Introduction to Augmented Reality in Design and Construction
The use of augmented reality (AR) technology has revolutionized the best way design and construction jobs are carried out, particularly within the utility industry. One of the main challenges in these jobs is the location and substitute of missing stakes, which may result in significant delays and increased costs. American Electric Power (AEP) has been on the forefront of adopting AR technology to enhance its design and construction workflows.
The Problem of Missing Stakes
In the past, it was not unusual for stakes to go missing, which might require an engineering technician to re-stake the job site. This process could take anywhere from half-hour to an hour, causing delays and increasing costs. AEP recognized the necessity to scale back the resources and costs related to staking workflows, and this was a key think about their decision to contemplate using AR technology.
Introduction to AR Technology
The introduction of AR technology at AEP began in July 2018, with an on-site overview and demonstration of Trimble SiteVision for Utilities AR technology. This was followed by an early adoption project with Trimble Inc. in the autumn of 2018. The first training event on the AR solution was held in February 2019, where AEP engineering technicians and a line crew supervisor received hands-on training on how you can use AR technology.
Training and Development
The training participants learned how you can use AR technology to visualise AEP data and 3-D models, corresponding to the location of poles and visualization of property lines in the sphere. They discovered that AR technology could superimpose 3-D utility models against real-world views, enabling accurate visualization of proposed and existing utility features. This technology also improved communication and coordination with customers and crews by replacing 2-D drawings with on-site 3-D visualization of planned structures, line designs, and other activities.
Benefits of AR Technology
The use of AR technology has several advantages, including the flexibility to streamline the client review process and ensure the location of poles, lines, and other utility facilities inside about 1 inch (25 mm) without the necessity for wood stakes. This has reduced the necessity for re-staking, saving time and costs. AR technology has also improved the accuracy of design placements and reduced the danger of errors.
AR Rollout
In June 2020, AEP engineering technicians and line crew supervisors received full production training on the AR product as a part of the initial rollout of the technology. The Trimble AR technology runs on smart mobile devices and connects to a Trimble global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna that gives 3-D positions in the sphere accurate to 1 inch or less.
Implementation and Results
Since the initial deployment of AR technology, engineering technicians and line crew supervisors have implemented AR technology into their design and construction workflows. Customers, line construction crews, technicians, and inspectors now have a greater understanding of planned designs and any potential clashes with natural or man-made structures when visualized in AR and in 3-D. The AR technology has also enabled the event of a stake-less workflow, reducing the necessity for wood stakes and minimizing the impact on design teams.
Workflow Development
The AR rollout at AEP also involved the event of a workflow to attenuate any impact on design teams. This included ensuring a smooth connection between their existing field design system and the Trimble AR solution. Designs are converted right into a keyhole markup language (KML) format and placed into a chosen folder in a Cloud-based collaboration tool. Engineers can then download the model into the AR application and check and validate the designs for real-world placement and measure distances of the designs to nearby natural or man-made objects and vegetation.
Conclusion
The introduction of AR technology at AEP has revolutionized the design and construction workflows, improving accuracy, reducing costs, and enhancing customer experience. The use of AR technology has streamlined the client review process, reduced the necessity for re-staking, and improved communication and coordination with customers and crews. As the technology continues to evolve, it’s more likely to have a big impact on the utility industry, enabling corporations to work more efficiently and effectively.
