Mixed Reality Integration With Building Information Modeling

Table of Contents:

• Defining Mixed Reality
• Understanding BIM and How It Creates a Digital Building Representation
• Key Benefits of BIM
• Examples of Integrating Mixed Reality With BIM
• Benefits of Integrating Mixed Reality With BIM
• Navigating Challenges in MR-BIM Integration

Construction teams spend months, sometimes years, coordinating designs using clash detection and BIM, but there hasn’t been an effective way of inspecting work in place against the model until now. The use of mixed reality (MR) has gained traction in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and it becomes more powerful when paired with Building Information Modeling (BIM). The coupling creates vast opportunities for all stakeholders involved. 

Using these collaborative tools to improve workflow efficiency, project planning, preparation, and execution is a step forward for any organization. Read on for more on mixed reality and BIM, the key benefits of integrating BIM with MR, their role in construction, and how to navigate challenges in MR-BIM integration. 

Defining Mixed Reality (MR)

Mixed reality merges real-world elements with those of a computerized simulation, otherwise known as spatial computing. Drawing elements from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), mixed reality lets users engage with digital objects in a tangible environment. To better understand mixed reality, let's touch on AR and VR:

• Augmented Reality: In AR, digital images, text, and information are projected onto live, realistic settings. This is usually done on a flat display such as a smartphone or tablet. 
• Virtual Reality: Users are fully immersed in a virtual environment and can interact with 3D elements live while wearing a headset. Since the user is fully immersed and cannot see the environment around them, VR can not be safely utilized on a construction site. 

Overall, MR takes the immersive nature of VR and the overlay capabilities of AR. Combining these elements of AR and VR allows users to engage with concrete and computerized objects in a mixed-reality environment. 

Mixed Reality and Its Use in Construction

Interacting with the virtual world and the physical world simultaneously leads to better spatial awareness and depth perception — which are essential in construction. MR tools, like the Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2, can scan your physical world and then overlay digital models onto the environment. Equipped with these tools, on-site construction workers can get real-time assistance from experts in other locations, have employees undergo immersive training, and improve the efficiency of maintenance work. 

All of these innovations are no doubt beneficial for the AEC industry, but there's one more benefit that perhaps takes the cake. Construction experts can integrate mixed reality with Building Information Modeling to streamline projects.  

Understanding BIM and How It Creates a Digital Building Representation

Building Information Modeling refers to the process of planning, designing and constructing a digital representation of a physical structure. BIM designs help stakeholders visualize the proposed building, including substantial information on each process step. BIM has come a long way, evolving from 2D blueprints to computer-aided design (CAD) files. Today, BIM designs are often three-dimensional, making them superior to other data modeling systems. 

BIM components in 3D models are called objects. These objects store data that can be updated when changes are made, which allows stakeholders to add input and have their requests implemented quickly. With this sophisticated software, users can identify clashes as actionable items to be updated in real time.

Key Benefits of BIM

BIM comes with numerous benefits for stakeholders in the AEC industry. Some include:

• Enhanced decision-making and leadership skills. 
• Cost estimation per BIM level and model requirement.
• Increased efficiency and productivity throughout all project stages.
• Improved stakeholder communication and collaborative effort across projects.
• Automated clash detection for improved planning and project rework reduction.
• Advanced project visualization capabilities enhance safety pre-and post-construction. 
• Reduced schedule setbacks since designs can be updated and prefabricated in real time.
• Cost-savings like reduced labor costs, material waste, data loss and insurance premiums. 

Examples of Integrating Mixed Reality With BIM

There are limitless MR-BIM use cases for construction companies, but here are some of the most applicable:

• Visualize a design: Overlay your 3D BIM design onto your physical construction site to get a glimpse of what the structure will look like when complete. 
• Identify errors: As you "walk through" the design, you can spot errors before beginning construction. 
• Compare designs to finished projects: After building, construction workers can overlay the BIM design and compare the construction with the intended design. 
• Enjoy more accuracy: As your team builds a structure, they can overlay their BIM designs to maintain accuracy.

Benefits of Integrating Mixed Reality With BIM

Integrating mixed reality with BIM improves projects. Here's how:

• Communication remains streamlined across project stages, from planning to execution. 
• There's a greater return on investment because of the cost savings. 
• Stakeholders can visualize and engage with digital models live and in real time, enhancing workflow capabilities. 
• MR-BIM integration saves time during construction sequencing — design and validation are done simultaneously. 
• Integrating MR and BIM mitigates workflow errors and risks, improves stakeholder collaboration, and promotes project accuracy and efficiency.
• MR maintenance simulation enables stakeholders to identify potential maintenance issues that can be rectified before construction commences.
• On-site MR-BIM safety training provides insight into the live environment through simulated interaction, reducing potential risks during physical construction. 
• BIM data can be imposed onto physical areas to establish design authentication, identify clashes and implement operational site instructions using mixed reality.
• Immersive experiences and 3D visualization enhance stakeholder and client understanding of complex project stage details, allowing them to contribute to any changes before physically building. 

Navigating Challenges in MR-BIM Integration

As with all new technology, there are potential challenges to navigate and overcome in MR-BIM integration. Explore challenges and ways to combat them:

• Misuse of technology: Provide adequate training to get everyone ready to use the devices correctly.
• Falling behind: Pay attention to emerging trends like artificial intelligence (AI) inclusion in current systems and MR-BIM integration.
• Compromised data: Ensure device compatibility for the specific project, and use devices correctly.
• Wary team members: Encourage an open approach and mindset for everyone. Help the whole team embrace the new technology by explaining how helpful it is.

Call BuildingPoint SouthEast for Your Mixed Reality Needs

BuildingPoint SouthEast is taking strides in offering the latest technology so your business stays ahead of the game. We are an exclusive Trimble dealer in our territory, offering unparalleled expertise and hands-on services. Our team will demonstrate the different product capabilities on site, train all stakeholders on using it effectively and provide extensive after-sale support when necessary. 

We cater to clients in various roles with different needs, whether you are interested in 3D scanning, field layout or mixed reality enterprises. Various reality product rentals form part of our field solutions, and we have a generous supply of stock to purchase from.

If you're keen on exploring the possibilities of integrating BIM-based mixed reality into your business model, call us at 844-784-3494 or request an online quote. We'll get in touch to discuss your requirements!