Virtual reality (VR) supported lift planning for modular integrated construction (MiC) of high-rise buildings

Modular integrated construction of high-rise buildings has shown its potential in accelerating the speed of construction, improving safety, safeguarding quality and enhancing productivity. However, due to the disruptive change to the construction process, challenges are identified to effectively plan and handle multiple lifts for hoisting heavy modules. Research on lift planning includes the development of simulation tools. However, the previous tools provided either static simulations or pre-designed animations that did not address the interactions between planners and the tools. Virtual reality (VR) offers an opportunity to build an interactive and navigable 3D environment. This paper aims to develop a userfriendly VR-supported tool for achieving effective lift planning for constructing high-rise modular buildings. First, the module lifting process and tower crane operations were analysed. Second, a VR demonstration was developed using a real-life modular building project. Third, the demonstration was used during interviews with the project team to verify the effectiveness of the developed tool. Results suggest that the tool can help optimise the site layout and lift logistics through the provided functions of collision detection and construction simulation. The findings suggest that VR-supported lift planning will contribute to ensure site safety and enhance the productivity of modular high-rise building construction.