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The year 2020 has left vast progress  in the field of augmented reality.  The technique continues in the growth of the software by developing nestling projects and emerging into large-scale productions.  Innovative projects have revealed the world that augmented reality in construction has a good commercial value along with future potential. Several large scale businesses have seen the growth of augmented reality and are making the plans for developing their upcoming projects with AR. As per the market research, AR technology will continue to grow and pick up the pace in 2021.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality includes virtual elements into real-life environments, which is beneficial for the architects, designers, engineers, and other service providers. The AR technology integrates virtual designs with the reality of a construction site. This amazing technology enhances accuracy and efficiency by mitigating mistakes associated with time, money and resources. 

Augmented Reality in Construction

The growth of the global augmented reality industry is projected to grow by $90 billion. Since, the technique is getting implemented in the construction sector, it becomes a consistent tool for building projects. Nowadays, AEC businesses are implementing AR technology and BIM for mitigating troubles during construction. Augmented reality in construction provides an accurate view of the building with an accurate 3D representation of 2-D drawings, which are often difficult to interpret and comprehend. To the BIM engineers, augmented reality facilitates the construction work process by providing a digital overlay of real world view, This gives a wide array of data to on-site personnel from design information to statistics on productivity along with health and safety warnings.

How Augmented Reality works in the construction industry?

Augmented reality is used by overlaying computer-generated video on the camera-captured video to make it appear in an exact location in real life scenario. Since the camera streams visuals of real-life, the computer presents the graphics algorithm, showing how the work will appear. Considering the construction projects, AR technology encompasses the placement of 3D models of a potential design of an existing space integrating Building Information Modeling.

1. Construction Project Planning

Augmented reality in construction provides AEC project stakeholders the ability to comprehend the building in a comprehensive way. AR technology exhibits the environmental and social impacts of the project visually. The worth of augmented reality in construction starts in the planning and permitting stages, showcasing the end-product, i.e. the completed construction along with the structural impact on its surroundings. In the construction planning, it’s crucial to ensure that the project plan aligns as per client requirement. Using augmented reality in conjunction with Building Information Modeling, both architects and construction firms are able to showcase functional models to clients. AEC project stakeholders are able to make decisions as per the current plan and can make modifications before the onset of the construction process. Many of the applications could be downloaded on smart phones or tablets. For instance, Morpholio - an application could be used by architects for project design, including CAD in the construction planning phase.

2. Accurate Material Measurement 

Augmented reality gear & wearables like smart glasses (DAQRI) and Halolens (Microsoft) are able to measure the physical components of a space, comprising height, depth and width. Integrating BIM with augmented reality in construction, architectural and engineering companies are using 3D models to determine accurate dimensions, giving a comprehensive view of the project. Labor hours with material cost estimation are determined proficiently using augmented reality as it provides accurate measurements.

3. On Job Site Review

The advantage of using augmented reality is the ability to see how features fit on the site. It provides project managers the visibility to see how everything fits on-site to scale before ordering  materials for installation. Workers are able to measure manufactured material parts and compare to generate specific measurements from the building model, wearing wearables. On-site job reviews help to remove inconsistencies in architecture and prevent costly delays, adjusting to changes.

4. Safety and Inspection

Safety poses a challenge in the construction sector. Wearables such as smart glasses are used as safety equipment for augmented reality’s inspection. The glasses help to transform site operations for helping construction inspectors save time, costs, and improve safety. In general, an inspection process is done manually, necessitating more than one person. An inspector accurately aligns and compares as-built structures against the BIM model. He is able to capture photos on demand and save notes from location sites. If there are complicated areas on-site, grave concerns could be recognized easily and shared instantly.

5. AR in Underground Construction

In the excavation process, a risk of potentially is always involved in hitting a gas line or wrecking underground utilities. One wrong groove of an excavator’s bucket could cause catastrophic explosions, harming the entire workforce of the construction site. AR technology allows users to view underground items, like trenches and buried cables. Augmented reality technique uses map views from google maps for letting users explore hidden cables and layers underground.

6. Direct Instruction through AR headset

In this technologically advanced generation, an augmented reality headset enables workers to receive direct instructions, and act in accordance. Using AR headset, training cost is reduced and the down time is utilized as the instructions are intuitive. Augmented reality also provides a safer training environment, enabling the staff to work with large machinery,  reducing the risk of injury.

7. Cost Savings

AR technology enhances labor productivity, reducing costs and enhancing safety by using it throughout the project lifecycle. For instance, timelines are likely to be met using AR wearables for showing the workforces what needs to be accomplished and when to be completed.

AR technology should be used to get an edge over the competitors. During the construction planning stage, AR showcases clients what’s going to be created to ensure that their requirements are fulfilled. Augmented reality in construction confirms accurate measurements of space dimensions, comprising depth, height, and width. Another advantage of using augmented reality in construction is the capability to have on job-site revisions by determining and fixing problems proactively to reduce rework. Further, AR enables inspectors to save notes, pull up checklists, and capture on-demand photos. Finally, AR in construction is on the rise, not just because it’s crucial for project management, but for safe and labor efficient utility. Consult one of the top BIM engineering companies – Tejjy Inc. to proceed with your AR requirements for your construction projects at 202-465-4830 or [email protected].