Enhancing Industrial Construction Efficiency with Augmented Reality: Technology Campus Case Study

Achieving Efficiency and Reducing Rework with Argyle’s AR Technology

Efficiency is critical to effective construction project management. Argyle’s Augmented Reality (AR) platform enables contractors to visualize the installation on real project coordinates as they build. This helps improve layout speed and reduces rework on site.

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Background: Pipefitting Installation 

In the present case study Pipefitters utilized Argyle’s AR solution on a leading technology campus, achieving significant cost savings, improved timelines, and greater precision.

Pipefitters were contracted to fabricate and fit pipe to serve new equipment for a major technology client. The specialized project required high precision and seamless integration of dense pipe around an intricate network of duct, and electrical networks in specialized zones.

The job was difficult in every typical way, but held extra challenges facility was in active use, and disruption to the existing was impossible. The indoor location of the site meant they were restricted in wifi bandwidth, could not receive typical GPS, and were often unable to deploy typical scanning technology.

Challenges with Precision Installation

Prior to beginning Argyle use on site, Pipefitters faced several key challenges:

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• Strict Precision Standards: PC was required to manage installation tolerances within 1/8 inch.
• Field-Model Discrepancies: Design models didn’t always align with field conditions, causing costly rework.
• Escalating Rework Costs: Frequent rework, averaging $600 for minor adjustments, strained budgets.

Argyle’s AR Platform: A Real-Time Visualization Solution for Industrial Projects

Background: Pipefitter’s project manager sought an advanced visualization tool for better accuracy in a challenging project environment with high modeling and coordination costs. Approximately 11% of labor went into constructing and coordinating models. Initially reliant on AutoCAD Fabrication and Navisworks, Pipefitters faced limitations in real-time issue identification. 

They tried a number of AR solutions and ultimately chose Argyle for its ease of use in secure environments and its precision accuracy.

Precision alignment with the tools you’re already using 

The pipefitters could not get precision accuracy with the other AR solutions they tried in the environment they were in. They needed a solution that did not rely on external beacons, but could tie into their existing coordinates. Argyle uses computer vision technology leveraging its own patented algorithms to maintain alignment in congested areas.

No Bandwidth, No Problem

Argyle’s AR platform was designed for compatibility with megaprojects with low and yes, no bandwidth. Starting with the content, models are compressed into lightweight formats directly from the authoring and collaboration tools like Revit and Navisworks. This means the project files are downloaded from the cloud and then stored locally on the user’s iPad, Hololens 2, or Magic Leap 2. 

Measure Twice, Fabricate Once

Finally, the team needed measurement tools to effectively communicate discrepancies and challenges presented in the environment. The team overlaid the proposed path of pipe design onto physical environments and identified the areas where installation would be impossible. Likewise, they found opportunities in the physical environment for more space where they didn’t realize they had it. 

This real-time visualization helped enabled the Pipefitters to identify potential clashes and errors before they happened and fabricate the pipe to fit the first time. But it also helped the layout and installation to 

Core Features of Argyle’s AR:

• Wireframe Visualization: AR overlays bring digital models to life on-site without blocking the site, making potential issues instantly visible.
• Precision Alignment: ⅛ patented alignment to existing monuments on the project gave the team the confidence to catch clashes proactively.
• Accessibility without the Internet: Argyle’s AR does not require a stable connection which means accessibility in challenging environments.
• SOC 2 Certified: Argyle practices secure data management practices.

Onboarding Process

Pipefitter began integrating Argyle’s AR solution in early 2023, targeting improvements in pipe and electrical installations. The first onboarding sessions focused on translating the large federated models into an AR-ready format that loads rapidly on site. After onboarding, the team could send their own model updates to the Argyle platform. Next, the team learned basics of site alignment using Argyle’s patented and user friendly alignment tools. The set-up was simple and the field rapidly adopted it into their process.

Cost and Time Savings

After implementing Argyle AR, Pipefitter saw clear improvements:

• Reduced Rework Costs: Real-time visualization led to fewer rework incidents, resulting in substantial savings.
• Enhanced Cross-Trade Coordination: Argyle’s AR allowed smoother coordination, ensuring precision in installations.
• Optimized Labor Utilization: Validating installations with AR reduced downtime and improved efficiency.

Quantified ROI and Cost Savings from Argyle’s AR Implementation

Pipefitter reported measurable benefits:

• Weekly Project Burn Reduction: Implementation of Argyle helped reduce the estimated weekly project burn by a minimum of $5,000 each week, contributing to significant time and cost savings in minimum of $260,000 in year one of implementation.
• Increased Project Efficiency: The addition of Argyle to the process reduced timelines and proved an enjoyable way to workp. By visualizing potential clashes and installation errors before they occurred, Pipefitters was able to maintain project schedules and avoid costly delays​​.

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Essential Features for Project Success

Key features that contributed to PC’s achievements include:

• On-Site Visualization: Immediate identification of clashes through AR overlays.
• Compatibility with Existing Tools: Seamless integration with Revit and Navisworks enabled smoother workflows.
• User-Focused Design: Easy for field teams to adopt, Argyle’s AR maximized productivity with minimal training.

Continued Innovation

Argyle’s ongoing innovation in AR technology promises broader applications for construction projects. Planned enhancements will further optimize compatibility, user experience, and feature sets, positioning Argyle as a leader in construction technology.

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Ready to bring transformative AR solutions to your projects? Request a demo today!

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