Exploring Adoption of Integrated Building Information Modelling and Virtual Reality

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) is a latest technology that gives an immersive experience to its users through a virtually created environment. The construction industry is usually a slow adapter of the latest technologies and automation, nevertheless, lately VR is started to be explored in the construction sector. Additionally, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is regarded as a revolutionary development in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. The industry is adopting BIM as governments are making it mandatory to be employed for public projects, such as the UK Government, because of numerous benefits it can yield. The current research work is undertaken to find out utilization of VR technology through integration with BIM in the construction industry of Pakistan. Numerous benefits of technologies and possible barriers in adopting the technologies are also outlined. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey is conducted (263 valid responses) to find out if VR should be adopted in the construction industry of Pakistan; 80.60% agreed with the preposition, 17.88% stayed neutral, while 1.52% disagreed, therefore, the clear majority agreed that it should be embraced. Integration of BIM and VR can provide immersive virtual experience that will help in the rapid decision making during the design process and will increase a client's satisfaction. Moreover, it improves communication and collaboration among participants in a project, which will support better project management and successful delivery of construction projects.