Tower Crane Case Study

3.1 Motivation of Using Virtual Environment
In this study we aim to develop a simulation-based virtual environment that involves the tower crane operations. In the very first step, the tool simulates an example of crane lifting operation in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment. The environment involves the main features of the simulation such as collision detection technology, reality integration and crane operation functions. The main reasons of using these features are to provide a realistic safe workspace for the users and to enable their exposure against potential accidents occurred on the construction sites. Thus, users could improve their knowledge about the safety instructions during tower crane tasks. In addition, we also aim
In the first phase, the tool generates the 3D models necessary for the simulation such as; buildings, bricks, personal protective equipment. In addition to that, the models in the surrounding environment such as clouds, trucks, walls, are also developed. Thus, users could monitor a realistic construction workspace in a 3D environment. Secondly, users enter to the environment by creating their own avatars on the server. In this simulation, only three different roles are assigned to the trainees; (i) crane operator, (ii) pointer and (iii) brick layer. When the all users select their role, they start the training by entering to the warehouse (Figure #). As the 4th step, the trainees start interacting with the virtual models (e.g. crane, lift, rope, etc.). Based on their behavior, decisions and collaboration, their performances are analyzed and they receive a written feedback at the end of the training session based on their
In the primary stage, we provided the necessary safety management information and the tutorial of the software to the trainees. We recorded a video supported by PowerPoint presentations. All the trainees watched the same video related with their role. With this way, we ensured that all the trainees received the same information which is crucial for sustain a controlled environment for the experiments. Secondly, we evaluated the potential hazards of tower crane tasks defined by Shepherd and colleagues (2000). In addition, we evaluated and defined the causes of tower crane accidents listed by Shapira and Lyachin (2009). We integrated the major following accident causes to the virtual media: (i) blind lifts, (ii) type of load, (iii) wind, (iv) weather condition, (v) operator proficiency, (vi) operator character and (vii) signal person behavior. Later on, we investigated the major precursors caused to these accidents, and the potential impacts of these accidents (Shepherd et al., 2000). By the systematic analysis based on accidents, we proposed a feedback criteria that evaluates (i) the knowledge and behavior of the trainees, (ii) collaboration skills and (iii) the level of conveying the safety information. Later on, we associated these hazards into the virtual objects existed in the virtual environment of the V-SAFE. Finally, we defined three different roles as crane operator, pointer, and brick layer. Crane