Multi-User Mixed-Reality Collaboration Framework for Onsite MEP Coordination

Onsite coordination with Building Information Modeling (BIM) could improve collaboration and prevent conflicts between stakeholders during the construction phase. Recent research shows that mixed reality technology can extend the usage of BIM and enhance coordination to the next level. However, current practices often use LOD300, which provides inadequate information for MEP system coordination and can lead to clashes and reworks. On the other hand, the MR interaction is often limited to single-user scenarios. This paper proposes an onsite collaboration framework for multiple MR device users to examine the MEP system from lower LOD models in the construction phase. This framework includes creating an MEP system prototyping, generating an MR interaction module, developing a multi-user collaboration module, and establishing a report model. The system allows managers to check the MEP system's position, communicate issues, make changes, enable design change coordination, resolve clashes, and reduce reworks. We evaluate this framework through a case study, using scenarios such as moving components and measuring distances with multiple devices.