The use of virtual reality models in civil engineering training

Virtual Reality techniques were used to develop educational didactic models in the area of Civil Engineering. The visualization of the distinct physical steps of a construction is shown in the virtual applications here presented. The developed models bring new perspectives in the teaching activity as a support to expose new curricular programmes or complex sequence construction. In order to obtain models, which would be able to visually simulate the geometric evolution of the construction activity, techniques of geometric modelling and virtual reality were used. The models make it possible to view the physical evolution of the work, to follow the planned construction sequence and to visualize details of the form of every component of the works. They also support the study of the type and method of operation of the equipment necessary for these construction procedures. These models have been used to distinct advantage as educational aids in first-degree courses in Civil Engineering. (Extended paper from the International Symposium CompIMAGE – Coimbra, Portugal, 20-21 October 2006.)