Technology acceptance model for Augmented Reality and Building Information Modeling integration in the construction industry

Abstract

The digitalization of the construction industry has immense potential for dramatically improving the industry's practices. Concerning current measures in construction project management, the industry is still dependent on traditional construction methods. However, the application of fully automated techniques within the construction industry has not yet been a widespread practice. Thus, this may explain why there is a slow adaption of digital growth within the construction industry and specifically in developing countries. This study is aiming to investigate the acceptance of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Augmented Reality (AR) integration in the construction industry. To achieve this aim, Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) was utilized. The scope was narrowed down to four developing counties (Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey) and a questionnaire survey was developed and distributed between construction professionals in those countries for data collection purposes. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to develop the TAM, and a regression analysis is used to validate it. The developed TAM3 showed that users control over BIM-AR and perception of easiness of use has the highest influence on their perception of the system usefulness, which would positively affect their intention to use the system. Additionally, unlike the findings of the original TAM3, three variables of Image, Perception of External Control, and Voluntariness illustrate new relations which can be considered as a novel outcome. The outcomes of this study can be used to evaluate the acceptance of BIM-AR Integration in the construction industry context, and the developed TAM3 can be used for the development of new BIM-AR applications in developing countries as it can predict the BIM and AR users' acceptance.