Application of Virtual Reality in Construction Management and Control

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Application of Virtual Reality in Construction Management and Control

Master thesis

International Master of Science in Construction and Real Estate Management Joint Study Programme of Metropolia UAS and HTW Berlin

Submitted on 28.09.2020 from Aly Hassanein

S0567963

First Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicole Rieidger Second Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Krämer

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[Acknowledgement]

(6:162) Say: 'Surely my Prayer, all my acts of worship, ¹⁴³ and my living and my dying are for Allah alone, the Lord of the whole universe. (6:163). He has no associate. Thus, have I been bidden, and I am the foremost of those who submit themselves (to Allah).

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First of all, I would like to thank my first supervisor Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicole Rieidger, for her incredible support and suggestions throughout the research work. Thanks also go to my second supervisor Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Krämer, for his sincere guidance.

To my beloved mother, who unwittingly started it all, I dedicate this work. To my family, I offer my deep gratitude and acknowledgment. Finally, I would like to thank my friends in HTW Berlin and Metropolia University for making my studying time a great experience.

ALY HASSANEIN September 2020

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Abstract

During the last decades, the construction industry became more complex and informa- tive, especially in the megastructure projects in a crushing environment. It is not easy in the construction industry to optimize time, cost, and improve production rates during different project phases.

This research aims to analyze the implementation of modern technology like BIM (Building Information Modelling) and VR (Virtual Reality) in the construction industry and the challenges to convert the BIM models to a virtual model by using a virtual reality environment. In a virtual environment, the client and the project team can easily understand the project when immersed in a virtual model. The virtual reality model can be used to improve the coordination between different stakeholders, provide an agile and reliable source of information, simulate the construction process, and predict potential difficulties at different project phases (Woksepp, 2007).

VR technology has the potential to provide a step-change in productivity. It can enhance the construction project during the design, planning, and execution phases. The virtual environment in the design phase would help the client and other participants understand the project without an engineering background. The client can take part in finding solutions and design alternatives from understanding the design procedure. In the construction management, the Virtual model can help to add more agility and effectiveness to the process to save time and money; the clashes between construction and site equipment can be avoided. The Virtual model fills the gap in collaboration and coordination in the execution phase between different stakeholders.

The thesis is focused on studying previous researches, former case studies, statistical treatment, and BIM software presenting benefits of using VR in the construction industry and an approach for using VR to work remotely during disasters.

The findings of this research provide a business improvement plan to implement VR technology in the construction industry in a wide range. A framework to adopt VR in a construction company.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, BIM, Design Review, AEC, construction Industry,

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Table of Figures

Figure 1.IFC and BIM applications of mutual relationships ... 7

Figure 2.The ND model and various dimensions ... 9

Figure 3. 3D visualization of construction methodology step-by-step... 10

Figure 4: VR System Components. ... 15

Figure 5: Cave Automatic Virtual Environment. ... 16

Figure 6: The VR system of HMD of HTC Vive. ... 17

Figure 7: The Gartner Hype Cycle for emerging technologies. ... 18

Figure 8: Virtual Reality tour inside and outside a BIM model in a collaborative meeting . ... 20

Figure 9: Improving BIM with Gear VR glasses in desktop and workplace. ... 21

Figure 10: Microsoft HoloLens allows users to experience 3D design virtually. ... 22

Figure 11: Smart reality app. ... 22

Figure 12: Enscape dynamic visualization. ... 23

Figure 13. BIMXplorer interface as a plugin in Autodesk Revit ... 24

Figure 14: Autodesk 360 viewer in project collaboration. ... 25

Figure 15. Unity reflects and Navisworks integration to connect design and construction. ... 26

Figure 17: The Merrick team using Oculus Quests to explore a BIM 360 model in VR ... 33

Figure 18: The project team checking a scaled model to review the layout ... 35

Figure 19: Framework of the studied prototype ... 37

Figure 20. Revit model immersed in a VR environment ... 40

Figure 21: The participant making changes(right) and the prototype checking changes (lift) ... 41

Figure 22: 4D BIM-VR model interfaces ... 43

Figure 23: 4D/VR/BIM simulation process. ... 44

Figure 24: Example of site installation and example for site installation plan ... 45

Figure 25: Example of a crane tower and work range parameters in VR. ... 46

Figure 26:Visualization of site installation elements (crane tower) in the construction flow model ... 47

Figure 27: 4D VR model of the 22 Bishop gate tower. ... 48

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Figure 28: The 4D-VR model provides clear visibility into the scheduling and structure

... 49

Figure 29: The link bridge is being constructed at a horizontal level, and the main section will slide over the road before t being strand-jacked. ... 50

Figure 30: The erection of the steel bridge linking between the two towers in six operation steps over the road. ... 51

Figure 31. Process map of Skanska safety training ... 55

Figure 32. Safety training simulation in Skanska construction site ... 56

Figure 33: Using the VR training to simulate the complicated situation to decide the optimal scenario for execution on-site. ... 56

Figure 34: Examples of production-oriented views (POV) Röförs project... 58

Figure 35: VR-interface through BIMXplorer (left) and cut plane sectioning (right) ... 59

Figure 36. Creation of production-oriented Views (POV) in VR ... 60

Figure 37. The first object is selected; the user can choose which set of properties to display on the 3D label (left). when selecting the following object, the previous set of properties will add automatically to the 3D label (right) ... 60

Figure 38. The four projects that were used during the evaluation process showed the different stages (project A in main structure erection, project B starting MEP works, project C in finalizing MEP work, and project D in handing over. ... 61

Figure 39. Evaluation at project C & D by a site engineer and site worker ... 62

Figure 40. Rating the different VR interfaces with a scale from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) ... 63

Figure 41. Rating of the comparison between VR interface and different tools such as traditional 2D drawings and BIM-viewers ... 63

Figure 42: Spectrum/Vertex project. ... 66

Figure 43. Enhancing data flow by using VR representation ... 70

Figure 44: VR business improvement plan in a construction company ... 74

Figure 45: Framework for VR usage in the construction industry ... 77

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List of Tabulations

Table 1: Potentials applications of VR in the construction industry. ... 14

Table 2. Essential elements requirements for HMD presence ... 16

Table 3: Comparison between 3D visualization technologies . ... 19

Table 4. Skanska safety training main information ... 54

Table 5: Models statistics for the projects ... 61

Table 6: Spectrum/Vertex project stakeholders ... 65

Table 7: SWOT analysis of implementing VR in the construction industry ... 78

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List of Abbreviations

2D 2 Dimensional

3D 3 Dimensional (Design) 4D 4 Dimensional (Time) 5D 5 Dimensional (Cost) 6D 6 Dimensional (Life cycle) 7D 7 Dimensional (Sustainability) 8D 8 Dimensional (Safety)

AEC Architecture, Engineering, and Construction BIP Business Improvement Plan

BIM Building Information Modelling CAD Computer-Aided Design

CAVE Cave Automatic Virtual Environment CDE Common Data Environment

CG General Contractor

CVE Collaboration Virtual Environment FBX Filmbox

HDM Head Mounted Display IFC Industry Foundation Classes MR Mixed Reality

R&D Research and Development POV Production-Oriented Views PtD Prevention through Design VR Virtual Reality

VE Virtual Environment

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1. Introduction

In the last two decades, construction projects have become more and more complex.

The industry has always known as traditional and less innovative, with a slow rate of productivity compared to other sectors. Construction companies still face challenges in delivering their projects at the scheduled time and in the budget. Securing a sufficient level of communication and collaboration within the project team is problematic. Design errors and poor collaboration and communication tools are considered the main rea- sons for project delays and cost overruns. Based on the fact that the interdisciplinary teams such as designers, engineers, and client involvement in the construction project require a proper communication and collaboration tool to increase the efficiency and interactivity of data exchange during the project duration (Lahdou, & Zetterman, 2011).

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has changed the shape of the construction industry dramatically in the last decade. BIM usage has a good impact on construction projects in providing a collaboration platform to project participants. Also, communication channels, visualization power to track issues and clarify uncertainties and increase the quality of the design process by detecting clashes at the early design stage and decrease rework. BIM is considered a centralized data repository and also a data pool that can be extended and interconnect with other emerging technologies like VR (Sampaio, 2018). However, adopting new technology in the construction field is a chal- lenge. The BIM-VR extension creates new business opportunities to increase efficiency, agility, and productivity through digitalization and provide innovative solutions for problematic issues between project participants regarding time, cost, and quality (Du, et al., 2018).

VR is an emerging technology that uses an artificially generated environment that is created with software and hardware. Virtual reality is experienced through sound and sight senses to achieve a higher level of perception. VR has been classified as one of the top 10 Gartner strategic technology trends for 2019. A study by Goldman Sachs estimate the size of the VR market will grow to reach 80 billion by 2025 (Bellini, 2016).

VR aids the users to immerse themselves in a full-scale model, allow the users to walk through the project to check the detailed design before construction. In the design process, VR is a valuable tool in design review that helps to present and facilitate design components to clients who do not have an engineering background. Early Engagement

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of stakeholders in the design process through innovative tool increase the satisfaction degree and help to meet the project requirements. Also, provide a basis for the decision-making process at an early stage.

The main goal of this research is to illustrate the applicability of VR and its potentials towards the construction industry and provide an agile communication and collaboration platform for project participants that allow them to check the project in full shape in the design stage. On the other hand, VR can optimize the construction process on- site. Project managers can use VR potentials to simulate construction activities to optimize time, cost, and quality.

1.1. Research outline

The research consists of six chapters.

Chapter 1: Introduces the research topic and explains these research goals, questions, and Methodology.

Chapter 2: Provides a review of BIM and its applications in the construction industry.

Chapter 3: Summarizes literature about virtual reality technology in construction. This literature includes a description of VR definition, hardware and software, and a comparison between other emerging technologies.

Chapter 4: Illustrates VR applications in the construction industry and analysis of different case studies.

Chapter 5: Author analysis of the business drivers that can be improved or created by using VR in a construction project/company. Also, the challenges to use VR in construction and guideline to adopt VR for construction company usage.

Chapter 6: provides a research conclusion, answers for research questions, and rec- ommendations for future work.

1.2. Research Goals

The main goals of this research are.

1. Analysing the possibility of using advanced technologies like BIM and Virtual Reality in the construction industry.

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2. Explaining The role of Virtual Reality to add value for time and cost management challenges.

3. Provide guidelines and business improvement plans to adopt the VR technology in a construction company.

1.3. Research Questions

The research will attempt to find answers to the following questions.

1. What are the characteristics of BIM, particularly related to the advantages and disadvantages of using the method as a communication and coordination tool?

2. What is the added value to the AEC industry by integrating VR technology?

3. How can the usage of VR in design review meetings to increase client engagement and help to prevent potential RFIs and change orders?

4. How can use VR facilitate to create real-time BoQ?

5. How can VR technology provide an alternative model for working remotely during disaster and emergency time (COVID19), an example?

6. What are the challenges and limitations of integrating VR in the Construction industry?

1.4.Research Methodology

▪ Literature review

• Studying previous research related to the application of VR in construction management.

• Reviewing information from the market.

• Data from VR based projects.

▪ Case studies

• VR model to facilitate the creation of real-time BoQ by using (Revit and En- scape-3D).

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• Using VR to enhance project planning, programming, and design, an approach for working remotely by using (Revit and InsiteVR).

▪ Benefits and outcomes

• VR can be used to optimize Business drivers or create new opportunities

• Guideline to implement VR technology in a construction company

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2. BIM Integration in the Construction Industry

There has been a noticeable increase in discussion around BIM (Building Information Modelling) in the construction industry over the past few decades. It has become a primary tool in the construction industry. BIM model contains geometric and numerical data. BIM model will be the base source to build the virtual reality model. This chapter will discuss the characteristics of the BIM model and BIM dimensions.

2.1. Building Information Modelling (centralized data repository)

According to The National Building of Information Model Standard Project Committee defined the BIM as following:

"Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings."

The concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM) was developed at Georgia insti- tute of technology in the late 1970s, and then the growth of BIM technology started.

The main factor for this growth was the attention paid for the construction firms and stuff for using the new technology to manage and integrate the construction projects.

The process of creating data models containing graphical and non-graphical information in a Common Data Environment (CDE). The availability of information made the project more detailed and more progress (Harris, 2010).

In 1986, Graphisoft presented its new software program (ArchiCAD). The new software was the answer for virtual modeling in three dimensions environment. The Building Information Modeling term became more available and started to be more widespread when Autodesk launched its Building Information Modeling software (Autodesk, 2003).

According to Fischer, 'the advancement of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and analysis methods now allows engineers to accurately simulate the performance of structural, mechanical, lighting and other building systems in a virtual environment' (Peterson & Fischer, 2010).

The school of construction at the University of Florida conducted a study to evaluate BIM applications available in the market. The researchers studied 33 different software from 11 software developing companies. The researchers looked at the general

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contractors' expectations from BIM technology. The attempt was to develop an evaluation for BIM software based on the general contractor's needs. The recommendation went to the top software developers Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Graphisoft, and Solibri (RUIZ, 2009).

2.2. Building Information Modelling Aspects

2.2.1 Project Delivery Integration

The Integration of project delivery (IPD) is a trending approach for delivering construction projects. The idea is to unify the different efforts and integrates all participants, including project managers, planners, engineers, and non-professionals members in a collaborative process. It increases the optimization value of the construction project by providing effectiveness and efficiency through different project phases, Planning, Con- struction, and Operation. Using BIM tools, the project team can easily communicate, analyse, make a decision, and visualize project data coherently (Lahdou, & Zetterman, 2011).

The BIM-based IPD approach provides many benefits during the different project phases (Planning, Construction, and Operation). Providing one platform for all project participants will increase productivity and minimize the risk potentials. By an integrated approach, the project team can do their tasks effectively and efficiently. They can manage, track, monitor, control, clarify any conflict, collision detections, and uncertainties and deliver the project successfully. BIM is considered a technological tool to enhance the integrating approach for project management.

2.2.2. Language Identity

Due to the spreading and availability of various construction software applications, there was a huge necessity to find a common language (data scheme) between the different construction software applications. BuildingSMART has released Industry Foundations Classes (IFCs). The Industry Foundation Classes were used to set and exchange building information between the construction industry software. The main factor in determining BIM efficiency is data interoperability. This unique language

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optimizes interdisciplinary information during the project lifecycle (Lahdou, &

Zetterman, 2011).

Figure 1.IFC and BIM applications of mutual relationships (Mdpi, 2019)

2.2.3. BIM Technical Applications

• Communication enhancement

The idea of the unified model to input and modify data in BIM models will facilitate communication between project participants and improve coordination.

• Project Visualization capabilities

The visualization power enables and provides the ability to see more realistic models over time and dynamic walkthroughs and show how the project will appear.

• Team building collaboration

Team building collaboration in the construction project is the main factor of the success of BIM in the AEC industry. The concentration of all efforts from different participants to one model will lead to effective and efficient project management.

• Analysis

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It is helping project participants in performing better analysis, monitoring, and control.

BIM models can use to analyze the energy consumption and environmental studies when it is linked to the proper tools.

• Constructability

Using BIM provides the ability to the project team to manage and fix construction issues, visualization of constructability issues allows for better checking and find suitable solutions and detect planning errors at early stages.

• Clash detection

Using BIM can avoid one of the common problems in the construction project, which inconsistencies in the geometrical design for different disciplines.

• Quantity Takeoff

BIM made the quantity takeoffs easier for the project teams to analyze the decision- making process and minimize risks. The estimation process will be faster and more accurate.

2.3. ND/ BIM (BIM Dimensions)

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a dynamic method of creating a data-rich model for the construction project lifecycle. Through the different phases of the project, a different level of development in a BIM model, such as LOD 100, 200, 300, is de- manded. BIM model can be used for specific tasks, commonly known as use-cases, based on project stages and complexity. Specific parameters are added to the current BIM model. These additional parameters can be described as BIM dimensions. With the technology development era, BIM technology has developed from basic 3D dimensions to more complex dimensions 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D, 8D that are poised to reshape the future of the AEC industry (united-bim, 2019).

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Figure 2.The ND model and various dimensions (drawbotics, 2018)

2.3.1. 4D (Time)

As a simple definition, BIM is used to build information models or data sets in graphical and non-graphical information as a Common Data Environment (CDE). The main aim of this information model is to deliver the project to the client or the end-user on time.

Adding the time to the BIM model provides the ability to build project scheduling, project development visualization step by step. The time inclusion of the BIM model helps create and represent construction sequences and relations with the surrounding environment. It is a primary advantage to increase site efficiency and cut down on the overall building timeline (Mills, 2016).

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Figure 3. 3D visualization of construction methodology step-by-step (Mills, 2016)

2.3.2. 5D (Cost)

Cost is the central core of the construction industry. The accuracy of any cost estimation comes from the accuracy of its data. BIM enables cost estimation by providing precise quantities of components. Considering that the capital cost of components is all based on the data linked to a particular component. The cost estimators can quickly determine the quantity of a specific element using the graphical model and its attrib- utes. The benefits of linking cost to model provide the ability to get cost in 3D form. Get a reminder in case of changing and counting components automatically. the main ben- efit of extrapolating cost from the data model is how the data can be queried during the project, and the data that feeds cost reports are updated regularly (Mill, 2015).

2.3.3. 6D (Energy Performance and Sustainability)

With the possibilities to integrate different aspects, there is a high necessity to add the installation data, the configuration of elements. This integration helps facilities management and operations to drive construction outcomes. The 6D BIM provides acces- sibilities and a better understanding of buildings (Guillén, 2016).

Other benefits of 6D BIM are:

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• Recording and capturing data

• Preplanning of maintenance activities

• Virtual model for the building during its life cycle

• The user's abilities to assess the cost-effectiveness

• Optimization opportunities based on local information

2.3.4. 7D (Life Cycle Management and Maintenance)

The 7D BIM approach is all about operations and facility management for the facility managers and owners. The dimension is helped to track and assess the building data such as the current status, technical specifications, equipment's warranty information, and manuals for operations and maintenance. 7D BIM dimension is a unique approach for the facility management process where all the related information is collated at a single place within the BIM model. This potential help to improve service delivery during the project lifecycle (united-bim, 2019).

Other benefits of 7D BIM

• Optimization of facility management from design to demolition

• Provide easy repair and change of parts during the life cycle

• Facilitate the planning and management of maintenance activities for contractors and subcontractors.

2.3.5. 8D (Safety)

The incident rate for workplace accidents and injuries in the construction industry is still nearly double that of all other sectors. There has been convincing evidence for a long time that many safety threats are generated in the early design phase of the project. One of the most effective ways to prevent hazards is to eliminate it from the source by Prevention through Design (PtD). BIM technology provides the ability to perform PtD in three main steps (Kamardeen, 2010).

1. Identification of hazard profiles of individual building elements with their risk in- tensities for different construction methods combinations.

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2. Suggestion for safe design for better revision of hazard profile elements.

3. Proposal for on-site risk of the uncontrollable hazard through design review.

2.4. Integration of BIM and Virtual Reality.

Building Information Modeling methodology helps project participants to create a virtual data model that helps for better project understanding. Currently, there is a significant shift in the AEC industry to enhance BIM as a managerial industry tool by improving communication and coordination, clarify uncertainties, maximize efficiencies and productivity. BIM concerns the procedure of all development phases from design, construction, and facility management. The product of the BIM method cannot be only a three-dimensional model. However, it also can use, adapt, and link the BIM model with virtual reality (VR) technology (Chen & Luo, 2014).

Virtual Reality can provide AEC participants with the ability to experience the project before its existence. This ability allows architects and engineers to create and modify their design to work more intuitively, with the ability to reuse and exploit the information directly from the model. VR is considered as an innovative educational tool for AEC professionals (Goulding & Rahimian, 2014). On the other hand, VR tightens the understanding gap between the clients and the architect, and between visual and physical thinkers (Coloma & Zaker, 2018). According to White, it may be possible to extract and get 2D drawings from the virtual models used in the design process.

The main target for this research is integrating the VR and BIM and how to use VR in construction management. From this perspective, advanced BIM software + VR products will be used to achieve this goal. The VR field is interrelated with different areas that can be used to optimize the business process or create new opportunities.

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3. BIM-VR Methodology (BIM Extension into Virtual Reality)

This chapter is allowed to discuss the integration between BIM and VR in the construction industry, and VR characteristics. The idea for extending the BIM model to the VR model is to add value for every project in terms of time, cost, and quality.

3.1. Definition and characteristics of Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificially generated environment created with software and hardware, and virtual reality is experienced through sound and sight senses. VR started from the flight research during world war two. For a long time, VR was not apart from the construction industry. The rapid development of technology-enabled to the ability to simulate VR models. VR is an advanced technology that helps to visualize a massive amount of complex information. The user can interact and navigate with virtual objects in a virtual environment. The navigation ability provides smooth movement to explore the features in VE (Whyte, 2002).

The categories of VR can be divided into three levels according to the immersion level (Nikolic, 2007).

• Full-immersive VR platform

The system provides users with a 360-full view system of the virtual environment. By using a head-mounted display (HMD), the full immersion easy to achieve. In the AEC industry, the available method to make a fully immersive environment is the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). The fully immersive system provides 1:1 scale reproduction and a full sense of presence.

• Semi-immersive VR platform

The system referred to projection-based VR, and It provides a partial VR environment. The system components are large screens and several projectors.

It gives a partial sense of immersion than Desktop VR.

• Non-immersive VR platform

The non-immersive VR or the Desktop VR consists of a three-dimensional environment, which could view through a graphics monitor and controlled and nav- igated by a mouse. The most significant advantages of this system are the

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portability and low cost. The Autodesk Navisworks model is an example of the Desktop VR system.

VR technology is a primary tool to visualize the final design, with a high potential to interface application. VR can be used to check design procedures, visualize construction activities, enhance communication and collaboration with different participants, and review the design process. The VR benefits are often categorized as reduction of cost, minimization of risk, and efficiency of communication between stakeholders.

There is an argument that the proper use of VR in different construction phases is not apparent. This may have a logical reason, considering the advantages of using model- based information BIM, the development processes of VR in the manufacturing industry was the inspiration for the extensive use of the VR model in the AEC industry. Using the VR model enables us to visualize the complex piping system, geometries' detailed description.

The main reason that VR has gained more interest is that it offers different benefits for many application areas in the construction industry (Woksepp, 2007).

Table 1: Potentials applications of VR in the construction industry (Dawood &

Kassem, 2013).

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3.2. VR technology infrastructure

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated environment. It uses high information technology to generate this environment. To create the environment, it uses both hardware and software elements. The hardware contains display systems with high graphic pro- cessing power. The software is a game design that uses three-dimensional technology to develop a Virtual Immersion Environment. The following figure shows the VR system components, according to the VRAR Association.

Figure 4: VR System Components (thevrara, 2017).

3.2.1. Hardware

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)

In 1992 was the first introduction for CAVE in the ACM SIGGRAPH convention. At the University of Illinois in Chicago, the Electronic Visualization Laboratory was created. It is a virtual environment containing four projected screens, three in walls and one on the floor, tracking cameras and speakers. CAVE provides a wide field of view, head

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and hand followed interaction, 3-D audio, and off-axis stereo projection. However, in terms of cost, it is costly (visbox, 2020).

Figure 5: Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (visbox, 2020).

Head Mounted Display (HMD)

HMD is a helmet that enables to immerse the user in the virtual environment, provided with glasses and headphones. Trackers and joysticks allow the user to feel the immersion, move, walk, and manipulate with virtual elements in the virtual environment. The base station determines the manipulation area. There are two cases to experience VE while using HMD, in case the user can move in a scaled room, HTC Vive can be used as a base station. In the other case, if the user has a static position, the Oculus Rift can be used as a base station. HMD is used in construction due to its applicability and price. The following figure shows the two types. HMDs have to achieve many requirements to give the user the feeling of immersion. Oculus, one of the leading companies in the VR hardware industry, has carried out research and detailed the key requirements elements for hardware immersion.

Table 2. Essential elements requirements for HMD presence

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Figure 6: The VR system of HMD of HTC Vive (vive, 2020).

3.2.2. Software

Virtual Reality Environment in the AEC industry is created by using 3D modeling software applications such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, 3D Max, Enscape. Also, gaming

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technology is playing a fundamental role in developing software applications for VR purposes; for example, Unreal engines and Unity 3D is popular applications that support VR technology in construction.

3.3. Comparison between available 3D visualization technologies

Several technologies are used to build visual representation in 3D; nevertheless, all these technologies are advanced in the same way. While VR is already being used and improved in the market, many technologies are still in their development phase, like hologram projection. In this respect, the 2017 Gartner Hype Cycle, shown in Figure 12, is used to determine the maturity of development of trending 3D visualization technology in the market. In Gartner Hype Cycle 2019, Virtual Reality has been removed from the cycle, which means that it is now a technology and cannot evaluate as new technology.

Figure 7: The Gartner Hype Cycle for emerging technologies (Gartner, 2017).

VR is regarded as the most advanced technology to hit the beak in 5 years. Whereas existing 3D visualization technology will not evolve at the progress rate, Table 1 tries to evaluate them based on a set of parameters. The first parameter is the necessity to wear special equipment. Another metric the user satisfaction within the visual

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experience, and the crucial metric is the interactivity while visualization time (Gerig &

Mayo, 2018).

Table 3: Comparison between 3D visualization technologies (Hamzeh, et al., 2019).

3.4. BIM-VR Methodology Capacities

The spreading use of VR in the AEC industry has been increased. VR technology aids the users to immerse themselves in a full-scale, which provides an immersive sense of presence in a space that is yet to be built. Architectural, planners, engineering firms believe the VR applications are making the design visualization easier for the client, reducing material cost, and reducing the number of workers required for the project.

For instance, a VR walkthrough tour over a BIM model can be applied to check. From a project management perspective, the constructability review (4D/BIM model), sup- porting decisions making process and cost estimation (5D/BIM model), for cost control and awarding processes. VR technology can optimize BIM methodology in two fundamental ways.

• Walkthrough

The fundamental potential and the accessible advantage that the user can discover the 3D model in a virtual environment in real-time, inside or outside view

• Consulting data

Concerns about retrieving information stored in a BIM model with its parameters that compose the parametric objects during the modeling process.

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3.4.1. Walkthrough

Virtual Reality technology provides the ability to improve, develop, and analyses an of the project, along with different design steps. It is easy to involve project participants in early decision making to work out alternative solutions or problems resolved. VR technology enables the availability to check the model through a full digital scale, offer more sober judgment for the team members who can walk through and observe the model as a real space. VR allows the user to explore an artificial world by walking through and notice everything outside and inside (viatechnik, 2019).

Figure 8: Virtual Reality tour inside and outside a BIM model in a collaborative meeting (Cimne, 2018).

Nowadays, Architects, Engineers, and other construction professionals are discovering the potentials of joint BIM+VR Technology. There are different VR software and hardware tools to define the interaction and interoperation of BIM models. VR can be experienced in three ways, non-immersive by using a desktop or PC, semi-immersive using a head-mounted display (HMD) like HTC Vive, and full-immersive by using Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). Currently, there are different applications of VR to be implemented in the construction industry to support architect and engineer work.

• Samsung Gear VR: is a virtual reality device that enables discovering at the con- struction site or collaboration meeting. To experience virtual reality by using Gear

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VR, a BIM model is required, and pictures from the construction site. The device user should be familiar with BIM software to explore and navigate through the BIM model in the virtual environment.

Figure 9: Improving BIM with Gear VR glasses in desktop and workplace (Sampaio, 2018).

• The hologram projection: the advancement of technology in the AEC industry extend VR to new vision capacities. The hologram projection enables the user to assess different alternatives of built format. The Revit model can be extended to hologram technology to support the design and enhance collaboration.

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Figure 10: Microsoft HoloLens allows users to experience 3D design virtually (Microsoft, 2017).

• Smart Reality: is an application is used by owners, facility managers, and con- tractors on their projects by combining 2D plans and 3D models. Smart reality enables users to navigate through BIM models with augmented reality by adding a more realistic perspective of the model environment. It was designed for the AEC industry and interacted with BIM tools like Autodesk Revit to accelerate the design process. The application can be used to analyze and check project aspects at any place in a collaborative way. Another advantage of using Smart Reality is optimiz- ing the experience using Head Mounted Display (HMD) like HTC Vive

(Thompson, 2019).

Figure 11: Smart reality app (Forbes, 2019).

• Enscape3D, a Revit plugin, enables the user to walk through a fully rendered pro- ject and explore different design alternatives to clients. It matches various BIM applications such as Revit, SketchUp, ARCHICAD, and Rhinoceros. Enscape

walkthrough reflects all perspectives, geometrical objects details, and adjustments to the project. A preplanning walkthrough can be programmed with the ability to create a series of movies. The visualization and rendering in real-time enable the project team to be accurate and efficient in communication and collaboration with stakeholders. Enscape provides a live and direct design change generator without

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leaving the BIM model. This immersive environment, designers and consultants can judge the real impact, not only the technical aspects (Enscape3d, 2020).

Enscape benefits

• Walkthrough in Real-time visualization

• Extension to Virtual Reality

• Collaboration platform

• Visualization variety

• Asset Library

Figure 12: Enscape dynamic visualization (Enscape3d, 2020).

• BIMXplorer: it is a working software application that enables us to visualize com- plicated and broad BIMs in real-time directly, either through a desktop interface or by using HMDs such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It works as a plugin for Auto- desk Revit and supports all IFC-files through the extensible Building Information Modeling (xBIM) software development toolkit. BIMXplorer uses a technique known as Screen Space Ambient Occlusion (SSAO) to improve the visual quality, which measures how each stage in a 3D scene is to ambient lighting. It offers a better depth of perception and how things respond to each other (Chalmers, 2016).

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Figure 13. BIMXplorer interface as a plugin in Autodesk Revit (Chalmers, 2016)

3.4.2. Consulting Data

After the model became in the virtual environment, objects such as materials profile, furniture, and other assets made the walkthrough VR environment feel real. VR can be an essential part of all project phases from design to execution process, from evaluation of design options and proposal showcase to clash detection and serviceability issues before happening on site. VR provides highly efficient and interactive performance during the walkthrough tour, but there is a necessity for technology capacities to retrieve data when bringing BIM models into a VR environment.

BIM tools provide collaboration for the project team to overcome the obstacles and barriers by enabling access to the BIM models. The project team from all disciplines from multiple companies can work in models hosted on cloud servers. By using centralized access to the cloud server, the project team can access it from anywhere. The capacity of consulting BIM data can be optimized with the VR environment. The VR model can be retrieved, analysed, and consulted during the inspection.

• Autodesk 360: integrate the team members in a collaborative project, that every modification in a BIM model is available for everyone. Autodesk provides a web-

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based platform to review BIM models data. The platform enables all the involved members to download files in their project disciplines. The 3D viewer allows the user to categorize the elements according to its property, facilitating data analysis, and consulting.

Figure 14: Autodesk 360 viewer in project collaboration (Bim42, 2014).

• Unity: 3D real-time application and is considered the world-leading real-time development platform. It was used to create interactive content with audio, video, and 3D objects. In the construction industry, Unity is more popular and widely used by designers, engineers, and contractors for visualizing and building interactive and virtual experiences (Unity, 2020).

Unity features

• Flexibility and unmatched extensibility

• Rapid creation and programming

• Support unparallel platform

• Accessibility to the most considerable marketplace assets

• Ideal graphical output

• Connecting design and construction with Unity Reflect

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Figure 15. Unity reflects and Navisworks integration to connect design and construction (Unity, 2020).

• Enscape: is a VR plugin, provides high visualization for the BIM model. Besides walkthrough capacity but by using Enscape to retrieve and consult data. Autodesk Revit can have access to Enscape, and the user can check both models in Revit and Enscape in parallel. In Revit, the user can consult data in the BIM model, and it can navigate and interact in the virtual environment. Therefore, all changes in the BIM model are available in Enscape for evaluation. The advantage of working over the model enhances the possibility of retrieving objects data linked to its parameter. Enscape virtual tour allows the user to obtain relevant information from the complex BIM model like the MEP system (Enscape3d, 2020).

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4. Application of VR in the Construction Industry

In general, the construction industry is less digitalized in comparison with other sectors.

The lack of technology adaption in construction is mentioned as the main reason why the industry is still traditional with less productivity. However, the BIM introduction has helped the industry to minimize this lack and increase digitalization in the last two decades, by increasing efficiencies and interactivity, improve collaboration and communication, and boosting productivity. The data-driven applicability through BIM help to emerging new technologies in the industry (Whyte, 2002).

The extension of BIM to emerging technology like VR enables us to combine the accessibility and manipulation and creation of design data from BIM and interactivity and visualization from VR. That is why software companies aim to provide advanced products to optimize the link between BIM and VR. VR has different business drivers in construction with the potential to add value and create a good impact in terms of time, cost, and quality.

4.1. VR in Design review process

The key aims of the design phase are to meet the project objectives from the client's point of view, ensuring safety, smoothing the construction and execution phase, and delivering the project within the contract budget and duration. However, the design phase represents only around 5% of the average construction project cost; it directly impacts the time, cost, and quality of the rest of the project. The design process in- volves many participants that require communication, coordination, and avoid clashes.

Coordination between architects, structural engineers, MEP specialists required com- munications tools and channels to prevent a misunderstanding from achieving the scope. Engineering design reviews are a fundamental factor in assessment and control during the project development phase. Reviewing the design is a milestone within the project development, whereby the proposal is evaluated against its specifications and requirements to check the outcomes of the previous activities and define issues before committing. Two-dimensional (2D) computer-aided design (CAD) digital drawings and physical mock-ups were the most popular form of design evaluation (Tizani, 2011).

Managing design requirements from a particular discipline is an open-ended scenario.

The design process of a construction facility is more complicated by its multidisciplinary

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complexity and by the reality that each discipline puts its sub-set of specification and constraints. The design process in a multidisciplinary nature has a dynamic mecha- nism. The multidisciplinary complexity of the design process and the value it and its impact on a project's cost and quality enable promoting the collaborative design approach to improve the final design product. It has also been more critical because of the growing prevalence of design activities and the need for remote working.

4.1.1. Requirements of Collaboration Virtual Environments (CVE) approach for remote work

The purpose of the collaborative virtual design environment is to provide a range of framework and tools to identify and expand on shared information in a structured and organized manner to achieve an agreed solution meets a set of constraints. The collaborative design process is considered to require some aspects.

• Information Modelling: A product model requires to represent building data and support data exchange processes and collaboration from multidisciplinary where data are strongly interrelated.

• Concurrency: the collaborative design environment aims to provide real-time data in a concurrent design, managing the updates to the shared model.

• Control Accessibility: CVE is an integrated design environment that needs management skills to control rights to access and modify the shared data models between multidisciplinary in design processes.

• Data Restoration: All designers in the CVE are using the same version of the shared model to restore the design data to any previous stage in case of conflicts.

• Communication tools: It is essential to support the collaborative design systems by communication tools such as Emails, facility notifications, and other visual tools like a graphical discussion board and video conference.

• Intuitive Interface: The designers can access and modify the virtual model using to reduce the complexity of the design process.

• Performance: The collaborative design system is dealing with a vast and complex amount of data. Therefore, the system performance is essential in real-time design to avoid networking (bottleneck).

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• Design Automation: providing good automation of design activities would decrease low-level outcomes and human errors.

CVE provides a virtual environment for multidisciplinary can communicate and collaborate in real-time from different locations. With the increasing use of technology in the industry, the design review has developed to use new visualization tools. The usage of computer-generated simulations and visualizations has enhanced the design review procedure. VR technology is a specific visualization tool for design review, which has attracted academic attention. Borg (Berg, 2014) found that design review in the collaborative virtual environment provides a better understanding of design proposals, greater team involvement, and efficient and successful meetings. In CVE, the users can fully immerse by using HMD or non-immerse using only a computer screen. CVE can improve the design review in the following aspects.

• Real-Time Walkthrough: within the model, a real-time walkthrough offers the user the impression of reality. The user can navigate the model, modify and add colors and shadows in the 3D model to enhance the sense of presence and imag- ine a specific picture about the final product.

• Real-Time Rendering: In CVE, the user can add textures, shadows to the model to improve the practical user visualization.

• Multi-Users: communication platform, the users are represented by dummies and avatars. The users can interact by using text and voice chat.

• Interactivity: User interaction within the model increases the feeling of reality and improve the experience outcomes.

• Visual Setting: the user can set the surrounding environment for more confi- dence and security by defining the parameters like lighting, clouds, and time of day.

• Clash Detection: walkthrough the model enables the user to detect the clashes manually.

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4.1.2. Potentials Benefits of Virtual Reality in early Design stages

Early Decision-Making process: The decision-makers are struggling during the early stages of the design process due to the lack of information and a high level of uncer- tainty. VR enables the decision-makers a streamline of data and provides flexibility to experience different alternatives at the early stages of design. Therefore, there is a need to pay more considerable attention to the design process to deliver the project within the required quality, time, and cost. In the early phase, decision-makers are flex- ible in making decisions. As the project continues, the available data increases, but it is costly and complicated to change in design, which decreases the options for the decisions-makers (Samset, 2009).

The added value of VR is to be witnessed clearly in the mega project as much as the project is big and complex as the more challenging to extract information and sustain collaboration and coordination between different stakeholders. The traditional work tools always lead to miscommunication and losses in information. These two obstacles decrease project quality. VR improves the communication and coordination channels and fills the gap between different project participants. According to the project management institution, the accessibility to the right information increase the effectiveness of the decision-making process to meet the organization's objectives. It is claimed that the accessibility to the correct information directly impacts project delivery in terms of time, cost, and quality.

Figure 18: Availability & Lack of information for decision-makers and their impact on project time, cost, and goal (PMI,2015).

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Engagement of Client and End-Users into Design: the project design cannot be accepted if it is not satisfactory to the client or the end-user. Also, during the construction phase, the client may think that there is a difference between the design and the construction because the traditional tools like 2D drawings and reports are not easy to understand for novices' participants. The gap between reality and the client's imagina- tion could cause to re-design issues. The feedback of the user or client can help to improve the design outcomes. A communication tool is needed to present and coordi- nate the design alternatives for stakeholders to overwhelm their feedback during the design process (Ha, et al., 2019).

VR can enhance the communication effectiveness between the designer and stakeholders. Ha (Ha, et al., 2019)performed a case study to examine to what extent CVE can be an excellent tool to stakeholders during the design review to get their feedback.

The researchers used a campus building to perform a case study using four different techniques to evaluate VR, AR, Panorama 360, and 2D drawings. One hundred twenty-nine participants from the diverse backgrounds were asked to choose which method is more suitable to check the building performance, such as energy consumption, lighting, and degree of comfort. Then the participants were asked to answer a set of questions after collecting the answers from the participants and analyzing and performing a hypothesis. The results proved that VR is the most effective tool between the four techniques in visualization and data presentation. VR can add value to the end- users to show how will be the project look like (Ha, et al., 2019).

4.1.3. Two case studies to enhance VR in design review and facilitate the creation of BoQ.

4.1.3.1. VR to enhance project Planning, Programming, and Design (USDA-ARS Laboratory Modernization Project)

Project summary

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Agricultural Research Service to be modernized in Salinas, CA. The ARTC project will be constructed by the Design-Bid-Build delivery method. The USDA has prepared specifications and requirements for the project. Merrick company has the right to design the project and fulfil the client requirements. Merrick arranged virtual reality meetings using InsiteVR to enhance coordination with internal department

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designers, avoid RFIs and changes during the construction phase, and address issues in the lab model. A team consists of four designers from different locations were able to meet and collaborate for a full-scale analysis of the Revit model hosted by the BIM 360 in virtual reality (Merrick, 2020).

Jon Delay, Merrick project manager, is planning to use Virtual reality technology in the design process to gain a better understand of design and discover how VR capacities could improve project planning, programming, and design. InsiteVR meetings were used to review the design of the USDA-ARS modernization project at the Knipling- Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory. The review meetings were performed as Three 1-hour VR meetings. The reviewer's team consists of a project manager, architectural lab planner, architect, structural engineer, electrical engineer, MEP engineers, BIM coordinator, and IT services director.

The reviewer's team had attended a training session with InsiteVR before the meeting review. The training was set to check that everyone understands the process and feel comfortable with the system hardware and software. The team learned to use the communication tools in VE, such as take screenshots, speech-to-text, measuring to recording issues while in VR.

Benefits of InsiteVR meetings

• Identify and find a solution for potential RFIs and rework orders that it is difficult to discover by using traditional review methods.

• The end-user review and feedback help to prevent design surprises via a full-scale model.

• Better communication and coordination between different disciplines and facilitate reviewing and solving issues.

• Quality assurance and control enable the team to detect clashes at the early stages of design.

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Figure 16: The Merrick team using Oculus Quests to explore a BIM 360 model in VR (Merrick, 2020)

Implementation of the Meetings (initiative for working remotely)

The decision was taken by the project manager to use InsiteVR to host VR review meetings between the team members. Participants were from four different locations 1. Merrick Denver, Colorado Office

2. Merrick Merritt Island, Florida Office 3. Merrick Saint Louis, Missouri Office 4. Merrick San Antonio, Texas Office

The meeting started with a skype meeting, and then one of the participants hosted the meeting from his Oculus Quest, and by using a six-digit meeting ID, all the other participants can join from their own Oculus Quest. The main goal of the VR meetings is to add value to the existing process without any replacement for traditional meetings.

The accessibility process was not complicated to the team, from a designer familiar with the technology to a designer new to VR. All members were able to log in to the

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meeting in less than two minutes. The integration between InsiteVR and BIM 360 provides a high level of confidentiality and host VR meetings for multi-user without needing to the Preparation of model or conversion by using a game engine. The experience aimed to avoid the last stage changes when the client is walking through a full-scale model and assign issues and using VR to the point that out. Also, to avoid RFIs which coming without warning. Avoidance of RFIs helps to improve the entire organization workflow.

Figure 27. The reviewer team checking missing wall components inside VR (right) and notice and discuss structural elements in the window of eating area(lift) Results and Discussion

Merrick firm used InsiteVR to review their BIM model for the 75% submission.

Reviewing three 1-hour VR meetings, the reviewer's successes to identify seventy-one issues majority were potentials RFIs and some modeling errors. InsiteVR enables the team to determine issues in the model that it is not easy to be assigned by traditional tools like Navisworks. Failure to solve those issues during the design phase comes back as RFIs or, even worse, change orders. According to Navigation Construction Forum, the average cost of RFI is 1,080 $, and in terms of the time, it takes about 8 hours to review and solve. The team was able to address seven RFIs every hour; this result equivalent to over 7,000$ and 56 working time hours (Hughes, 2013). the side effect of the RFIs that they come when the project team may be in the middle of new projects, which leads to reduce productivity and design time.

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Major Savings:

Advantages

• VR meetings streamline communication and interaction between multi-disciplines from different locations for A multidisciplinary AE firm (Merrick) during COVID-19.

• Clash detection identification with InsiteVR is more effective than traditional ways.

• Save time and cost through avoidance of potentials RFIs by addressing issues at an early stage of design.

• InsiteVR improved the process of QA/QC to help the designers provide a high- quality BIM model to achieve better documentation for the project.

Figure 17: The project team checking a scaled model to review the layout

4.1.3.2. VR to facilitate real-time creation of bill of quantity in the design phase A large number of documents are handled in the construction domain, such as ten- ders, contracts, and execution planning. In the middle of that, the bill of quantities contains qualitative and quantitative aspects of every element in the project proposal.

(BoQ) documents are essential for many managerial tasks during the project execution. The BoQ is used to estimate cost, control, and record all items used in the construction phase. The BoQ plays the primary role in project documentation, and it is considered a basis for the tendering process. Therefore, a group of researchers

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performed a study on VR technology to involve clients in design decisions and improve the outcomes of the BoQ process.

Study Framework

The integration of VR with BIM is the fundamental base to explore new opportunities and methods to increase the reliability and accuracy of documentation and pro- curement in the AEC industry, specifically the BoQ document. The used prototype is developed through different steps as the following

1. The BIM model and BoQs were created by using Revit software.

2. The BIM model was converted into VR by using Enscape plugin.

3. The design process is conducted through the virtual environment.

4. The study was performed through interactive design.

The utilized model was provided by one of the authors, representing a private house.

The model type is an ideal case because it offers a close connection between the designer and the client, in this kind of building demand specific and personal involvement from the client than other building. Great attention is paid when trying to fulfill client decoration requirements to improve their home. In this situation, VR can be an exceptional tool in this circumstance. Every design decision will directly affect the res- idential project budget (DAVIDSON, & RAHIMIAN, 2019).

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Figure 18: Framework of the studied prototype (DAVIDSON, & RAHIMIAN, 2019) The researchers decided to use windows and furniture in the model were derived from the building details given by Revit packs and buildings contractors. Then, the data of each architectural element are included in Revit schedule automatically, which com- putes pricing. The following step to extend the BIM model to the virtual environment.

According to (Bille, et al., 2014) explained the standard method starts by finishing the Revit model, changing over a rendering software such as 3D Max, and then export the FBX file into a game engine, like Unity or Unreal. The team noticed that data are commonly lost during this complex process. Also, if the team wants to update the model in Revit, the entire process must be repeated once more, which means no synchronization. The design cycle in architecture is a repetition counter-intuitive where changes notification and exchange feedback are constant.

The team explored research work being developed to tackle the extension from BIM to VR (Lorenz, et al., 2016) (Du, et al., 2018). After testing the available methods, the team selected the Enscape plugin for the study, which provides real-time synchronization between Revit model and VR during the navigation time through the prototype.

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Enscape converted all drawings information into VR without losing. This function solves the above time and data loss problems. In comparison, Enscape is uniquely suited to cope with the problem of synchronization. Any changes made to the used BIM model are immediately modified by the plugin, which helps the user to develop a deeper understanding of their design and possible adjustments.

The presentation is an essential piece of the architecture process. Client approval is gained through a clear and transparent representation of the design approach. Utiliza- tion of the software provides real-time synchronization can change design presentation dramatically. Revit-Enscape combination of modeling and visualization enables the designers to visualize and make design changes in real-time. The synchronization feature helps the designer to present different design alternatives in one meeting via Enscape updates. This form of presentation makes rapid application into a workflow, which can save time and money.

The available software was used to comply with the precedent study to the final stage.

A high number of manufacturers increasingly use the VR building showroom applications to present their product customization within a room or place. There was limited scope for the available applications. For example, the IKEA showroom displays what items from their catalog look like and how products fit in a room with a VR 360 orien- tation camera. However, the room is not customized to the customers' needs and does not include the price as well. The available applications are not able to Provide full customization or complete service of the product to the client. VR showroom should provide superior customer experience and a solid visual understanding of what the customer is exploring and variations of the items in a different environment, colors, size, and cost breakdown.

Development of prototype

Four main stages of prototype development were established during the development process, as mentioned in the previous section, to help clients achieve a better understanding of their design scheme and visually identify what they need inside the project BIM model. This information can translate into a BoQ, in which the client can get high liability for their decisions. IKEA furniture catalogue was used to support the development of the Revit model prototype to allow the project to use 3D models directly. To create the product catalogue for the BIM model, the team needs to define the required information room department, type of furniture, size, manufacturer, counting, pricing.

Application of Virtual Reality in Construction Management and Control