Exploring the Possibilities of VR in Construction Industry

VR in Construction Industry

Even if the construction sector has made tremendous improvements, it still has to be transformed and optimized. 

For construction employees, the majority of the work is exceedingly hazardous, unappealing, and inefficient. 

Many construction firms are currently looking for a practical answer to these issues. And, if you’re reading this, you probably belong to that group.

What if we told you that there is a solution that can eliminate all of these issues, improve safety, boost employee productivity, and boost revenue? Virtual reality technology is the answer.

This article will explain how virtual reality (VR) may help the construction business, how it can benefit you, and how construction firms have already used VR to address problems.

Virtual reality is a medium, a means by which humans can share ideas and experiences.

Table of Contents

Use and Benefit of VR in Construction Industry.

Use of Virtual Reality in construction. ​

VR is presently rapidly gaining popularity. According to the Fortune Business Insights research, the worldwide virtual reality market is predicted to increase from $6.30 billion in 2021 to $84.09 billion by 2028.

 Moreover, the survey of 33 leading UK construction businesses indicated that 36% of them are aiming to incorporate VR technology in construction in their processes.

There are many reasons why virtual reality in buildings is in such great demand. There are numerous important benefits that VR technologies can offer the construction sector. Let’s take a closer look at them.

1. Memorable User Experience

Virtual reality makes customer experiences more cozy, efficient, and enjoyable. You may bring your clients closer to their buildings by utilizing this technology.

Anyone can visit a project virtually and follow its progress to keep informed.

Also, before making an investment, consumers can visually model homes, rooms, and furnishings to make sure it is suitable for them.

2. Virtual Reality In Construction Management,

Virtual reality has the potential to significantly improve and benefit construction management. With VR technology, 3D models may be created that contain details about a prospective structure and offer an immersive tour of it.

Clients now have the chance to see a clear representation of their ideas rather than vague sketches. Future structures may be seen from every angle, allowing them to identify any issues before the building ever begins. 

This enables better administration of the construction process, preventing redoing work, paying too much, and maintaining communication with all parties involved.

3. Virtual Reality In Construction Safety

Enhancing training safety is one of the most significant benefits of adopting AR and VR in civil engineering. 

Even seasoned experts, not to mention interns, must undergo training occasionally because the construction sector operates in high-risk areas.

With the help of VR-based training programs, students may practice handling real-world scenarios in a completely safe setting.

Trainees can safely gain valuable hands-on experience while learning how to operate heavy equipment or their tools by using a VR construction training simulator. 

Risks may be decreased, safety can be improved, and the general training level can be raised by using training.

4. Lower Development Costs And Time

Lower dev cost in VR construction industry

Reworks, development time and expense can all be considerably decreased by providing a preview of future results. Thankfully,  virtual reality in construction management makes it possible.

Before beginning project development, clients can inspect a 3D prototype with all necessary details from any perspective.

This change makes it possible to quickly provide feedback and identify misconceptions at an early stage. Clients can prevent any reworks and finish projects on schedule and within budget with the help of this flexibility. 

Read more: Price of developing an augmented reality (AR) app.

4. Enhanced communication and collaboration

All construction projects involve different numbers of people who have to collaborate to complete tasks properly. However, this collaboration can be complicated for international partnerships, or construction workers can work at different times or remotely. 

Implementation of AR and virtual reality in the construction industry helps avoid communication issues. 

VR technology allows participants worldwide to meet virtually, coordinate projects, check for updates, spot issues, and make changes. 

Sharing a global VR experience assures a more transparent project development process and highly productive cooperation.

Virtual reality is the first step in a grand adventure into the landscape of the imagination.

What is a way virtual reality can be used in the construction industry?

Ever since I started working in the construction industry, I’ve seen a lot of changes. But the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) has been a game-changer. One of the coolest ways we’re using VR is for “Virtual Walkthroughs.”

Before we even begin the real construction, I can put on a VR headset and literally walk through the proposed building or space. It feels like I’m right there! Here’s why this is so awesome:

  1. Spotting Flaws Early: As I walk through, I can see design elements that might need tweaking. It’s way different than just looking at blueprints or computer models. I can get a feel for the space and make changes before they become expensive problems.

  2. Showing Clients Around: When clients want to see progress or understand the design, I give them the VR headset. It’s way more interactive than traditional presentations. They can experience the project firsthand, and I’ve noticed they’re much more engaged and excited.

  3. Training Safely: Before my team steps onto the actual site, they can train in this virtual version. They learn about potential hazards and the site’s layout. It’s a great way to reduce accidents.

  4. Working Together: VR has been a boon for teamwork. Whether it’s the architect, engineer, or contractor, we all can see the same thing, discuss, and make decisions together. It’s collaborative in a way I’ve never experienced before.

  5. Planning Resources: With this virtual view, I can better plan out which materials we’ll need and when. It streamlines our processes, making sure we’re always a step ahead.

Construction firms using virtual reality

In my time working closely with the construction industry, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the incredible innovations that have transformed the way we operate. 

One of the most impactful changes has been the adoption of virtual reality (VR). Many construction firms, some of the big names I’ve worked with or come across, have begun integrating VR into their operations. 

Here’s what I’ve observed:

  1. Skanska: I remember being impressed when I found out that Skanska, a global construction leader, was using VR for safety training. 

    They’ve crafted VR scenarios where workers experience high-risk situations without the real-world dangers. It’s innovative thinking like this that keeps them ahead.

  2. AECOM: I had the chance to experience one of AECOM’s VR visualizations firsthand. For an infrastructure firm of their stature, VR’s ability to immerse stakeholders in a 3D project before it’s even built is invaluable.

  3. Mortenson Construction: During a project review, I got to “walk through” one of Mortenson’s upcoming developments using VR. 

    The sense of space and design was unparalleled, letting stakeholders see and feel the project before ground is even broken.

  4. Bechtel: I’ve always respected Bechtel’s innovative spirit. Using VR to simulate construction processes and train workers virtually is just one example of their forward-thinking approach.

  5. Balfour Beatty: When I learned about Balfour Beatty’s use of VR for stakeholder engagement, it made perfect sense. Letting clients and partners experience a site’s hazards and challenges virtually is a brilliant way to enhance safety.

  6. McCarthy Building Companies: It’s been enlightening to see how McCarthy uses VR for design reviews. Detecting design conflicts becomes so much simpler when you can “stand” inside the planned space.

  7. VINCI Construction: VINCI’s exploration of VR, especially for simulating construction tasks, has been a game-changer. Watching workers plan and understand their roles more effectively through VR has been a testament to its value.

Conclusion:

The construction sector has a lot of promise for VR solutions. This technology is continuing to modernize the way that organizations engaged in construction presently function. 

While you could be on the fence, your rivals are probably already making use of VR technology.

The benefits include a very engaging and convenient customer experience, efficient project management, risk-free training to gain practical experience, a preview of the results to catch misconceptions early on in the planning process, and effective collaboration with clients around the world using a virtual conference room.

When your construction company implements VR technologies, you can gain all of these benefits and many more.

Would you like to use cutting-edge VR technology to enhance and improve your construction business?