Development of a Framework Integrating Agent-Based Modelling, Building Information Modelling and Immersive Technologies for Construction Training and Education

Effective construction management plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution and completion of construction projects. However, the construction industry continues to face numerous challenges, such as time delays and cost overruns, which underscores the need to improve conventional approaches to construction management. As such, training and education are critical components of construction management. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of digital technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and immersive technologies (ImTs), in facilitating construction training and education. Similarly, agent-based modelling (ABM) has the capacity for visualisation and simulation of scenarios, thereby presenting potential applications in this area. Nonetheless, limited studies have attempted to integrate these tools to augment construction training and education. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a systematic literature review to establish a framework that integrates the use of ABM, ImTs, and BIM for construction safety training and education. Based on the review, the framework proposes the utilisation of data derived from BIM to simulate and evaluate construction management plans through ABM. Furthermore, the results obtained from ABM could be utilised in educating construction workers through the use of ImTs. The developed framework provides a basis for future studies to examine how its performance could be enhanced through the integration of different simulation techniques, such as ABM and system dynamics (SD). Ultimately, the integration of ABM, ImTs, and BIM in construction training and education could serve as a valuable tool in improving construction management practices and addressing persistent challenges in the industry.