Evaluating the Level of Virtual Reality Applications for Facilities Management in the Construction Industry

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a revolutionary technological asset across multiple sectors, including the construction and Facilities Management (FM) industry. This study aims to evaluate the level of VR applications for facilities management in the construction industry. A field survey was conducted among construction professionals in Gauteng province, South Africa, to identify the level of virtual reality applications for facilities management in construction projects. A random sampling method was used to collect data, and 127 questionnaire responses were received from the construction professionals within the study area. Data collected was computed using a descriptive statistical approach, and the valid mean item score was determined. The study findings identified and ranked the level of VR application, with the highest being space modelling, planning of construction processes, virtualisation of buildings, site layout planning, fire risk assessment, and site landscaping, and the lowest ranked being promoting information among users. In conclusion, this study highlights the growing utilisation and varied applications of Virtual Reality (VR) for Facilities Management (FM) within the construction industry, providing valuable insights for advancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes. Furthermore, it was established that by proactively integrating VR and harnessing its different advantages, facilities management within the construction industry can lead to innovation and attain sustainable growth in its level of applications.