Assessing the Impact of Marker-Based Augmented Reality Technology on Improvement of Quality and Safety of Construction

In order to complete construction tasks efficiently, construction workers need accurate and up-to-date information. Inaccurate and untimely information can cause work delays and increase the chances of errors, resulting in decreased work efficiency and compromised safety. Augmented reality (AR) has been successfully used to present information in many industries, such as aerospace, automobile, and medical education. It has, however, been less adopted by the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Since the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has increased in the AEC industry. Hence, BIM data using AR technology has been proposed to deliver design information to perform construction tasks and identify safety hazards. In this research, the author proposed an augmented reality application that uses handheld devices such as mobile phones and tablets to deliver a life-size BIM model to construction workers. The author investigated how interactive and task-specific information in an augmented reality environment using 3D BIM models, video simulations, and 2D drawings affects the ability of construction workers to reduce rework, complete tasks on time, and improve accuracy and job safety. The study compared a traditional paper-based information presentation system (paper plans) and an innovative augmented reality system (marker-based AR application) to find the effectiveness of the augmented reality technology. It was found that applying AR reduces rework, enhances the accuracy of work, and improves job hazard identification. However, both methods, paper plan and AR application, had a similar effect on cognitive workload and completion time. The author was unable to determine the impact of gender, age group, and previous work experience. The author recommends performing tests with a larger sample size.