Augmented Reality in BIM: Limitation or Enhancement for AEC Industry
Overview
Augmented Reality is virtual images created by computers and other information displayed on a real environment which can be seen by the clients. When the client moves the real environment, virtual information automatically gets adjusted to his movements and would feel like the virtual information exists in the world.
BIM and AR are brought together in construction to intensify aspect of different phases of the project lifecycle. Due to this, it helps to speed up the design process and allow the designers and architects to play with different ideas and identify design problems before they become real problems. With 3D Modeling and AR, a project can get a life. The user can view the construction project even before it is being constructed.
Augmented Reality helps to improvise BIM Service Providers through software, smartphone or tablet to visualize the 3D Model in a live view of the world. BIM Integration in AR can save a lot of time. The use of AR technology can enhance actual scaled virtual objects.
It can help Architects and designers to communicate design purposes. Earlier they faced many hurdles in communicating the ideas and vision for the building, but with the advent of Augmented Reality, it can communicate ideas, concepts and provide better vision for the building. For site managers and construction workers, AR can change the capacity of how they can access virtual information on project sites. Virtual information data is accessible through connected devices on-site.
Benefits of AR in BIM
Augmented Reality in BIM has many benefits and provides insights in different phases of a construction project such as designing, construction, inspections, operations and maintenance, and renovations.
Designing
Designs can be evaluated for feasibility, function, and aesthetics in a better way by the architects and designers of 3D Model into AR. It provides the viewer with greater experience. Changes can be identified easily and can be evaluated.
Construction
Integration of AR in BIM Model performs better in the construction to interpret easily where materials can be placed, where walls should intersect, and where the doors shall be set. It helps to provide a path for services such as HVAC, wires, pipes, lightning and electrical conduits for installation purposes. Installation errors can be reduced, and a construction project can be easily executed.
Inspection
It helps to improvise inspection by preparing safety checklists presented and filtered for a specific location. Overhead and underground power lines can be seen and can drop AR pins, tags or comments at issue location.
Operations and Maintenance
AR adds value to the operations and maintenance phases such as information about building models, manuals and schematics for machinery can be accessed directly by the user. During maintenance time, work can improve performance and attain accuracy, efficiency and compliance can be observed for work orders and instructions. Moderation in work is achieved in both the operations and maintenance phase.
Renovations
AR wearable technology can show the placement of infrastructure such as beams, ducts and conduits can be viewed that helps in the renovation process. It enables the clients to redesign and identify issues in the planning stage that makes renovation easier.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality in BIM Coordination Services has embarked the construction industries by providing the users with real environment walkthrough that aids in visualizing the real environment before actual construction. It provides communication of design intent and concepts to the building model. It enables higher efficiency in construction project and even helps in the renovation of an existing building or structure. It is positively changing the AEC Industry with its software or gadgets.
