THE SCOPE AND ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

We present the case for information technology to support the design, construction, and operation of capital projects through the concurrent and integrated use of formal and visual computer models of the physical project scope, the organization carrying out the project, and the process that will deliver the facility. We call this approach to design and manage a project Virtual Design and Construction. We review several commercial and research prototype software tools that provide some of the functionality needed for Virtual Design and Construction and summarize benefits firms are achieving today from the use of these tools.