Sandagomika, H; Shringi, A; Mohandes, S R; Kineber, A F; Bazli, M and Arashpour, M (2024) Mixed reality-based approach for minimizing time uncertainty in prefabrication. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(11): 04024147, ISSN 0733-9364
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | immersive visualization; mixed reality; prefabricated production; simulation; time uncertainty |
| Index terms: | efficiency, discrete event simulation, correlation analysis, reinforcement, presence, work study, quality control, modelling, implementation, prefabrication, scheduling, sensitivity analysis, decision-making, methodology, completion time, simulation tool, visualization, cost efficiency |
| Subjects: | project delivery, building materials, modelling and simulation, statistical analysis, decision analysis, project controls, performance management, economics, management, design practice, analytical methods, environmental science, contractual arrangements, operations research, environmental hazards, building construction, research methods |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Risk Management, Procurement, Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Time Control, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Research Practice, Construction Materials |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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