In recent years, a step change has been seen in the rate of adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies by manufacturers and industrial organizations alike. This article discusses the current state of the art in the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies within the construction industry. Increasing complexity in onsite construction projects coupled with the need for higher productivity is leading to increased interest in the potential use of Industry 4.0 technologies. This article discusses the relevance of the following key Industry 4.0 technologies to construction: data analytics and artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, building information management, sensors and wearables, digital twin, and industrial connectivity. Industrial connectivity is a key aspect as it ensures that all Industry 4.0 technologies are interconnected allowing the full benefits to be realized. This article also presents a research agenda for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies within the construction sector, a three-phase use of intelligent assets from the point of manufacture up to after build, and a four-staged R&D process for the implementation of smart wearables in a digital enhanced construction site.
From the article: Abstract. This exploratory and conceptual article sets out to research what arguments and possibilities for experimentation in construction exists and if experimentation can contribute towards more innovative construction as a whole. Traditional, -western- construction is very conservative and regional, often following a traditional and linear design process, which focuses on front-loaded cost savings and repetitive efficiency, rather than securing market position through innovation. Thus becoming a hindrance for the development of the sector as a whole. Exploring the effects of using the, in other design-sectors commonly and successfully practiced, “four-phased iterative method” in architectural construction could be the start of transforming the conservative construction industry towards a more innovative construction industry. The goal of this research is to find whether the proposed strategy would indeed result in a higher learning curve and more innovation during the - architectural- process. Preliminary research indicates that there is argumentation for a more experimental approach to construction.
Despite the efforts of governments and firms, the construction industry is trailing other industries in labour productivity. Construction companies are interested in increasing their labour productivity, particularly when demand grows and construction firms cope with labour shortages. Off-site construction has proved to be a favourable policy to increase labour productivity. However, a complete understanding of the factors affecting construction labour productivity is lacking, and it is unclear which factors are influenced by off-site construction. This study developed a conceptual model describing how 15 factors influence the construction process and make a difference in labour productivity between off-site and on-site construction. The conceptual model shows that all 15 factors affect labour productivity in three ways: through direct effects, indirect effects and causal loops. The model is a starting point for further research to determine the impact of off-site construction on labour productivity.
MULTIFILE
The building industry is a major target for resource-efficiency developments, which are crucial in European Union’s roadmaps. Using renewable materials impacts the sustainability of buildings and is set as urgent target in current architectural practice. The building industry needs renewable materials positively impacting the CO2 footprint without drawbacks. The use of wood and timber as renewable construction materials has potentials, but also drawbacks because trees need long time to grow; producing timber generates considerable waste; and the process from trees to applications in buildings requires transportation and CO2 emission. This research generates new scientific knowledge and a feasibility study for a new wood-like bio-material - made of cellulose and lignin from (local) residual biomass via i.e. 3D printing - suitable for applications in the building industry. It contributes to a sustainable built environment as it transforms waste from different sectors into a local resource to produce a low carbon-footprint bio-material for the construction sector. Through testing, the project will study the material properties of samples of raw and 3D printed material, correlating different material recipes that combine lignin and cellulose and different 3D printing production parameters. It will map the material properties with the requirements of the construction industry for different building products, indicating potentials and limits of the proposed bio-material. The project will produce new knowledge on the material properties, a preliminary production concept and an overview of potentials and limits for application in the built environment. The outcome will be used by industry to achieve a marketable new bio-material; as well as in further scientific academic research.
