Construction is a race against time. With every passing moment, the deadline for completion grows ever closer. When there’s an additional pressure of meeting client deadlines along with the construction costs, it can seem like a no-win situation for project managers, architects, engineers and contractors alike. Augmented Reality could be the solution to this problem. AR in Construction offers many advantages for construction companies and their clients. From allowing users to see and understand building processes that can be difficult to explain in words and diagrams, to making it easier than ever for contractors to access blueprints through virtual or physical models. AR in Construction (https://nsflow.com/industries/augmented-reality-in-construction-industry) can provide value throughout the entire design process from planning through final documentation and inspection. This article reviews some of the most common AR use cases within construction today

How AR is used in construction?

AR has many uses in construction. Its effectiveness depends on the user’s familiarity with the tools and applications. The following are some examples of how AR technology is used in construction. Construction companies can use AR to help engineers see their models in a new way. Engineers can use AR to design bridges and buildings with a 3D model, which can be viewed from different angles. This allows them to view the model from different perspectives and spot any design flaws that need to be corrected. As a construction manager, you can use AR to give your team a better understanding of your client’s needs. You can use AR to show your team how they can explain a design process to a client in less time. AR can also help you understand how your team is feeling, which can be useful when managing a team.

Benefits of using Augmented Reality in construction

Construction companies can use AR to make it easier for clients to understand their needs during the design process. With AR, clients can see how various physical objects in the construction site are connected with each other. For example, if there’s a water pipe connected to a wall, it’s easier for the client to understand the need to paint the wall than to have an engineer explain why he painted the wall a certain way. In addition to making it easier for clients to understand their needs, AR can also help engineers visualize their design models in a way that would be difficult to explain in words or diagrams. With AR, engineers can see the model from different perspectives, including from above and below the model. This can help them spot any flaws in their design.

How to use AR in Construction?

AR technology is now more accessible than ever. While many construction companies began adopting AR technology years ago, adoption has slowed recently as the technology evolved, leaving many construction companies uninformed on how to use AR most effectively in their specific industry. To start using AR in construction, companies should choose a platform that provides easy access to the specific tools they want to use. Enterprise software platforms are good choices for large construction companies, as they usually provide access to all the specific tools an organization needs. To choose an AR platform, construction companies should consider their industry needs, as well as their budget and the size of their organization. Depending on the needs of the construction team, AR can be helpful for a variety of purposes including site planning, visualizations, and communication. Once a construction company decides on which AR platform to use, it’s important for companies to stay up-to-date on any new updates so they’re sure to have access to the latest features.

Augmented reality in Construction – a survey of Use Cases

As previously mentioned, the benefits of using AR in construction are multifold. The most commonly used application of AR technology is the visualization of plans or blueprints, either virtual or physical. Other interesting Use Cases include model construction, real-time monitoring of construction activities, and inspection. At the planning stage, construction companies can use AR to allow clients to ‘walk through’ the building in a single click, which can give a better understanding of what’s happening inside the building. This can be especially helpful during the design process, as it allows clients to see how different elements of the building are connected. Once plans are approved, AR can be used to visualize the building. AR can be used to show clients the structural integrity of the building and how things like the plumbers’ and electricians’ work is connected to the rest of the building.

Conclusion

Construction companies can use AR to help visualize their plans, access blueprints, and monitor the temperature and water level on jobsites. Using AR to improve communications with clients helps contractors avoid delays and save time, both of which are key in a fast-paced industry like construction.

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