BIM-Based AR Maintenance System (BARMS) as an Intelligent Instruction Platform for Complex Plumbing Facilities

Abstract

The traditional architectural design of facilities requires that maintenance workers refer between plumbing layout drawings and the actual facilities in complex, hidden, sealed in-wall, or low illumination environments. The purpose of a Building information modeling-based Augmented Reality Maintenance System (BARMS) in this study was to provide a smartphone-based platform and a new application scenario for cooling tower and pipe shutdown protocol in a real-world old campus building. An intelligent instruction framework was built considering subject, path, and actions. Challenges and solutions were created to monitor the subject and maintenance protocol while moving from inside to outside, between bright and dark environments, and when crossing building enclosures at roof level. Animated instruction using AR was interactive and followed the knowledge and management protocols of associated instruction aids. The results demonstrated a straightforward mapping of in-wall pipes and their connected valves, with practical auxiliary components of walking direction and path guidance. The suggested maintenance routes also ensured a worker’s safety. Statistical analysis showed a positive user response.