Augmented reality is one of the technologies gaining popularity in the construction industry during the last few years. It is undoubtedly a reliable and safe technology for this industry as it has helped in improving the productivity and efficiency of the entire team at the construction sites.
This technology is likely to grow in the future as construction companies are adopting it as a standard tool for improving the progress of their construction projects.
Though augmented reality seems to be similar to the virtual reality they are quite different from each other. Augmented reality or AR shows the surroundings of a person and describes its benefits by using 3D images whereas virtual reality offers an entirely digital experience.
The headset used for AR includes a camera and GPS to know the location of its user by showing real-time data. The information provided by this headset may include architectural schedules, plans, and logistics, etc. In order to improve the efficiency of everything at a construction site AR can also access various equipment and devices like building projects and orange cones to control traffic etc.
The information provided in this write-up will help you to know the use of augmented reality to improve the efficiency of construction projects.
Easy collaboration among teams
On a construction project several teams work together to make it successful including the teams of planners, designers, managers, clients, and builders, etc. All of these have to work in collaboration to complete the project on time.
But most construction projects are delayed due to the time wasted in regrouping the teams to assess the plans of the project. However, by using AR, all the teams can watch videos and take important notes about the project in real-time.
It can reduce the cost and increase the sped of the entire project as the members of each team can review the information thus collected by the team.
Better planning
Normally 3D software is used by construction workers to created animated models of the construction plans. But the use of AR-supported devices has enabled them to convert 2D sketches into 3D models by superimposing them.
It has enabled the designers, builders, and contractors to give a quick look of the project to their clients so that necessary changes can be made to it before initiating the project.
Better visualization of the blueprints
The owners of a construction project can now visualize the building they are planning to construct by using AR. They can see the digital model of the building and its nearby areas with the help of AR. It allows them to make quick changes in the plan and save money by avoiding wastage of materials before starting its construction.
Training for safety
AR also helps in making construction sites safer for people working or visiting there, by providing them safety training through virtual drills and showing different scenes of safety as well as providing instructions to be used at construction sites
Accurate measurement of building
Contractors can also use AR to measure the dimensions of the construction site digitally and accurately. These measurements can be used by them as a reference while discussing on-site building plans.
The builders can also use this information to determine any discrepancies in the construction project. They can also use this technology to use digital information provided by it while comparing the actual dimensions of the building with its virtual models.
Builders can also use AR for modifying the project, troubleshooting the issues, and updating the plan when required.
Quality assurance for the installation process
The construction crews can also use AR to overlay various layers of the model of the design to use them while constructing the building actually.
It can help in recognizing the problems in the plan which can be corrected instantly. In this way, this technology can help in saving time and money along with improving the accuracy and efficiency of the construction project. The owner of the project can also use it to expand their plan by visualizing its 3D models.
Thus, the teams engaged in a building project can use AR to collect and display all the important specifications and information of a construction project in virtual layers to prevent forgetting crucial steps and committing mistakes along with ensuring accuracy while constructing the building.
