Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line applies Augmented Reality (AR) technology for smart site inspections.
As the Kwu Tung Station* on the East Rail Line project enters the E&M and building service work phase, a wide range of complex and intricate E&M and building service works, involving over 50 different professional disciplines, must be carried out concurrently. This presents significant challenges in construction management, interface coordination and site safety.
In response, the project team has proactively adopted and extensively applied innovative technology, including the use of Augmented Reality (AR) for smart site inspections, setting a benchmark for digital transformation in new railway projects. These initiatives not only enhance the efficiency and quality of various construction processes, but also further strengthen site safety management.
The image shows the BIM model of Exit B at Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line.
Leveraging on Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, the Kwu Tung Station project utilises 3D BIM model throughout the planning, design and station construction stages. By integrating AR technology, the project team can simply use tablet devices to overlay the BIM model directly onto the construction site, enabling intuitive comparison between design intent and actual site conditions without relying on traditional 2D drawings or manual measurement tools.
Left: Current construction view of the concourse of Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line; Right: Visualisation of the facilities and layout using Augmented Reality (AR) technology.
By integrating AR with BIM, the team can instantly and intuitively conduct comparisons between the BIM model and actual on-site conditions – effectively providing “see through lens” vision to verify installation accuracy, identify discrepancies early and implement timely rectifications. This enables comprehensive monitoring of construction progress and quality.
In addition, the comprehensive digital records generated during site inspections also provide accurate and reliable references for future operation and maintenance of the station, enabling digitalised asset lifecycle management.
Mr Dominic Law, Head of Project Delivery for the Northern Link (Phase 1) at MTR Corporation, previously briefed the media on the application of AR technology for smart site inspections at Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line.
*Station names are working titles only.
