Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R53623/01
Title:	Simulating the Performance of Hybrid Concrete Structures Using Virtual Prototyping Techniques
Principal Investigator:	Olomolaiye, Professor PO
Other Investigators:	Proverbs, Professor D Mahdjoubi, Professor L
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Baggeridge Brick Plc Reinforced Concrete Council Trent Concrete Ltd University of Wolverhampton Whitby Bird and Partners
Department:	Sch of Engineering and the Built Env
Organisation:	University of Wolverhampton
Scheme:	LINK
Starts:	01 July 2002	Ends:	30 June 2004	Value (£):	64,778
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Civil Engineering Materials Construction Ops & Management
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Construction Information Technologies
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project brings together a group of organisations committed to simulating the performance of buildings based on their materials composition, combining expertise in technology and simulation (Salford), performance and productivity (Wolverhampton) and human and cultural issues (Coventry). The industrial companies bring their experiences and commitment to the advancement of components-based construction. The industry needs to shift its emphasis to standardisation and prefabrication of components by exploring the new opportunities that can be used by simulating the process based upon a virtual modular kit of parts. Components can then be selected and assembled in virtual space as an aid to component selection and process planning. In this research the performance of 2-7 storey, office type buildings will be used to demonstrate the benefits of virtual prototyping and simulation. Traditional buildings made of in-situ concrete will be compared with those made of hybrid concrete (in-situ + pre-cast or steel). This will help in assessing the impact of using standardised prefabricated components. The two types of buildings will be simulated in a 3DNR environment to assess the feasibility, economic performance, life cycle costing and environmental impact. This will allow clients to perform what-if analyses before any commitment is made to a particular type of technology. This is in response to a perceived client requirement of a 30% reduction in building cost and for greater certainty of completion time. Human factors, user interaction and cultural issues will be addressed as an integral aspect of the proposal.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.wlv.ac.uk