10 Use Cases of AR in Architecture｜How to Reduce Design and Construction Errors

Table of Contents

• Case Study 1: Ensuring Accurate Column Placement in Structural Work

• Case Study 2: Precise Dimensional Control by Formwork Carpenters

• Case Study 3: Safe Installation of Joints in Steel-Frame Construction

• Case Study 4: Interference Checks and Position Verification for Electrical Wiring

• Case Study 5: Determination of Piping Routes for HVAC Systems

• Case Study 6: Safety Management in Demolition Work of Existing Buildings

• Case Study 7: Improving Positional Accuracy in Exterior Wall Installation

• Case Study 8: Position Verification of Materials and Improved Order Accuracy in Interior Work

• Case Study 9: Quality Assurance in Building Completion Inspections

• Case Study 10: On-site Utilization of Geotechnical Survey Data

• Mechanism for Reducing Design and Construction Errors Using AR

• Accurate Location Information Maximizes AR Utilization

The adoption of AR technology in the construction industry is no longer an initiative limited to cutting-edge companies. Today, firms of various sizes—from large general contractors to small- and medium-sized construction companies—are introducing AR on job sites and achieving tangible results. However, the ways AR is used vary by company and site, and it is not easy to determine what use cases exist or whether it can be applied at one’s own site.

In this article, we introduce 10 real-world examples of AR applications that have succeeded on construction sites, and explain the lessons you can learn from each case as well as the precautions to take when implementing them. By referring to these cases, you should be able to identify forms of AR implementation that can be applied at your own sites.

Case 1: Ensuring the Accuracy of Column Placement in Structural Work

In structural work for large office buildings, if the placement of columns is off by several centimeters (a few in), it can have a significant impact on subsequent work.

Under conventional construction methods, column positions were determined by comparing survey data with drawings, but interpretation errors and communication mistakes could occur during this process.

Companies that implemented AR overlaid a pre-created 3D architectural model on-site and visually indicated the exact positions and heights of the columns. By having every member of the construction crew share the same image, they were able to completely eliminate discrepancies in understanding about column placement. As a result, no errors in column placement were detected during the structural work period, and impacts on subsequent work were minimized. The lesson from this case is that in construction involving multiple workers, the method of information sharing has a major influence on outcomes.

Case Study 2: Precise Dimensional Control by Formwork Carpenters

When producing a concrete structural frame, if the formwork dimensions are off by a few millimeters, the finished structure will no longer match the design drawings. Traditionally, formwork carpenters used drawings and measuring tools for construction, but construction errors tended to occur in parts with complex shapes.

A construction company introduced a system that automatically generates the three-dimensional shape of formwork from design drawings and displays it on site using AR. Formwork carpenters assemble the formwork according to the AR display, enabling significantly more precise dimensional control than with traditional construction methods. As a result, the quality of structural work has improved and the amount of adjustment work in later stages has been greatly reduced. This case is a good example of how AR can contribute not only to streamlining simple tasks but also to improving accuracy.

Case Study 3: Safe Installation of Joints in Steel-Frame Construction

In steel-frame construction, the installation of joints (bolted connections) is important. When many joints are being installed simultaneously, mistakes in the installation sequence or orientation can cause structural problems or compromise safety.

In a large-scale steel-frame construction project managing multiple joints, we introduced a system that uses AR to display the locations of joints and the construction sequence in real time. Each steelworker can confirm the joints they are responsible for, and the construction priorities have also become clear. As a result, construction errors have decreased and site safety has greatly improved. In addition, visualizing construction progress has improved coordination between managers and on-site workers.

Case Study 4: Electrical Wiring Interference Check and Installation Position Confirmation

Electrical wiring in buildings often crosses in complex ways, and even when clashes are detected during the design phase, design changes may be required during the construction stage. Traditionally, problems were often discovered while installing wiring on site, and responding to them on the spot could delay the work.

An electrical contractor implemented a process that used AR to overlay wiring diagrams onto the job site to identify clashes before construction. By visually confirming the routing of the wiring shown on the plans, they were able to eliminate problems in the construction phase in advance. As a result, last-minute changes on site were reduced and delays to the construction schedule were prevented.

Case 5: Determining Piping Routes for HVAC Equipment

Determining piping routes for HVAC and water supply/drainage systems in buildings is a complex task because it must simultaneously satisfy multiple requirements such as avoiding interference with the structural frame, ensuring adequate slope, and improving maintainability. Traditionally, designers and contractors adjusted these routes through repeated meetings, but the process was time-consuming and carried the risk of coordination oversights.

An HVAC contractor introduced a process that displays 3D design models on site using AR, enabling designers and installers to review piping routes together on the same screen. Issues can be identified on the spot, and optimal routes that account for site constraints can be selected. As a result, changes and rework in later stages have been significantly reduced.

Case Study 6: Safety Management for Demolition Work of Existing Buildings

In demolition work on existing buildings, piping, wiring, ducts, and other systems are arranged in complex configurations, and damaging them during demolition can cause harm to surrounding areas and delays to the project. Traditionally, work was performed by cross-checking drawings against the actual site, but when drawings are outdated or renovation changes have not been recorded, incorrect judgments can be made.

A demolition contractor introduced a system that pre-scans existing buildings, creates three-dimensional models, and overlays them on the site using AR. Demolition workers were able to avoid accidental damage by using AR to identify pipes and wiring that needed protection as they worked. Furthermore, from a safety management perspective, recognizing hazardous elements in advance improved the safety of operations.

Case 7: Improving positional accuracy in exterior wall construction

During the installation of exterior wall panels, if the panels are misaligned, not only is the building’s overall appearance compromised, but waterproofing performance can also be affected. This is especially true for buildings with complex shapes, where accurately determining the position of each panel becomes difficult.

An exterior wall contractor implemented a system that displays a building's 3D model on-site using AR and provides installers with the exact position and orientation of each panel. This minimized panel misalignment and significantly improved the exterior wall's aesthetics and waterproofing performance. It also reduced rework during construction, shortening the overall construction schedule.

Case Study 8: Verifying Material Locations and Improving Order Accuracy in Interior Construction

In interior construction, many materials are used, such as flooring, wall materials, and ceiling materials. If the positions of these materials are mistaken, corrections may be required after the work is completed. This becomes especially problematic when multiple tradespeople are working at the same time, as discrepancies in understanding about material placement can occur.

A construction company introduced a system that displays interior design drawings on site using AR, allowing visual confirmation of the location, color, and specifications of materials. By sharing the same image between contractors and procurement staff, ordering errors were reduced and on-site material shortages and surpluses were minimized. As a result, the efficiency of interior construction has improved and construction quality has also been enhanced.

Case 9: Quality Verification in Building Completion Inspections

The final inspection, which confirms whether the construction work matches the design drawings after a building is completed, is an important process. Traditionally, inspectors would tour the site with the design drawings and perform visual checks, but it was sometimes difficult to confirm in high locations or in complex areas.

A construction company has implemented a system that displays design drawings on-site using AR, allowing inspectors to easily detect discrepancies with the actual construction. In particular, work performed at height and the locations of complex piping and wiring can be inspected more accurately through AR comparison. As a result, reports of defects after completion have decreased, and the level of quality control has improved.

Case 10: On-site Use of Geotechnical Survey Data

In the early stages of a construction project, a ground investigation is conducted to ascertain the composition of soil layers and the groundwater level. However, it has been difficult to share the survey data with on-site workers, and in some cases the survey results have not been fully utilized when planning foundation work.

In a large-scale construction project, a system was introduced that converts ground investigation data into AR and displays it on site. Foundation workers were able to proceed with construction while visually confirming the subsurface stratigraphy, enabling them to adopt construction methods suited to the ground’s characteristics. In addition, the need for groundwater countermeasures became intuitively understood by construction personnel, improving construction safety.

Mechanism for Reducing Design and Construction Errors Using AR

A common finding from these ten cases is that AR reduces design and construction errors by streamlining and visualizing information transfer. Traditionally, on construction sites, workers had to mentally visualize information presented as text and drawings in three dimensions. In this process, misinterpretations and communication gaps were likely to occur.

By introducing AR, this interpretation process becomes unnecessary, allowing everyone to share the same three-dimensional information. In particular, on construction sites where workers from multiple trades are involved, this kind of information-sharing system greatly contributes to improving construction quality. Also, conducting pre-construction simulations on site makes it possible to detect problems in advance and implement countermeasures, which is another important factor in reducing errors.

Accurate location information maximizes AR utilization

In most of these cases, the key to success is that the design drawings displayed in AR are overlaid onto the exact positions on-site. However, on construction sites—especially in urban areas or regions with many tall surrounding buildings—smartphone GPS alone can produce errors on the order of several meters, which reduces the usefulness of AR.

To solve this issue, the introduction of a high-precision GNSS positioning device is indispensable. An iPhone-mounted high-precision GNSS positioning device can receive signals simultaneously from multiple satellite systems and determine precise positions with an accuracy on the order of several centimeters (several in). By linking this device with AR applications, design drawings can be accurately overlaid in any site environment, enabling even greater effectiveness across all use cases from Case 1 through Case 10. In particular, in situations where accuracy directly affects construction quality—such as ensuring column placement in structural work and considering the determination of piping routes—the importance of high-precision positioning is extremely high.