Enhancing BIM Methodology with VR Technology

Building information modeling (BIM) is defined as the process of generating, storing, managing, exchanging, and sharing building information. In the construction industry, the processes and technologies that support BIM are constantly evolving, making the BIM even more attractive. A current topic that requires attention is the integration of BIM with virtual reality (VR) where the user visualizes a virtual world and can interact with it. By adding VR, the BIM solution can address retrieving and presenting information and increasing efficiency on communication and problem solving in an interactive and collaborative project. The objective of this chapter is to report the improvement of BIM uses with the addition of interactive capacities allowed by VR technology. A bibliographic and software research was made to support the study

Investigating the main characteristics of 3D real time tele-immersive environments through the example of a computer augmented golf platform

This paper aims to identify and define the characteristics of 3D Real Time Tele-Immersive Environments (RT-TIE), which is central to the 3D-LIVE European Research Project. A RT-TIE allows a “twilight space” which is a space where users can be physically and virtually present. The main characteristics of these kinds of environments are: the use of real time interactions and immersive technologies, high costs (in most of the cases), a design process oriented on end-users and a disruptive user experience. Finally, a list of guidelines based on literature is suggested for the design of an augmented golf platform that is implemented in the context of the 3D-LIVE project

Proof-of-Concept: Safety Hazard Identification and Impact Minimization Using 3D BIM and VR Devices Through the Case-Studies

Construction hazard is a global issue. Despite numerous research studies, safety guidelines and procedures, fatalities and severe injuries still occur on construction job sites. This research has been performed to identify the research gaps and potentially improve worker behavior along the most hazardous tasks during construction execution using 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) devices. A safety hazards-related questionnaire for civil engineering and construction students, superintendents, safety, and project managers across six different states including the state of Georgia was deployed. The questionnaire was distributed via an online platform to identify and approach the hazards which occur during the pre-construction design and are latent until the execution of a project. Through a case-study, qualitative, and quantitative-based analysis, the study aims to investigate many hazards that remain unidentified using 3D BIM models and integrating them through VR devices. The research focuses mainly on electrical, mechanical equipment, roofing, and concrete works during the project execution. The chi-square test was used to examine the variability of the independent factors’ hazard recognition performance when they were crossed with the dependent variables (i.e., safety training, technology usage/advanced device training) to test the hypotheses. The study\u27s findings and recommendations can be utilized by construction organizations to evaluate BIM and VR adoption and decide whether and how they should be used for hazard detection and impact mitigation. In order to emphasize on accident causation and the significance of thorough hazard recognition and appropriate risk perception, researchers created a virtual walk-through replicating acceptable actions in close proximity to specific activity risks into a VR environment. Suggestions are also made to improve course design for any construction safety training by looking at the impact of BIM in conjunction with VR on construction safety and hazard mitigation