Global Digital Construction Outlook 2024
Future development
Our office leads overwhelmingly said their local market would likely increase investment in and adopt digital technologies and AI over the next two years. Augmented/virtual reality is seen as having the most significant impact on the industry over the next five years, with 78% of respondents highlighting its potential. For example, the ability to virtually walk through a construction site before project commencement is expected to see increased demand from project teams and clients eager to identify bottlenecks and potential issues. Just over two-thirds (67%) viewed AI and machine learning as most impactful, with its rapidly improving capabilities set to improve efficiencies. Used in conjunction with other emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) (56%), the potential to deepen insights from project or building data over the next five years ought to lead to improved outcomes for stakeholders at each stage of a project lifecycle.
How will digital tools and AI shape construction roles?
Architects
Data and technology, including geographic information systems (GIS), are increasingly involved in making the built environment a better place to live and work in.
Architects incorporating digital tools and AI into their working practices are gaining an edge over their competitors. Examples include Gensler’s Transit Oriented Development Opportunity Index, which uses GIS to visualise and evaluate the development potential of land near transport stations.
AI can make the certification process for sustainability and safety more efficient by streamlining the collection and analysis of data.
Rather than a threat, AI should be considered a tool to recalibrate the architectural profession to face challenges such as climate change and safety, enhancing efficiency and supporting sustainable practices.
Project managers
Project managers increasingly rely on digital tools in everyday tasks such as using BIM. In the UK, the number of construction professionals using BIM software increased from 13% to 73% between 2011 and 2020.
Drones too look set to be used in conjunction with BIM. Some projects need a fully-detailed map, while others might only require photographs or video — depending on the outcomes necessary to make decisions.
With real-time aerial footage and comprehensive site mapping, drones offer project management invaluable gains in pre-planning, progress tracking, and safety inspection work.
The ability to create 3D maps and orthomosaic images that offer precise measurements and detailed visual data allows project managers to identify potential issues before they escalate, ultimately reducing the risk of costly delays and rework.
Project management looks set to benefit further from AI-driven analytics to fully automated site monitoring. The upshot will be enhanced productivity, accuracy and collaboration in both the design and construction phases.
Quantity surveyors
Digital tools and sustainability are the two key trends that are reshaping the future of quantity surveying. Much like with other professions, BIM software, drone surveys and 3D scanning are some of the tools that are transforming the quantity surveyor role for the better.
Leveraging these tools is leading to more accurate and detailed data on construction sites, which can help streamline the construction process and reduce costs.
Meanwhile, with the climate emergency growing, clients are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and operate sustainably. Quantity surveyors can guide clients on reducing waste, optimising energy use and adopting other green practices that can benefit the environment and bottom line.
Just over half of global respondents to last year’s RICS ‘Digitalisation in construction’ report agreed that net-zero carbon initiatives could benefit from digitalisation.
Benefits also arise from the increasing uptake of standards such as the latest version of the International Cost Management Standard (ICMS) — designed to integrate the measurement, recording, analysis, presentation and comparison of life cycle costs and carbon emissions of built assets. Furthermore, the second edition of RICS’ Whole-life carbon assessment (WLCA) standard will also help integrate the combination of consistent and structured data with digital tools in achieving net zero targets.
Tradespeople/site operatives
Tradespeople/site operatives can harness AR/VR technology and AI for the betterment of site operations and health and safety planning. Risks on site can be mitigated by integrating 4D modelling with AI technology — allowing contractors to visualise and predict safety hazards more effectively than ever before.
One of the advantages of using digital modelling tools is that site teams can access up-to-date data concerning risks on a site and coordinate the placement of teams accordingly.
Meanwhile, developments in wearable AR technology reduces the need for paper or mobile based handheld devices. This creates an environment where operatives have a hands-free, heads-up solution with greater levels of safety while providing real-time visualisation on-site.
Robotics is increasingly being utilised by trade operatives for some of the more repetitive or dangerous tasks on site. For instance, bricklaying at height or smoothing out cement flooring. Indeed, while much of the current on-site technology revolves around robotic arms, “humanoid” assistants developed by major players like Tesla and Xiaomi will fundamentally change approaches to building, maintaining and deconstructing structures.
Clients
With so many variables at play over the course of a construction project, client appetite ranges for solutions that minimise exposure to risks that could lead to overspend, overrun or safety issues.
The use of AI in conjunction with other digital tools can take design capabilities to new heights. For instance, pairing AI with structural analysis software to develop minimal surfaces with maximum strength can lead to more imaginative designs. In other cases, parametric sequences are being applied to optimise the yield of construction materials, which in turn minimises waste.
AI generated renderings can assist clients in quickly presenting proposed interiors or a full scheme, which can give a more tangible view of project goals. Likewise, VR/AR tools aid client visualisation and decision-making — leading to superior project delivery via automation and error reduction.
Once construction commences, using predictive analytics AI and machine learning can analyse the substantial amount of data produced on a construction site and then identify trends to predict potential hazards or where contractors should focus maintenance efforts.
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