The challenges of virtual reality implementation in construction industry / Nabillah Sahmad

Over the years, the construction industry had immensely grown in pursuing the continuous demand of construction projects and development by allowing continuous improvement in the adoption of advanced digital technologies in construction in line with the rise of the Industry 4.0 paradigm and Virtual Reality being one of the technologies introduced. Previous studies mentioned that Virtual Reality in construction has helped to shape the industry where it helps to improve creation of detailed 3D models with immersive stimulated environment which is very near to a real-life experience. Therefore, this research aims to study the effect of Virtual Reality implementation in the construction industry. The research employed quantitative data collection method which was conducted by questionnaire survey to the construction practitioners to obtain the data. The main barriers of implementing VR technology in construction are including lack of resource, challenges are including insufficient knowledge on the technology regarding its implementation and some constraints on its application due to technical difficulties, security concern, high risk of investment and uncertainties of the industry’s practitioners on its effectiveness. Despite the challenges, VR technology is believed to be potentially useful and could contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the construction industry in the long run. This is because it is believed that VR can contribute to efficiency construction management tools as well as designing tools. Thus, this research outlined the potentials of VR technology application when implemented the construction industry.