INGENIEUR
a . Higher-definition surveying and geolocation New techniques that integrate high-definition photography , 3-D laser scanning , and geographic information systems , enabled by drone and unmanned-aerial-vehicle technology can dramatically improve accuracy and speed . They are more accessible than ever because costs have come down substantially .
Photogrammetry , for example , provides highquality , high-definition images of survey areas . Light-detection-and-ranging ( lidar ) technology is much faster than conventional technologies and provides high-quality 3-D images that can be integrated with project planning tools , such as building information modelling ( BIM ).
Used in conjunction with ground-penetrating radar , magnetometers , and other equipment , lidar can generate above-ground and underground 3-D images of project sites . This is particularly important in dense , environmentally sensitive , or historical project sites , where disturbance needs to be minimised .
b . Next-generation 5-D building information modelling The construction industry lacks an integrated platform that spans project planning , design , construction , operations , and maintenance . Instead , it still relies on bespoke software tools . In addition , project owners and contractors often use different platforms that do not sync with one another .
The use of 5-D BIM technology can be further enhanced through augmented-reality technology via tablets or wearable devices . A wearable , self-contained device with a seethrough , holographic display and advanced sensors can map the physical environment , for instance . Companies are developing BIM-like design and construction solutions for these platforms . In this “ mixed reality ” environment , users can pin holograms to physical objects and interact with data using gesture , gaze , and voice commands .
c . Digital collaboration and mobility One reason for the industry ’ s poor productivity record is that it still relies on paper to manage its processes and deliverables such as blueprints , design drawings , procurement and supply-chain orders , equipment logs , daily progress reports , and punch lists .
Now owners and contractors are beginning to deploy digital collaboration and field mobility solutions . A large global construction firm recently announced it was working with a software provider to develop a cloud-based , mobile-enabled fieldsupervision platform that integrates project planning , engineering , physical control , budgeting , and document management for large projects . Several large-project developers have already successfully digitised their project-management workflows .
d . The Internet of Things and advanced analytics Project sites generate vast amounts of data , but little of this is captured , let alone measured and processed . The Internet of Things — sensors and wireless technologies that enable equipment and assets to become “ intelligent ” by connecting them to one another — could change that . On a construction site , the Internet of Things would allow construction machinery , equipment , materials , structures , and even formwork to “ talk ” to a central IT platform to capture critical performance parameters . Sensors , near-field communication devices , and other technologies can help monitor productivity and reliability . Potential uses include equipment monitoring and repair , inventory management , quality assessment , energy efficiency , and safety .
e . Future-proof design and construction New building materials and construction approaches can lower costs and speed up construction while improving quality and safety .
i . Building materials
These usually account for more than half the total cost of projects . Traditional materials such as concrete , cement , and asphalt make up most of this demand . But there has been a wave of innovation in construction materials over the past few decades ; a number of products have been developed with specific uses in mind .
ii . Construction approaches
About 80 % of all construction work is still done onsite , but project developers and contractors are deploying new approaches that show promise .
78 VOL 89 JANUARY-MARCH 2022