The construction industry is one of the oldest and most important industries in the world. Due to this and old techniques that work, new tools for the job can often struggle to be seen and used. However, innovation is critical to the construction industry, and technology such as Augmented Reality (AR) is starting to be used more often. AR is an invaluable tool for every aspect of this industry. It uses advanced cameras and sensor technologies that combine digital elements, sounds, and sensory aspects. These all help to showcase data in real time to speed processes up, make time more efficient, and create successful projects in construction.
Project planning and presentation
AR can be used for the project planning and presentation stage of the construction industry. It can display details and elements of the construction plan, showcasing in real time if the project will work. For instance, builders can visualize what they need to do and see what tools best work with their project. They can use a mixture of tools and see how they work, for example, if drill bits are best to piece things together or if specialized tools are needed such as a diamond core drill.
Due to AR enabling you to visualize working models, you can have a deep understanding of your project and every stage that needs to be done. Using AR also allows you to have virtual tours before the construction begins.
Visualizing information in real-time
A vital benefit of AR for construction is the combination of documentation and digital information. It enables employees, engineers, architects, and customers to regularly monitor the construction process. You can also take construction measurements and gauge the efficiency of the project.
Design and visualization
AR allows you to create 3D models and visualizations which can be overlaid within a physical environment. This is vital for the construction industry in the design process because designers can view and manipulate models in real time. Having this makes it easier to assess how a structure fits into an existing environment. AR can show you potential design flaws, clashes, or problems early on, reducing expensive revisions later on in the process. It is also ideal to spot the environmental impact of your design as you can look at factors such as solar exposure, energy efficiency, and wind patterns.
Real time collaboration and communication
Construction professionals also tend to use smart glasses that have a built-in AR feature. This allows them to communicate between onsite and remote team members easily and quickly. Coordination and communication are crucial in the construction industry to ensure the project goes smoothly and everyone is knowledgeable about what needs to be done. Using smart glasses can help the communication of site concerns, questions, or issues with clients and remote team members.
AR headsets can also be used for collaboration and communication. These are perfect for site inspections as they allow minimal on-site presence as others virtually and remotely view the site. This prevents crowding a construction site in the early stages of the project.
Safety training
A huge advantage of AR in the construction industry is that it can be used to give interactive and immersive training for safety awareness and education. By using AR, businesses can create realistic simulations of construction sites and hazardous scenarios. It allows employees to experience potentially dangerous situations without actually putting themselves at risk. As AR can overlay digital visuals onto sites in the real world, construction businesses can overlay dangers and hazards over the site. Employees can understand safety protocols on-site and know how to deal with various hazards in case this happens.
AR can also provide an effective environment for learning about complex spatial concepts, abstract subjects, and events that may impact the construction process. Simulating job sites also helps to improve employees’ cognitive skills as it reinforces and highlights key techniques and constructability concepts.
Site analysis
AR can impact site analysis in construction. It can change how professionals assess and plan construction projects. A site analysis is a vital first stage in any construction project. A thorough site analysis helps professionals understand the topography, soil conditions, vegetation, drainage patterns, and other environmental impacts in the area.
Construction businesses can overlay data onto the physical site using AR which avoids the need for hard-copy documents. By being able to understand a site’s characteristics and constraints, businesses can make a realistic budget and timeline for the process.
AR in the construction industry can benefit the project process immensely, allowing professionals to efficiently carry out the project and gain valuable insights, communication, and safety training. AR is a technology that looks to the future and is steering the industry forward. Future construction projects can be done faster and safer due to AR and professionals can deeply understand their projects.
