Behzaden a research grant (award No. 1603648) for a collaborative project titled “Strategies for Learning: Augmented Reality (AR) and Collaborative Problem-Solving for Building Sciences.”

Behzadan will work with researchers from Florida International University (FIU) and the University of Arkansas to develop a design-based research approach to integrate AR with Building Information Modeling (BIM), visual simulations and interactive lessons. AR uses a blend of previous information, such as an existing picture, and blends it with new information, such as building additions. BIM is a 3D digital modeling process for use in the planning, design, construction and management of buildings. The team will focus on whether integrating these technologies into the classroom improves students’ problem-solving and collaborative learning skills. The total grant funding for this project is $27,000.