Construction Digitalisation

This book explores construction digitalisation, particularly in developing countries. The book conceptualises a digitalisation capability maturity model that will enable construction organisations to self-assess and benchmark their digital capabilities in their quest for digital transformation. Digitalisation offers a significant solution to the age-long problems of the construction industry. Research shows that when construction organisations transform from a traditional service delivery approach to a more digitalised approach, significant improvement in project delivery and better competitive advantage for these organisations will be attained. The attainment of these benefits is evident in developed countries where the digitalisation of construction activities continues apace. Unfortunately, the story is not the same for construction organisations in developing economies. While some organisations might be willing to be digitally transformed, most have no clue how to go about it. To this end, this book provides guidelines for construction organisations seeking to transform their entities digitally. Its content is a valuable read for construction company owners as it provides a model which they can use in the digitalisation of their activities. Also, regulatory bodies in the construction industry can adopt the capabilities identified in the book as essential prerequisites for their members. Furthermore, the book serves as excellent theoretical background reading for management researchers seeking to expand their knowledge on the digitalisation of the construction industry and other associated industries.

This book gathers papers from the 12th Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Postgraduate Research Conference, which was held at the International Convention Centre, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, from July 10 to 12, 2022. The conference directly addresses the objectives of SDG9: “Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation”. Moreover, the conference is designed to promote capacity development and transformation within the built-environment space by providing an all-inclusive platform to established and emerging researchers to discuss the recent advancements needed to move the industry forward.

This open access book focuses on the development of methods, interoperable and integrated ICT tools, and survey techniques for optimal management of the building process. The construction sector is facing an increasing demand for major innovations in terms of digital dematerialization and technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, advanced manufacturing, robotics, 3D printing, blockchain technologies and artificial intelligence. The demand for simplification and transparency in information management and for the rationalization and optimization of very fragmented and splintered processes is a key driver for digitization. The book describes the contribution of the ABC Department of the Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano) to R&D activities regarding methods and ICT tools for the interoperable management of the different phases of the building process, including design, construction, and management. Informative case studies complement the theoretical discussion. The book will be of interest to all stakeholders in the building process - owners, designers, constructors, and faculty managers - as well as the research sector.

This book highlights various aspects of building construction industry based on data from field studies. It discusses the challenges, methodologies, technological applications in building construction, technology, and management. The book presents new approaches to effective building construction and an understanding of the impact of applications of latest technologies. This book is aimed at researchers and professionals in civil engineering and building engineering management to assist in understanding the domain along with recent applications, the advantages, and practical limitations through real-life case studies. This book is useful for building engineers in understanding the effective use of technology, construction methods, and project delivery systems.

This book highlights the latest trends and advances in applications of digital technologies in construction engineering and management. A collection of chapters is presented, explicating how advanced technological solutions can innovatively address challenges and improve outcomes in the construction industry. Promising technologies that are highlighted include digital twins, virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies. The first section presents recent applications of extended reality technologies for construction education and advanced project control. The subsequent chapters explore Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and BIM-enabled digitalization in construction through a series of case studies, reviews, and technical studies. Innovative technologies and digitalized solutions are proposed for improved design, planning, training, monitoring, inspection, and operations management in Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) contexts. In addition to the technological perspectives and insights presented, pressing issues such as decarbonization, safety, and sustainability in the built environment are also discussed. This book provides foundational knowledge and in-depth technical studies on emerging technologies for students, academics, and industry practitioners. The research demonstrates how the effective use of new technologies can enhance work methods, transform organizational structures, and bring profound advantages to construction project participants.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations, and applications in built environment, as presented by international researchers at the 15th Built Environment Conference, held in Durban, South Africa, on September 27-28, 2021, and organized by the Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa (ASOCSA). The overarching theme of the conference was “Construction in 5D: Deconstruction, Digitalization, Disruption, Disaster, Development”, with contributions focusing on current trends, innovations, opportunities and challenges, policies and procedures, legislation and regulations, practices and case studies, in both the public and private sectors. The volume will contribute to the existing body of knowledge relative to the science and practice of construction not only in South Africa but wherever the products of construction are produced even in these new challenging times of fear and uncertainty.

Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2023), July 20–24, 2023, San Francisco, USA