Cloud-based tool allows construction project progress to be visualised in virtual reality
Integrated design and operations consultancy, Bryden Wood, and BIM technology specialist, 3D Repo, have launched a new platform for visualising how construction projects change over time.
Using Virtual Reality (VR) technology and 3D Repo’s database-driven Digital Construction Platform, the new 4D sequence visualisation tool is designed to give users a new perspective on design and construction projects.
Accessed using VR headsets, such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the platform is designed to help improve collaboration between project stakeholders, facilitate decision making and allow for better communication at all stages of a project.
This functionality, together with enhanced online collaboration and visualisation features, is released as a Bryden Wood digital portal powered by 3D Repo.
“Once a design or construction project is underway, the sequence of construction steps required to assemble it is one of the most important factors to be considered,” commented Phil Langley, Director of Digital Delivery at Bryden Wood. “As the saying goes, ‘time is money’ and, by providing an accessible, easy to use 4D VR solution, we can help save valuable time when it comes to sharing information for decision making.”
Jozef Dobos, CEO of 3D Repo said, “By partnering with Bryden Wood to develop the 4D VR experience, we have played to the strengths of both parties. Bryden Wood understands the different stages of design and construction projects and how they develop over time, while we are experienced in developing the latest innovations, such as VR, to improve data sharing and analysis.”
The 3D Repo-Bryden Wood digital solution builds on 3D Repo’s cloud-based BIM platform that allows users to access, via the web, the latest 3D models and make real time changes. Often described as an online knowledge base, the 3D Repo platform is said to be different from other collaboration tools as it uses a component-based database – meaning that information is live, useful and accessible throughout the entire project lifecycle.
The use of sequencing within original authoring tools allows a timeline of models to be created, which can then be played back in VR. Multiple sequences can be applied to each model, allowing different scenarios and outcomes to be visualised. 3D Repo is also working on a number of improvements to the new 4D sequence visualisation solution, including direct web access and integration with other planning/4D software.
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