Visualization of Structural Steel Product Models, Construction Sites and Equipment, and the Virtual Cybernetic Building Testbed

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is used for the visual representation and simulation of construction and building related models, activities, and processes. Use the VRML plugin detector to check if your web browser is properly configured to be able to view VRML files.

If you're interested in your own local copy of most of the VRML models and web pages found below, then download this free zip file to your computer. Unzipping the file will create a directory nist_cic_vrml. Use a web browser to load the file index.html in that directory to display a local copy of this web page.

	CIS/2 and IFC - Product Data Standards for Structural Steel The CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) is the product model and electronic data exchange format (file format) for structural steel project information. CIS/2 is intended to create a seamless and integrated flow of information among all parties of the steel supply chain involved in the construction of steel framed structures. SteelVis, a CIS/2 to VRML and IFC translator has been developed. The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) are the product data model developed by buildingSMART (formerly the International Alliance for Interoperability) to facilitate interoperability in the building industry. Download the SteelVis - CIS/2 to VRML and IFC Translator
	VRML Modeling of the NIST Fire Research Facility Emissions Control System The Emissions Control System is an addition to the existing Large Fire Research Facility to bring it in compliance with current air pollution regulations. Initially the structure was modeled almost entirely with a Beam PROTO. The Beam PROTO, based on the VRML Extrusion node, allows for the creation of a wide variety of beams and other building elements typically used for steel structures. A beam is specified by its two endpoints and a cross section designation. When the cursor moves over a beam it is highlighted and a text popup provides a description of the beam. Subsequently, the VRML for the structural steel was generated directly from a CIS/2 file (see above).
	User-Controlled VRML Excavator, Tower Crane, and Dumptruck Several pieces of construction equipment have been modeled to see how well VRML can handle some of the issues related to construction site activities, including: user-controlled articulation and motion of equipment collision detection between equipment driving over nonuniform terrain deforming (digging) the terrain moving objects between pieces of equipment realistic looking structures with low polygon count construction sounds construction site time-lapse movie
	Virtual Cybernetic Building Testbed After construction is completed there are building operation and maintenance issues. This simulation deals with the interaction between a fire and HVAC system. The VRML world is used to display the results of a coupled fire and ventilation system simulation. use the slider in the GUI to simulate the simulation results displayed with graphical elements, numeric readouts, gages, and strip charts

This software was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology by employees of the Federal Government in the course of their official duties. Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code this software is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. This software is an experimental system. NIST assumes no responsibility whatsoever for its use by other parties, and makes no guarantees, expressed or implied, about its quality, reliability, or any other characteristic. We would appreciate acknowledgement if the software is used.

This software can be redistributed and/or modified freely provided that any derivative works bear some notice that they are derived from it, and any modified versions bear some notice that they have been modified.

By selecting some of the links above, you will be leaving NIST webspace. We have provided these links to other web sites because they may have information that would be of interest to you. No inferences should be drawn on account of other sites being referenced, or not, from this page. There may be other web sites that are more appropriate for your purpose. NIST does not necessarily endorse the views expressed, or concur with the facts presented on these sites. Further, NIST does not endorse any commercial products that may be mentioned on these sites.

Privacy Policy / Security Notice / Accessibility | Disclaimer | FOIA Information Quality | About NIST | USA.gov | Inquiries NIST is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce Date created: June 15, 1998 Last updated: September 21, 2009