Digitalization In Construction

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 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 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.

Modelled on the concept of Industry 4.0, the idea of Construction 4.0 is based on a confluence of trends and technologies that promise to reshape the way built environment assets are designed, constructed, and operated. With the pervasive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), lean principles, digital technologies, and offsite construction, the industry is at the cusp of this transformation. The critical challenge is the fragmented state of teaching, research, and professional practice in the built environment sector. This handbook aims to overcome this fragmentation by describing Construction 4.0 in the context of its current state, emerging trends and technologies, and the people and process issues that surround the coming transformation. Construction 4.0 is a framework that is a confluence and convergence of the following broad themes discussed in this book: Industrial production (prefabrication, 3D printing and assembly, offsite manufacture) Cyber-physical systems (actuators, sensors, IoT, robots, cobots, drones) Digital and computing technologies (BIM, video and laser scanning, AI and cloud computing, big data and data analytics, reality capture, Blockchain, simulation, augmented reality, data standards and interoperability, and vertical and horizontal integration) The aim of this handbook is to describe the Construction 4.0 framework and consequently highlight the resultant processes and practices that allow us to plan, design, deliver, and operate built environment assets more effectively and efficiently by focusing on the physical-to-digital transformation and then digital-to-physical transformation. This book is essential reading for all built environment and AEC stakeholders who need to get to grips with the technological transformations currently shaping their industry, research, and teaching.

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 work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.

Developments in data acquisition technologies, digital information and analysis, automated construction processes, and advanced materials and products have finally started to move the construction industry - traditionally reluctant to innovation and slow in adopting new technologies - toward a new era. Massive changes are occurring because of the possibilities created by Building information modeling, Extended reality, Internet of Things, Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, Big data, Nanotechnology, 3D printing, and other advanced technologies, which are strongly interconnected and are driving the capabilities for much more efficient construction at scale. Construction 4.0: Advanced Technology, Tools and Materials for the Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry provides readers with a state-of-the-art review of the ongoing digital transformation of the sector within the new 4.0 framework, presenting a thorough investigation of the emerging trends, technologies, and strategies in the fields of smart building design, construction, and operation and providing a comprehensive guideline on how to exploit the new possibilities offered by the digital revolution. It will be an essential reference resource for academic researchers, material scientists and civil engineers, undergraduate and graduate students, and other professionals working in the field of smart ecoefficient construction and cutting-edge technologies applied to construction. Provides an overview of the Construction 4.0 framework to address the global challenges of the buildingsector in the 21st century and an in-depth analysis of the most advanced digital technologies and systems forthe operation and maintenance of infrastructure, real estate, and other built assets Covers major innovations across the value chain, including building design, fabrication, construction, operationand maintenance, and end-of-life Illustrates the most advanced digital tools and methods to support the building design activity, includinggenerative design, virtual reality, and digital fabrication Presents a thorough review of the most advanced construction materials, building methods, and techniquesfor a new connected and automated construction model Explores the digital transformation for smart energy buildings and their integration with emerging smartgrids and smart cities Reflects upon major findings and identifies emerging market opportunities for the whole AECO sector

This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License. It is free to read, download and share on Elgaronline.com. This timely book provides an innovative study of the profound changes and latest challenges facing the construction sector. It adopts a socio-technical approach to analyse not only the role of technological factors, but also that of actors and their social dialogue and industrial relations.