Mixed Reality in On-Site Build Reviews: Combining Drones, AR and BIM

Construction technology has been evolving to improve efficiency and ensure safety. When it comes to on-site build reviews, drones, augmented reality (AR) and building information modeling (BIM) have been effective tools for achieving a comprehensive understanding of a construction site.

The Importance of On-Site Build Reviews

On-site build reviews — also called site or general reviews — are systematic evaluations conducted by project managers, engineers or architects during the construction process. In 2023, one in five fatal falls occurred in the construction industry. Having a safe site is the foundation of security for construction workers setting foot onto a project.

Integrating Mixed Reality Into Site Reviews

Mixed reality technology in construction site reviews comes in many forms. Here are the most common ones:

Drones

Drones are a form of technology that can scan the terrain and provide aerial imagery. It can help facilitate and speed up site analysis without sacrificing efficiency and accuracy. Others may even use them for other aspects of construction, such as tracking inventory or monitoring on-site project productivity.

AR

AR helps overlap digital information with physical environments. In the context of construction, it can showcase detailed 3D scans of a jobsite. The virtual site representation can help identify potential areas of concern before the project. Architects and builders can also test designs through this transformative technology.

BIM

BIM is a process of creating a 3D model of a project. It serves as the master data that AR technology displays for visualization. Many construction professionals idealize its use to help quantify the amount of materials needed and gauge the project’s overall constructability.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Mixed reality options can be fruitful in improving general reviews, but some companies may still feel hesitant about including them. Here are several pros and cons behind it:

Pros of Mixed Reality

Here are the pros to consider:

• Minimize cognitive load: Mixed reality simplifies on-site layout and alignment, improving on-site build reviews. As a result, you can save and delegate your cognitive load to other aspects of the project instead.

• Remove errors and reworks: Drones, AR and BIM are designed to ensure accuracy without putting anyone in harm’s way. You can avoid human-made mistakes or rework that would’ve caused project setbacks.

• Improve decision-making: Having more accurate insights about a project site can improve the whole team’s decision-making in the long run.

• Highlight collaboration: Getting the right information puts project managers, engineers and architects, both off-site and on-site, on the same page. The better the collaboration, the faster the project will go.

Cons of Mixed Reality

Here are the cons to consider:

• Lack of standard interfaces: The technology is unique to each technology that supports mixed reality, making it challenging for teams to adopt.

• Potential inefficiencies: While undergoing dedicated training and development, teams may not be as efficient with their site review as initially thought.

Is It Worth Integrating Mixed Reality in General Reviews?

Mixed reality can be a powerful tool. Companies simply have to be meticulous about rolling it out in their operations. For example, start small based on the funds and experts available to you. Even just starting out with one drone can already make an impact on your site reviews.

Assess the Best Options to Improve On-site Build Reviews

On-site build reviews should be comprehensive to help with safety and efficiency. Consider the innovative technology options available to optimize the process. With the right equipment and expertise, you can make these reviews faster and more accurate than ever.