Construction companies have been limited to what they could do in the office in the past. They would design blueprints and show them to clients with a 2D representation of what is being built. However, this has all changed with virtual reality (VR). With VR, construction companies can now offer their clients an immersive experience that allows them to see their home or business before it is actually constructed. This article explains how virtual reality and virtual tours benefit the construction industry.
Safer Training for Construction Workers
With the rise of virtual reality technology comes safer training options for workers involved in potentially dangerous jobs. Instead of sending a worker to a local gymnasium or warehouse to train on real equipment, they can be sent into the virtual world to practice without risk. By using VR headsets, workers will feel like they are actually there, thus offering a more realistic experience. Not only does this provide a safer learning environment, but it also helps employees get used to heavy machinery and other equipment sooner. It’s always best to introduce new technologies slowly to avoid potential risks during training.
Higher Quality Work
Virtual reality offers construction professionals high-quality 3d models of buildings and structures. These models allow architects and designers to visualize how their ideas will look when they are completed. They can even use these models to test out different designs quickly and efficiently, saving time and money. Creating a blueprint requires a lot of planning, measurements, calculations, and research. Virtual tours take out much of that work by allowing users to create from scratch and experience what their building will look like once finished.
3D modeling and adaptation of BIM
The process of building information modeling (BIM) allows us to integrate our knowledge about the project, such as engineering drawings, architectural plans, structural details, etc., into digital files. We can then share these files easily among team members and consultants. These files can be used to coordinate tasks throughout the entire duration of the project. They can be shared through email, FTP, etc., eliminating errors that might occur if people were working off of different sets of documents. They can be integrated with CAD software programs for further coordination between architecture, engineering, and construction teams.
Cost Saving
One of the biggest benefits of using virtual reality in education is cost-effectiveness. As mentioned earlier, many businesses and educational institutions spend thousands of dollars each year on traditional means of teaching and training, such as visiting warehouses or classrooms to teach students. This limits the amount of time students can dedicate to studying and often leads to lower quality results. When we incorporate virtual reality into our lessons, we no longer need to send teachers or trainers to places because we can take them right inside the classroom itself. Students and educators alike can learn at their own pace and receive a better understanding of concepts.
Collaboration of Professionals
Virtual reality has made it easier than ever to collaborate with other professionals within the same industry. Architects, engineers, and construction companies can benefit from virtual reality. For example, while engineers would normally have to visit a construction site to view the progress being made, they could view their design virtually before the actual structure is built. This way, they know exactly what they want before the structure is complete. Engineers can also check the integrity of their designs and see if the structure was built according to specifications. Since collaboration happens online now, not only do professionals gain access to additional resources, but they also save valuable time.
Virtual site visits and maintenance
Virtual tours enable contractors and inspectors to see a building’s interior without entering it themselves. This saves both time and energy, which can be put toward more important activities. Contractors and inspectors can also use these tours to determine any damage or issues with a building. Virtual reality makes it possible to walk around rooms and make measurements. If anything does appear wrong, you can immediately notify the owner and fix the issue to prevent problems down the line.
Accessibility and Distance
In addition to saving both time and energy, VR technology makes learning accessible and convenient. Since most people don’t live near an architect or engineer, virtual reality enables them to get a real sense of the space where their buildings are located. It also helps those who work remotely by enabling them to feel like they’re actually standing in another location.
Increased quality
You will see higher quality results when incorporating VR in your classes or business. People will become more attentive and engaged in class when interacting with their surroundings. In addition, they will be less likely to fall asleep or zone out during lectures. Instead, they will pay closer attention and absorb new material. Overall, this leads to a much-improved learning experience.
Concept-based training
Another major advantage of virtual reality is its ability to help train employees on specific skills. Companies often rely upon their employees to perform certain jobs correctly. However, they also realize that some things cannot be taught through words alone. If someone needs to learn how to operate machinery or install electrical panels, they may require hands-on training. At the same time, employees need to know how to communicate with clients as well properly.
Less expensive
One of the main reasons businesses choose to incorporate VR into their operations is that it costs less than traditional training methods. Companies only pay for the equipment they need plus an instructor’s time. The more students enrolled, the cheaper the cost per student. As mentioned earlier, VR can also save companies money by reducing travel expenses since they no longer need to send employees away to study.
In conclusion, the construction industry benefits greatly from virtual reality. Creating a collaborative environment between workers and architects, engineers, and construction managers, the entire process is streamlined, and productivity increases. In addition, since workers can engage with different aspects of a project in ways never thought of before, efficiency and quality go up.
Would you like to find out more about how virtual tours and VR technology can make your construction business run more efficiently? ViviScape’s team of VR experts can answer any of your questions and offer a free consultation. Contact us or call us at (574) 207-6511. Check out one of our latest virtual tour examples.
