How Augmented Reality and BIM Are Revolutionizing Construction

Key Takeaways

AR + BIM can improve productivity by allowing teams detect design discrepancies early, preventing rework and saving significant project time.
These tools assist teams in enhancing quality assurance and verifying compliance with building codes and project specifications, improving inspection outcomes.
AI and data analytics paired with BIM have been shown to reduce safety incidents by identifying factors linked to accidents.
Integrated data provides streamlined, step-by-step guidance that accelerates workforce confidence in prefabricated construction.
AR + BIM enhances real-time site visibility and data sharing, enabling faster, smarter issue resolution and supplier oversight.

Building information modeling (BIM) platforms allow people to create digital representations of real-life structures throughout the planning and construction processes. Since these tools typically work in the cloud, authorized users can access them from many internet-enabled devices, making it easy for everyone to access the latest information regardless of location or role. Some applications also combine augmented reality (AR) and BIM, creating highly immersive and interactive experiences for construction professionals and their clients.

Smart Tech Improving Site Productivity

Many construction projects have tight deadlines and require careful coordination between teams who arrive at sites at various times. This approach is necessary because numerous factors, such as the arrival of materials or the availability of professionals with highly specialized expertise, may determine when specific steps can occur.

However, some decision-makers have experimented with combining augmented reality and BIM to enable better worker efficiency and prevent confusion that could cause delays. One example is an AR tool that allows real-time visibility between construction teams and office administrators, enabling everyone to see if executed work matches the stipulations noted in the BIM platform.

When a construction management company used this option for a rainwater pipe installation, it achieved notable productivity gains. Those involved saved over three weeks of predicted rework by spotting problems early. Contractors used the technology to detect several positional issues with the surface water network connections and slab penetrations. However, they corrected those problems before starting the work because the technology revealed the discrepancies.

Construction business leaders also chose a technology vendor that provided valuable support as they introduced augmented reality and BIM into their processes. It included staff training, on-site assistance, and data-processing guidance. Those offerings were important for allowing people to notice the technology’s benefits with few challenges that could overshadow those perks.

People interested in using augmented reality with BIM platforms to increase worker productivity should consider working with brands that provide similar help. Additionally, contractor feedback is important for revealing which steps currently take the most time and how strategically applied technologies could reduce delays.

Enhancing Quality Control

The construction industry’s inherent dangers have encouraged some executives to adopt various technologies to reduce accidents and safety-related shortcomings. One deployed a data analytics and artificial intelligence solution that caused a 25% reduction in the total recordable incident rate by revealing 50 factors correlated to safety outcomes.

Keeping workers safe during construction is undoubtedly important, and succeeding can ensure projects finish on time and under budget. However, upholding quality by constructing projects to meet applicable building codes is also essential. Otherwise, the completed structures may not have the required fire safety features, access for people with disabilities, or durability during natural disasters and severe weather.

One construction company that operates throughout Texas overcame these challenges when its leaders selected an augmented reality-compatible BIM collaboration tool to meet quality assurance/quality control requirements. Workers using the technology can use augmented reality to view 3D models of entire buildings with two-dimensional overlays on each floor. Those details improve teamwork, helping members verify that they have met all requirements stipulated in the building information modeling files.

Leaders believe including this solution in their digital transformation strategy will make coordination 50% more efficient between operations and design teams while improving trade partner satisfaction.

The easier it is for various groups to communicate throughout projects, the greater the likelihood of projects meeting specifications, passing inspections, and resulting in delighted clients who give repeat business and recommend companies to their peers.

Training Crews in New Methods

The construction industry’s rapid evolution requires companies and employees to embrace new ways of working. Prefabrication projects are good examples because most of the work occurs elsewhere, with only the assembly of the various components occurring on construction sites. Many clients prefer this method because it prevents uncertainties such as inclement weather and contractor unavailability that can delay traditional construction projects.

Although prefabricated construction involves a significant component of the work occurring elsewhere, many companies that assemble the built pieces use BIM tools to accelerate the process. Similarly, parties who design prefabricated buildings may rely on these products to weigh the pros and cons of different materials, layouts, and other variables before proposing different possibilities.

Researchers also determined that augmented reality is a useful supplement to BIM tools, especially when the associated projects involve prefabricated construction. They applied the technology to create a step-by-step module that trains laborers in this new building method. The parties working on this option recognized that people new to a process can get lost in the assembly particulars. However, they will feel more confident if they first use augmented reality to become familiar with this technique.

The group’s training module also uses the prefabricated building’s approved installation sequence as a foundation, showing a possible way to blend augmented reality and BIM. Suppose people use building information modeling files to plan prefabricated projects and determine the number of people required to assemble them. Augmented reality is an excellent supplement that shows individuals how well-chosen technologies can complement their workflows rather than introduce challenges.

Streamlining Issue Management

Problems inevitably arise during construction projects but do not necessarily become significantly disruptive unless leaders fail to control them. Fortunately, these parties can use augmented reality and BIM to improve visibility and proactive responses.

One AR tool lets people use their phones or tablets to see overlaid BIM models on building sites. They can then compare what has occurred in real life with the details captured in cloud-based software. The data also integrates with software that helps users validate models and manage issues. Those data feeds eliminate the lack of awareness that decision-makers may have if they cannot visit sites frequently because of schedule unavailability, geographic distances, or other challenges.

The information also helps leaders find patterns that could indicate problems with suppliers, safety managers, or others. People can use augmented and BIM files to get accurate guidance about what to cut, where to drill, or other aspects that are not immediately apparent.

Such support is particularly helpful for people new to the construction industry because the information can compensate for the skill development that only comes through substantial time and experience. Since this product reduces mistakes and rework, it could also highlight additional internal training opportunities to improve workers’ outcomes even when they do not use the technology.

Adopting Augmented Reality and BIM

These are some of the many examples of the potential advantages of implementing BIM and AR during construction projects. However, people can increase the likelihood of optimizing the results by thoroughly researching the options and discussing the most common challenges with their contractors and other stakeholders.

Next Steps for Building Owners and Smart Tech Integrators

Assess current technology readiness. Evaluate your building’s existing BIM platforms and AR tool compatibility with your project workflows and update accordingly.
Engage technology vendors that offer technical support. It’s important to prioritize the partners that provide training, on-site assistance, and data integration services.
Collaborate with contractors early. Work with your contractor to identify the project’s pain points and where AR/BIM integration can deliver the greatest ROI, such as rework reduction or safety improvements.
Collect and analyze performance data. Use analytics that you gather from AR/BIM deployments to drive continuous improvement and identify additional training or technology needs that result from your findings.