Digital Engineering – The Construction Revolution
I have been in the Engineering profession for a while now and have had the chance to work on some exciting major projects. I thought it would be useful to start blogging about my experiences and thoughts around the construction industry. I will hopefully be able to tie in some ideas around how crypto could influence the way industry evolves over time. For now though I’ll start with a basic overview of Digital Engineering and focus on more detailed topics later. : )
Building Blocks – The world of BIM
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One thing to notice in the construction industry is that Buzzwords are abundantly used! Love them or hate them, they have been around for a long while and yes today I am talking about BIM.
For anyone that doesn’t know what BIM is, Building Information Management (BIM) is a term used to encompass a set of collaborative working methodologies. The ideology is that by incorporating collaborative working tools that include technology, software, Common Data Environments (CDE) and other information management processes, we can realise efficiencies across project delivery.
Many people associate BIM with 3D modelling software. While part true, there is much more to be implemented, understood and gained. Whether on major large-scale projects or small ones, the benefits include:
Work Efficiency – Collaborative working makes sure we avoid repeat work in a shared data environment.
Project Security – Attention to data security and how it’s being accessed and transferred.
Clash Detection - Reduction of design conflicts by using model federation. Using integrated model data and asset data to gain a holistic view of projects. So far most of my experience in this is using Autodesk Navisworks, a construction co-ordination tool that allows clash detection, visualisation / animation, 4D / 5D simulations and more.
Health & Safety – BIM contributes to project health and safety / CDM. Modelling of hazards, visualisation and other tools assist safety in design.
There are many other benefits that deserve their own posts so I will save them for now.
Run Before You Fall
A number of professional bodies oversee the development of BIM protocols and standards. There are bespoke frameworks that can be built on this and it really helps supply chains to develop project in a collaborative and structured manner.
While working on BIM implementation and engaging with various project areas, it is clear to me that industry is still adopting and establishing processes. BIM is still evolving and it’s becoming of race of who can best demonstrate their practices and expertise in this area. I see Digital Engineering as a growing factor that will begin to distinguish construction firms. Those who are able to adopt, adapt and innovate will become market leaders.
With digital taking the spotlight across almost every industry, it’s no surprise that digital delivery is becoming a minimum expectation. While moving towards a digital future, technology is rapidly evolving. A common issue to consider is the perception and implementation BIM between clients and supply chains. Many clients and supply chains face confusion of BIM requirements and how to define them.
Coupling the above with the construction industry being slow to adopt the latest methods and technologies, a noticeable lag is created. There are a number of issues that affect Engineering / Construction adoption. The problem of upskilling and investing into new software and methods that will be outdated as new solutions emerge is an ongoing issue. Behavioural and dated hierarchical structure has also contributed to the stagnated digital growth of the construction sector.
Digital Evolution
Digital is the word of this decade. With BIM advancing there are a number of exciting applications that will emerge from new technology.
AR Technology
Making use of AR technology onsite to visualize existing features that are embedded in structures and being able to superimpose new models onto a live environment is invaluable to contractors. Imagine being able to hold up your smartphone and see where exactly your electrical wires and piping run through a wall.
Many hazard reducing features can be embedded and AR technology is fast gaining traction within the construction sector. It’s only a matter of time before Pokémon GO meets sim city. With new AR+ (Apple) and ARCore, the next level of AR is being realised and soon you will be walking around your new sky scraper ;)
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is going to new heights. Using the HTC Hive has been a major step up to card box style setups / Gear VR. The Roomscale features are amazing and I see it only a matter of time before we see this implemented in construction.
Mixed reality technology is proposing to pave the way for the future of digital engagement. I have yet to try the Microsoft Hololens, but we are one step close to Minority Report and I am excited to see what can be leveraged with other tech firms following suit.
Automation and Asset Management
Driverless cars, smart roads, intelligent cities and more are coming. IBM is driving the next generation of data driven society. Machine learning and AI developments will bring about a transformation in the built environment. A system that detects and learns to recognise faults within structures is fascinating. It’s only a matter of time before Alexa alerts you about a pipe leaking in your home.
Blockchain and Beyond
With everything digital driving our society, BIM may fade and Digital Engineering will be here to stay and integrate as part of the way we work. If the building sector successfully bridges its lag in technology adoption, I expect rapid growth and innovation. Blockchain solutions are creeping into society and I look forward to discussing Blockchain and BIM in my future posts. I firmly believe that blockchain will revolutionise the construction industry with a digital future ahead of us.
Decentralization, Smart contracts, scalable VMs and other projects are just a few of many building blocks that will eventually see a new generation of Digital Engineering.
With recent leadership steering towards digital solutions, I expect an increase of investment into tech and upskilling to align with digital initiatives. It’s certainly an exciting time to get involved with Digital Engineering
Bitcoin changed my life for the better. The way I think and understand society has been vastly expanded and I look forward to learning more with new projects. Have you experienced digital changes in your life?
Thanks for reading, if you have any questions relating to Digital Engineering feel free to ask : )
Edit: HAPPY NEW YEAR
Momosan
Sources
https://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/smarter_cities/overview/
https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview
https://www.ice.org.uk/knowledge-and-resources/briefing-sheet/bim-mandate-and-bim-in-legislation-there-is-a-bim
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/hololens
