BIM-based and AR Application Combined with Location-Based Management System for the Improvement of the Construction Performance

Abstract

The information and communication technologies (ICTs) utilization ratio in the construction industry is relatively low. This industry is characterized by low productivity, time and cost overruns in projectsdue to inefficient management processes, poor communication and low process automation. To improve construction performance, a BIM-based (BIM - (Building Information Modelling) and augmented reality (AR) application (referred to as the AR4C: Augmented Reality for Construction) is proposed, which integrates a location-based management system (LBMS). The application provides context-specific information on construction projects and tasks, as well as key performance indicators on the progress and performance of construction tasks. The construction projects are superimposed onto the real world, while a site manager is walking through the construction site. This paper describes the most important methods and technologies, which are needed to develop the AR4C application. In particular, the data exchange between BIM software and the Unity environment is discussed, as well as the integration of LBMS into BIM software and the AR4C application. Finally, the implemented and planned functionalities are argued. The AR4C application prototype was tested in a laboratory environment and produced positive feedback. Since the application addresses construction sites, a validation in semi-real scenarios with end users is recommended.

Contributing Project Characteristics and Realized Benefits of Successful BIM Implementation: A Comparison of Complex and Simple Buildings

“…Clear definition of technology-related deliverables was determined to have influence on success of BIM implementation by both the current study and the survey conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics [5]. Finding that the availability of BIM-savvy professionals on a project is crucial for successful BIM implementation corresponds with the results of the previous research by Ozorhon and Karahan [4], Ghaffarainhoseini et al [28], Dodge Data & Analytics [5] Won and Lee [19], Son et al [40], Barlish and Sullivan [7], Shang and Shen [42], Won et al [15], Ratajczak et al [36] and Koseoglu et al [23]. Reduced software issues are also an important technology-related BIM-IC item that leads to successful BIM implementation according to the current study as well as studies by Liu et al [24], Ozorhon and Karahan [4], Ghaffarainhoseini et al [28], Lee et al [25], Son et al [40], Wang and Song [33], Ahn et al [6], Shang and Shen [42], and Bryde et al [9].…”

“…The use of 4D BIM also helps construction professionals perform schedule analysis and visualize productivity changes for different project execution scenarios. Ratajczak et al [36] developed a mobile field application that integrated a BIM-based model with Augmented Reality. This application provides daily progress and performance data of construction work and helps site managers obtain a better understanding of the project and make fast decisions and corrective actions.…”

“…Within the human-related category, training of employees was considered critical for successful implementation of BIM [4,28]. Research by Ratajczak et al [36] and Koseoglu et al [23] revealed that adoption of information and communication technology in the construction industry has been slow due to lack of BIM-knowledgeable employees as well as different BIM learning curves of project stakeholders. According to Dodge Data & Analytics [5], the majority of responding owners, designers, and contractors stated that lack of BIM skills and insufficient BIM training for inexperienced team members were the most significant technology-related obstacles to project success.…”

“…In regard to company size, in the Turkish construction industry, small companies have a more supportive organization culture for BIM implementation than large companies that are reluctant to innovations [4]. Organizational factors such as company culture that is resistant to change prevent BIM implementation [36]. On the other hand, an organizational culture that supports BIM training as well as willingness to share information among project stakeholders can contribute to successful BIM implementation [15,16,23,42].…”

A SWOT Analysis of the Use of BIM Technology in the Polish Construction Industry

“…Along with the development of such technologies as building information modeling (BIM), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (for instance, near-field communication (NFC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors), new hardware and software tools have been introduced into the construction industry. These technologies allow the automation of construction processes, monitoring of construction works and management of information flow, as well as quality inspections [5].…”