VR/AR Improving the Adoption of BIM in Construction Planning and Cost Estimation

The Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology is currently the main support for the development of integrated and collaborative projects within the Construction industry, having been implemented in all sectors of activity and worldwide. The present study aims to disseminate the collaborative capabilities of BIM platforms on the development of multidisciplinary building projects, upon an integrated 3D BIM model, composed of architecture, structures, water network and electrical system disciplines. In addition, the study addresses the integration of BIM with Virtual Reality (VR) technology as a way of improving cooperation, understanding and accurate decision-making. The study describes the modelling processes of different disciplines, the analysis of conflicts between components, the establishment of the construction planning (4D BIM model) and the building cost estimation (5D BIM model). In order to cover in detail the various design components, the case study was limited to a specific area of a house, the sanitary room. This zone presents a sufficient complexity in the modelling process, in the identification and timing of construction steps associated with the necessary human resources, in the estimation of costs involved by discipline and construction component and in the application of VR software. The conflict analyses and the visual simulation of the construction planning were prepared using a BIM viewer. The VR and AR functionalities applied over the BIM model increases the potential of BIM in the construction sector, contributing to the achievement of a high level of collaboration and design correction supported in an immersive and interactive environment. The study allows to analyze the main advantages introduced in the construction industry and the barriers found in all the processes, concerning the creating a complete BIM model and its integration with VR and AR systems