Sustainable Construction in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Clinton Aigbavboa, Seyi S. Stephen, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781000435047
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: Durabilité en architecture

This book provides readers with an understanding of various concepts, benefits, and practices that the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technolo>gies can bring when working towards sustainable construction goals. As digitalization continues to advance rapidly, the pressures on stakeholders in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry to revamp and restructure their activities and outputs become increasingly prev>alent. This research book explains the importance of various digital tools and principles to achieve sustainable construction projects. It adopts various stand>ards and concepts to highlight how 4IR technologies could assist and accelerate construction sustainability. It is the first book to link construction management with various digital tools to enhance construction projects' sustainability. It also provides an in-depth insight into the concept of sustainable construction 4.0 across both developing and developed countries for construction professionals, sustainability experts, researchers, educators, and other stakeholders.The book can be adopted as a research guide, framework, and reference on
sustainable construction, the concept of sustainable projects, digitalization in the construction industry, and the 4IR.

Part I

Background information of the book

1

General introduction

DOI: 10.1201/9781003179849-1

Introduction

Construction has moved from the stage where buildings are constructed with any material available to cater for an immediate need. It has moved to a better state of erecting structures that are not only smart but also sustainable enough to prevent cost overrun and material wastage. With several policies aiming to improve the economic conditions of a particular region, working in the way of a sustainable construction has been identified as propelling and fast tracking the policies in proposal and implementation towards a more stable economy. In the past, construction practices were saddled with the use of crude materials which, in turn, made construction expensive. The inadequacy in the cost management and that of effective all-round management of construction practice has driven the construction professionals to consider ways of implementing information technologies into construction. The implementation has not been easily accepted as many professionals believe that the disadvantages involved in its full implementation outweigh the services it is going to render in construction. This gave rise to some construction firms’ sticking to the tried and tested ways of construction with little interest in the adoption of information technology-related concepts.

The various measures used mostly in traditional construction are dependent on human efforts and understanding that are always prone to errors as a result of fatigue, overloading, monotonous practices, and other factors that are concerned with the limited output experienced when human labour is the main source of project execution. Since the advancement in Internet facilities, clients have developed an interest in having projects delivered within the shortest possible time as they have access to information regarding construction projects delivered within days in some advanced countries. This has led to environmentalists adopting the use of machine-related technologies to accelerate project execution while simultaneously saving cost, energy, and time. Moreover, buildings are now designed to meet environmental standards in terms of aesthetics, green option, accessibility, flexibility, land use, duration of whole life cycle, and life costing. In order to meet up with this reality, the human service is becoming a liability and engaging drones, robotics, artificial intelligence, and big data, amongst others, are becoming necessary with every construction demand. There are other practices that are employed to get the best out of construction; however, one that will last for a long time is the adoption of information technologies as it cuts across every bit of information needed to execute and manage a particular project. This book focuses on exploring the adoption and usage of information technology for the actualisation of sustainable infrastructural development in the construction industry.

The book is divided into 2 parts and 16 chapters for ease of use and guidance to the reader. The first part explains the background information of the book to introduce the general idea behind the topic. The second part contains the chapters that are further divided into subchapters as they relate to each identified chapter in information technology for sustainable construction. Chapter 1 explains measures as roles, concepts, applications, benefits, and challenges of artificial intelligence in sustainable construction. The next chapter focuses on the working principles of augmented reality towards a sustainable construction. In discussing big data and its influence on sustainable development, a detailed application of big data in infrastructure and in engineering analysis to bring out working principles is addressed. Chapter 4 further introduced building information modelling as it has been used for some time now. Its efficiency in the pre-design, design, and construction stages coupled with benefits, challenges, and concepts comprise this chapter. Biomimicry comprises Chapter 5, along with its designs and considerations for improving building sustainability.

In discussing blockchain as another information technology concept, the implementation of other technologies, discussed in Chapters 1–5, is further buttressed with the highlighted benefits of blockchain and how it could impact the construction industry. The pillars of sustainability are driven to meet a specific need and cryptocurrency is not excluded from this. How cryptocurrency serves as a medium of exchange and means of payment to making transactions faster and secured through identified channel is detailed. Chapter 8 gives much detailed measures, examples and steps towards a construction industry that is safe from threats. Chapter 9 deals with the drone in construction. Its application ranges from site survey, safety management, inspection, quality management, time management and site management to demolition management. Apart from its application, its impact is also discussed to give a better understanding of the role it plays towards a sustainable environment. Chapter 10 discusses gamification in exploring options that may not be totally visible when considering sustainable construction in the first phase of the project. Drivers and challenges of applying gamification, advantages of gamification, gamification for construction sustainability, the relationship between gamification and sustainability, and gamifying construction are some of the features associated with gamification in the construction industry.

To enhance and raise awareness of the value associated with sustainable construction, Chapter 11 is designed to bring into notice the Internet of Things as well as related models for improved construction. Chapter 12 discusses machine learning benefits and limitations in the construction industry, along with other highlighted factors. In getting the best outcome possible from the use of advanced and heightened materials, Chapter 13 discusses nanotechnology to solidify and improve strength in the construction industry. Chapter 14 details the ease and diversity brought into construction through the application of robotics to perform various functions in achieving sustainable construction. The last chapter of this book discusses the prospects of adopting virtual reality for construction works. Benefits of utilising virtual reality within the construction industry include viability and feasibility appraisal, modifying the design at any stage of the construction, safety and construction practicalities, improved project planning, enhanced collaboration, and other indirect benefits.

Sustainable construction

In understanding sustainability in the construction practices and methods attached to it, the basic principle of constantly improving the quality of construction should always top the agenda list. However, depending on an individual's understanding of sustainability, it is said to be focused on the goal of saving aspects of construction that has received little consideration in the past. In all the chapters of this book, the different/various technologies used in the construction industry are aimed at bringing to attention the advanced benefits of involving these simple but effective means of construction. The objective is to enhance, solidify, improve, and more essentially bring into focus a new understanding of what management is all about. In respect of the sustainable technology application in construction and other industries, authors such as Lee, Yoon, and Kim, (2007); Zhang, Platten and Shen, (2011); Roufechaei, Bakar and Tabassi, (2014); Chen, Yang and Lu, (2015); Koebel et al. (2015); and Ahmad, Thaheem and Anwar, (2016) have discussed the application of sustainable technology in quality environment enhancement and resources and materials efficiency amongst other benefits.

The concept of sustainable construction has grown over the years as many see the need for it to be taken seriously along with its integration that the industry has witnessed since its adoption. The enhanced visibility of sustainable construction has further raised another question regarding what the correlation is between sustainability and management. While most construction stakeholders are working towards a manageable cost construction, sustainability raises the issue of the consistent value of cost to be obtained in the long run or the estimated duration in order to get the best maintenance for their money. Sustainable construction exceeds the scope of ordinary cost and management; it expresses construction in ways it relates to everything feasible right from the onset to the estimated duration of the construction (whole life concept). The key focus in achieving sustainable construction is bringing together all the construction professionals in a common understanding of what sustainability comprises. These professionals can then conceptualise their understanding of sustainability and how it can be implemented effectively in their respective firms.

Need for information and communication technologies in construction

In trying to resolve some of the constraints in construction, the adoption of information technology has been significant. Studies by Hassanain, Froese and Vanier (2000); Peansupap (2004); Gopalakrishnan and Brindha (2017); and Mohammad et al. (2017) have identified time constraints, the nature of work in terms of complexity, and breaking down of operations into units as having led to large, medium, and small organisations’ adopting the implementation of information technologies for most of their organisation's activities. It is clear that the implementation of these technologies is centred towards the aiding adequate sharing of information from the lowest level of employees to those in top positions. In cases where there is proper dissemination of information, the operations of the project run smoothly since everyone knows what is expected of them from the onset of the project. Moreover, in sustaining construction, job of construction professionals and the environment at large, information and communication enhanced technologies are paramount in making the environment more habitable for everyone. The essentiality of information and communication technologies (ICT) cannot be underestimated as it covers for monument increment in impacts and activities in stages of construction from planning to site operations. It further expands the knowledge of the industry in aspects such as the following:

• Project management
• Contract resolutions
• Legal matters
• Material and labour management
• Safety protocols
• Supply chain management
• Monitoring and performance measurement
• Cost management
• Differentiation and building product customization
• Quality projects
• Whole life cycle

Objective of the book

There are many materials that are in existence on sustainable construction, information technology, and information communication technology in construction and other related subjects (Carter, Hassan & Merz, 2001; El-Ghandour & Al-Hussein, 2004; Andrews, Rankin & Waugh, 2006; Lee et al., 2007; Jacobsson & Linderoth, 2010; Zhang et al., 2011; Sextos, 2014; Ahmad et al., 2016; Chen et al., 2015; Martínez-Rojas, Marin & Vila, 2015). These materials include journals, textbooks, conference papers, personal publications, research books, and book chapters that express the information regarding each identified subject area.

This research book on the application and enhancement of information technology as a means to sustaining construction practices does not only serve as a tool, but it also expatiates the aspect of construction that could be channelled towards a better environment and economy for the stakeholders involved and the entire population. The book explains sustainable construction as that which is germane to an all-round package in delivering, relieving, ameliorating, and as well as bringing stability to the construction discipline and to projects at the same time. This book promotes the knowledge of applicable measures to working towards an environment and construction that is sustainable. The book also provides additional input to researchers that are concerned with sustainable construction, employers of labour in the industry, construction professionals, concerned persons, and students. It improves the understanding of the concept of sustainable construction, the benefits of engagement, and other advantages related to making the environment safer of putting resources that are in line to making the environment safe, sound, beneficial, and environmentally sensitive to the direction positive than what we have now.

Summary

This chapter introduces general information about the reason for the conception of the book with relevance placed on expatiating issues relating to sustainable construction 4.0. In addition, the need for more incorporation of information technology into construction was emphasized if construction stakeholders wish to bring their projects in line with sustainable practices. The need for incorporating fourth industrial revolution (4IR) principles into construction underpins the researchers’ detailed explanation of its benefits. Moreover, the possible consequences of the industry's continuation with the present approach of handling construction projects were spelt out. The objective of this book is to promote the adoption of information technology by construction professionals regarding the principles that are related to construction projects. This would lead to efficient projects that all could be proud of. This objective is also explained in each of the chapters by detailing relevant information about the various technologies used in the construction industry.

References

• Ahmad, T., Thaheem, M. J. & Anwar, A. (2016). Developing a green-building design approach by selective use of systems and techniques. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 2(1), 29–50.
• Andrews, A., Rankin, J. H. & Waugh, L. M. (2006). A framework to identify opportunities for ICT support when implementing sustainable design standards. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 11, 17–33.
• Carter, C., Hassan, T. & Merz, M. (2001). The eLegal project: Specifying legal terms of contract in ICT environment. International Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 6, 136.
• Chen, X., Yang, H. & Lu, L. (2015). A comprehensive review on passive design approaches in green building rating tools. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 50, 1425–1436.
• El-Ghandour, W. & Al-Hussein, M. (2004). Survey of information technology applications in construction. Construction Innovation, 4(2), 83–98.
• Gopalakrishnan, G. & Brindha, G. (2017). A study on maternity benefit and its effectiveness in construction industry. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(10), 130–136.
• Hassanain, M. A., Froese, T. M. & Vanier, D. J. (2000). IFC-based data model for integrated maintenance management. Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, 2000, 796–803.
• Jacobsson, M. & Linderoth, H. (2010). The influence of contextual elements, actors’ frames of reference, and technology on the adoption and use of ICT in construction projects: A Swedish case study. Construction Management and Economics, 28(1), 13–23.
• Koebel, C. T., McCoy, A. P., Sanderford, A. R., Franck, C. T. & Keefe, M. J. (2015). Diffusion of green building technologies in new housing construction. Energy and Buildings, 97, 175–185.
• Lee, S. K., Yoon, Y. J. & Kim, J. W. (2007). A study on making a long-term improvement in the national energy efficiency and GHG control plans by the AHP approach. Energy Policy, 35(5), 2862–2868.
• Martínez-Rojas, M., Marin, N. & Vila, M. A. (2015). The role of information technologies to address data handling in construction project management. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 30(4), 04015064.
• Mohammad, W., Shumank, D., Raj, B. ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface
• PART I Background information of the book
• PART II Sustainable construction 4.0
• Index