Enhancing the flow of information on construction sites
The project experimented with real-time transfer of information to people working on a construction site through augmented reality. The aim was to efficiently provide workers with information that was essential for their work stages and roles during the construction process.
What kind of problem did this project try to solve?
In construction projects, the flow of information between design and execution is inadequate. Construction workers do not have access to sufficient information with which they can complete their work stages quickly, efficiently and professionally. This, in turn, creates wastage.
Objective: providing construction sites with the right information at the right time
The project conducted an experiment in which the workers in a construction project received crucial information for their work and roles on the construction site in real time, using augmented reality. A worker’s role could be that of an electrical installer, for example.
The information was provided in a digital and easy-to-understand format. The information generated for the workers was deemed necessary for their work stages and tasks, and it was shared with them at the right time and location. The project also measured the impact of the information on productivity.
1) a digital 2D work image was generated of the key work stages involved in the role of each worker
2) design information belonging to each role, e.g. that of an electrical installer, was extracted from the data model in the form of 3D images
3) the information was transferred digitally and in 3D to a tablet or smartphone
4) the 3D images based on the data model were combined with augmented reality, i.e. video images of the site, on the tablet
The project was limited to a residential flat and a modelled bathroom in a plumbing renovation project carried out by Fira. The project was carried out as a collaboration between Fira, a construction company, and Sweco, an architecture and engineering consultancy. The augmented reality and location-based service were provided by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
Who benefits?
Construction project workers, such as builders, electrical installers and plumbers, as well as contractors.
RoPa – End-to-end digitalisation of construction projects based on role and location
Duration: 10 October 2017–31 January 2018
Implemented by: Fira Oy and Sweco Rakennetekniikka Oy
Partner: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Contact information
Annabella Haavisto, Fira Oy
Tel: +358 40 736 3044
Email: annabella.haavisto(at)fira.fi
Otto Alhava, Fira Oy
Tel: +358 400 792 493
Email: otto.alhava (at)fira.fi
Niko Vironen, Fira Oy
Tel: +358 50 303 4497
Email: niko.vironen(at)fira.fi
Atte Leppänen, Sweco Rakennetekniikka Oy
Tel: +358 40 503 5941
Email: atte.leppanen(at)sweco.fi
Charles Woodward, VTT
Tel: +358 40 500 1514
Email: charles.woodward(at)vtt.fi
Mika Hakkarainen, VTT
Email: mika.hakkarainen(at)vtt.fi
