Extended reality-integrated construction progress monitoring in the construction industry

Purpose – Traditional construction progress monitoring (CPM) has been widely used as a project management technique in the construction industry. However, the absence of modern CPM techniques can lead to delayed decision-making, inaccurate progress tracking, inefficient resource allocation and limited collaboration and communication. Extended reality (XR) has been identified as a solution for CPM, combining various technologies such as augmented reality, mixed reality and virtual reality to address specific challenges. It allows stakeholders to explore multiple dimensions of a project, offering limitless opportunities to develop a unique, innovative approach to tracking the construction project’s status at any point in time. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a framework for integrating XR in CPM within the Sri Lankan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts an interpretivism stance and uses a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through ten semi-structured interviews with experts with experience and knowledge of integrated CPM and Building Information Modelling (BIM)-XR projects. To analyse the data, a code-based content analysis approach was used using NVivo 12 software, while Microsoft Visio was used to develop a framework. Findings – This study revealed benefits, including real-time automated updates and the ability to measure both physical and financial progress, as well as barriers to integrating XR technology into CPM, primarily a lack of financial capabilities to afford an XR system and top management’s reluctance to adopt new technology. The developed framework can be used to devise strategies for overcoming barriers to the current implementation of the XR system. Through it, XR technology demonstrates its effectiveness in resolving issues associated with existing CPM methods. Practical implications – This research contributes value to the construction industry by providing a practical framework to guide Sri Lankan professionals in effectively implementing XR within CPM. In addition, this study will guide academic researchers, industry professionals and government institutions in developing countries with similar socio-economic, demographic or cultural characteristics to those of Sri Lanka, aiding the implementation of XR technology and extending existing knowledge on XR. Furthermore, this study could be particularly useful for industry professionals seeking to implement the XR framework in BIM-integrated projects. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study will be the first of its kind in the Sri Lankan construction industry, contributing to a deeper understanding of “XR” technology for CPM.