Potential application of virtual reality with building information modelling in addressing on-site problems in construction industry in Malaysia

The construction sector in Malaysia has been coping with a variety of continuous issues that have been occurring on the project site including communication inefficiencies, cost overruns, time delays, and safety concerns. The construction industry is encountering significant problems, but these obstacles can be surmounted by adopting technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR). Combining Virtual Reality with Building Information Modelling has been proposed as a possible remedy for many construction challenges. However, there needs to be more comprehension regarding incorporating these technologies, resulting in a sluggish advancement of its acceptability. This research investigates the potential of integrating VR and BIM in addressing key challenges in the construction industry, particularly in enhancing communication, reducing time and cost overruns, and improving safety management. The research focuses on Grade 7 construction companies in Klang Valley area of Malaysia, as these contractors possess the financial capacity to adopt advanced technologies. The study employs a combination of literature review, surveys, and data analysis to assess the barriers to adoption and the perceived benefits of VR- BIM integration in construction projects. The analyses were conducted using the parameters and data gathered from the survey which were categorised into four constructs, which are Overrun Problems (OP), Overrun Effects, (OE), Management Problems (MP), and Control Measures (CM). The Kendall’s tau- b and Spearman’s rho tests were employed to analyse the correlation between the constructs. These analyses aimed to ascertain the level of correlation between the constructs to assess the feasibility of implementing these technologies in construction projects. Based on the analyses, the highest correlation is between CM and OE which indicates that effective control measures substantially reduce or mitigate the adverse impacts of overruns. This study is concluded by proposing a framework for integrating VR with BIM to streamline communication, project planning, and risk management within the construction industry. A small group of individuals validated the framework with a background of civil engineering, consisting construction professionals. By addressing these construction site challenges, the construction industry in Malaysia can enhance its efficiency, reduce operational risks, and achieve greater project outcomes. The findings contribute to both academic discourse and practical applications, offering insights into how VR and BIM can revolutionise the Malaysian construction sector.

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