Boosting Precast Construction with Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer a futuristic imagination viewed in science fiction movies. Today, as one of the leading technologies, it is affecting different spheres and sectors, including construction, where it has become an effective tool in construction management to improve project planning and delivery.

Enhancing Visualization and Design Precision

Visualization during project planning and design using AR can make designers more accurate. While blueprints and 3D models are widely used and provide clarity on a project’s plan of work, they are not as comprehensive as they could be at times. On the other hand, I have examined how AR helps to overcome this limitation: One of the benefits of AR is the ability of the stakeholders to get a real-life feeling of the project, and what is going to be done by using the AR system. This is most helpful at the schematic design phase as it would help prevent creating an incorrect model which would be expensive to fix.

For instance, while constructing a building, the architectural designers and engineers can use AR to place an image of the building to be constructed on the actual construction site. This will give them compile information on the effect of the structure on the environment before building the structures. This is not only more effective in terms of preventing mistakes from being made, but is also more beneficial in terms of shared knowledge of what the design will include and the barriers that are likely to be experienced.

Streamlining Construction Processes

Besides design, AR is used in the construction of the various activities profiled under construction. A threat that is easily observed in most construction projects is how to organize the construction process in a manner that there will be compliance with the construction plan without much interference and issues. These projected issues can be resolved using AR since it provides construction workers with real-time guidance directly on the project site.

The information is shown on smart glasses or a tablet, presenting the workers with more detailed descriptions and instructions, which are then placed over the real objects. Such a way of working does not involve touching or speaking, which greatly reduces the probability of signals being twisted or unclear, and the work therefore is done with greater efficiency and with fewer mistakes. Moreover, when it comes to quality assurance, it is important to note that in the process of using AR, the inspector can instantly switch between the real construction site and the virtual model, so that he can see instantly what should be adjusted or changed directly at the construction site.

Improving Collaboration and Communication

Clear communication and cooperation determine the success of a construction project. AR provides the tools by which every stakeholder can access and interact with the project information in Augmented Reality-time. This is particularly helpful when it comes to implementation of large projects which may necessitate project managers interface with many subcontractors and sub teams.

A good example that comes to mind is the application of AR during the construction of a large medical center, where AR was used to enhance interaction and collaboration with the stakeholders. Using AR, the construction team was better placed to elaborate on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems during coordination meetings. The team members could see possible areas of conflict and areas that might not be easily seen in a more simplified two-dimensional plan, and in so doing alter them before a conflict could arise.

In this way, the team members were able to reduce the amount of time spent on searching for solutions for tasks and to better orient the construction progress, such that they could complete the project within the time limit. The advantages of AR experienced in this project brings to light the importance of enhanced communication and collaboration phase in the construction industry.

Impact of Augmented Reality on Precast Construction

Augmented Reality has given a boost to the precast construction industry, especially when it comes to fixing precast panels on buildings. Precast work, which involves the construction of parts of the building in a factory, and assembling them on-site, requires accurate work and synchronization. AR improves this process by enabling the user to see how the panels should be positioned during their installation. It demonstrates how workers can visualize the exact placement instructions drawn on various segments of the construction site using AR to map digital models on the construction site, thereby eliminating chances of error on the contractors’ part in ensuring that the components fit the right areas as designed by the architects.

Case Study: Local Use of Precast Panel in Building Projects in Singapore

Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore is one of the pioneers in the implementation of AR technology in the construction industry to improve construction productivity and accuracy of distances and angles. The kind of project that we embarked on was the use of precast panels to construct a new high-rise residential building.

Problem: In earlier construction techniques, used for fixing the precast panels, mechanical spacers were used wherein we faced alignment problems. Also, problems in fitting added to the cost and time factor in the construction. The workers, therefore, utilized a straightedge and a cloth and basic schematics which could be viewed as of moderate complexity at best and can be described in numerous ways correctly. Not only was the construction process disturbed by them, but it also affected the quality and exterior appearance of the building. It slowed down the construction process, and worse, reduced the quality of the building’s façade and also its sturdiness.

Solution: Because of these reasons, the construction team welcomed AR technology as with 32 Tablets in hand / smart glasses, the workers can refer to the form that the panels have to take at the construction site. They can also locate the panels and their orientation before fastening them in the desired proper way.

Benefits: Implementation of AR technology led to several benefits:

1. Improved Accuracy: Even the panels’ storage could remedy the fixing of the panels; with virtually no room for error when employing the scrapers and returns of the panels.
2. Increased Efficiency: AR reduced the time taken to take manual measurements and make corrections.
3. Enhanced Communication: AR was useful in coordinating with all the team members of the project group.

Recommendations

Based on the successful integration of AR in precast panel installation, the following recommendations are suggested:

• Multiple strategies should be employed including AR technology and training of personnel at the construction companies.
• Incorporation of AR with BIM opens up more specific and effective visualization aspects which can be of great help during the planning and constructing phases of the project.
• Continuous improvement would entail constant updates of the AR systems and software to incorporate all the modern developments relevant to the construction fraternity.

Use Augmented Reality in safety training of the workers so that they become aware of the challenges and the risks involved when installing machinery, before working at the project site.

Singapore’s application of AR demonstrates how construction procedures can increase the accuracy, efficiency, and other qualitative characteristics of precast construction.

Reference: Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. (2021). “Enhancing Construction Productivity with Augmented Reality”. BCA Publication.

About the Author

Bhavin Lakhani brings extensive experience to bear upon consulting services in Project Controls, Project Management, Risk Management, and Estimation. He is a Member of CIARB & IEI. He has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Technology and Sustainability and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.