Author(s)

R. Y. Shrahily, B. Medjdoub, M. Kashyap, M. L. Chalal

Abstract

The UK construction industry has recently witnessed an increasing demand for cost-reduction strategies due to the strict government regulations on BIM implementation. This adoption will certainly lead to a continuous work improvement, better project delivery and communication. Although the UK government has set a target of 15–20% saving on the costs of capital projects by the full implementation of BIM level 2 in 2016, this figure is unlikely to be met since the majority of construction companies are still spending approximately £20 billion per year on rebuilding and repairing the construction defects caused by miscommunication. This research addresses the problem of communication using traditional methods (i.e. communication through paper-based documents and drawings) and its impact during the construction phase in relation to clash detection. Next, we will present a communication framework using advanced visualisation technique such as augmented reality (AR) combined with a BIM model with an easy access to the IFC file on site for a compliance checking between the BIM model and the actual construction site. Subsequently, site inspection can be performed more efficiently, and with more reliability. Furthermore, early warning on future occurring clashes can be given. To reach our objectives, the research has been designed using real case scenario, following two phases of implementation. The first phase include the communication study and consists of determining users requiring assistance with regard to site monitoring and inspection, whereas the second, built on the results of the first phase to specify and implement the mobile AR system.

Keywords

building information modelling, augmented reality, communication studies, IFC file, tracking sensors, work breakdown structure, organization breakdown structure, construction responsibility assignment matrix