A Comparative Case Study to Assess the Costs and Benefits of VR Use during Preconstruction MEP Coordination
Abstract
Virtual design and construction (VDC) managers must assess the costs and benefits of implementing VR before deciding whether to use it during mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) coordination to facilitate early issue identification and resolution. We conducted a comparative case study of two facility buildings: one where a VR pilot study was conducted in addition to 3D clash detection, and one where only 3D clash detection was used during MEP coordination. The direct and indirect costs of VR use were determined through observations, interviews, and by comparing MEP coordination workflows with and without VR use. Our analysis of buildability and operability issues identified uniquely in VR revealed that more than 100 field-detected issues, requests for information, and change orders could have been avoided through VR use. The resulting cost savings exceed the cost of implementing VR. As such, our research provides a preliminary method to evaluate VR pilot studies towards deciding on VR adoption during preconstruction MEP coordination.