Top opportunities to leverage a VR Based Workflow in BIM-enabled projects and collaboration

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TOP OPPORTUNITIES TO LEVERAGE A VR BASED

• WORKFLOW IN BIM-ENABLED PROJECTS AND
  COLLABORATION
• Abstract
• Lucrative project delivery is based on Building
  Information Modeling (BIM), and decisive
  collaboration. Along these lines, the
  visualization of a BIM model through immersive
  technology or VR is the most effective method to
  gain a greater perspective in the world of
  construction. Various project issues can be
  addressed in construction such as operational
  feasibility, time, cost, and more. As BIM
  contains visual and well-informed information,
  it can improve project efficiency, productivity,
  cost, and time. In this article, we discuss the
  integration of Virtual Reality (VR) to augment
  BIM projects through VR based workflows and
  project collaboration.

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Introduction A positive successful BIM-based
project delivery is based on mutual
collaboration. This primarily relies on
high-quality information-rich 3-D models. The
ability of a BIM model to augment project
delivery requires much more than large computer
display units, it requires project stakeholder
presence as well. An immersive medium like
Virtual Reality is a high-impact solution to
visualize a 3D model. A Virtual Reality
simulation eliminates most of the onsite problems
like installation, feasibility, and
more. Furthermore, various Virtual Reality tools
have been introduced in the market, but little is
known about their adoption in the world of AEC.
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This article focuses on a VR based workflow to
augment BIM projects through collaborative
techniques. This includes using immersive
technology to solve various on-site challenges
using actual BIM models. AEC projects have long
been exposed to project delays and growing
building costs. The need to eliminate
unnecessary costs can be challenging, but the
adoption of new technology can significantly
reduce this risk through new Virtual Reality
(VR). Challenges in the adoption of a VR based
workflow Inability to adopt new technology based
on an old working mindset The inability of the
workforce to understand new immersive processes
and tools The inability of a firm or enterprise
to invest in VR devices
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Benefits of using a VR based workflow Better
project coordination onsite and offsite
Identify potential challenges in project
design Greater efficiency in building up a robust
information model for a digital twin Better
chance of winning bids or tenders Reduce project
cost and turnaround times
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The adoption of BIM in the AEC sector The true
adoption and value of BIM were initiated a decade
ago in the US UK. Looking at the potential
value that BIM has to offer, other countries in
Europe and the Middle-East followed in the same
footsteps. But, there were potential challenges
in the adoption of BIM AEC companies and
professionals could not understand the actual
process The inability of enterprises, owners, and
stakeholders to change building mindset
Inability to understand long-term
benefits Skill-set inadequacy Inadequate
investment to adopt the BIM process through its
process and technology Collaboration issues
between various departments or trades
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But, through greater adoption of BIM on a global
scale, owners, AEC enterprises, and various
engineering professionals embraced the world of
Building Information Modeling (BIM). Every
company or owner adopts BIM at various levels,
viz. BIM level 1, BIM level 2, or BIM level
3. There are many reasons why a VR based workflow
should be adopted in a BIM project, but there are
5 principal opportunities that project owners,
AEC firms, and stakeholders need to leverage
through VR based workflows. As modern
construction technology is shaping new project
processes and workflows, it is pretty evident
that it delivers greater value with smaller
device sizes. From apps on mobile to hand-held
laser scanners, and VR glasses, technology has
set the road on solving major construction
problems, and embrace BIM projects with
substantial rewards. Virtual Reality workflows
are the next best thing in 3D BIM modeling, as it
places project stakeholders right inside a 3D
environment using modern immersive technology.
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Enhanced Model Interaction Workflows based on
Virtual Reality have the potential of augmenting
3D model experiences for Architects and
Designers. It allows them to interact with models
more intuitively, thus creating project designs
that are built on software before the final
product is ready to be built. The reasons it has
greater viability in the construction sector
would be It displays high interactive
capabilities or the ability for users to interact
in an immersive medium It can create spatial
characteristics or 3D Users can leverage data or
information from 3D models in real-time With the
technology to garner and use information directly
from a 3D model, collaboration can move from an
interdisciplinary to multi-disciplinary mode.
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High-end visual representation Virtual Reality
provides users a highly accurate spatial-visual
representation for the exploration of a digital
model. Immersive technologies deliver in-depth
perception through high image quality based on
head-mounted devices that provide users with the
experience of being present in a virtual
environment. This helps project stakeholders
understand the project in totality with all the
elements and objects present as intended by the
owner, architects, etc. This is one of the
principal reasons why VR technology is adopted
very early on in the BIM process to understand
the interpretation and perceptions of various
minds involved in the BIM project.
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High Scalability improves project turn-around
times As every project is unique in its way, VR
helps project stakeholders stay up to speed on
relevant issues through project collaboration.
By creating and using accurate 3D models of a
large and complex project, it becomes imperative
for project personnel to review it based on a
collaborative basis. The adoption of VR takes it
to an all-new level by making people interact in
a virtual environment through project
walkthroughs and examine the site in real-time.
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Collaboration is key when it comes to BIM VR
partnerships VR makes it easy for team members to
collaborate in real-time. They can work in a
shared environment whilst making
interpretations, taking crucial decisions, asking
questions, and more. The presence of
collaboration reduces turn-around times, rework,
and enhances accuracy, and the level of
communication at all trade-levels. Adopting a VR
based workflow helps remote teams work on the
same page, and understand project requirements
very early on in the design phase. Furthermore,
during the construction phase, it helps provide
a high-level of input for on-site installations
and deliverables.
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VR based workflows push customer reality to the
next level The presence of a VR based workflow
helps building owners and stakeholders push
customer perceptions to the next level. Instead
of using 2D paper drawings, consumers can get
inside their 3D project models and get a 360
view of their deliverables and the final
project. This creates an environment where owners
and stakeholders can project complete
transparency in front of the customer, and make
informed decisions based on client expectations.
Customers can see their project unfold at every
step of the project that includes viewing
layouts, lighting, spaces, real-time objects,
and more.
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Conclusion Virtual Reality is at a fundamental
state when it comes to BIM projects and
collaboration. It allows various users to feel
the space in real-time, as opposed to just
viewing it. With VR workflows at the helm, users
gain the ability to feel certain objects and
environments through devices based on head motion
or movements. A VR based BIM workflow helps
owners, stakeholders, and users understand
complex geometry in the field of architecture
and deliver value definition for every project.
By using modern processes and technology, a BIM
VR workflow helps engineering firms tackle
various challenges and add greater prof-
itability, value, and gratifying construction
experience.
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