The Augmented Reality Construction Industry
Whether they are being used for equipment training or virtual safety programs, augmented reality is becoming an integral tool in the construction industry. This cutting-edge technology offers several benefits like streamlining collaboration, eliminating errors and reducing costs.
AR lets workers superimpose 3D models and virtual plans on their physical view of the project. This saves time by preventing them from having to go back and forth between the actual site and digital designs.
Pre-Construction Inspections
AR allows architects and construction companies to demonstrate potential building designs to clients during the planning stage. This way, potential changes can be flagged and approved early in the process before they can cause disruption to the build, costing time and money.
During the pre-construction stage, AR can also help workers make better decisions about materials and how to install them. For instance, it can help reduce errors such as misalignments between electrical conduits and ceiling boxes. It can even be used to train workers how to operate complex machinery or handle hazardous materials without them actually having to go out on the construction site, which can save a lot of time and money in terms of training costs.
A study led by Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science faculty member Jeffrey Kim and Darren Olsen found that augmented reality construction industry using AR headsets to assist with inspections can lead to significant savings in both construction costs and project delays. They compared inspections done by students using AR to those done by students who used 2D paper plans.
In addition to allowing them to work faster and more efficiently, the use of AR can help address the growing skills shortage in the construction sector. This is because it’s an accessible and user-friendly technology that can be accessed via smartphones and tablets as well as AR-specific hardware such as the Microsoft Hololens 2.
Field Inspections
The use of AR can help improve communication between different workers on construction sites, especially when different teams are working on projects simultaneously. This is useful for ensuring that work meets specifications and that any problems are addressed quickly before they escalate. AR can also help ensure that all employees understand plans and the progress of the project. By allowing access to models and key information easily via an AR platform, the technology can be used to enhance existing processes or introduce new ones that were not possible before.
One of the main purposes of this research was to examine the potential applications of BIM-based AR for field inspections. It was found that this technology can reduce major errors, extra costs and delay in work. It can also provide a high level of consistency and efficacy for inspections.
It is also important to note that AR can be used in conjunction with other types of technologies. For example, it can be used to perform non-destructive testing (NDT) on the structure, which will allow for more accurate inspections and will not cause any harm to the structures. This can save a lot of money and time in the long run.
Finally, it is essential to recognize the obstacles that may hinder the adoption of AR in the construction industry. Various studies have identified the obstacles to using AR and categorized them as financial, organizational, or human barriers. However, the results of this study indicate that these obstacles are not as significant as previously believed. This is because AR has the potential to transform construction by improving efficiency and communication.
Post-Construction Inspections
It’s easy to understand why many in the construction industry are hesitant to adopt AR technology. It’s not only expensive, but it also requires specialized training to use properly. However, if used correctly, AR can reduce the number of mistakes that are made on construction sites and save time. Accuracy is crucial in the construction industry because even the smallest mistake can cost a project thousands of dollars.
With AR, engineers can make changes to building models on-site and see how those changes will affect the structure. This will help prevent costly rework later in the process. Additionally, AR can help with estimating construction costs and materials.
Construction projects require strong collaboration to ensure that the job is done on time and within budget. But not all team members can be present on-site at the same time. AR enables remote employees to augmented reality construction industry check the site as if they were there in person. This makes it easier to detect problems and correct errors without the need for a physical inspection.
In a study conducted by Nassereddine and his colleagues, researchers interviewed 93 construction practitioners to investigate the benefits, barriers, and potential applications of AR in the industry. They analyzed responses to find out the most popular use-cases of AR and identified the barriers that are hindering its implementation in the construction industry. They grouped the identified obstacles into five categories: financial, human, organizational, technological, and others.
Project Management
The augmented reality construction industry is a fast-growing and evolving field. The technology is a valuable tool for construction companies that want to improve productivity, work more efficiently and build better relationships with their clients. Moreover, it can also help them reduce costs, increase accuracy and finish projects on time.
However, there are several obstacles that must be overcome to implement AR in the AEC industry. Firstly, the technology is expensive and requires training for construction professionals to become familiar with it. Secondly, construction firms are hesitant to adopt novel applications. It is not uncommon for them to feel that the benefits of the technology are not sufficiently demonstrated or quantified. Finally, the technology has a high learning curve, making it difficult for construction companies to assess its financial implications and possible profits (Davila et al., 2020).
Despite these barriers, augmented reality in the AEC industry has the potential to change the way construction is carried out. It can streamline planning and operational processes, enhance communication and collaboration between different stakeholders, and improve decision-making. It can also help to make building sites safer places by facilitating on-the-job training for workers to ensure that they are skilled and proficient in undertaking high-risk tasks. The CITB’s A New Reality report states that the industry faces a future skills shortage and that AR can play a critical role in addressing this.