Virtual, Augmented, & Mixed Reality In Construction
Virtual,Augmented, &Mixed Realityin Construction
How, When, & Why to UseExtended Reality to ImproveConstruction OutcomesBringing Construction Plans to LifeBenefits of Using XR in ConstructionAs technology evolves, it givesnew shape and meaning to reality,offering up new ways of looking atand understanding objects, spaces,and environments. Many differentindustries and types of businessesare harnessing “reality” technology toimprove and expand operations anddrive growth.and improving workflows across thebuilding and infrastructure lifecycle.Much more than just the latest techtrend, XR technologies are addressingsome of the most challengingand costly problems constructioncompanies face, making thesetools a must-have solution toremain competitive.XR technology as a whole allows constructionprofessionals to more easily visualize, understand,and communicate information. Each tool helpsconstruction teams “see” digital content indifferent ways and for different purposes.In the construction industry inparticular, reality technology holdssignificant promise, helping teamsincrease accuracy and confidenceduring planning and construction, aswell as improve communication andcollaboration—both on the work siteand in the office. The technologiescurrently used in constructionworkflows include virtual reality (VR),augmented reality (AR), and mixedreality (MR). Jointly, they are referredto as extended reality, or XR.As XR technologies continue to gainsteam in the construction industry,contractors and consultants will needto have a baseline understanding ofwhat the technologies are, how theycan be used, and the benefits theyprovide. This paper explains thebenefits of XR in general and detailsthe differences between VR, AR, andMR technologies. It also outlinesthe uses of these technologies inconstruction and what to considerwhen choosing the best technologyfor specific needs.Worldwide spending on augmentedand virtual reality is expected to reach 18.8 billion in 2020.By helping the various stakeholdersinvolved in a project to quickly andeasily visualize and explore designs,models, and site conditions, XR ischanging the way construction is doneworldwide spendingon augmented andvirtual reality isexpected to reach 18.8 billion in 2020.1For example, XR technology doesn’t just make iteasier to visualize designs. It can also be used tovirtually see behind walls and under floors. Thesecapabilities enable crews to pinpoint the locationof underground services, for example, or identifyequipment or building maintenance issues. Theability to immerse someone in a virtualenvironment has other significant implications,such as making it possible to train a worker inhazardous material handling in the context of asafe and controlled environment.“All immersive technologiesextend the reality we experienceby either blending the virtual &‘real’ worlds or by creatinga fully immersive experience.”21 Worldwide Augmented and Virtual Reality Spending Guide. IDC. July 20192 Marr, Bernard. “What Is Extended Reality? A Simple Explanation for Anyone.”Forbes. Aug. 12, 2019.
Not Just aWOW FactorXR is not just about the wow factor or the latest gadget. The use of XR is helpingconstruction companies solve major challenges, enabling them to: Foster better stakeholder engagement by improving communicationand collaboration Achieve greater productivity by accelerating decision making, reducingdowntime, and minimizing rework Improve safety by facilitating thorough planning and trainingBetter Stakeholder EngagementTraditional 2D plans are difficult for many people, both laymen andprofessionals, to visualize. XR can literally bring those plans to life so internaland external stakeholders can clearly understand how the finished project willbe positioned and how it will look and function in the real world.XR can be used to clearly communicate design intent to external stakeholders,creating greater support for the project and even a competitive advantage forthe contractor. By providing stakeholders with a visual representation of theproject before construction, challenges can be identified and communicatedmore easily, ensuring expectations are effectively managed. XR also makes itpossible to share work in progress in a safe yet realistic way, a criticalcapability for those who must manage complex public projects involvingmultiple stakeholders.Poor communication isestimated to cost the U.S.construction industry 17 billion a year.3Similarly, XR makes it possible to share design intent with internal stakeholders.Work crews, subcontractors, and others on the jobsite gain a single andconsistent visual representation of the finished project. When everyone fromowners to public officials to contractors to subs are working from the sameunderstanding, they coordinate and communicate with each other moreeffectively. XR creates a shared vision for the project that in turn increases thelikelihood of success.3 Thomas, Eric; Bowman, Jay; Schott, Peter; Snyder, Jay; Spare, Natalie. 2018 Industry Report:Construction Disconnected. FMI/PlanGrid. August 2018.
ImprovingProductivity & SafetyGreater ProductivityImproved SafetyAs the current labor shortage in construction continues, companies are havingto do more with the resources they have and make more efficient use of theirtime. XR tools get everyone on the same page quickly by enabling a commonand accurate understanding of the design and site conditions.Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, accounting for one infive workplace fatalities.7 In fact, it’s estimated that two workers per day die inconstruction accidents in the U.S., and thousands more are injured each year.8“If construction-sector productivitywere to catch up with that of the totaleconomy—and it can—this would boostthe sector’s value added by an estimated 1.6 trillion, adding about 2 % to theglobal economy.”4By providing a visual representation of the project in context, XR helps projectteams estimate, plan, and schedule the workwith more confidence and greaterprecision. Project teams are using XR applications for clash detection, allowingthem to uncover potential issues before the build begins and minimize thepotential for expensive rework that can erode profits and delay schedules. Withfast access to accurate and consistent information, project teams can streamline construction workflows, stick to timelines, and avoid undue confusionand disruptions.When XR is used in combination with BIM, teams gain even greater efficiency.They’re able to access and share integrated data and in the context of thedesign. With a clearer understanding of the design intent, they’re able to makebetter and faster decisions informed by reliable and consistent data.The reported cost of constructionrework is estimated at 5% of the overallcontract value.5 The actual figure couldbe much higher.64 Barbosa, Filipe; Woetzel, Jonathan; Mischke, Jan; Ribeirinho, Maria João; Sridhar, Mukund; Parson,Matthew; Bertram, Nick; Brown, Stephanie. “Reinventing construction through a productivity revolution,”McKinsey Global Institute. February 2017.The repercussions of fatalities and injuries cost the industry billions of dollarsannually. Yet accidents and near misses can be minimized with thoroughplanning and a clear understanding of the potential risks and threats. XR helpsbring the threats to light.According to the Common GroundAlliance (CGA),over the past 20 yearsutility hits have resulted in 1.7 billionin property damage, 1,906 injuries,and 421 deaths.9For example, construction crews can use VR to visualize what’s undergroundbefore excavation begins. They can use this information to avoid costlyutility strikes, as well as know where to divert workers or the public to keepthem out of harm’s way. XR technologies are also being used with models ofreal-world sites to reveal safety hazards. These models can then be usedfor safety training and to inform crews of hazards.These benefits alone are having significant positive impacts and delivering asizable return on investment for those who are already using XR technology.While more difficult to measure, the ripple effects of better stakeholderengagement, greater productivity, and increased safety can be expected toproduce even more profound shifts and create the momentum to bring aboutthe broader industry transformation that so many acknowledge is needed.5 H wang, Bon-Gang; Thomas, Stephen R.; Haas, Carl. “Measuring the Impact of Rework on Construction CostPerformance.” ResearchGate. March 2009.6 Dougherty, Jason M.; Hughes, Nigel; Zack, James G. Jr. The Impact of Rework on Construction & Some PracticalRemedies. Navigant Construction Forum. August 2012.7 Smith, Sandy. “Construction Accidents: The Risks, the Facts and the Repercussions.” EHS Today. December 3, 2014.8 Ibid.9 “Underground Utility Strikes USA.” 1300Locate. May 22, 2019.
Using XR Technologyin ConstructionWhile XR has broad application in construction, each individual technology is like any other tool inthat it has unique considerations and is best suited to certain applications. Gaining a deeperunderstanding of how virtual, augmented, and mixed reality work will help clarify which technologyto choose for specific situations.Virtual Reality (VR)How It WorksVirtual reality got its start in the gaming industry by immersing players inartificial worlds. Wearing special goggles that removed the real world aroundthem and projected a “virtual” reality instead, players became part of thegame and were able to interact and respond within it using natural gesturesand movements. VR goggles, regardless of their use in gaming or construction,operate using the same principles. Motion sensors in the hardware detectwhen the wearer turns their head. The digital image the user sees is thenupdated accordingly to present the new perspective. At the same time,handheld controls allow the user to point, interact with virtual objects, anddirect their experience.VR Applications in ConstructionBecause VR provides a fully immersive experience, it’s an especially effectivetool for design teams, contractors, and owners to review and approve plansand understand sites and spaces. The VR application controls the entireenvironment that the user sees, creating a uniquely detailed and dynamicindividual experience.Some examples of how to use VR: Owners can fully immerse themselves in the proposed design of abuilding that doesn’t exist yet and see the concept take shape. A team member that may not be located at the jobsite but wants tounderstand actual site conditions can virtually experience a scanned 3Dmodel of the site in the office and then be able to communicate moreeffectively with employees in the field. Construction contractors can also use VR to train workers on specifictasks in a safe environment, such as how to use heavy equipment orinstall electrical wiring.Virtual realityprovides a fullyimmersive experiencethat allows the user tovisualize digital content.ConsiderationsVR provides an individual experience rather than a group one, so users won’t be able to seeor interact with the other people in the room beyond a digital representation of them inthe VR environment. Because VR is a fully immersive experience and the user can’t see thereal world around them, it’s also best to use it within controlled indoor spaces so users cansafely move around and avoid potential hazards. While VR’s applications are limited by thisconstraint, it’s well suited to office demonstrations, presentations, and training.
Augmented Reality(AR)How It WorksAugmented reality has been in use in a number of industries for decades. AR isthe technology behind the field markers that viewers see on TV during footballgames, for example, but perhaps its most famous application is the popularPokémon Go game. In construction, AR typically relies on a mobile device, suchas a smartphone or tablet. For example, Trimble SiteVision is an AR system thatcombines a smartphone with a lightweight, handheld integrated positioningsystem. The system uses GNSS, the Global Navigation Satellite Systemcommonly known as GPS, to pinpoint the user’s location, and a rangefinder toallow measurement between remote points and the AR model. Using thesmartphone’s built-in camera, the user is able to see the 3D model overlaid onthe physical surroundings and accurately located in context. This context isimportant to understand precisely the interaction of the model with theenvironment. Sensors pick up changes in the user’s motion and point of view,then the tool overlays the 3D model on the mobile device screen relative towhat the user is seeing.Augmented reality combines the physical& digital worlds by overlaying digitalinformation onto the user’s actualenvironment, typically via a mobile device.AR Applications in ConstructionVia a smartphone or tablet, AR projects a “digital window” that superimposesa detailed BIM model, be it a building or a road, onto the user’s physicalsurroundings to help them visualize the placement of entire structures, aswell as specific design features, objects, or systems. AR is especially useful incivil engineering and construction and for geospatial activities.Some examples of how to use AR: Crews can use AR to identify and mark utilities orunderground services. MEP teams can “see” through floors and walls to understand how andwhere MEP systems and equipment are installed, comparing the realityof the completed work to the documented design andidentifying potential clashes. Contractors can use AR to do inspections to ensure work has beenproperly built, installed, or completed.ConsiderationsAR is an effective tool for collaboration, allowing multiple people in one areato view the same digital information at the same time on their individualdevices or a shared one. Because AR allows the user to remain aware of thesurrounding environment, it’s ideal and safe for use outdoors and benefitsfrom integration with GNSS for accurate positioning of the models on site.
AR in Action:Improving Collaboration& Communication DuringSite MeetingsAugmented reality technology enables any userwith a smartphone to bring complex data sets tothe field and easily present, share, and view them ina user-friendly format, adding immediate value toworkflows and improving communication.Take a site meeting, for example. Designers,engineers, contractors, investors, owners, and evennon-technical community stakeholders can visualizewhat a project will look like via a 3D model usingthe AR tool on their own devices. While viewing themodel overlaid on the actual site, people can askand answer questions, raise concerns, and solveproblems on the spot.Instead of crowding around paper plans, usersget an instant and comprehensive understandingof the project from their devices—and in muchricher detail than they would get with a 2D data set.Users don’t need a technical background or yearsof experience reading or interpreting designs tounderstand what they’re seeing.With the AR tool, users can also take photos,measurements, and notes onsite. Before themeeting is over, team members can create andassign tasks to other team members to ensureproductive follow-up. Updates in the field canbe shared and viewed back in the office, furtherconnecting teams, workflows, and data. Learn how FMT AB, a land excavation and constructioncompany, is using the Trimble SiteVision augmented realitysystem to improve communication and collaborationbetween crews and stakeholders. Read the interview.
Mixed Reality (MR)How It WorksMixed reality combines the immersive concept of VR with the interactiveconcept of AR. In its simplest form, MR is a head-mounted version of AR. Aheadset device with a lens allows the user to be immersed in the digital contentwhile still being aware of their physical surroundings, including other people.They can interact with both digital and physical objects at the same time.Using cameras and sensors, the headset measures the user’s surroundings todetermine where the user is located in a room or space and then projectsdigital content onto that space.MR Applications in ConstructionMR allows the user to merge a BIM model with their surroundings withouthaving to hold a device. The user can continue to conduct tasks as theynormally would while being guided by the MR headset, viewing andinteracting with the model with accurate, 1:1, surface-to-surface alignment.Some examples of how to use MR: BIM designers can collaborate on creating a 3D model by “touring” abuilding or structure before it’s completed. Contractors can use MR to compare and install components on aconstruction site according to manufacturer guidelines. Similar to AR, project teams can identify clashes with installed systems,like electrical or plumbing, and bring them to the attention of a virtualdesign and construction (VDC) manager to help resolve the issue.ConsiderationsMR allows users to naturally interact with other people in the room or space,which also makes it a good collaborative tool. While they can be used in outdoorconditions, currently available MR headsets, like the Trimble XR10 with Hololens2, work best and are safer when used in indoor environments.Mixed reality recognizesits surroundings & allowsthe digital content tointeract with the real worldin three dimensions.
MR in Action:Virtual, Augmented, andMixed Reality at a GlanceHow Mixed Reality isTransforming ConstructionBy combining the real world with thevirtual world, construction companiesare supporting a new way of workingwith models and increasing collaboration throughout the building lifecycle,providing stakeholders with currentand accurate data on their worksites.New wearable, immersive mixedreality devices are being integratedwith software to deliver even morevalue. Paired with a compliant hardhat, the complete solution can mapthe physical environment and provideprecise alignment of holographic dataon the jobsite.More than simply the ability to lookat the model, advanced MR solutionsgive users access to critical buildinginformation modeling (BIM) dataembedded within projectcomponents. By visualizing and“walking through” their projects in thedigital world, teams can route changesand RFIs much more quickly andalso accelerate the pre-constructionprocess. They can also identify siteissues earlier to reduce downstreamrework and prevent chaos duringthe coordination. This is helpingcompanies shorten project schedules,reduce costs, and support additionalworkflows like on-site assembly,progress tracking using 4D models,and even asset management.MR also helps field workers knowexactly what task to perform andprovides instant feedback to helpidentify clashes or differencesbetween the model and the as-builtenvironment. When field workerscan see their models overlaid in thephysical environment, more precisecollaboration, project tracking, andproject coordination is possible.Finally, MR solutions are playing akey role in enabling quality assurancecoordination and clash detectionmuch earlier in the project lifecycleby coordinating multiple 3D models,which is better than using a 2D screenwhere it’s easy to overlook issues.Contractors can review and approvemission-critical designs by verifyingthe interaction and constructabilityof complex systems before they’refabricated and installed. It also savescosts by helping to catch potentialissues in the virtual world beforesomething gets built, so companiesdon’t have to tear things out andstart over.As digital transformation continuesin the construction industry andbeyond, MR will play a bigger role inhelping companies integrate and usetechnology in ways that have yetto be imagined.VRARMRUser ExpereinceFully immersiveinteractive with the real worldinteractive with the worldFlexibilitytypically uses handcontrollers,often tetheredhandheldhands-freeNumber of Usersone device per userinformation can be viewed bymultiple users simultaneouslyone device per userWorking Environmentindoorsindoor/outdoorworks great out
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