Framework for BIM-Based Simulation of Construction Operations Implemented in a Game Engine

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The presented research is interesting and its contribution to the body of knowledge is notable. It could advance simulation techniques by integrating BIM and game engine with simulation models. The paper is well-written and easy to follow. The authors are required to address the following comments in the next revision.

* Line 34-36: The sentence is not read well. Please consider revising it.

* Section 2: The authors are encouraged to review and include some references in the paper:

1)     “Barriers to adopting simulation modelling in construction industry” for the challenges of using simulation in the industry

2)     “Alice Technologies” https://www.alicetechnologies.com/ for the simulation parametric modeling and 3D visualization of the simulation results

3)     “Construction Site Layout Planning Using a Simulation-Based Decision Support Tool” for the visualization of the simulation-based site layout planning

* Section 3.1: The explanation in Section 3.1 is high level. Providing some examples and/or some diagrams could help the readers to better understand the defined terms.

* Line 267: The unique attributes were only described for the workers. What about material and equipment?

* Section 5 and/or 6: More detail is required about implementation of distributed simulation.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript is well-written.

Here are some detailed comments that I hope could improve your manuscript:

1.      There has been much research on construction simulation using BIM. There are already available frameworks. Authors are advised to clarify and highlight what research gaps and problems raised in this study (besides what has been stated in Line 30-47).

2.      The title should be replaced to be more specific since the integration of BIM and construction simulation has been widely discussed. Meanwhile, this study investigates the integration of BIM and construction simulation focusing on resource allocation and task interdependencies.

3.      It is necessary to present a detailed discussion of the implications of this research in relation to BIM for cost simulation which has been studied. These two may influence one another.

4.      Since this study used a game engine as the platform, the authors should provide what is it and how to use it in developing the framework.

5.      Authors should describe the types of construction resources considered in this framework and their validation.

6.      Authors should explain how this framework can address uncertainties and changes with regard to resource allocation and task interdependencies.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf