Abstract

Thanks to the significant growth of information technologies, several tools allow improving skills and coordination between different project actors, among which augmented reality (AR) and building information modeling (BIM) stand out. This research aims to verify current technological advances that allow integrating these tools within a design process. Firstly, from initial bibliometric analysis, a conceptual model is obtained that incorporates AR and BIM technologies within the design management process to be applied in engineering and construction projects. Secondly, to validate the relevance and applicability of the conceptual model, the Delphi methodology is applied with experts from different industries and experience in early-stage project design. This study determines the state of the art in using BIM and AR in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry through the methodologies used. In addition, it is possible to obtain a preliminary diagnosis of how these technologies are contributing to the industry. Furthermore, the results obtained confirm that AR greatly enhances the visualization of the BIM confederate models. The interviewed experts agree that adding virtual elements in the real world provides a better vision of the project, communicating effectively between the different project actors, phases and processes.