The AEC industry has been known to be a slow adopter of technology over the past decade. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption across the value chain. Contractors, architects, project co-ordinators and other onsite professionals are now looking at ways to improve efficiencies, optimize costs, reduce time to build, enhance safety standards and improve sustainability metrics. Technology is the answer to their quest.

Take a look at some construction Technology Trends that are transforming the AECO industry:

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that helps us build 3D models, which are a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building/structure. It is the stepping stone to turning around the performance of any project. Real-time visualization of the project through BIM models allows for concurrent updates by the stakeholders and saves a significant amount of time and resources. The cloud-based model makes access to project information location and time agnostic. This information transparency of design and project management fosters better collaboration and conflict resolution between project teams, and faster project completion. If the full potential of 3D to 8D BIM is leveraged, construction projects will move notches above their current efficiency level in terms of time, cost, materials, safety, and sustainability.

Digital Reality Capture

Countries across the world are grappling with aging infrastructure. A majority of these old structures only have 2D physical documents as the information source for planning renovation. Manually modifying these blueprints is tedious and time-consuming. That’s when technology like Digital Reality Capture comes as a boon. Digital Reality Capture refers to the process of scanning the physical asset to create a 3D digital representation of the building. Laser scanning or photogrammetry is used to measure various surface points and other building elements to produce an accurate 3D model. The data captured through this process provides information about the location of existing – assets. This makes it easier for architects and engineers to plan the renovation, detect clashes early, and make smarter decisions in design and usage of resources. Digital Reality Capture is an accurate survey technology for small and large infrastructures including in accident-prone areas. It reduces labor, saves time, and assures safety of workers.

Automation

Many construction companies are embracing automation technologies for labor-intensive, time-consuming, and risk-prone tasks. Automation of tasks across the entire construction lifecycle from planning stage to on-site construction to post-construction asset management is now possible. For example, automated or self-driving trucks and forklifts can help transport construction material across the construction site, thus saving time and effort.

Another effective tool is the drone which can be used for pre-construction surveys. It can also be used for monitoring the site during the construction phase to identify possible risks. Similarly, there are IoT (Internet of Things) – based sensors that collect real-time data such as location, pressure, temperature, and other aspects for the various equipment’s from a building during operations phase. Machines can be automated based on this data. For example, fabrication and welding machines can be automated with a particular action based on the signals received from the sensors.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are some more powerful examples of automation in the AECO industry. In virtual reality, 3D scanned images are used to create a simulated environment of the building. It facilitates site walkthrough that helps architects and other project stakeholders to plan construction. It can also simulate dangerous situations like fire or natural disasters to assist project members in preventive maintenance. Augmented reality provides real-time information on the construction site. For example, a person installing an electrical cable tray can see the plumbing pipes that are yet to be installed. He will then install the trays to avoid clashes with the cable tray.. Both augmented reality and virtual reality can foresee and overcome design or on-site construction problems.

Robotics

Labor shortage remains a persistent challenge for construction companies. Construction robotics is a great solution to overcome this challenge and build faster and error free. Labor-intensive tasks such as bricklaying, welding, painting, rebar tying, loading materials, etc. can be easily achieved by construction robotics. This technology helps reduces human effort and minimizes probability of errors, improves productivity, reduces construction time, and guarantees site safety.

These collaborative technologies and smart tools help improve accuracy and efficiency, reduce manual labor, save time and money. The most important aspect of these technologies is that they enable connectivity which is time and location independent. These technologies help construction companies adapt to the ‘new normal’ and other unforeseen challenges that can impact the construction lifecycle.

A report jointly published by International Energy Agency (IEA) – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) states that the buildings and construction sector accounted for 36% of final energy use and 39% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2018. This indicates the urgency for adoption of sustainable architecture, principles of environmentally friendly constructure, aka construction of ‘Green Buildings’. Architects and urban planners are, therefore, more inclined, towards looking for sustainable design solutions. There’s a rise in consciousness about greener residential buildings and workspaces among urban dwellers too.

What, then, is a Green Building? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s lifecycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.” Green buildings Technology are also referred to as high-performance or sustainable buildings as they fully cover the crucial aspects of building design: functionality, durability, economy, and comfort.

While the impact of Green Buildings could be far more expansive, there are a few environmental, social and economic advantages that form the most compelling case in its favour:

Optimization of Resource Efficiency

Green structures can directly impact the reduction of carbon footprint and conservation of energy and water. Improved choice of building materials, design elements that consider light, temperature, water management and evaluation of environmental impact at all stages of the project lifecycle can make a cognizable difference. A study published in 2010 Re?Assessing Green Building Performance: A Post Occupancy Evaluation of 22 GSA Buildings, was conducted on 22 LEED-certified buildings managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), USA. As per this study, these buildings had recorded 34% lower CO2 emissions, 25% less energy consumption, 11% less water consumption and 80 million tons of waste diverted from landfills.

Minimizing Wastage

According to the EPA, the U.S. generated over 600 million tons of construction-related waste in 2018. Efficient construction waste management by minimizing material usage and recycling or reusing construction materials is therefore key to reducing impact.

LEED-certified projects can avoid more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills. With upcycling, use of recycled material, repurposing old structures, this is expected to rise to 450 million tons by 2030

Reduced Operational and Maintenance costs

The construction costs of a green building may be on the higher side compared to traditional buildings. But the asset owners and residents reap the cost benefits post-construction. The sustainable design ensures cost savings on water and energy bills. LEED-certified buildings have nearly 20% lower maintenance costs than typical commercial buildings, and green building retrofits typically decrease operation costs by almost 10% in just one year. The asset value of a green building also increases over time.

Improved Quality of life and Durability for dwellers

Green building design considers comfort along with the functionality, durability, and economic aspects of building design. It has a positive impact on the health and mental well-being of their residents. According to the EPA, heating, and cooling are responsible for around 43% of energy consumption, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases and escalation of air pollution. Green buildings Technology, which use eco-friendly materials, are known to lower air pollutants and improve air quality, thus alleviating potential for allergies & respiratory ailments. Moreover, they are built to withstand the test of time and involve much lower maintenance than traditional buildings.

Offers Opportunities for Design Innovation

Green or sustainable construction invite architects, designers and urban planners to constantly innovate and discover measures which can optimise usage of natural resources like energy and water, reduce wastage of construction materials, reduce carbon emissions & toxic fumes, yet save costs and enhance durability and living experience.

It’s about ensuring sustainable solutions that cover the entire asset lifecycle right from the design phase through construction, post-construction asset operation and maintenance. When it comes to using innovative solutions for green buildings, Building Information Model (BIM) can bring in unexplored benefits. The construction industry across the world is aware of BIM’s role in the design and Virtual Design Construction (VDC). However, BIM’s 3D shared model is highly effective in the construction of LEED-certified green buildings that require the implementation of sustainable measures right from the design stage.

Let’s take a look at how green BIM can aid in designing green buildings.

Real-time Information Accessibility

With BIM’s 3D shared model, design information is accessible to architects, designers, engineers, and other project stakeholders. The data transparency enables the stakeholders to discuss the sustainability of the materials used in the construction or to explore environment-conscious alternatives. Besides, design teams can gauge the energy efficiency of the asset and its impact on the environment during and post-construction.

Efficient Project Planning

The BIM model can also enable workflows to make sure the project meets environmental standards and compliances. Digital construction of the asset helps in understanding the shape of the building and the solar inputs. In the later phases of construction, architects and engineers can enhance energy efficiency, water management, and natural lighting. BIM implementation plan also includes optimum resource management and only required materials are procured thus avoiding on-site wastage.

Improved Asset Management

On the completion of the project, the BIM data can be transferred to asset owners and facility managers. The building data right from the design stage to project completion is available to asset owners for building operation and maintenance. This makes it easier to examine the performance and efficiency of the asset throughout its lifecycle.

Knowing the clear and substantive socio-economic and environmental impact of construction, it is prerogative to co-create a future that is safer, cleaner and economically viable for humanity to thrive on this planet. BIM’s innovative model with its data transferability and improved architectural quality can help us achieve our sustainability goals better and faster.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 145 million tons of construction and demolition waste were dumped in the US landfills in 2018. Besides, the construction industry is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. By 2025, the annual construction waste is expected to reach 2.2 billion tons globally. So how do we tackle this inevitable crisis that stems from unmanaged construction waste?

A possible measure is to use innovative solutions like Building Information Model (BIM), and prefabrication and modular construction across small-and-large scale projects. Modular prefabricated construction means constructing components of the building structure off-site and later transporting these components to the construction site for assembly. For example, the floors, walls and panels are constructed off-site and later installed together at the construction site.

Prefabrication and modular construction have been a great boon to the US AEC industry. The COVID crisis has pushed the industry to adopt technology that can help us overcome manpower shortage, construction costs and supply-chain issues in construction. Together with 3D BIM models, modular construction can ensure shorter project duration, enhanced resource management, better product quality and more importantly reduced construction waste. Let’s find out how:

?      When it comes to prefabrication, the off-site construction and the use of technologies such as 3D printing require fewer materials and yet deliver better quality. The left-over material, if any, is reused in-house thus avoiding construction waste dumped in landfills.

?      Building Information Modeling or BIM helps designers and other construction stakeholders visualize and gauge the dimensions and location of prefabricated components. The digital construction allows the project team members to estimate the quantity and location of the components and help them decide elements that require prefabrication.

?      The design stage becomes easier with precise calculations of building elements and area measurements. Besides, this detailed information assists project stakeholders in identifying the number of resources required for the project. This, in turn, decreases construction waste.

For example, structural steel, metal studs and electrical panel with pre-cut wires as per required length, roofing with panels, ceiling light with the prewired metal jacket are some of the building elements that can be prefabricated off-site as per the design requirement.

Here’s a case study of an apartment building built using BIM and modular construction that will help us see this in application. Can we mention the case study as a reference?

The apartment building has a combination of metal and brick panel facades. It has five levels of apartments with wooden frames and two levels of concrete retail/office/common spaces and one-level underground parking. The entire project spans across an area of 2,41,070 square feet including the underground parking.

The BIM implementation plan was for the architectural design. Vertical framing had standard dimensions (8 feet). Frames around the windows had standardized dimensions as well. As a result, the studs were ordered as per the required length and even the dry wall had a standard size.

With the help of BIM, the electrical contractor retrieved information on wire length for each outlet. The electrical break panels, could therefore be, delivered directly on-site with connected wires. On-site, the contractor had to simply use the wire to the outlet. Also, the electrical metal cladding was pre-cut off-site. This avoided the use of excess wiring and metal cladding.

Similarly, in the case of plumbing, elbows fitting, spools cutting and other waste line PVC related jobs were prefabricated at the plumbing contractor’s shop. The plumbing parts were later fixed together on-site. With this off-site prefabrication, it was possible to cut most spools out of the same 20-feet piping material, thus saving piping materials.

The BIM coordination, construction planning, use of prefabricated framings, electrical and plumbing works helped in reducing on-site construction waste. Besides, the use of standardized dimensions and cutting construction materials at the shop lowered the number of packing materials that were brought to the construction site. Prefabrication jobs also led to less waste at the construction site and thus required fewer laborers to remove the waste and fewer dump trucks to dispose of the waste.

To sum it up, we cannot avoid construction waste. However, we can reduce construction waste by the efficient use of innovative technologies. BIM and modular construction technologies not only speed up the building process, help save time and costs, but also lower the environmental impact. This only makes it a win-win situation for all of us in the construction industry!

The AEC industry in the USA has gradually bounced back post the COVID pandemic. What’s interesting is the rising trend of renovation projects! The nation is expecting up to USD 510 billion in the home improvement sector alone.

Renovation projects face challenges different from those seen in new construction projects; challenges that have a huge impact on the renovation completion. These may include the uncertain existing building conditions and the limited work area or space constraints due to these existing conditions. For a successful renovation, these aspects need to be identified in the initial design phase. Renovation projects also require the assessment of time and schedule constraints.

Building information is valuable for renovation activities. However, many renovation projects are hindered by the lack of adequate project management, project delays, and heavy financial losses due to insufficient or outdated building information. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can come to the rescue in such scenarios.

Using BIM in new construction projects is now widely accepted. However, application of BIM in renovation projects is yet at a nascent stage of adoption. The accurate information management of the entire asset can be used to refurbish existing buildings. Let us look at the advantages of BIM in renovation projects:

Enhanced visualization and data management

BIM is a 3D representation of the asset and all its components that are difficult and time consuming to capture in the CAD format. This repository includes information on structural elements like the location of foundations, beams, rooves, and columns that are needed for visualization of the existing structure and space constraints. With this data, potential design challenges can be identified in the initial design phase of the renovation project. Besides, the model that is updated throughout the renovation life cycle can also help plan project execution and performance accurately. However, acquiring existing building information can be difficult in the case of older buildings as documentation is not always available. In such cases, As-Built Cloud Point model can be generated using laser scanning technologies.

Increased energy efficiency

BIM implementation in renovation projects can aid in increasing the energy efficiency of the asset. For example, natural lighting and shading aspects can be simulated with the help of a BIM model. What-if analysis will help design and simulate the energy consumption for the renovated structure more accurately. This can also be done for the existing structure to make it more energy efficient. BIM models can also be useful in calculating the carbon footprint getting a carbon credit report on the asset.

Resource, cost, and time optimization

Accurate building material quantification and other asset data through the BIM model can help project managers optimise construction materials and resources. Besides, project stakeholders can perform budget estimation and cost planning based on the potential risks very early in the design phase. Integrating the project schedule with BIM model also ensures there are no project delays and timeline extensions. BIM models have real-time information, and this information exchange reduces chances of conflict and miscommunication between project stakeholders. Thus, BIM adoption can help achieve resource, cost, and time optimization in renovation projects with relative ease.

To conclude, renovation projects come with risks and uncertainties of the aging building. BIM can bridge the gap between the challenges of renovation and the possibilities of high-quality construction. A clear visualization of the outcome, optimum data and resource management, time and cost efficiency, and enhanced energy management are a few things that BIM can support on renovation projects.

As industry professionals, we actively encourage BIM adoption in the AEC industry for both new construction and renovation projects.

The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being recognized beyond design and 3D representation for its benefits across the construction lifecycle of a project. At the same time, facility managers are also getting acquainted with how BIM implementation is not limited to the construction phase. In fact, after project completion, the data repository containing asset history, operation and maintenance related information is valuable for asset management. The role of BIM in disaster management and recovery based on the asset information is notable.

Construction technology is advancing rapidly and helping us build better. However, natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and tornadoes are beyond our control. The disaster may be inevitable, but the damage to the asset and subsequent financial losses can be minimized greatly. What-if scenarios can be simulated using BIM models from the planning stage itself for building and infrastructure utilities. We have also witnessed cases of ill-management in fire accidents. In such scenarios, lack of asset information and delayed evacuation has resulted in higher injuries and death tolls. Having access to the BIM model for the building/ property and using the information to recover from the disaster can be truly beneficial.

Today, BIM’s information storehouse can be used by facility managers for disaster planning and management. Facility managers and emergency response teams can make quick decisions with the help of BIM data on floor plans, the MEP systems and real-time asset information.

The accurate building information and timely communication can help facility managers tackle fire accidents and other emergencies. For example, the geometric and topological information of the building through BIM can give a clearer perspective to the emergency response team in case of fire accidents. When firefighters have a detailed layout and other asset information such as functional doors and elevators, they can navigate the building easily and prepare for evacuation and safety measures effectively.

BIM’s real-time information can also help in post-disaster recovery. For example, the emergency response team can use asset information from BIM such as damage to walls and electrical wires due to flooding. With this information, the team can take necessary action to avoid further losses and plan rapid asset recovery.

To conclude, state-of-the-art technology helps us achieve robust construction. But we need to build sustainable assets for a better future. BIM for construction, if used effectively, can help us construct disaster-resilient buildings, enhance consumer protection and ensure a safer environment for the community also BIM is an effective tool for renovation projects.

A decade ago Building Information Modeling (BIM) may have been a foreign term in the construction industry. But not anymore. BIM’s popularity has increased exponentially across the world and the US is not behind in this league. More and more architects, engineers, and contractors are looking at BIM beyond its 3D modeling capability.

BIM for construction is being considered as a collaborative tool that impacts the entire construction lifecycle. In the past decade, stakeholders in the US construction industry have realised these top 5 benefits of BIM adoption and implementation:

• Seamless communication among project stakeholders
• Efficient project management
• Time, cost, and resource savings
• Use of prefabrication and modular construction
• Improved site safety

Here are a few examples from the US construction industry that clearly demonstrate the benefits of BIM application beyond the 3D model.

• Seamless communication among project stakeholders

Boarding Area B of Harvey Milk Terminal 1, San Francisco is a great example of improved communication and team collaboration with the help of BIM. This project involved a virtual design team from different geographic locations including New York, New Delhi, Melbourne, and Dubai. The cloud platform of BIM ensured collaborative project discussions and coordination of design changes and other project alterations were accommodated within the project timelines. For a geographically diverse team working on a large-scale project, this streamlined information exchange made sure all stakeholders had the same project vision and thus avoiding discrepancies and delays in deliverables.

• Efficient project management

Project management through BIM is reflected in the construction of the Super Bowl LII Stadium in Minneapolis. This project incorporated over 500 unique models from designers, architects, and engineers. Through BIM, all construction stakeholders were involved in design, documentation, and workflow management. Besides, modeling and animation of major construction components helped stakeholders foresee possible risks. This efficient project management mitigated budget overruns due to delays. In fact, the project was completed six weeks ahead of the scheduled completion date.

• Use of prefabrication and modular construction

When it comes to the use of prefabrication with the help of BIM, the McHenry Row redevelopment project in Baltimore serves as a good example. In this project, the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the wall panels were identified through BIM modeling. The wall panels were fabricated off-site with pre-cut openings for the pipes, ducts, and electrical work. These panels were later transported to the construction site. BIM for construction along with prefabrication increased efficiency and avoided possibilities of hard clashes during this project.

• Improved site safety

Apart from planning and designing, BIM as technology also helps mitigate on-site injuries and accidents. For example, with the help of BIM modeling, pre-manufactured, shared racksystems for plumbing, heating, and cooling were built for a large hospital project. These were built on the ground and later transported to the job site, thus requiring fewer labourers on ladders. The pre-manufactured units saved time and also reduced injuries of labourers or other construction hazards.

• Time, cost, and resource savings

One of the largest community college districts in the US, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) had procured funding for enhancing the campus facilities. Launched as  BuildLACCD, this massive project used BIM for construction and remodeling campus buildings. The collaborative 3D process ensured real-time information management and better conflict resolution. This, in turn, reduced rework and saved time resulting in $12 million cost savings and 12% labor savings.

Such applications of BIM reflect the change in outlook for planning, designing, and construction and BIM mandates in the construction industry could add momentum to BIM adoption in the USA and the world.

Think BIM, think advanced information management, and seamless coordination throughout the lifecycle of the construction project. But how do we make that work for us?

BIM execution plans can be set up for a project or for an organization. A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) establishes the BIM implementation and adoption strategy, BIM goals, its workflow, information management between stakeholders, scope of the project, and many other aspects. This structured layout helps navigate through the BIM adoption process, mitigate information gaps, coordination issues, remote work-led challenges, and more. Thus, the plan plays a vital role in construction projects of any scale. In fact, larger construction projects with multiple stakeholders involved will see the greatest benefit from a well-laid out BEP.

Here’s a quick guide to the creation of a BIM Execution Plan and how it adds value to BIM implementation and the entire construction lifecycle.

Creating a BIM Execution Plan

The process begins with assessing the client’s BIM goals and capabilities and setting up a roadmap for BIM adoption. This is then translated into an abstracted BEP wherein clients mention their project requirements referred to as Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The BEP is, thereafter, framed outlining how BIM implementation will cater to the EIR.

Once the basic goals, processes, tools, etc are defined, the specifics and finer contours of the BEP are sketched out. A BEP is a living document and receives inputs throughout the project lifecycle. Some of the items that are detailed out in the BEP are:

• Outlining the goals for BIM implementation for the project/organization
• Creating a detailed map on the various BIM processes such as 3D modeling, Clash detection, 2D extraction, 4D linking and simulation, etc at different project phases
• Defining information exchange between project members
• Stating roles and responsibilities of each project member
• Identifying the technology, the quality of information model, and the Level of Development (LOD) required for the project
• Mentioning the delivery strategy such as design-build or design-bid-build based on which project implementation takes place.

Benefits of the BIM Execution Plan

The BIM Execution Plan reinforces benefits such as enhanced communication and collaboration, and effective time utilization. Here are some of the benefits that a good BEP sets you up for:

• The BIM Execution Plan enables better communication between team/project members. There is transparency in information received and ease of communication flow from the beginning to the completion of the project.
• Organizational silos and conflicts are minimized with a well-laid-out plan as each member’s role is defined from project inception.
• The plan could also include training to minimize risks due to wrong BIM implementation by untrained staff.
• Project members are better prepared for emergencies or unexpected delays as the BIM Execution Plan ensures information transparency at every project phase. This transparency helps save time due to project delays.
• Participants entering the project at a later stage benefit from the streamlined workflow set at the initial stage of the project.

BIM is a highly collaborative tool for the construction industry. However, we need a BIM Execution Plan to leverage 100% of the potential BIM has. We would urge project owners or contractors to have a well-designed BEP for every stage of a construction project, regardless of the scale.

May BIM help you see you through several splendid projects in the coming months!

Our construction industry has been witnessing the vast benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM). There’s an increase in awareness about how 3D BIM models enable better collaboration, enhanced visualization, better asset planning, and effective time and cost management for new construction and renovation/ upgradation projects alike. However, after any project completion, the primary concern is the operation and maintenance of the building and its in-built assets. This makes asset management a crucial practice in the construction industry.

Asset management is the administration of daily operation, maintenance, and repair of each asset in a building. In the construction industry, we may perceive BIM and asset management as independent practices. Yet they have a direct correlation. The synergy between the two can help with streamlined maintenance and reduced financial costs.

Let us look at how BIM can support asset management.

Role of BIM in asset management

BIM offers structured information management for all phases of the construction lifecycle. Its shared model can collate data around planning, designing, installation, commissioning, and related aspects of an asset. Upon project completion, the digital handover of BIM information models to asset management systems can empower asset owners with information about asset performance, maintenance, and safety.

Advantages of integrating BIM and asset management

When BIM and asset management databases are linked, information management becomes seamless. BIM renders itself for the creation of the ‘digital twin’ of the physical asset thus, making asset location simpler. It also provides accurate real-time information across asset categories.

In addition, BIM acts as an information storehouse for asset data that includes asset history, its operation, its size, dependencies, and disaster recovery. This easily accessible asset data supports better planning of maintenance, repair, and replacement and reduced time in asset maintenance. For instance, a problem in an AC duct can be easily identified through the BIM model. This can help the maintenance staff fix the problem in a few hours or in a single visit rather than what may have taken longer with traditional asset management.

The 3D model can help identify point and linear assets in the building structure. The asset data also provides information about interconnected point assets and linear assets. For example, point assets such as faucet, basin, sprinkler linked with the linear assets such as water supply, drainage pipes, and others.

Challenges of asset management without BIM

Without BIM, there will be no structured data for asset management. Asset data from the construction phase cannot be extracted. This also hampers the identification and location of hidden assets.

For example, BIM is not integrated with asset management for a construction project. If a false ceiling is constructed later, asset owners and facility managers will find it difficult to identify the electrical cables and pipe routes without digital asset data. In such cases where no asset data is available, the false ceiling will have to be broken for any repair work, thus adding to the maintenance cost and time.

Integration of asset management with BIM: An example from Excelize portfolio

We, at Excelize, have witnessed asset management integration through BIM in multiple projects. The construction of SIDRA – super specialty hospital in Qatar is one such example. It is a 600-bed hospital for women and children built on a plot area of 77 acres and a built-up area of 430,000 square meters. Integration of BIM and asset management is useful in projects like hospitals where asset maintenance needs to be well-planned to avoid hindrances in surgeries and medical treatments. For example, shutting the hospital power supply to service one hospital room or equipment can affect the functioning of other rooms. However, the integration of BIM and asset management has made it possible to identify the hospital areas or, rooms that will be affected if the power supply is cut off during repair and maintenance.

To maximize the potential of BIM, we need to use it in the post-construction phase when the asset is handed over to the owners. BIM’s support in asset management not only ensures improved building management but also optimum utilization of time and costs.

Let us look at BIM beyond the design and construction phases.

COVID-19 has hit the US construction sector hard. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Marketing Index showed a steepest monthly decline among home builders in thirty years. But even as states open up and others designate construction as “essential” there are other problems looming.

According to the AGC survey, the construction sector is hit by a labor shortage. As it becomes necessary to ensure that the workers follow social distancing norms, it may become harder to staff project completely. Then, there is also a significant disruption in the supply chain that could impact projects.

In the face of such challenges, companies will have to think of ideas to compensate for the lost time and accelerate the speed of completing the projects. Construction companies would do well to turn to technology for help. But is there anything more they can do? Is there a solution out there that can add as a force multiplier for their efforts? Perhaps, yes.

Companies can leverage remote teams for work that does not require an on-site presence on the construction sites to ensure accelerated completion of work.

How Can Remote Teams Help In Accelerating Projects?

Remote working in the construction industry might seem like an unlikely setup. But with communication, collaboration, and project management tools at the company’s disposal, remote working has become a reality for construction companies. Here are a few things that construction companies can do to accelerate the completion of their projects while working with remote teams.

1.      Adopt the tele-building concept

Way before COVID-19 compelled construction companies to think of new ways to work, a company called OpenSpace used a photo-documentation solution to enable builders to walk through the construction site with a camera in hand. These photos are then uploaded and organized in a Google Street View type of a vista. That allows remote workers to view the construction site from anywhere. OpenSpace has also come up with a solution called tele-building, which is akin to telehealth where the inspectors, superintendents, and project managers can view the high-quality images of the site, thus reducing in-person visits and saving time and money for the company.

2.      Leverage BIM

BIM, as most know, is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. It provides the designers, installers, and consultants with a comprehensive view of the project. It provides support with interoperability, flexibility, and customization, which can help companies to build better plans, organize the efforts of teams better, estimate material requirements more proactively, and drive more clearly aligned on-site delivery. This will help them save their time and lead to successful execution – an imperative in the current times. With BIM, companies can create comprehensive construction documentation, which can guide the designers, architects, and contractors to follow the sequences and ensure an error-free execution. And of course, the BIM models could be created by remote teams. For small and mid-sized construction companies, this is an even more significant benefit since they can access the top experts in the space without being constrained by location. In fact, this opens up promising collaborative avenues for such small and mid-sized construction companies. In areas like BIM, they can choose to ally with partners who have the expertise and experience to support them. This team can support the on-site construction remotely and amplify the overall impact.

3.      Use next-gen technologies

Rapid innovation is the order of the day, and technology is one enabler that can make it possible. Apart from BIM, construction companies must use next-gen technologies such as AR, VR, and Drones to stay ahead of the curve and to reduce the need for going onsite. Technologies such as AR and VR can help the offsite extended construction team to detect errors early on and resolve them before they become expensive mistakes. It also helps optimize the workforce as these technologies can create scaled virtual models of the site, which can be evaluated easily by the remote team.  Drones can fly around to monitor and deliver supplies. Some construction companies are also considering using robots to automate basic tasks at the site. As is the norm today, these high-tech devices can be operated and controlled extremely effectively from offsite locations.

4.      Comply with safety standards

While a lot of work can be done remotely, workers will always be needed on the site. Companies have to ensure that these workers are safe and that they comply with the safety guidelines laid down by the government. Companies can provide project managers and directors with access to software that can provide them with data on safety procedures followed in the site and maintain safety remotely based on the data received. On-site information could be gathered by smart wearables using the latest Internet of Things (IoT) technology that enables these remote managers to access the most current information to enable better monitoring, tracking, and compliance.

These are strange times. But that will not prevent companies from starting construction work again. Companies have to adjust to the new normal and find ways to complete the projects. It’s now crucial to embrace digitization. But no one believes that this will be easy. We would recommend choosing collaboration tools that will help the architects, designers, engineers, and other important stakeholders to collaborate with each other while working remotely. Companies will also need to train employees to adapt to digital tools and learn to use them to their advantage. Considering that technology may well be the primary driver of productivity, bringing about a mindset change may become imperative to ensure the smooth functioning of routine tasks. Of course, this is hard to do without expert support. We, at Excelize Services, have been helping companies to embrace the power of BIM so that they can complete their projects on time in a cost-effective way. We offer a winning combination of onshore and offsite support to enable construction companies to adopt the best technology and kick off their own technology initiatives to achieve challenging business goals.

Technology has transformed the way industries and companies operate. The construction industry is one of the biggest sectors globally with an expected output of $12.7 trillion by 2022. As it happens, the sector is being hit by a new wave of technologies that could transform construction.

Yet, the sector has been somewhat slow to adapt to technological advancements. And this shows in the results too. Unfortunately, the construction industry has gained just 1% productivity in the previous 20 years. That’s compared to over 3% for other major sectors in the economy. The low growth in productivity could be attributed to the inability to adapt to technology. Don’t believe us?

A McKinsey report on reinventing construction says, “Productivity, or the total economic output per worker, has remained flat in construction. In comparison, productivity has grown by 1500 % in retail, manufacturing, and agriculture since 1945. One of the reasons for this is that construction is one of the most under-digitized industries in the world and is slow to adopt new technologies.”

So, why this reluctance to adopt technology? Some issues faced by the U.S. construction industry are:
• Shortage of labor
• Shortage of technology talent willing to work in construction
• Archaic processes that hinder collaboration, reporting, and analysis

Issues like these are making it hard for construction organizations to keep up with the technology wave. Here are three technology waves that will pass you by if you don’t address these issues in your organization:

1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the way the construction industry executes projects. BIM is more than just 3D modeling. The 7D BIM caters to both physical and functional aspects of a structure along with considering the cost and schedule of the project. It also helps in streamlining and collaborating information and making it available in real-time for all the involved parties. The easy accessibility of the data – the blueprint, design, 3D model of the structure, as-built; helps in saving valuable resources during construction and in the maintenance phase too. Companies are saving big, delivering on time, and building better projects with implementing BIM. Owing to this, many countries like UK, Germany, and Norway have mandated the use of BIM for public infrastructure projects.

Implementing BIM successfully depends upon the ability to understand and leverage the technology. It would help if you had experts to work on the software and to give you maximum impact. The benefits of BIM could be lost to you if you are unable to build up a team of skilled professionals who are equipped with BIM knowledge.

1. Automation and Robotics

As the construction industry is slowly moving towards digitization, one cannot overlook the role of robotics and automation in this field. The U.S. construction industry reported over 200,000 unfulfilled construction job positions (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Companies are focusing their attention on robotics and automation to try to reduce the dependence on human workers.

Robotics and automation will help companies cut operational costs, increase efficiency in repetitive tasks, and improve output and productivity both on-site and off-site during a construction project.

Of course, automation and robotics demand a sound data framework for the construction site with comprehensive, accurate, and current data about what’s going on. Proactive planning becomes key. And many of these demand a stable and reliable model to function effectively.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence is the term coined for machines that mimic intelligence and human cognitive functions. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that uses statistical techniques to allow computers to learn from the data they are fed. There’s a humungous amount of data generated in a construction project, and the future success of such projects could depend upon the efficient utilization and execution of this data.

There’s a vast potential for machine learning and artificial intelligence in the construction industry. Machines can act as smart assistants that can analyze and scrutinize the copious amount of data and alert project managers about issues that need immediate attention, thereby saving time on on-site changes. AI can help drive better planning by factoring in an array of conditions that are difficult to build in manually. Resource mobilization, estimates, schedule planning, etc. are other areas that AI can play a key role in.

Of course, AI and ML demand data. Comprehensive data is essential to train the models for ever-greater accuracy. Without that, the models could fall flat in the real world.

The construction industry has always sailed close to the wind. The overruns and rework during the construction phase have been robbing construction companies of their profits. But today, companies that are successfully adopting and implementing technological innovations are seeing improved productivity and profitability. Are you ready to adopt technology to improve your results too?