TPi January 2018

Virtual reality allows clients to see piping systems as if they were already in place

construction of mechanical piping and fire-protection systems and solutions. The company is committed to creating high quality, industry-leading content that gives its customers the ability to view their models in a virtual environment, allowing contractors to complete projects faster than they could with traditional methods. Over the last five years, costs for VR equipment have significantly decreased, opening up the technology to companies and industries that previously couldn’t justify the high costs. These cost reductions, coupled with the software behind the lens becoming more robust, has meant that it can play a much larger role in industry, in particular the construction industry. These companies are seeing the value straight away. It requires limited implementation time and users see the value in even the first use. VR provides Victaulic with the right tools to plan, design and execute construction processes more rapidly and successfully. The company is using Revit to create the 3D models that are utilised in the VR glasses, making sure that it is at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry. Conclusion VR has a future in the construction industry. It reduces down- time and miscommunication between designers, construction professionals and clients, making the planning and building process run faster and more precisely. Victaulic is pioneering this innovation, putting VR at the centre of its daily drawing processes and obtaining great results in delivering clearer and more precise projects to its clients.

The most obvious benefit of virtual reality for construction firms is that it can save time and money by allowing con- struction professionals to test any number of features before works starts. The VR headset allows all parties involved in the construction phase to identify potential conflicts or required changes at the design stage, rather than during construction, when they’re extremely costly to put right. Construction professionals can ‘walk inside’ their project with the entire piping system installed and have the ability to spot any fault that they would not have been able to identify on a flat model on a laptop. VR helps guide their judgement, and can confirm whether the designed structure resembles exactly what they had in mind, providing a much clearer idea of whether a building will be fit for purpose and without significant faults. In addition to this, the client can experience the project virtually, which means they can assess if the finalised building looks and feels exactly how they imagined. For clients, being able to physically look around and visualise how a building will function before it has been built is a major advantage. It provides the opportunity to pick up on the smallest of details, like whether a piece of equipment will fit in a space, and give the contractor feedback accordingly. This greatly improves communication and collaboration between the two parties in an agreement. It provides the opportunity for more valuable input from all, and reduces the possibility for misunderstanding, which could sour future relationships. Opportunities for companies with VR technology VR technology is still in its infancy, but companies in the construction industry are increasingly integrating it in their design processes to enrich their design strategies. Victaulic serves as a breakthrough example: with its new adaptable technologies, the company is applying VR to the design and

Victaulic – USA www.victaulic.com

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January 2018 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL