Investigating the Impact of Spatial Reasoning on Construction Hazard Recognition

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Seoyoung Cheon, Prosper Gbiengu, Abdullahi Ibrahim, Chukwuma Nnaji and Gilles Albeaino

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between spatial reasoning abilities and hazard recognition performance within virtual reality (VR) simulations of construction environments. Despite the construction industry's high-risk nature and the critical role of hazard identification in preventing accidents, the impact of spatial cognitive skills on hazard recognition remains underexplored. Utilizing VR technology, the study created immersive construction site scenarios incorporating common hazards. Participants' spatial reasoning abilities were assessed using the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Visualization of Rotations (PSVT:R), followed by evaluations of their hazard recognition performance within the VR environments. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between spatial reasoning scores and hazard recognition performance, although the results indicate a slight upward trend in hazard recognition index (HRI) with increasing spatial reasoning ability. These findings indicate that other factors, such as attention distribution, experience, and training methodologies, may play more substantial roles in enhancing hazard recognition. The study underscores the potential of VR-based training programs to improve safety outcomes by providing realistic and controlled environments for hazard identification practice. Future research should adopt a larger, more diverse, and experienced population.

Keyphrases: construction, hazard recognition, spatial reasoning, virtual reality, worker safety

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 796-805.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/vQ8b
	https://doi.org/10.29007/vff8

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Investigating_Impact_Spatial_Reasoning,
  author    = {Seoyoung Cheon and Prosper Gbiengu and Abdullahi Ibrahim and Chukwuma Nnaji and Gilles Albeaino},
  title     = {Investigating the Impact of Spatial Reasoning on Construction Hazard Recognition},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/vQ8b},
  doi       = {10.29007/vff8},
  pages     = {796-805},
  year      = {2025}}

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