User behaviour in AR-BIM-based site layout planning

Construction site layout planning (SLP) is an essential task to decide layouts for temporary facilities. The conventional processes utilise two-dimensional (2D) paper-based medium for collaboration and coordination among project stakeholders to decide on such allocations. In the present study, an augmented reality enabled building information modelling (AR-BIM) based framework is developed for SLP and an experiment was conducted to understand the user behaviour in the new platform. It was observed that AR-BIM enabled better collaboration among team members. Further, members responded in a better fashion to new information and constraints. The study highlights how enhanced three-dimensional (3D) visualisation, as provided by AR-BIM platform improved the communication among planners and shifted the focus from solution search in the conventional process to understanding the future implications of the layouts proposed. Thus the study highlighted the benefits of AR-BIM-based SLP in terms of better visualisation, enhanced collaboration and better utilisation of the experience.