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Innovative ways VR is being used in the construction industry

Innovative ways VR is being used in the construction industry

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Home Newsletter Innovative ways VR is being used in the construction industry

Sci-Fi books, movies and series are always trying to theorize how technology can impact the world we live in. In fact, a lot of technology’s latest ideas have been inspired by Sci-Fi writers and films, including the concept of virtual reality. What is fascinating is looking at the ways in which technology like virtual reality (VR) will impact each industry. It would be reductive to keep virtual reality for the gaming sector—virtual reality can actually be applied across all industries.
In the construction industry, virtual reality is set to have a huge impact, drastically changing standard, traditional practices.
While much technology is several years away from being available for commercial use, tests and case studies are available that show the change VR will make. In the future, it will be a significant tool in construction’s toolbox.
Since construction is an industry frequently suffering from setbacks and budget extensions due to problems with the blueprint as it becomes a reality, or unforeseen problems when the building begins, VR can predict these problems and hugely limit the problems faced.
“Just imagine: Rather than taking weeks, months or years to complete a project and then discover the cracks in the foundations, you could go into the house with VR and check every angle—before any physical changes or building ever take place,” says Ronnie Wong, a tech writer at Writinity and LastMinuteWriting.
Here are some of the most innovative ways VR will change the construction industry:
1. 3D modeling using laser scanning & BIM adaption
A more immersive, interactive and detailed virtual representation of a project is just a click away with 3D modeling and BIM adaption.
It is the next level of 3D modeling—as traditionally, after the blueprints are drawn up, 3D models of house or buildings are made to help with construction, so VR will be used to create a model before building. Like 3D models, they will be detailed, virtual models of the final structure.
Unlike 3D models, the user can actually walk around inside the environment, experiencing all aspects of the structure—from the important things like the foundations, to the little things like where the best lighting is.
You can walk into a building, literally, before it is built.
This is important for several reasons: It is much more cost-efficient, as anyone using the VR software can see potential problems or changes that need to be made before building. This is also useful for clients—there is no more it does not look like what I imagined phrases coming from customers mouths, as they have seen the design and approved it before it is built. They can check if there is room for everything they want. No more miscommunications when building.
VR models are built using two things called laser scanning and BIM adaption. Laser scanning is actually a lot cheaper and more accurate than traditional practices of landscape topography, and can be combined with drones to provide a really clear image of the reality of the landscape. You then “build” the virtual reality with BIM (Building Information Modelling) on programs like Autodesk’s Revit Live.

VR gives teams the ability to collaborate, in a virtual environment, and point out details and problems they see with the project.

2. Greater collaboration
Never before has it been easier for teams to “see” a project without actually going to it. VR gives teams the ability to collaborate, in a virtual environment, and point out details and problems they see with the project. This real-time communication and feedback reduces rework, and vastly improves accurate building.
Traditionally, when building across difficult or remote sites, teams might be communicating across huge distances. Site conditions could also make visits to the site difficult. With VR, all of these problems are eliminated.
One awesome example of VR making a real difference is the NGO Build Change, which construct projects all over the developing world, particularly in disaster-prone areas. They have lately been using VR to help stakeholders understand exactly what is going to be built and what they need during the planning period, and so that remote team members can see changes and updates.
Since this nonprofit work all over the world in challenging environments, it is crucial that they can communicate with their team and supporters, and keep their supporters safe from challenging environments.
3. Improve customer relations
Rather than simply having to trust a construction company was doing a good job during the building process, VR can now allow customers and stakeholders to see what a construction company is going to do.
Instead of paper drawings and plans, clients can, as noted, literally walk into a building and check what it looks like. This empowers clients to make better decisions and improves the company’s ability to meet their expectations. VR can also be used for customers to see if the project is unfolding the way they wanted, and progressing as planned.
In traditional building processes, there are often problems with the timeline, due to alterations being done and problems being faced. Since there will be fewer alterations, it is much easier for companies to stick to timelines, keeping their customers happy. Managers can also use VR to monitor the building process—stopping workers slacking off.
What is more, VR allows commercial property owners to put their space on the market long before its even constructed. A VR program allows potential tenants or buyers to see what their prospective home will look like—no more waiting for building to be done to market a property.

A more immersive, interactive and detailed virtual representation of a project is just a click away with 3D modeling and BIM adaption.

4. Safer training of workers
The last exciting benefit of VR to note is the training of heavy-equipment workers, i.e. crane operators, in virtual reality settings.
Many engineers and construction workers might gain a degree or diploma from an institution without much practical experience. This is where VR comes in—with VR, engineers, architects and all other construction workers can gain more experience hands-on. This is also at no risk to themselves as they can operate dangerous equipment without any harm coming to them. It is also much cheaper than physically training people in the real world.
“There are some cool companies opening up specifically with training people virtually in mind,” says Otis Day, an IT expert at Draftbeyond and Researchpapersuk. “CertifyMe.net is one such company that specializes in forklifts with a VR program. It is used to eliminate injuries, equipment damage and other dangerous effects of using forklifts without experience.”
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Ashley Halsey is a professional writer at Luckyassignments.com and Gumessays.com.

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