Modelling issues in the development of a simulation game for teaching construction management

Simulation is becoming increasingly popular in construction for training, planning and for assessment of projects. There are, however, significant problems inherent in simulating construction which are not common to other simulations. This paper describes the development and use of computer-based game for teaching and learning of some aspects of construction project management. It is concerned with the development of a model used to simulate the construction of a rock- and clay-fill dam. It includes detailed physical modelling of the performance of individual pieces of equipment and their interaction with the ground, the geography of the project and the weather in which the equipment operates. The behaviour of all of the individual pieces of equipment when acting as fleets is also discussed. The paper also describes the modelling issues of non-technical aspects of earthmoving operations. These include environmental impact, safety, quality and risks. The problems of integrating these with the physics-based models of the equipment performance are discussed. The paper also draws on real experience of using the game in classes in three universities in different countries.