How is Augmented Reality used in the Construction Industry?

The construction industry is the world's oldest, with development at its heart. The technologies we employ to construct our built environment have advanced at an exponential rate during the previous century.

 

R&D expenses in the construction industry are often substantially lower than those in other industries (it rarely goes higher than 1 percent of revenues). That might be another reason why it is losing ground in the digital age and lagging behind other industries in terms of integrating innovative technology.

 

According to MIT Technology Review, employing advancements in the field of augmented reality is one approach for the construction sector to enhance production quickly while ensuring long-term effects (AR).

 

Augmented Reality is a technology that augments actual environments on a mobile device screen by superimposing digital material on top of them. Augmented Reality is built on real-world footprints and simply adds computer-generated data such as animation or three-dimensional objects to it rather than completely replacing any virtual experience.

 

 

Augmented Reality in Construction

 

Because of its capacity to give real-time information, augmented reality is being used in the construction sector to increase productivity, improve safety on building sites, maximize teamwork and collaboration, and time management, cost, and supplies. 

 

There are many sub-processes in Construction where Augmented reality is of utmost importance. Some may be associated with Project planning whereas some may be associated with construction training. Whatever it may be, we’ll be discussing every plausible steps in construction that requires AR.

 

Additionally Augmented reality is one of the most promising technologies of Industry revolution 4.0. So, it’s important that we leverage the most important technology across every field so as to stay ahead. 

 

So here are some of the processes in construction that require AR for better implementation.

---

Augmented Reality in Construction

---

1. Planning of Projects

 

AR's function in building begins with the planning stage. Using augmented reality, numerous features and aspects may be placed onto a construction design to offer stakeholders with a comprehensive picture of the project. 

 

It is critical to ensure that your project plan corresponds with the client's expectations throughout the construction planning phase. Architects and construction businesses may show their clients functioning models by merging augmented reality and BIM. 

 

Through 2D models and virtual tours, clients are given a clear sense of what a building will look like. As a result, clients may base their selections on the present plan and allow the designers and engineers to make changes before building begins.

 

2. Team Efforts

 

Construction is a highly collaborative industry, and strong collaboration amongst all disciplines is critical to completing a project on time and within budget. However, not all project team members may be on-site at all times. Fixing problems must be postponed until all parties concerned have collected, examined, and made any required changes to the plans.

 

Remote employees may check the job site as if they were there in person using Augmented Reality. AR enables real-time issue resolution and error correction without requiring a specific team member to be physically present at the facility. 

 

Workers can also utilize augmented reality to record photographs or videos of problems that can be seen and commented on by remote teams.

 

AR can improve remote collaboration by allowing teams to exchange 3D photos and movies with team members who aren't on-site. With augmented reality, stakeholders may see photographs or videos in more detail, allowing them to spot flaws or concerns without having to physically visit the facility.

 

Also Read | Virtual Tourism

 

3. Information of Projects

 

The ability to see how elements fit on the site is the main advantage of adopting augmented reality. It allows project managers to visualize how everything fits on-site to scale before ordering supplies or estimating the quantity of personnel required for installation. 

 

When wearing wearables on-site, workers should be able to touch and instantly scan constructed items, comparing them to the set measurements from a design. 

 

On-site revision allows for the detection of architectural discrepancies as well as the avoidance of significant expenditures and delays by promptly adapting to changes.

 

One of the most important benefits of using AR technology in construction is the ability to combine all digital information and paperwork for a project with its real location. 

 

This technology may assist in accessing and visualizing data such as the location, style, and kind of structure shell modifications spanning across architectural components.  

 

On-site engineers may utilize this information retrieval technology to view the facts in front of them using an AR headset or tablet. This allows them to carefully monitor the project's development on-site in relation to the building design and guarantee that everything is in order. 

 

4. Training of Safety and Precaution

 

In the construction sector, safety is a prevalent issue. Wearables are utilised as safety equipment and for augmented reality inspection work in terms of safety. 

 

SRI, a technical research institution for augmented vision, employs glasses to alter worksite operations, allowing construction inspectors to save time, decrease costs, and increase safety. 

 

Typically, the inspection procedure is done manually, and it frequently necessitates the participation of more than one person. An inspector can precisely align and compare the as-built buildings to the BIM model. 

 

An inspector can take images or collect notes from a specific site on the go. On-site, complex regions and critical issues become simpler to notice, identify, and discuss in real time.

 

To address this issue, workers can be provided with virtual drills, instruction, and safety situations through AR technology such as AR headsets. Workers may be trained in this manner in a safe atmosphere where no one is injured. 

 

For example, before operating sophisticated heavy gear on the actual building site, employees may utilize AR glasses like Microsoft Hololens to rehearse in a safe, virtual environment. 

 

Similarly, augmented reality (AR) may be used to instruct employees on how to handle dangerous items or scenarios without exposing them to the actual thing.

 

5. Measurement

 

Augmented reality gear and wearables may measure the physical dimensions of a location, such as depth, height, and breadth. 

 

Companies may utilize models to correctly establish measurements and observe how the project will appear by combining BIM and augmented reality. Because augmented reality gives more exact measurements, it will be more efficient in determining work hours and supplies needed.

 

Working from a blueprint or other 2D model might make it more difficult to identify chances for design improvements than working from a comprehensive augmented reality display. 

 

Engineers may readily adjust the arrangement of walls or other critical structural components and systems by using an AR headset with a digital overlay of a project. AR shows them how such systems interact with one another. It may also reveal incompatibilities, or when a remedy will cause a problem in the future. 

 

Accepted modifications are updated in real-time, reducing the danger of personnel following outdated plans. Using AR here can help to minimize costly oversights, minimizing the likelihood of extensive rework once the project is started.

 

Also Read | Augmented Reality in Healthcare

 

Restrictions of Augmented Reality in Construction

 

AR has various uses across the life cycle of a construction project, from planning to completion, that assure accuracy, eliminate rework, reduce construction costs, and ensure project completion on schedule. 

 

As a consequence of this total efficiency and accuracy, construction businesses will have more trust in their projects, which may build client connections and create long-term ROI. Despite all of these significant benefits, the degree of AR usage in construction is now relatively low. Why?

 

1. The belief that AR is an immature technology that cannot be used effectively in practice is the most significant hurdle to its adoption in the construction sector. Construction engineering applications need extremely high levels of precision, consistency, and efficacy.

 

2. Construction organizations are inexperienced with augmented reality hardware and software, making it difficult to obtain procurement strategy advice and evaluate alternative solutions. 

 

Furthermore, because the financial ramifications and potential revenues are not immediately accessible, firms find it difficult to invest in the technology.

 

3. Comfort and safety are also major considerations for users who wear AR headsets for extended periods of time. 

 

The equipment is regularly subjected to bad weather and functions best in a steady setting with a robust internet connection. These are all characteristics that aren't often present on building sites, which would make the usage of AR gadgets difficult.

 

4. There’s always a lack of expertise and training. Due to the low degree of acceptance, only a few professionals have experience and understanding of AR and VR. 

 

Because workers are typically habituated to traditional building practices and have limited technical understanding, AR/VR training can be time-consuming.

 

5. There is also a lack of IT resources. Because building relies on conventional processes, it has experienced less technical developments than other industries. IT accounts for less than 1% of yearly building sales. 

 

Because of the large amount of human and capital resources required to develop technology, adoption in construction is very slow.

 

Also Read | Augmented Reality in Hospitality Industry

 

Successful Implementation of AR in Construction

 

Every implementation has a story to share. And it’s important for us to keep track of such things, otherwise we’ll get lost in the innovations without even realizing it.

 

1. GAMMA AR is an Augmented Reality programme that overlays 3D BIM models on the building site. It enables you to spot issues prior to building, eliminating errors and wasteful back-and-forth between parties. It may also be used to visualize models and plans prior to construction.

 

It is an ideal method for sharing and displaying building models since it enables stakeholders to make more informed decisions, avoid mistakes, and communicate more effectively.

 

2. The Wild is a collaboration software that uses AR and VR to help teams collaborate. The Wild supports Revit and BIM 360, allowing you to put your complete team into a virtual workplace where you can examine drawings, make premiums, and interact spatially with your crew. 

 

It is compatible with PC, mobile, and virtual reality headsets, allowing users to collaborate from anywhere. With The Wild, teams can speed up design reviews and stay on the same page all through the workflow without needing to be physically present.

 

3. Akular AR integrates 3D models into the actual surroundings of the user. This mobile software allows users to do real-world walkthroughs of 3D models using only a phone or tablet. Simply download the software, upload a 3D model, and see it come to life on your mobile. 

 

Akular is an excellent option for businesses who wish to exhibit stakeholders life-sized 3D models of buildings. And, if you need it to fit into a specific area or place, Akular allows you to downsize the model to suit.

 

4. Innovative Construction Technology (ICT) is a virtual reality (AR) software startup that assists general and specialty contractors in streamlining project installation monitoring and reporting. ICT Tracker is a model-based, user-friendly production tool that digitizes data collecting in the field using iPads. 

 

It quickly gives complete data in easy-to-read reports to increase ongoing project status understanding throughout the whole project team. Contractors may simply compare BIM or 3D models to existing installations, eliminating the need for manual tracking or takeoff. 

 

ICT Tracker, unlike searching for 3D photos, gathers full real-time data to analyze current deployment progress and detect planning, manufacturing, and price concerns to prevent margin slide.

 

Also Read | Augmented Reality in Construction Sector

 

Future of Augmented Reality in Construction

 

“I do think that a significant portion of the population of developed countries, and eventually all countries, will have AR experiences every day, almost like eating three meals a day. It will become that much a part of you.”- Tim Cook

 

With the advancement of technology in our digital world, augmented reality is becoming increasingly significant in the construction sector, especially given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years, which has pushed construction firms to operate remotely and implement digital solutions. 

 

AR may show the customer what is going to be built throughout the planning stages of construction to guarantee their criteria are met. Because AR can measure the dimensions of a room, including depth, height, and breadth, it assures precise measurements. 

 

Another advantage of adopting AR in construction is the possibility to conduct on-site revisions by proactively detecting and resolving faults to reduce rework. Given all of the benefits of implementing AR technology throughout the lifecycle of a project, it has the potential to become an indispensable part of the construction industry in the near future.