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Using augmented reality video in enhancing masonry and roof component comprehension for construction management students

Hamzah Shanbari (M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA)
Nathan Blinn (M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA)
Raja R.A. Issa (M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 21 November 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

New methods to introduce topics in classrooms are needed to enhance the construction management educational experience. One of these new methods is showing real time videos that highlight the various elements of concern in the classroom lecture. The purpose of this paper is to use augmented reality technology (ART) and a layer of artificial visualizations to simulate the environmental context and spatio-temporal constraints of various construction processes. The superimposition of images serves as an instructional mechanism to virtually incorporate jobsite experiences into classrooms. This enhancement of spatio-temporal constraints enables learners to visualize context and hidden processes otherwise unattainable through traditional classroom lectures.

Design/methodology/approach

A significantly improved perception of reality is created through the combination of the learners’ ability to understand the complexity of construction products (e.g. assemblies) and associated jobsite processes by viewing the real environment augmented with computer-generated information layers.

Findings

Testing the ART video in a classroom with undergraduate construction management students showed that students who were exposed to the ART video were able to remember and identify the highlighted elements in the corresponding assembly more effectively than those who were not.

Originality/value

ART is a valuable tool in enhancing classroom learning and gives educators a teaching advantage when they combine traditional classroom lectures with ART enabled media.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1245529. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The research team would also like to acknowledge Ajax Construction and James Marini for their collaboration and willingness to work with the project team. Their assistance allowed for the capture of large amounts of visual construction data which were crucial to completing this research project.

Citation

Shanbari, H., Blinn, N. and Issa, R.R.A. (2016), "Using augmented reality video in enhancing masonry and roof component comprehension for construction management students", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 765-781. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2016-0028

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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