A review of augmented reality applied to underground construction

Unintentional striking of underground utilities from construction activities often results in high economic consequences. Advanced technology and sophisticated visualization techniques such as augmented reality (AR) has the potential to play a significant role in mitigating such devastating consequences. To better understand the state-of-the-art technology of AR applications in the underground construction industry, it is important to identify challenges and barriers. This paper provides a systematic literature review of applications in the construction industry in general in which journal articles were reviewed, analysed, and summarized. Through this method, the main challenges associated with AR were revealed and feasible solutions were suggested. Issues were found with 1) data collection; 2) modelling and alignment barriers; 3) hardware limitations; 4) tracking; and 5) managing data. This research examined an efficient solution to the problems of AR by proposing a framework for future implementation with main applications in the United States, Canada, and Australia.