Implementation of Building Information Modeling on Construction Site: Addressing the Technology Gap

This paper proposes a novel interactive virtual twin for buildings to address the technology gap in implementing building information modeling (BIM) for the use of field personnel during construction. In fact, due the complexity of BIM and that the field personnel are not enough trained and educated about BIM, it has not been fully implemented onsite. To remedy, a high quality rendered format of BIM is simulated in a semantically rich interactive virtual environment. A wide range of practical tools is provided in that environment to enable the onsite users to interact with BIM, access information, coordinate tasks, and collaborate with no need for onsite BIM expertise. To facilitate this effort, a 30 ft trailer, equipped with state-of-the-art visualization and collaboration tools is employed, which is placed on the jobsite and serves as a platform for realization and implementation of the BIM on the jobsite. The trailer features the virtual reality tools and an omnidirectional treadmill that provides an opportunity for users to immerse in the environment and virtually walk through the building. The trailer has a separate compartment which is equipped with a large touch screen TV and facilitates coordination between stakeholders onsite. The interactive virtual environment, together with the visualization trailer, provide the field personnel with the ability to leverage BIM during construction. This project pursues the overarching goal of facilitating the digital transformation of construction organizations into BIM-driven and technology-enabled operations.