Assisting Mechanical Equipment Transportation and Installation with Visual Guidance: A Comparison between Site Plans and Augmented Reality

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Abstract

Mechanical equipment needs periodical maintenance and replacement to sustain essential building functions. Due to the complex room layout and numerous existing equipment within the mechanical room, it presents unique challenges in efficiently and safely performing such maintenance and replacement tasks. This paper investigates the approach of using Augmented Reality (AR) technology to assist with mechanical equipment installation within existing facilities. With its capability to overlay digital information on top of the physical environment, AR technology can provide additional visual guidance with 3D models and spatial mapping, allowing navigation guides, real-time distance measurements, and safety alerts. A pilot case study is presented to compare the workflow between the traditional site plan approach and the AR assistance approach for mechanical equipment installation planning. The results suggested significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and safety. The findings of this study demonstrated the potential of AR technology in assisting mechanical equipment installation for existing facilities, improving efficiency, safety, and effectiveness.

Keyphrases: augmented reality, existing facilities, installation, maintenance, mechanical

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 684-693.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/l9kf
	https://doi.org/10.29007/smkc

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Assisting_Mechanical_Equipment_Transportation,
  author    = {Lijun Liu and Ngoc Nguyen and Yilei Huang},
  title     = {Assisting Mechanical Equipment Transportation and Installation with Visual Guidance: A Comparison between Site Plans and Augmented Reality},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/l9kf},
  doi       = {10.29007/smkc},
  pages     = {684-693},
  year      = {2026}}

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