Comparing virtual reality and 2D display experiences in structural inspection

Abstract

Civil structures, such as bridges, buildings, dams, and tunnels, are essential components for our society and require routine inspections due to their long service periods and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Recent advances have enabled the development of virtual reality (VR)-based inspection methods, which have primarily been evaluated in terms of their technical accuracy and efficiency. This study was designed to expand this literature by examining the psychological and cognitive experiences associated with VR in structural inspection from a social science perspective. To achieve this, 107 college students were randomly assigned to experience a bridge inspection module either through an interactive VR environment or a non-immersive 2D display presentation of the same virtual inspection environment. We predicted that participants in the VR condition would report greater immersion, higher cognitive loads, greater positive affect, increased heart rate, and better recall of structural geometry compared to those in the 2D display condition. Results generally supported these predictions, except for geometry accuracy measures. Compared with the 2D display condition, the VR condition produced greater positive affect, immersion/presence, Germane cognitive load, and feelings of safety. Heart rate was marginally significant. Perceptions of negative affect, stress, frustration, difficulty, and accuracy of the structure/environment were not different between conditions. These findings provide new human-centered insights into VR-enabled structural inspection and suggest that VR may support future civil engineering inspection, training, and digital twin workflows.