Augmented reality-based BIM multi-user collaboration system

The rapid development of building information modelling(BIM) and its enabling technologies has attracted extensive attention in the field of architecture, engineering and construction(AEC). By combining BIM models with the real world, the potential of BIM can be further exploited with the help of augmented reality(AR) technology. However, a BIM model usually involves a huge amount of data. Considering the limited computing capability of current mobile devices, these applications therefore suffer from significant performance problems, especially model loading and rendering problems. To this end, an AR-based multi-user BIM collaboration system, which can realise the on-demand dynamical loading of the BIM model by using the block-wise loading strategy of model transformation, thus solving the problem of model loading delay, was proposed. In addition, dynamic rendering technology is adopted to solve the problem of rendering lag. Experimental results show that the realisation of virtual-reality fusion and interaction for the BIM model and remote multi-user collaboration can effectively improve work efficiency and intelligence in the engineering field.