Augmented Construction : Developing a framework for implementing Building Information Modeling through Augmented Reality at construction sites

Construction projects struggle to meet their budgeted cost, time, and quality requirements due to problems with cross-functional communication, which are made worse due to usage of mediums that are unable to handle the increasingly complex information required in the projects. Visualizing Building Information Models (BIM) through Augmented Reality (AR) on construction sites is believed to have the potential to solve many of the construction industry’s current communication problems. However, although academic efforts have been made regarding BIM through AR, contemporary research is limited to clinical trials and concludes that there is a need for studies conducted in real construction environments; even though practical testing has been conducted within the industry. To address this, the purpose of this report was to compile the academic knowledge and retrieve the experience available in the industry, and provide a situation assessment that updates the field of AR and BIM. Two research questions were formed: ‘What are the opportunities of using BIM through AR at construction sites?’ and ‘Which barriers are affecting the adoption of BIM and AR at construction sites, and what concrete measures can be taken?’. To answer the research questions, an exploratory study with abductive approach was used. The knowledge of industry practitioners with experience of BIM through AR testing, the usability of BIM, or the functionality of AR, was collected through 20 semi-structured interviews. These were analyzed using thematic methodology and the findings tested through a workshop at a major Swedish construction firm. The result confirmed that BIM through AR can solve some of the current communication problems within construction, and several barriers affecting the adoption of AR and BIM were found. These could be categorized into the dimensions: Process, User, or Technology. To each barrier a corresponding measure was identified, for instance; anchor the use of AR and BIM strategically, have an active role in AR development, and create organic dispersion of the technology. The results are also visualized in a roadmap depicting the different steps towards fully implemented AR and BIM. The findings contribute to the academia by extending the field of AR and BIM to include the perspectives of industry actors, and moving the focus of AR and BIM research past initial testing to actual implementation and usage of the technology. The main contribution towards managers is a roadmap which provides a sense of direction by being both a tool for assessing their company’s position along the path of AR and BIM implementation, but also provides insight regarding how to progress to the next step towards achieving fully implemented AR and BIM