Development of a VR Planning Model of a River Lock for Risk Assessment in the Construction and Machinery Industry

Abstract

There is a growing interest in prospective risk assessments to enable design improvements early in machinery development. Though simulation-based methods such as virtual reality (VR) may provide assistance for risk assessment, knowledge available about the suitability and effectiveness of a VR planning model in the future context of use is rather limited. Based on planning information available, a dynamic VR planning model of a river lock has been developed in 1:1 scale and visualised for risk assessment. VR considerably supported the risk assessment of a future river lock. The risk assessment yielded improvements with regard to the operational concept and allowed for identifications of hazards and design flaws. Results could be fed back into the planning stage. The project therefore facilitated ergonomics and safety through design and supported prevention for occupational safety and health from early on.