Construction innovation and technology
Avista Strategy was born out of the sense that there was a better way to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the record levels of infrastructure investment and the corresponding pressure on the sector.
Part of this is keeping on top of industry trends, such as emerging technologies and innovation within the sector, in order to be informed and help support our public and private sector clients to respond to their most complex infrastructure challenges, developing practical and progressive solutions to deliver exceptional outcomes.
2023 has been a year of innovation and technological revolution, with the likes of ChatGPT ushering the next era, to which we have started to see the infrastructure sector start to incorporate and embrace a few of these emerging technologies. The following article highlights a few of the prominent and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins and 3D Printing, and their potential to disrupt and reshape the sector.
Construction Innovation and Technology
The construction industry, despite being the second largest globally, has been slow to embrace the digital revolution. In fact, a recent McKinsey index ranked construction as one of the least-digitized industries, above only agriculture, and hunting (McKinsey Global Institute, 2017). However, given that the sector is responsible for 40% of global emissions (World Green Building Council, 2019) and is plagued by frequent project delays and cost overruns, it is overdue for reinvention. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exposed the vulnerabilities of the industry, such as labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and health and safety risks (Deloitte, 2020). Therefore, there is an urgent need for the industry to embrace digital transformation and leverage new technologies to improve its performance and sustainability.
AI in Construction
Recent developments suggest that disruption may be just around the corner, with AI playing a significant role in the technology solution. Venture Capital Firms have invested heavily in AI-Construction Startups over the past three years (Crunchbase, 2020). A recent Goldman Sachs study identified the potential for AI to replace many jobs in the sector. According to the study, AI could automate up to 45% of the tasks performed by workers in the construction industry, such as surveying, planning, designing, and monitoring (Goldman Sachs, 2016). AI could also augment the capabilities of human workers, such as enhancing their decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity (Bughin et al., 2017).
Benefits of AI in Construction
Efficiency and Productivity: AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers for more complex tasks. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
Cost Savings: By optimizing resource allocation, reducing waste, and preventing costly errors, AI can lead to significant cost savings.
Improved Safety: AI can help identify potential safety hazards and implement preventive measures, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall site safety (Guo, Zhang, & Chen, 2017).
Enhanced Decision Making: AI can analyse large amounts of data to provide insights and predictions, enhancing decision-making capabilities (Bughin & Hazan, 2017).
Innovation and Creativity: AI can augment human capabilities, fostering innovation and creativity in the design and execution of construction projects (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014).
Challenges of AI in Construction
Resistance to Change: The construction industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies. Overcoming this resistance to change can be a significant challenge (World Economic Forum, 2016).
Investment and Implementation Costs: Implementing AI technologies requires a significant investment, which can be a barrier for many companies.
Skills Gap: There is a need for skilled workers who can manage and operate AI technologies. This skills gap can be a challenge to overcome.
Data Privacy and Security: With the use of AI, concerns about data privacy and security arise. Ensuring the protection of sensitive data is a critical challenge.
Regulatory Compliance: As with any new technology, there can be regulatory challenges associated with the use of AI in construction. Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations is essential.
The First Ever ‘Connected Construction Site’ in New Zealand
Digital Twins and 3D Printing in Construction
Another emerging technology that can enhance the construction industry is the combination of Digital Twins and 3D Printing. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems that can be used to monitor, simulate, and optimize their performance (Grieves & Vickers, 2017). 3D Printing is a form of additive manufacturing that can create complex and customized structures using various materials. Digital Twins and 3D Printing can create a synergy that can transform the construction industry, making it more productive, efficient, and sustainable. Together, these technologies can offer several advantages for the construction industry, such as:
ICON 100 3D Printed Homes - Wolf Ranch, Texas
Benefits of Digital Twins and 3D Printing in Construction
Improved Planning and Design: Digital Twins and 3D Printing allow for more precise planning and design, reducing the risk of costly errors and rework.
Increased Efficiency: These technologies can streamline the construction process, making it faster and more efficient.
Customisation: 3D Printing allows for the creation of complex and customized structures, offering new possibilities in architectural design.
Sustainability: Digital Twins and 3D Printing can optimize resource usage and reduce waste, contributing to more sustainable construction practices.
Predictive Maintenance: Digital Twins can simulate and monitor the performance of physical assets, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Challenges of Digital Twins and 3D Printing in Construction
Technical Complexity: The implementation of Digital Twins and 3D Printing requires advanced technical knowledge and skills, which can be a barrier for many companies.
High Initial Investment: These technologies require a significant initial investment, which may not be feasible for all companies.
Data Security: The use of Digital Twins involves the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, raising concerns about data security and privacy.
Regulatory Compliance: As with any new technology, there can be regulatory challenges associated with the use of Digital Twins and 3D Printing in construction. Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations is essential.
Reliability and Quality Control: Ensuring the reliability and quality of 3D printed structures is a significant challenge, particularly for load-bearing structures.
Real-World Examples
MX3D Bridge, Netherlands: This incredible 3D-printed, fully-functional stainless-steel bridge was designed to span the Oudezijds Achterburgwal — one of the oldest, most famous canals in Amsterdam (MX3D, 2019).
ICON’s Projects: ICON, a high-tech hardware, and construction company has been using AI to build affordable housing. They have printed a visitors’ center for Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ affordable housing village in Austin and are currently working on printing a whole community for homeless and home-insecure families (ICON, 2020).
The Shard, London: The Shard, a 95-story skyscraper in London, used digital twin technology to optimize its energy usage and reduce its carbon footprint (The Shard, 2018).
Crossrail, London: Crossrail, a major infrastructure project in London, used digital twin technology to monitor and manage the construction process (Crossrail, 2018).
Canal House, Amsterdam: In 2014, a full canal house built using 3D printing was completed in Amsterdam (3DPrint.com, 2016).
Mansion, China: In 2016, a 3D-printed mansion was completed in China (3DPrint.com, 2016).
Office of the Future, Dubai: Also in 2016, the Dubai Future Foundation built its Office of the Future via 3D printing, a major milestone for the technology in the commercial construction sector (3DPrint.com, 2016).
London Crossrail - Liverpool St Station, 3D Model/Digital Twin
Conclusion
The construction industry is ripe for disruption, and AI is poised to play a significant role in the transformation. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of AI in the construction industry are immense. The industry needs to embrace innovation and work towards a more sustainable and efficient future. AI can help the industry achieve this goal by optimizing the construction process, reducing costs, and improving safety. AI can also enhance the human capabilities and creativity of the workers and create new opportunities and value for the industry. The combination of Digital Twins and 3D Printing also holds great promise for the future of the construction industry, offering the potential to revolutionize the way we design, plan, and execute construction projects. As these technologies continue to evolve and mature, it will be exciting to see how they shape the future of the construction industry.
Is the construction industry on the cusp of a major paradigm shift?
References
McKinsey Global Institute. (2017). Reinventing construction through a productivity revolution. McKinsey & Company.
World Green Building Council. (2019). Bringing embodied carbon upfront. World Green Building Council.
Deloitte. (2020). COVID-19’s impact on the engineering and construction sector. Deloitte Insights.
Crunchbase. (2020). Construction Startups See More Than $1B in Venture Capital Investment. Crunchbase News.
Goldman Sachs. (2016). Profiles in Innovation: Construction Tech. Goldman Sachs.
Bughin, J., Manyika, J., Miremadi, M. (2016). Where machines could replace humans—and where they can’t (yet). McKinsey Quarterly.
Guo, B., Zhang, X., & Chen, X. (2017). Predicting construction site accidents using a data-driven model. Safety Science.
Bughin, J., & Hazan, E. (2017). How artificial intelligence can deliver real value to companies. McKinsey Global Institute.
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies. W. W. Norton & Company.
World Economic Forum. (2016). Shaping the Future of Construction: A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology. World Economic Forum.
Grieves, M., & Vickers, J. (2017). Digital twin: Mitigating unpredictable, undesirable emergent behaviour in complex systems. In Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Complex Systems (pp. 85-113). Springer.
MX3D. (2019). MX3D Bridge. MX3D.
ICON. (2020). ICON Projects. ICON.
The Shard. (2018). The Shard: A Digital Twin Case Study. The Shard.
Crossrail. (2018). Crossrail: A Digital Twin Case Study. Crossrail.
3DPrint.com. (2016). A Year of Spectacular 3D Printing: The 15 Most Exciting Projects of 2016. 3DPrint.com.
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