Augmented Reality- Based On-site Pipe Assembly Process Management Using Smart Glasses

In the pipe installation and management stage which takes the greatest proportion in most construction projects, workers use 2-D CAD plans to inspect 3-D shape construction. Moreover, duplication, error, omission or rework of tasks due to a communication limitation between project participants and inefficient information management can occur, which results in cost increase, delay of delivery time, productivity decline and quality degradation. This study aims to propose a methodology which is to facilitate inspection confirmation in relation to the project error, by providing required on-site information in real-time, using Augmented Reality (AR) technologies by the Vuzix smart Glasses. Using AR technologies, the 3-D space information is sent to the smart device, in order to visualize the piping shape in 3-D, thereby understanding the material information and work inspection in construction and management stage. The research methodology for the proposed article focuses on: * Analyze and select work processes: Pipe assembly processes are divided into three stages, pre-installation stage, installation stage and inspect and maintenance stage. 3-D drawings which are designed in construction design stage are not utilized in pipe assembly process. Therefore, the authors analyzed the pipe assembly processes to avoid the communication breakdowns and enhance the connectivity on the construction management information. * Improvement of work processes for construction management: The authors improved the selected work processes, where workers can use 3-D drawings in pipe installation stages. In this process, the authors utilize the Vuzix smart Glasses to improve drawing comprehension ability. * Build the environment for visualization of 3-D information and material information using AR technology by Vuzix smart Glasses: In order to effectively visualize 3-D drawing information, functions for user-centered and real-time pipe assembly management have been implemented. In this study, AR-based on-site pipe assembly processes are developed to visualize 3-D information and material information to help workers understand technical drawings and plans more easily. It is anticipated that the proposed implementation will be applied not only to construction management but maintenance and material quality management.