AR Technology in Construction

AR is a powerful tool for construction project management. It can improve the scheduling aspect of the construc- tion project with visualization feature.

For instance, AR headsets like Microsoft’s HoloLens can help engineers automate measurements on-site by comparing them to those specified in the building model. This can reduce time delays and cost overruns.

Visualization

The use of AR can help to improve the productivity performance of construction projects. It can be used in different phases of the project lifecycle to perform various tasks, including visualization, communication, decision-making, and coordination. Several studies have reported the benefits of AR in improving the construction industry’s performance. However, the research has not been fully explored.

This study collected responses from 93 industry practitioners to investigate the use-cases of AR in construction, highlight potential benefits, and identify obstacles. It also uses cluster analysis to determine AR use-cases with the highest ar technology in construction potential for implementation in construction. In addition, the study provides a future outlook for AR in construction by describing the challenges and opportunities that may arise.

During the planning phase, AR can be used to provide visualization of the proposed design to stakeholders and help to make informed decisions. This can enhance the planning process and encourage more collaborative work among the stakeholders. It can also reduce the risk of misunderstandings and ambiguity during the construction process.

The findings show that AR has the potential to transform the construction industry. It can be used to enhance current practices and workflows, be easily accessed through head-mounted displays, and allow users to build upon existing skills. In addition, it can be used on large projects and become more demanded by clients. Furthermore, it can be a useful tool for training construction professionals and educating construction undergraduate students.

Decision-Making

Many research studies have reported that AR can improve construction productivity through applications such as augmented reality design, enabling decision-making, and enhancing communication. However, the scope of these applications remains limited due to obstacles associated with implementing AR.

This study uses industry data to investigate the implementation of AR and its potential impact on construction. It explores 43 AR use-cases throughout the project lifecycle and categorizes them based on their perceived level of usage potential, highlighting their benefits, and identifying barriers to their implementation. It also presents an analysis of the responses to a series of eight statements that describe the future of AR in the construction industry and investigates the relationship between respondents’ perceptions of these statements and their familiarity with and usage of AR.

The results indicate that the four most promising AR applications in construction include real-time visualization, enhancing decision-making, improving communication and collaboration, and enhancing spatial cognition. These AR applications can save time by facilitating the resolution of issues that hinder progress on site. For example, if there is a gas leak on the construction site, AR can instantly provide workers with safety instructions for evacuating the area. AR can also be used to assist in monitoring the status of construction, such as locating existing pipes and cables, which can prevent delays in the construction process.

Collaboration

AR can help improve communication and collaboration between different construction teams, which is a significant challenge for the industry. For example, AR can be used to demonstrate design concepts to stakeholders. In this way, different team members can get a more realistic idea of how the final product will look. This can reduce misunderstandings and speed up the project. Moreover, it can also save time and money on rework.

Another benefit of AR is that it can help prevent potential hazards on the job site. For instance, if there is a gas leak on the site, it can provide workers with safety instructions. This can help reduce the rate of reworks and increase productivity.

Moreover, AR can also help construction professionals better understand engineering designs. It can be used to visualize and interact with virtual spatial data, which can make it easier for construction professionals to interpret designs and deliver a high-quality project on time. This can also reduce the rate of reworks, ar technology in construction which is one of the main obstacles to productivity growth in construction (Kivrak and Arslan).

The survey responses from 93 construction practitioners were used to investigate AR use-cases throughout the project lifecycle, evaluate their potential benefits, and identify the biggest challenges. To minimize the subjectivity of respondents’ perceptions, the data was adjusted based on their level of familiarity with and usage of AR. Cluster analysis was then performed to determine which AR applications had the highest Usage Potential, Benefit Potential, and Obstacle Potential.

On-Site Modifications

AR technology allows users to make modifications on-site in real time. The system can overlay virtual elements on the physical space such as dimensions and shapes, allowing stakeholders to have a more accurate understanding of the project and what it will look like when completed. In addition, it can be used to show off the design of a building or renovation so that clients can get a sense of what they will be getting themselves into.

A recent survey was conducted to investigate the use-cases of AR in construction, highlight potential benefits, and identify obstacles that have slowed implementation of the technology thus far. The responses of 93 industry practitioners were collected, and their perceived level of usage potential, potential impact, and obstacle potential of each AR use-case was identified using cluster analysis.

On average, respondents agreed that AR has the potential to transform the industry and become commonly used via head-mounted displays. They also agreed that it can build upon Lean practices to reduce waste in the industry and that companies should support the adoption of AR technology in their workplace.

The most popular AR use-cases in construction include project visualization, supporting decision making on-site, and bridging the gap between office and field work. In terms of the potential impact of these AR use-cases, most were classified as high with the exception of project presentation and remote site inspection.