OFF-SITE CONSTRUTION & PREFABRICATION
What is the opportunity for AI and digital technology in construction?
Deputy general manager of Smart Construction Richard Clement discusses the impact digital solutions have on an industry that is adopting offsite methods of construction to improve productivity and increase efficiency on projects, both commercial and domestic and how AI might impact the future of construction
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ross-sector, we’re seeing huge steps in digital transformation as a vehicle for improving systems, processes and overall efficiency for businesses
and organisations. Unfortunately, the construction industry has fallen behind other industries as we tackle age-old processes that include an immense amount of data transmission, hefty commuting times and costs, and struggles to efficiently resource materials and manpower at the earliest stages of the construction journey. As more and more elements of construction
projects can be completed off-site, it’s more important than ever that we harness the power of data processing at the construction site to empower site managers and engineers to build off-site with minimal challenges. Ensuring the earthworks phase is as efficient as possible in the initial stages sets the benchmark for the later phases of construction. It’s therefore crucial that attention to detail is taken during earthmoving as offsite construction methods are likely to become the primary approach to the future of construction. The proportion of new homes built using modern methods of construction (MMC) is predicted to increase from the current 6-10% to 20% of the market share in the coming years, according to a recent report from Savills - but many industry leaders believe this will need to be higher.
Offsite methods are particularly important when it comes to managing cost outlays and managing budgets, and these considerations have been a huge driver in the acceleration of this mode of construction alongside the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This cost-conscious approach is a natural bedfellow for digital solutions as these too offer a multitude of benefits
18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2023
when it comes to cost management, from wider site decisions down to how many machines are needed to move a certain payload.
Are digital solutions accurate?
In an industry where precision is everything, offsite construction methods require accuracy to project, construct and install prefabricated structures in situ. If precision isn’t maintained, the ramifications could be severe, with wasted manpower and materials. With these methods of construction gathering popularity at speed, AI and digital solutions need to offer the precision required to complete to a high standard. This is where digital technologies can offer the opportunity to streamline site data to empower project managers to make decisions based on insight. Smart Construction is a rapidly growing raft of new technologies. These products offer solutions to contemporary construction, bridging the gap between the present day and the idyll of the digital future.
The range of solutions includes Dashboard, which allows users to collate all terrain-related data together in one 3D view, measuring site terrain and analysing changes over time. Edge is a tool that takes the hassle out of drone surveying - thanks to GNSS logging systems which means there’s no need for CGPs, processing drone data becomes a task that takes only a matter of minutes. Remote allows teams to send updates to site teams across a mixed fleet and Retrofit digitally transforms an excavator to have 3D machine guidance and monitors as-build data to remove the need for in-field surveying thanks to the easy-to-install kit that works across machines from different manufacturers. As we’ve seen and as our range indicates, the introduction of digital technologies across the industry is already happening, but what we
need to encourage is their optimisation and our ability to reach the potential that these changes instill. This in turn will enable us to reap the subsequent benefits and galvanize sector- wide change that will improve processes across the board.
Why is now the time to invest in digital solutions?
Research tells us in no uncertain terms that the construction industry is falling behind other sectors when it comes to digital transformation. There is a huge opportunity here for us to revisit the way we think about the modern-day construction site, as with improved digitisation comes more efficient processes and the ability to make decisions based on precise insight and data analysis.
An excellent example of AI that offers tangible benefits in terms of cost and efficiency is Smart Construction’s Dashboard. This tool collates all the terrain related data together in one 3D view: a visualisation tool for designs, measuring the site terrain and analysing changes over time. By recreating the job site as a digital twin to inspect progress and make measurements, the information relay is much simpler between stakeholders and contractors, allowing teams to visually compare multiple surfaces in just a few clicks, no matter where they are located. ECOSOIL Nord found that utilising Dashboard saved the site manager two days of time per month in travel and data processing, boosting profitability and efficiency.
As offsite methods of construction continue their rise in popularity we expect to see more and more businesses looking for ways to holistically save time and money while maintaining high standards of practice and finish - it’s the future of construction.
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