Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a relatively new and exciting technology that provides a real-world view with additional computer-generated enhancements. This paper presents the results from a pilot study on how AR can be used in rock mechanics and introduces cases linked to the use of AR in fields relevant for rock mechanics. To capture the need from the industry, a workshop was arranged and complemented with open-ended qualitative interviews. Nearly 60 people responded and identified several items as being important information to enhance the real-world view: underground excavations, geological information, geomechanical model, rock support and reinforcement, results from analysis, and measurements. Almost all respondents wanted to use AR for visualization of weak zones and structures. Using AR as a communication tool and for navigation and safety aspects was also highlighted. However, the vision is to visualize real-time analysis results in the field underground and to be able to do real-time adjustments of the design. Future tunnel inspections were suggested to be more strategic. The most difficult issue to solve at the moment is localization and positioning for underground excavations. The identified low-hanging fruit for near-future studies is, therefore, visualization for rock slopes.

Introduction

Augmented Reality (AR) is a relatively new and exciting technology that provides a real-world view with additional computer-generated enhancements. AR is a way to view and interact with applications, display information and get inputs from the user. Using sensors, AR devices can also detect information about the environment. The term AR may be used in combination with (or confused with) Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) or Extended Reality (XR). In this work, all the above terms are of interest and they are covered under the term "augmented reality".

Improved safety, a better basis for decision making, and more objective assessments could be the result if the real-world view can be enhanced and improved with important and necessary information from a rock mechanics perspective. Field studies in which the digital model results from numerical modelling or the scanned environment is visible could provide an important contribution to the design process of underground excavations.

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