Abstract
Innovative technology is recently being understood and implemented in the construction sector; virtual reality is one of the innovative technologies. Virtual reality is a fairly new initiative that combines the traditional project management methods with visual thinking tools and data visualization methodologies. A more comprehensive understanding of the benefits that virtual reality has to offer will lead to efficient time management and a more accurate cost performance index by producing adequate visuals to represent critical information. In addition, virtual reality provides accurate data that aids the construction project manager minimize cost and substantially reducing the time taken to obtain data manually. This study is to benefit all construction professionals and design professionals and clients alike; enabling them to widen their knowledge and gain a better understanding of the diverse virtual prototypes available for introduction and implementation in the construction industry. This study, therefore, assessed the level of awareness of virtual reality technologies used in the South African construction industry, along with the drivers to the adoption of virtual reality technologies, including the benefits, barriers and mitigation methods for the barriers facing the adoption of virtual reality technologies in South Africa through the use of a questionnaire. The results were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, specifically descriptive statistics, to determine the mean item score, percentage, and factor analysis.
In contrast, the reliability of the results was tested using the Cronbach Alpha test. The purpose of the study was to assess and analyze virtual reality within construction along with its software, benefits, barriers and methods of mitigation for the barriers to improve and enhance the overall performance within the South African construction industry. The results from the study indicated the lack of cognizance concerning the use and implementation of virtual reality systems within the construction industry based on the fact that virtual reality systems are a fairly new innovative technology being introduced through the fourth industrial revolution. In addition, the results concluded from this research study adds reliable and beneficial information to the body of knowledge to further implement virtual reality systems for the enhancement of performance within South Africa’s construction industry. Key Words: Construction Industry; Fourth Industrial Revolution; Innovative Technology; South African Construction Industry; Virtual Reality.