Potential use of Augmented Reality in pre-contract design communication in construction projects

ABSTRACT

The proactive management of a design can prevent design errors. Design changes can be mitigated by using Augmented Reality (AR) prototype digital models. However, the use of these models in construction is still in its infancy. Thus, this study assessed how AR could be used to overcome traditional pre-contract design communication related issues in construction. The study used a qualitative approach. The data required were collected through interviews conducted with experts in the fields of construction and information technology. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the collected empirical data. The study revealed that design communication issues could be related to architectural design, structural design, service design, and design collaboration. AR toolkit models, 360-degree model visualisation, walkthroughs, model registration, clash detection, and digital information overlays would minimise design communication issues, while AR features would enable design knowledge acquisition and negotiation. However, in construction, technical and social challenges are found to hinder AR implementation.

KEYWORDS:

• Design communication
• AR
• pre-contract
• qualitative study
• design knowledge
• design acquisition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D. Rajaratnam

D. Rajaratnam is a lecturer in Quantity Surveying attached to the Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. His main areas of research are in construction management, construction digitisation and offsite construction.

D.M.L.P. Weerasinghe

D. M. L. P. Weerasinghe is a Quantity Surveyor working for savisevana (Pvt) Ltd. Sri Lanka. His main areas of research are construction digitization and communication.

M. Abeynayake

M. Abeynayake is a senior lecturer attached to the department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. He completed his M.phil at University of Moratuwa. His main areas of research are construction management and construction disputes.

B. A. K. S. Perera

B. A. K. S. Perera (Kanchana Perera) is a professor in Quantity Surveying attached to the department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa. Kanchana is a Fellow member of Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Sri Lanka (IQSSL), the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). She has published more than hundred refereed papers in the areas of Risk Management, Construction Procurement, Construction Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Facilities Management and Property Development

J. J. Ochoa

J. J. Ochoa, is a senior lecturer in construction management attached to the City east campus, University of South Australia. Jorge Ochoa holds a PhD in Sustainable Construction from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and he worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Bond University. Currently, he is the leader of the Sustainable Infrastructure and Built Environments (SIBE) strand at the Natural and Built Environments Research Centre (NBERC).