Mixed Reality-Based Approach for Minimizing Time Uncertainty in Prefabrication
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 150, Issue 11
Abstract
Prefabrication is highly recognized in construction due to its inherent cost efficiency, quality control, and sustainability benefits. However, the presence of uncertainties in prefabrication processes hinders the realization of these advantages, necessitating addressing production time uncertainty. Mixed reality (MR) has demonstrated promising outcomes in mitigating time uncertainties as an immersive visualization and simulation technology in different domains. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of MR-based approaches in prefabrication to reduce time uncertainty. The methodology comprises Discrete event simulation (DES) modeling, correlation analysis, and the development of an MR-based immersive visualization and simulation tool. Following an initial work study to measure standard times, visualizations of 13 processes in the prefabricated panel production were developed in the Unity environment and deployed on the HoloLens 2. Through several work studies before and after MR implementations, the study demonstrated a 10.8% reduction in the total completion times (P99) in correlated production activities. Findings emphasize that MR reduces time uncertainty by providing an immersive, interactive, and dynamic approach, ultimately improving efficiency in prefabrication. The study contributes to existing knowledge by quantifying the impact of MR on completion times and underscores the importance of addressing time uncertainties for sustainable lean prefabrication. The sensitivity analysis results prioritized the reinforcement trade in managerial decision-making, emphasizing the need for MR-based approaches for targeted improvement opportunities. Minimizing scheduling uncertainty is of practical importance in realizing prefabrication benefits.
Practical Applications
This study emphasizes the practical applications of MR technology in the construction industry, specifically in the prefabrication process. By utilizing the developed MR-based approach as an immersive visualization and simulation tool, construction stakeholders can streamline their operations, reduce uncertainties, and achieve significant benefits. The MR-based approach enables real-time monitoring, analysis, and collaboration among project teams, empowering them to make informed decisions and adapt to dynamic production processes. By quantifying the impact of uncertainties and delays, stakeholders can prioritize MR-based approaches, particularly for skilled trade teams, to optimize resource allocation and improve production efficiency. Further, MR contributes to achieving lean production targets of prefabrication by optimizing resource usage, enhancing values, and reducing waste. The findings emphasize the importance of MR in managerial decision-making, providing insights that enable informed choices to maximize efficiency and productivity. The study demonstrates how MR can revolutionize prefabrication practices, making construction projects more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the valuable comments of the lab members.
References
Alizadehsalehi, S., A. Hadavi, and J. C. Huang. 2020. “From BIM to extended reality in AEC industry.” Autom. Constr. 116 (Aug): 103254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103254.
Alsakka, F., S. Assaf, I. El-Chami, and M. Al-Hussein. 2023. “Computer vision applications in offsite construction.” Autom. Constr. 154 (Oct): 104980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104980.
Arashpour, M., A. Heidarpour, A. Akbar Nezhad, Z. Hosseinifard, N. Chileshe, and R. Hosseini. 2020. “Performance-based control of variability and tolerance in off-site manufacture and assembly: Optimization of penalty on poor production quality.” Construct. Manage. Econ. 38 (6): 502–514. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2019.1616789.
Arashpour, M., V. Kamat, A. Heidarpour, M. R. Hosseini, and P. Gill. 2022. “Computer vision for anatomical analysis of equipment in civil infrastructure projects: Theorizing the development of regression-based deep neural networks.” Autom. Constr. 137 (May): 104193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104193.
Bai, S., M. Li, L. Song, and R. Kong. 2021. “Developing a common library of prefabricated structure components through graphic media mapping to improve design efficiency.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 147 (1): 04020156. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001954.
Barkokebas, B., S. Khalife, M. Al-Hussein, and F. Hamzeh. 2021. “A BIM-lean framework for digitalization of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 28 (8): 2155–2175. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2020-0986.
Behzadan, A. H., S. Dong, and V. R. Kamat. 2015. “Augmented reality visualization: A review of civil infrastructure system applications.” Adv. Eng. Inf. 29 (2): 252–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2015.03.005.
Carvalho, A. N., F. Oliveira, and L. F. Scavarda. 2016. “Tactical capacity planning in a real-world ETO industry case: A robust optimization approach.” Int. J. Prod. Econ. 180 (Oct): 158–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.07.019.
Chalhoub, J., and S. K. Ayer. 2017. “Mixed reality for electrical prefabrication tasks.” In Proc., Computing in Civil Engineering 2017, 76–83. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Chen, Y.-C., H.-L. Chi, S.-C. Kang, and S.-H. Hsieh. 2016. “Attention-based user interface design for a tele-operated crane.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 30 (3): 04015030. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000489.
Chryssolouris, G., D. Mavrikios, N. Papakostas, D. Mourtzis, G. Michalos, and K. Georgoulias. 2009. “Digital manufacturing: History, perspectives, and outlook.” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng., Part B: J. Eng. Manuf. 223 (5): 451–462. https://doi.org/10.1243/09544054JEM1241.
Darko, A., A. P. C. Chan, Y. Yang, and M. O. Tetteh. 2020. “Building information modeling (BIM)-based modular integrated construction risk management—Critical survey and future needs.” Comput. Ind. 123 (Dec): 103327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2020.103327.
Davila Delgado, J. M., L. Oyedele, T. Beach, and P. Demian. 2020. “Augmented and virtual reality in construction: Drivers and limitations for industry adoption.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 146 (7): 04020079. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001844.
Eiris Pereira, R., and I. Flood. 2017. “Impact of linear correlation on construction project performance using stochastic linear scheduling.” Visualization Eng. 5 (Dec): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40327-017-0045-2.
Fard, M. M., S. A. Terouhid, C. J. Kibert, and H. Hakim. 2017. “Safety concerns related to modular/prefabricated building construction.” Int. J. Inj. Control Saf. Promot. 24 (1): 10–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/17457300.2015.1047865.
Gabajová, G., M. Krajčovič, M. Matys, B. Furmannová, and N. Burganová. 2021. “Designing virtual workplace using unity 3D game engine.” Acta Tecnol. 7 (1): 35–39. https://doi.org/10.22306/atec.v7i1.101.
Gusmao Brissi, S., O. Wong Chong, L. Debs, and J. Zhang. 2021. “A review on the interactions of robotic systems and lean principles in offsite construction.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 29 (1): 383–406. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0809.
Han, Y., L. Wang, and R. Kang. 2023a. “Influence of consumer preference and government subsidy on prefabricated building developer’s decision-making: A three-stage game model.” J. Civ. Eng. Manage. 29 (1): 35–49. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2023.18038.
Han, Y., X. Yan, and P. Piroozfar. 2023b. “An overall review of research on prefabricated construction supply chain management.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 30 (10): 5160–5195. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2021-0668.
Hou, L., X. Wang, and M. Truijens. 2015. “Using augmented reality to facilitate piping assembly: An experiment-based evaluation.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 29 (1): 05014007. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000344.
Hu, X., H.-Y. Chong, X. Wang, and K. London. 2019. “Understanding stakeholders in off-site manufacturing: A literature review.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 145 (8): 03119003. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001674.
Hussein, M., A. Darko, A. E. E. Eltoukhy, and T. Zayed. 2022. “Sustainable logistics planning in modular integrated construction using multimethod simulation and Taguchi approach.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 148 (6): 04022022. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002273.
Hussein, M., A. E. E. Eltoukhy, A. Karam, I. A. Shaban, and T. Zayed. 2021. “Modelling in off-site construction supply chain management: A review and future directions for sustainable modular integrated construction.” J. Cleaner Prod. 310 (Aug): 127503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127503.
Jang, S., and G. Lee. 2018. “Process, productivity, and economic analyses of BIM–based multi-trade prefabrication—A case study.” Autom. Constr. 89 (May): 86–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.12.035.
Jiang, Y., Y. Hui, Y. Wang, L. Peng, G. Huang, and S. Liu. 2023. “A novel eigenvalue-based iterative simulation method for multi-dimensional homogeneous non-Gaussian stochastic vector fields.” Struct. Saf. 100 (Jan): 102290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2022.102290.
Kim, B., C. Kim, and H. Kim. 2012. “Interactive modeler for construction equipment operation using augmented reality.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 26 (3): 331–341. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000137.
Kim, T., Y.-W. Kim, and H. Cho. 2020. “Dynamic production scheduling model under due date uncertainty in precast concrete construction.” J. Cleaner Prod. 257 (Jun): 120527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120527.
Kim, T., Y.-W. Kim, and H. Cho. 2021. “A simulation-based dynamic scheduling model for curtain wall production considering construction planning reliability.” J. Cleaner Prod. 286 (Mar): 124922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124922.
Li, K., R. Yu, Y. Liu, J. Wang, and W. Xue. 2023. “Correlation analysis and modeling of human thermal sensation with multiple physiological markers: An experimental study.” Energy Build. 278 (Jan): 112643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112643.
Li, L., Z. Li, X. Li, S. Zhang, and X. Luo. 2020. “A new framework of industrialized construction in China: Towards on-site industrialization.” J. Cleaner Prod. 244 (Jan): 118469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118469.
Li, N., J. Du, V. A. González, and J. Chen. 2022. “Methodology for extended reality–enabled experimental research in construction engineering and management.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 148 (10): 04022106. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002367.
Luo, L., X. Jin, G. Q. Shen, Y. Wang, X. Liang, X. Li, and C. Z. Li. 2020a. “Supply chain management for prefabricated building projects in Hong Kong.” J. Manage. Eng. 36 (2): 05020001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000739.
Luo, T., X. Xue, Y. Tan, Y. Wang, and Y. Zhang. 2020b. “Exploring a body of knowledge for promoting the sustainable transition to prefabricated construction.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 28 (9): 2637–2666. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2020-0154.
Mizell, D. 2001. “Boeing’s wire bundle assembly project.” In Fundamentals of wearable computers and augmented reality, edited by W. Barfield and T. Caudell, 447–467. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Moghaddam, M., N. C. Wilson, A. S. Modestino, K. Jona, and S. C. Marsella. 2021. “Exploring augmented reality for worker assistance versus training.” Adv. Eng. Inf. 50 (Oct): 101410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2021.101410.
Pan, M., Y. Yang, Z. Zheng, and W. Pan. 2022. “Artificial intelligence and robotics for prefabricated and modular construction: A systematic literature review.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 148 (9): 03122004. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002324.
Panahi, R., J. Louis, A. Podder, C. Swanson, and S. Pless. 2023. “Automated assembly progress monitoring in modular construction factories using computer vision-based instance segmentation.” In Proc., Computing in Civil Engineering 2023, 290–297. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Parvan, K., H. Rahmandad, and A. Haghani. 2015. “Inter-phase feedbacks in construction projects.” J. Oper. Manage. 39–40 (Nov): 48–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2015.07.005.
Potseluyko, L., F. Pour Rahimian, N. Dawood, F. Elghaish, and A. Hajirasouli. 2022. “Game-like interactive environment using BIM-based virtual reality for the timber frame self-build housing sector.” Autom. Constr. 142 (Oct): 104496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104496.
Richardson, T., S. B. Gilbert, J. Holub, F. Thompson, and A. MacAllister. 2014. “Fusing self-reported and sensor data from mixed-reality training.” In Proc., Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Conf. Proc. and Posters. Ames, IA: Iowa State Univ.
Russell, M. M., S. M. Hsiang, M. Liu, and B. Wambeke. 2014. “Causes of time buffer and duration variation in construction project tasks: Comparison of perception to reality.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 140 (6): 04014016. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000819.
Said, H. 2015. “Prefabrication best practices and improvement opportunities for electrical construction.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 141 (12): 04015045. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001018.
Sandagomika, H., S. Salehi, and M. Arashpour. 2024. “Hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) of prefabrication: A comparison of conventional and mixed reality-based solutions.” J. Cleaner Prod. 450 (Apr): 141883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141883.
Schuldt, S. J., J. A. Jagoda, A. J. Hoisington, and J. D. Delorit. 2021. “A systematic review and analysis of the viability of 3D-printed construction in remote environments.” Autom. Constr. 125 (May): 103642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103642.
Shen, K., X. Li, X. Cao, and Z. Zhang. 2022. “Prefabricated construction process optimization based on rework risk.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 148 (6): 04022031. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002277.
Shringi, A., M. Arashpour, T. Dwyer, A. Prouzeau, and H. Li. 2023. “Safety in off-site construction: Simulation of crane-lifting operations using VR and BIM.” J. Archit. Eng. 29 (1): 04022035. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000570.
Shringi, A., M. Arashpour, and A. Prouzeau. 2020. “Constructible design for off-site prefabricated structures in industrial environments: Review of mixed reality applications.” In Proc., 37th Int. Symp. on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC). Kitakyushu, Japan: International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction.
Tai, H.-W., J.-H. Chen, J.-Y. Cheng, H.-H. Wei, S.-C. Hsu, and H.-C. Liu. 2021. “Determining worker training time for precast component production in construction: Empirical study in Taiwan.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 147 (1): 05020023. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001964.
Wang, X., P. E. D. Love, M. J. Kim, C.-S. Park, C.-P. Sing, and L. Hou. 2013. “A conceptual framework for integrating building information modeling with augmented reality.” Autom. Constr. 34 (Sep): 37–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.10.012.
Wang, Z., H. Hu, and J. Gong. 2018. “Framework for modeling operational uncertainty to optimize offsite production scheduling of precast components.” Autom. Constr. 86 (Feb): 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.10.026.
Wong, R. W. M., and B. P. Y. Loo. 2022. “Sustainability implications of using precast concrete in construction: An in-depth project-level analysis spanning two decades.” J. Cleaner Prod. 378 (Dec): 134486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134486.
Wu, S., L. Hou, G. Zhang, and H. Chen. 2022. “Real-time mixed reality-based visual warning for construction workforce safety.” Autom. Constr. 139 (Jul): 104252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104252.
Yazdani, M., K. Kabirifar, A. M. Fathollahi-Fard, and M. Mojtahedi. 2021. “Production scheduling of off-site prefabricated construction components considering sequence dependent due dates.” Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. (Sep): 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16285-0.
Yin, X., H. Liu, Y. Chen, and M. Al-Hussein. 2019. “Building information modelling for off-site construction: Review and future directions.” Autom. Constr. 101 (May): 72–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.01.010.
Yuan, M., Z. Li, X. Li, X. Luo, X. Yin, and J. Cai. 2021. “Proposing a multifaceted model for adopting prefabricated construction technology in the construction industry.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 30 (2): 755–786. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2021-0613.
Zhang, Y., J. Wang, R. Ahmad, and X. Li. 2021. “Integrating lean production strategies, virtual reality technique and building information modeling method for mass customization in cabinet manufacturing.” Eng. Constr. Archit. Manage. 29 (10): 3970–3996. https://doi.org/10.1108/ecam-11-2020-0955.
Zhao, G., W. Ding, J. Tian, J. Liu, Y. Gu, S. Shi, R. Wang, and N. Sun. 2022. “Spearman rank correlations analysis of the elemental, mineral concentrations, and mechanical parameters of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang shale: A case study in the Fenggang block, Northeast Guizhou Province, South China.” J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 208 (Jan): 109550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2021.109550.
Zhou, Y., H. Luo, and Y. Yang. 2017. “Implementation of augmented reality for segment displacement inspection during tunneling construction.” Autom. Constr. 82 (Oct): 112–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.02.007.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 150 • Issue 11 • November 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 1, 2023
Accepted: May 14, 2024
Published online: Aug 20, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jan 20, 2025
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.