Computational methods for simulating crane activities

The efficiency of crane operations in construction§may significantly impact on the schedule and cost of§a construction project. This book presents§computational methods required to simulate crane§activities with goal of improving crane erection§processes. A computer system that integrates the§computational methods is developed. This system is§referred to as iCrane, which stands for intelligent§crane, and is for use both before and during§erection. At its core, the computer system allows§users to simulate the erection process virtually,§prior to field operations. These methods can§potentially benefit many construction practitioners:§engineers for crane selection or crane placement;§logistics planners for generating precise and§detailed erection plans prior to construction;§construction managers for choosing optimal locations§for material delivery and temporary onsite storage;§cost estimators for increasing the accuracy of the§cost forecasts and cashflow projections. Crane§operators and trainers can also use the crane§simulation for providing instruction. Crane§researchers can simulate erection processes before§construction. Robot developers may also find this§book useful.