Samarasingha, D.; Ranadewa, K. A. T. O. and Parameswaran, A. (2026) Extended reality-integrated construction progress monitoring in the construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 24(5), pp. 1135-1155. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – Traditional construction progress monitoring (CPM) has been widely used as a project management technique in the construction industry. However, the absence of modern CPM techniques can lead to delayed decision-making, inaccurate progress tracking, inefficient resource allocation and limited collaboration and communication. Extended reality (XR) has been identified as a solution for CPM, combining various technologies such as augmented reality, mixed reality and virtual reality to address specific challenges. It allows stakeholders to explore multiple dimensions of a project, offering limitless opportunities to develop a unique, innovative approach to tracking the construction project's status at any point in time. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a framework for integrating XR in CPM within the Sri Lankan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts an interpretivism stance and uses a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through ten semi-structured interviews with experts with experience and knowledge of integrated CPM and Building Information Modelling (BIM)-XR projects. To analyse the data, a code-based content analysis approach was used using NVivo 12 software, while Microsoft Visio was used to develop a framework. Findings – This study revealed benefits, including real-time automated updates and the ability to measure both physical and financial progress, as well as barriers to integrating XR technology into CPM, primarily a lack of financial capabilities to afford an XR system and top management's reluctance to adopt new technology. The developed framework can be used to devise strategies for overcoming barriers to the current implementation of the XR system. Through it, XR technology demonstrates its effectiveness in resolving issues associated with existing CPM methods. Practical implications – This research contributes value to the construction industry by providing a practical framework to guide Sri Lankan professionals in effectively implementing XR within CPM. In addition, this study will guide academic researchers, industry professionals and government institutions in developing countries with similar socio-economic, demographic or cultural characteristics to those of Sri Lanka, aiding the implementation of XR technology and extending existing knowledge on XR. Furthermore, this study could be particularly useful for industry professionals seeking to implement the XR framework in BIM-integrated projects. Originality/value – To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study will be the first of its kind in the Sri Lankan construction industry, contributing to a deeper understanding of "XR" technology for CPM.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | augmented reality; automation; CPM; extended reality; mixed reality; virtual reality |
| Index terms: | implementation, strategy, progress tracking, traditional construction, virtual reality, building information modelling, Sri Lanka, progress monitoring, developing country, content analysis, decision-making, augmented reality, construction project, dimension, interview, methodology, qualitative research, collaboration, interpretivism, automation, top management, project management technique, construction industry, effectiveness, new technology, resource allocation |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, resource management, performance management, information systems, management, contractual arrangements, development economics, automation and robotics, innovation and technology management, operations management, production management, Geography, research methods, heritage and conservation, data analysis and analytics, virtual reality, project controls, theoretical framing, research design and methodology, visualization, health monitoring assessment and metrics, industry analysis, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Site Management, Risk Management, Time Control, Digital Applications, Project Management, Quality Management, Design Practice, International Construction, Procurement, Geographical Context, Organizational Design, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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