The Role of Augmented Reality in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is one of the oldest professions in the history of humankind, yet it has succeeded in embracing the latest developing technologies. One of these technologies is Augmented Reality (AR), which presents several practical utilizations in the construction industry, and can contribute to mitigating some of the industry’s most pressing problems.
This article will explore the role of AR and its potential to revolutionize the construction industry as we know it.
What Is Augmented Reality?
AR blends digital information with the user’s environment in real-time. It merges the virtual and physical worlds, digitally created and rendered, to produce new environments and visualizations where physical objects can interact with digital content.
For example, a simple AR app might place a 3D object, such as an interactive game or a hologram object, over a surface in the environment using a phone, tablet, or head-mounted display (HMD).
How is Augmented Reality Used in Construction?
AR has seen immense growth in the market recently, with an estimated 77% CAGR between 2019 and 2023. So, it is no surprise that AR applications are quickly expanding in the construction industry. Here are three key AR-based applications in construction:
Project Planning
Construction projects are very complex and can be difficult to plan and document. However, AR can be used in project planning to overlay information on a site or building. With AR, project managers visualize and compare different design options before they commit to one, saving time and resources.
It can also document and visualize the project for construction managers and contractors through 3D models, elevation visuals, or plus-detail drawings.
Real-Time Project Data Presentation
AR-based software provides real-time updates without disrupting and needing to consult drawings for updates. With Augmented Reality, construction workers can easily visualize architectural components such as windows and doors, or pipes and ducts directly on-site, making it a great way to obtain real-time documentation, better accuracy in measurements, and faster communication between team members.
Modifying or Amending Projects
Construction projects need to be modified as it evolves. When unexpected requirements arise, projects are often delayed and entail higher costs. AR technology can help reduce these delays and costs by making direct on-site amendments to the project or quickly detecting incompatibilities.
For example, designers can use collaboration software for architects to create a virtual representation of the construction project on a tablet device. Afterward, the design team can make changes by virtually modifying, moving, or adding elements and seeing them appear in real-time.
The Benefits of AR in the Construction Industry
The benefits and advantages of AR can only be described as endless; here are some examples:
- Real-time visualization: The main advantage of AR in the construction industry is that it allows real-time data visualization. For example, an architect can work on a drawing and at the same time see how a project would look in reality.
- Enhance collaboration and reduced Risks: AR can enhance communication between workers during complicated or risky tasks, such as lifting a heavy object or while working on high-voltage equipment.
- Improved quality assurance: AR can also help detect early signs of wear and tear in equipment or machinery, which helps prolong the assets’ life and start repairs before any significant damage is caused by malfunctioning equipment or machinery.
- Reduced costs: With augmented reality, architects can make virtual modifications to the architecture of a building directly and on-site, which reduces costs by minimizing the number of materials needed for modifications. It also provides builders with real-time updated modifications for timely error detection and rectification.
- Efficient training: Site workers can use AR to explain complex procedures to novice engineers, thus reducing time spent on training from weeks or months to hours and making it easier for trainees to experiment with different techniques before actual implementation.
A Look Into the Future of AR in Construction
AR transforms our reality and provides an interactive experience with applications in many fields, such as education, entertainment, communication, and even construction. AR is a new technology and a digital transformation opportunity for the construction industry.
It has revolutionized how we interact with our environment with its ability to overlay a computer-generated image on a user’s actual view of the world. With high demand from businesses and consumers alike, construction business owners are slowly adopting this new technology. Even entrepreneurs and business-oriented individuals continually seek opportunities to start a business that incorporates AR successfully.
AR has quickly resolved design, construction, and operation challenges, from design to implementation, and is gradually becoming an essential modality in the construction industry.
