AR+BIM: Why Everyone on Site Should Have Access

In traditional construction workflows, access to Building Information Modeling (BIM) is often limited to a select few team members, typically those involved in the design and coordination phases. However, to truly harness the power of BIM combined with Augmented Reality (AR), it is crucial to make it accessible to the entire site staff. The more people who view and interact with the BIM in AR, the more effective it becomes as a tool for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) at the job site. In this article, we will review several critical use cases for why everyone on construction sites should have access to AR+BIM.

Enhancing QA/QC Through Broader BIM Access

1. Informed Decision-Making: When more team members, including field personnel, have access to the BIM in AR, they can make informed decisions based on the comprehensive, coordinated model. This is particularly important during the installation of complex systems where understanding the broader context is essential. We will discuss more on this topic below.

2. Improved Communication: BIM in AR serves as a single source of truth, providing a clear and detailed representation of the entire project. This clarity helps in communicating the decisions made during the coordination process, ensuring everyone understands the layout and interactions of different systems.

3. Real-Time Problem Solving: Field personnel can use BIM in AR to identify and address potential issues in real-time. If an unforeseen site constraint arises, the installer can refer to the BIM in AR to find an alternative route for a system, ensuring it does not conflict with other coordinated systems that are yet to be installed. This can be quite difficult to do with 2D shop drawings alone.
   

BIM as a Supplementary Tool, Not a Replacement

While BIM is an invaluable tool, it is not a replacement for contract drawings or shop drawings. Instead, it serves as a supplementary resource that provides a holistic view of all coordinated systems simultaneously. This comprehensive perspective is particularly beneficial for:

1. Visualizing Coordinated Systems: Individual trade shop drawings often isolate systems, which can make it difficult to understand their interactions with other systems. BIM in AR, on the other hand, integrates all systems into a single model, making it easier to see how they fit together and identify potential clashes before they occur on-site.

2. Installing Prefabricated Systems: Prefabrication is becoming increasingly common in construction due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, it requires precise coordination to ensure that prefabricated components fit correctly on-site. BIM in AR provides the detailed, integrated information needed to install these systems accurately, reducing the need for on-site adjustments.
   

Practical Benefits of BIM in AR Accessibility

1. Preventing Costly Rework: By allowing all field personnel to view the BIM in AR, potential issues can be identified and resolved before they become costly rework. This proactive approach not only saves time and money but also ensures the project stays on schedule. Not only does this benefit the owner, consultants, and construction management, but can greatly benefit trade contractors.

2. Increasing Efficiency: Just about everyone on construction sites has a smart phone in their pocket. Access to BIM in AR enables field teams to work more efficiently, as they have all the information they need at their fingertips. This reduces downtime and keeps the project moving forward smoothly.

3. Ensuring Accuracy: Continuous verification using BIM in AR ensures that installations are aligned with the coordinated model. Any deviations can be quickly spotted and corrected, maintaining the integrity of the design.

AR+BIM for Facilities Management

The benefits of BIM in AR extend beyond the construction phase and into facilities management. Once the building is constructed, facilities management staff with access to the BIM in AR can:

1. Easily Find Hidden Systems: AR allows facilities management staff to visualize building systems hidden in walls, ceilings, and floors. This capability makes it easier to locate and access systems for maintenance and repairs without the need for extensive and invasive searches in cases where the as-built drawings differ from what was actually installed. The powerful opacity filter tool in the FieldAR mobile app is perfect for visualizing complex, multi-layered, and tightly-packed building systems behind built walls.

2. Efficient Maintenance: With the detailed BIM accessible through AR, facilities managers can perform maintenance more efficiently. They can quickly understand the layout and condition of building systems, plan maintenance activities accurately, and avoid unnecessary system disruptions. 

Conclusion

Broadening access to BIM in AR on construction sites is essential for maximizing its potential as a tool for QA/QC. By making the coordinated model available to the entire site staff, we can enhance decision-making, improve communication, and solve problems in real-time. While BIM is not a replacement for traditional drawings, it provides a valuable supplementary resource that offers a holistic view of the project. This comprehensive perspective is particularly beneficial for installing prefabricated systems and preventing rework, ultimately contributing to a more efficient, accurate, and successful construction process. Furthermore, extending BIM in AR accessibility to facilities management ensures that the benefits continue throughout the building's lifecycle. Embracing BIM and AR accessibility is a crucial step towards achieving these goals and ensuring the smooth execution of construction projects from inception to long-term operation.