Chaudhari, R; Goodrum, P; Brady, N; Jones, M; Hallowell, M; Yeh, T and Bhandari, S (2025) Exploring the impact of augmented reality on work performance in a full-scale MEP assembly task: Study of industry and novice populations. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 151(12): 04025189, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Building information modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry; however, field personnel still rely on traditional methods for design interpretation. Augmented reality (AR) head-mounted display devices (HMDDs) offer a promising alternative for delivering three-dimensional design information, yet their effectiveness must be validated across diverse populations with a significant sample size. This study examines the impact of AR HMDDs on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) assembly tasks, evaluating key performance metrics: task completion time, rework rate, and error rate. Both novice and experienced participants completed assembly tasks in industrial and laboratory settings, marking the first comparative analysis of AR models with different levels of detail (LOD 300 and LOD 400) against traditional isometric paper plans. Findings indicate that the AR LOD 400 model significantly improved all performance metrics across both populations, except for the error rate among industry professionals. The AR LOD 300 model notably reduced rework rates, while traditional paper plans were the least effective. Age did not significantly impact performance, whereas higher spatial cognition enhanced novices' efficiency. Participants acknowledged AR HMDDs, particularly the LOD 400 model, as beneficial for design comprehension; however, some also reported distractions. These insights highlight the need for user-centered AR interface design and tailored training strategies to enhance usability and efficiency. As the first study to investigate the influence of AR model LODs on construction task performance with a robust sample size, the results provide valuable guidance for optimizing AR HMD technology, training protocols, and design information delivery in the construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | augmented reality; construction assembly; head-mounted display device; levels of detail; work performance |
| Index terms: | laboratory, performance metric, personnel, comparative analysis, construction assembly, usability, strategy, rework, completion time, augmented reality, population, cognition, information delivery, efficiency, building information modelling, sample size, effectiveness, work performance, construction industry, plumbing |
| Subjects: | demography, research management, cognitive psychology, structural engineering, visualization, operations management, project controls, industry analysis, information systems, performance measurement, management, performance management, data analysis and analytics, user-centered design, research design and methodology, mechanical systems |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Time Control, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Quality Management, Project Management, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here