The Power of Technology in the Construction Sector
Introduction
Since 2020 there has been an 85% increase in the use of technology on construction sites [1]. While the integration of technology has significant benefits, the tools currently available and their limitations must also be considered.
Building Information Modelling
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has rapidly become a key tool in modern construction projects, with over 73% of industry professionals utilising the software [2]. BIM is a 3D modelling platform that digitally renders every aspect of a building design, thus enhancing accuracy and reducing errors. It also facilitates seamless collaboration between architects, engineers, project managers and contractors through instant shared access to designs.
In the case of the ambitious Trans-European Transport Network, which will provide an efficient and high-quality transport link across 25 countries in Europe, BIM has been critical. The platform has enabled engineers and contractors to ensure that designs are consistent throughout, and that construction of the transport developments happen simultaneously and accurately. It has also enabled separate modules of the same project to be constructed independently, while ensuring the point of intersection is seamless.
Despite clear benefits, BIM is not without its limitations. BIM focuses on visualisation and collaboration; it does not model the operations and maintenance of the development. Recognising this, the construction industry is now witnessing the evolution of BIM into something even more powerful: the Digital Twin.
Digital Twin
A Digital Twin extends beyond the confines of the design phase, offering a dynamic simulation of a building's entire lifecycle. This enables engineers to eliminate operational inefficiencies and schedule maintenance, thus improving the performance and longevity of developments. For example, Highways England has developed a Digital Twin of the UK strategic road network, as part of their digital road strategy, to monitor maintenance issues and reduce emissions by up to 50% [3].
However, ensuring alignment between a Digital Twin and its real-world counterpart remains imperative. Digital Twins rely on real-time feedback from the construction site to ensure accuracy, particularly as many projects deviate from the initial specification during the construction phase. This can be addressed by the utilisation of further technologies.
Augmented Reality, the Internet of Things & Drones
The construction industry is turning to additional technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Drones. These technological advancements are being used in construction to revolutionise traditional practices, improving efficiency, transparency and precision.
AR is able to overlay digital information onto the physical world, providing construction professionals with real-time access to critical project data. By superimposing digital blueprints onto the construction site, AR enhances spatial understanding, streamlines stakeholder decision-making, and mitigates contractor errors before they occur.
Meanwhile, IoT devices can be embedded throughout a construction site to capture real-time data on temperature, humidity, equipment usage and productivity. The constant stream of data not only improves project forecasting and accountability, it also enables proactive decision-making based on real-time environmental conditions.
By integrating high-resolution images and videos captured by drones, an arial perspective is added. This allows project managers to monitor progress, identify potential hazards and conduct site surveys quickly and accurately.
Rewards of Integration
Collectively, these three technologies can be integrated with a Digital Twin to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness. By connecting the real-time data streams these technologies capture into a Digital Twin, contractors can create accurate virtual models of the physical site. This in turn facilitates predictive analysis, scenario modelling, and performance optimisation. It is evident that the value of technological solutions can be greatly increased by combining and integrating them with one another.
Although implementing new technologies requires significant upfront financial investment, the benefits of improved safety, increased productivity and cost savings are undeniable. Currently 30% of construction related costs are the result of errors that occur during the build phase. By harnessing technological solutions, construction companies can drastically reduce cost through precision construction [4].
Words by Max Howitt
Edited by Anna Pringle
References:
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-equity-and-principal-investors/our-insights/from-start-up-to-scale-up-accelerating-growth-in-construction-technology
https://housingdigital.co.uk/73-of-construction-professionals-using-bim-compared-to-one-in-ten-a-decade-ago-according-to-10th-annual-bim-report-from-nbs/
https://www.ciht.org.uk/blogs/transport-infrastructure-as-a-system-of-systems-developing-an-interconnected-digital-twin-of-uk-roads
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/construction-industry-trends
