OCTOBER 2022CONSTRUCTIONBUSINESSREVIEW.COM9 1.We start by scanning the existing situation. This can be about a new construction (greenfield) situation where we are going to realize a new project or about an existing situation that needs to be renovated. One of the methods we use is 3D laser scanning (on a tripod or attached to a drone), to create 3D point clouds that will be used as the basis for the design. Other examples for scanning are recording the information provided by a client and outlining the existing situation.2. We then use this 3D scan in the Design step, where we use 3D modeling technologies to develop the design of a project. We coordinate the designs of different disciplines (including concrete, steel, façade, installations) and check for possible conflicts (clashes) between the disciplines. In the design we take into account an industrial way of production, we use DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) as a design philosophy, where we also support aspects such as circular construction. During 3D modeling, more and more technologies are being used to accelerate design; think of parametric and Generative Design.3. The final step in the Digital side of the life cycle is the Simulate step, where we use different simulation technologies to optimize the Digital Master of our project. Here we simulate planning and logistics (4D planning), determine automated quantities and costs (5D estimating) and look at topics such as structural analysis, manufacturability, life cycle analysis (LCA), health & safety, routing and signage, acoustics, fire safety, lighting, waste management and many other aspects. Through the use of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual and Augmented reality (VR and AR), we constantly strive to improve our working methods in order to achieve the most efficient and qualitatively best end result for our clients and end users.4. Once we have completed the Digital Master, we are ready to move on to the Physical side of the life cycle. We start by producing objects that are assembled at a later stage to the final building/facility. During production, we strive to produce as many semi-finished products as possible in an industrialized factory environment (offsite) using CAD-CAM machines, robots, 3D printers and more. A number of these factories are owned by BAM, others by our chain partners, it is of course important that a factory that is owned can be provided with sufficient flow from our projects.5. These semi-finished products are then transported (by air, water, rail or road) to the construction site where they are assembled together with locally produced parts until the final configuration. This resembles an IKEA or LEGO type of system often referred to as Industrialized Construction (IC) or Offsite Manufacturing. During the production and assembly process steps, we actively monitor our lean processes, monitor and safeguard quality, stakeholder management and monitor all kinds of aspects such as safety and well-being of our employees, access to construction sites, the weather and more. We can link this information to the 3D model that we have with us on our tablets that we use on the construction site. Before we transfer to the client, we record all relevant information in our "as-built" model needed to maintain the project (Digital Twin).6. The last process step mentioned in the circle is Live (or Operate) where the project is transferred to the end user or customer. This phase is often referred to as the Operation and Maintenance or Facility Management phase. If BAM is still involved, we also apply digital technologies to support our projects in this process step. We use sensors and Internet of Things technology to monitor our projects and then use preventive maintenance processes. All this information forms the basis for the Scan step.Data During all the process steps described above, a lot of data is produced and managed in on-premise and cloud-based environments. This data is a rich source of information that we use to learn and scale by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning algorithms to provide our project teams with predictive information and dashboards.The other side of the coin - CybersecurityMany construction processes and environments are being interconnected, with increasing use of internet of things technology, edge computing and 5G networks on construction sites and in factories. This gives criminals new opportunities to commit cybercrime.In projects, we must constantly consider the security risks to the Construction 4.0 world. A cyberattack has potentially catastrophic consequences for worker safety, environmental exposure, and the financial consequences of manufacturing interruptions. In collaboration with our cyber security specialists, we continuously work on securing our organization and our processes and systems against these risks. Digital Construction focuses on our primary processes across the whole lifecycle of projects, from tendering till delivery of projects
< Page 8 | Page 10 >