Attending weekly site meetings can consume a vast amount of time for construction managers, planners, and project managers. A study undertaken by Mace showed that during a project lasting for 33 weeks, 330 hours were spent capturing and managing images using traditional methods. However, by performing regular scans of a site a virtual twin can be produced thereby drastically reducing the time spent on site and increasing the usability of the data captured.
With the traditional documentation method of capturing 2D images and storing them in folder structures, it took Mace’s team 5 hours per week to manage all of the data. Often images stored in a deep folder structure are neither easy to access or intuitive to navigate. Additional time is also consumed when searching for an image that shows a specific area that was taken at a specific point in the construction phase.
The project’s virtual twin can be reviewed in the office where time can be spent more productively. In the current COVID-19 pandemic viewing a site virtually can also provide the benefit of keeping your staff safe where social distancing may be more problematic.
Scans can be reviewed by a number of team members from remote locations. Progress can be tracked and issues can also be spotted and noted with markers during the virtual walk-through. Major milestones can also be shared with remote stakeholders.
Construction Progress Management
More value from site photos
Using traditional 2D photos to document a site doesn’t always add immediate value to a project. But 360° photos can capture more information and give your team a more streamlined process to manage site documentation. Every location where photos are taken appears on a floor plan. A simple click takes team members to the 360° photos taken in that location. Tags or issues can be documented within the photos to help manage the project and communicate across the team.
Unlike the traditional 2D photographs, 360° photographs are saved on the system with context. They are easy to find, add value to both the project and the workflow.
Side by side comparison of progress
As with any large project understanding progress over time is valuable. The use of the ‘SplitScreen’ feature allows your team to view two different photos (taken at different times in the construction phase) of the same location side by side. This allows you to see progress and compare details. The same can be done to compare current conditions to the BIM models to confirm that details are to the specifications.
Client hand-over documentation
It is possible to provide clients with interactive files showing the different stages of construction with the floor plans. This is gives the client a permanent record of progress and shows what is behind all of the finished structures. This can be extremely useful if the client needs to make alterations or issues are discovered in the future.
Continuity during COVID-19
In 2020 we saw restrictions limiting the number of people allowed to be on site at any one time. The use of 360° photos helps to keep the number of people on site to a minimum during site visits. Photos are available to team members who are not able to travel to sites; not only is this good for COVID-19 restrictions, but it also allows valuable members of staff to stay working in the office rather than wasting time travelling to and from various sites.
Reducing Costs While Adding Value
Reduce photo retrieval time
Once photos are taken on site, it is essential to have a system for file naming, uploading, storage, and easy retrieval in order for your team to maximise their use. Traditionally 2D photos are not always efficiently stored and it can take approximately 5 minutes to locate and retrieve them when needed. This time-frame drastically increases from 5 minutes to 30 minutes when someone less familiar with the site or project processes is required to find the necessary images. Retrieval time is reduced to approximately 1 minute using 360° photographs and the accompanying system. This makes users much more likely to actively look for and use the photos.
Minimise site visits
Reducing the number of people required to travel to site and the number of visits carried out will result in cost savings. Previously, key members of a project team have been required to travel to site every one to two weeks, spend a few hours on site, and then spend additional time in the meeting room. Engine 47 are able to visit your site to capture 360° photographs and then share them with your team who can then view everything without having to travel to site. There is little chance of a 360° photograph not capturing something a team member will need as it captures the entire room. This is often a problem when 2D photographs are used – a single team member might photograph the site for a particular purpose, these photographs may then not capture a detail needed by another team member. As a result another site visit would then be needed. By capturing a room in 360° everyone is able to utilise the photo regardless of the function or need.
Quality assurance through photo documentation
The ability to clearly confirm what has or has not been done on a project helps to keep everyone honest. Time stamps and easy access to a timeline of photos makes a quality assurance manager’s job easier. It also helps to identify and resolve issues quickly and before they are potentially closed in behind a finish.
Offline Viewer
Keep a permanent record of your 360° construction documentation for offline viewing and sharing with stakeholders.
All of your digital progress records are easily accessible for decades to come. No internet connection, subscription, or ongoing licensing is required. This makes it ideal for the project closeout and handover process.
Benefits
- Time: Allows your staff to continue working in their area of expertise rather than spending time taking and organising photos,
- Comparison: Different stages of the project can be compared side-by-side on a split screen view,
- Central Catalogue: All photographs taken are organised by location and time, not lost within general photo folders. This well organised online based tool allows 360° photos to be viewed at any time day or night,
- Financial: Staff aren’t being paid to take and organise photographs instead of working in their area of expertise. There are also additional financial benefits realised in end-of-project valuations and retrospective verification of work-in-place,
- Health & Safety: A reduced number of site visits results in a lower chance of accidents or injuries occurring. Viewing a site virtually will also help keep staff safe from COVID-19 where social distancing may be problematic,
- Legal: Easily accessible gapless documentation in case of future legal disputes,
- Handover: An offline handover file of the 360° project can be provided allowing the data to be stored and owned for years to come. This allows an easy and efficient handover of the project,
- Other: Provides an organised record for future review if required (for example, during the defects period).