Exploring the Role of AR-Integrated BIM Systems in Construction Site Error Management

Abstract

Managing construction-related errors has become increasingly important as construction projects continue to grow in scale and technical complexity. Digital technologies, particularly the combined use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Augmented Reality (AR), offer new opportunities to strengthen inspection procedures and facilitate more effective construction error management. Accordingly, this study evaluates the applicability of BIM–AR integration within the broader framework of smart design and digitally enabled construction management. The research employed a mixed-method design that integrated two complementary components: a bibliometric review of studies on BIM–AR integration and an empirical investigation involving a BIM–AR inspection framework implemented within a residential construction project in Ankara, Türkiye. The empirical stage was further supported through semi-structured interviews conducted with practitioners possessing experience in BIM-enabled construction processes. The bibliometric analysis identified dominant research themes, conceptual relationships, and emerging directions in BIM–AR research, while highlighting the limited empirical investigation of AR-supported inspection workflows from practitioner perspectives. The empirical phase involved BIM model preparation, AR integration, and professional evaluation of the potential contribution of the proposed workflow to construction inspection processes. Findings indicate that BIM–AR-supported approaches may facilitate visualization, improve access to project information, support model-based verification, and contribute to inspection-related decision-making. Due to the exploratory nature of the study and the limited participant group (n = 15), the findings are not intended for statistical generalization. Rather than drawing broadly generalizable conclusions, this research offers an initial understanding of practical implementation issues, professional experiences, and the ways in which AR-enabled BIM workflows may support construction inspection and digital quality assurance. The research contributes by integrating bibliometric mapping, workflow evaluation, and practitioner feedback to examine how BIM–AR technologies may support information management and smart construction practices.