Investigating the effects of using augmented reality technology on the spatial perception, installation times and installation errors of formwork masters in staircase formwork installation

The construction industry is a crucial sector often referred to as the locomotive of the economy. However, it has lagged other industries in terms of digitalization and improving labor productivity. Augmented reality technology, a rapidly evolving innovation in recent years, presents an opportunity for the digitalization of civil engineering and the enhancement of labor efficiency. However, there is a lack of sufficient research in the literature on the use of this technology during the assembly phase in construction sites. In particular, there are not enough studies on the adaptation of augmented reality technology to formwork applications, which is one of the core areas of the construction industry. The aim of this thesis is to adapt augmented reality technology to the assembly of wooden formwork, thereby reducing both the assembly time and the number of errors made by form workers. As part of the study, software compatible with the Hololens 2 augmented reality headset was developed. Field studies were conducted with a total of twenty-eight participants, and the findings and analyses demonstrated that augmented reality technology reduces the duration of formwork installation and minimizes errors.