Field Testing of Mixed Reality (MR) Technologies for Quality Control of As-Built Models at Project Handover: A Case Study
Mahnaz Ensafi, Walid Y. Thabet, Stephen Devito, Anderson Lewis · EPiC series in built environment · 2021
Current as-built BIMs generated during design and construction and delivered to owners at project handover do not fulfill all FM needs. To provide value, an FM-Capable BIM is required that is optimized for operations and maintenance. Two of the requirements of an FM-capable BIM is that it serves as a central repository for accurate, complete, and reliable data, and it provides accurate and complete representation of building components and systems. This paper reports on a collaborative project to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the Hololens with the VisualLive HoloLive platform to test the accuracy and completeness of model graphical and non-graphical information. A Navisworks as-built BIM of the mechanical room of a classroom building was used. The paper also outlines current Mixed Reality (MR) features, compares two MR platforms, HoloLive and Trimble Connect, and provides future research direction. Results indicated that the usability and effectiveness of MR technologies are adequate to verify model data and test quality of the BIM graphics. However, the users had difficulties with typing, dependency on WiFi signals, visibility of distant objects, objects in low lighting areas and objects with dull colors. Concerns regarding the wearability and safety of the glasses were highlighted.