Interactive Models Based on Virtual Reality Technology Used in Civil Engineering Education - Teaching through Multi-User Virtual Environments - page 393

systems, and visualization systems (Zudilova-
Seinstra, 2009). The present project integrates VR
system and a computer application implemented
in Visual Basic (VB) language.
Until now, a first prototype concerning the
lighting system was developed. It allows the
examination of the physical model, visualizing,
for each element modeled in 3D and linked to a
database, the corresponding technical information
concerned with the wear and tear aspects of the
material, defined for that period of time (Figure
3). In addition, the analysis of solutions for main-
tenance work or substitution and inherent cost are
predicted, the results being obtained interactively
and visualized in the virtual environment itself.
The aim is that the virtual model should be able
to be applied directly over the 3D models of
new constructions. The practical usage of these
models is directed, then, towards supporting
decision-making in the conception phase and the
planning of maintenance. In further work other
components will be analyzed and incorporated
into the virtual system.
The prototype links the 3D model to a data
base concerning the lighting system management
within a collaborative virtual environment. It
means that it can be manipulated by partners in-
terested in creating, transforming and analyzing
data in order to obtain results and to make deci-
sions. The process of developing the prototype
interface considers these purposes. Then, the
model is easy to use and not require sophisticated
computer skills by users, as many are not com-

puter experts. The human perceptual and cognitive
capabilities were taken into account when design-
ing this visualization tool. It uses an interactive
3D visualization system based on the selection of
element directly within the virtual 3D world.
Furthermore, associated with each component
there are integrated databases, allowing the con-
sult of the require data in any point in time.
The scholarship holders involved, in this work,
are 5 th year students of Civil Engineering. They had
to learn advanced software of geometric modeling
and visualization and to explore the capacities of
a RV technology system, the EON Studio (EON,
2008). In addition, a bibliographic research sup-
port had to be made regarding the maintenance
of constructions, lighting systems usually applied
in a building and the characteristics of different
types of lamps. Also programming skills had to
be adapted to establish the integration needed
for the creation of a lighting virtual prototype.
Furthermore, the structure of different kind of
databases had to be studied and implemented,
integrating diverse type of information, needed
to develop the interactive virtual model.
At present, three Bologna master dissertations
regarding the incorporation of different build-
ing components of the initial prototype are in
progress. The studies contemplate the planning
definition strategies of surface maintenance of
external walls (Rita), of interior wall (Daniel) and
of floors (Filipe). The correspondent databases
related to the characterization of each material,
associated anomalies and repairing type of work

Figure 3. VR model and actualized information concerning lighting elements