Smart Infrastructure: How Data-Driven Engineering Is Changing Construction

The construction industry is evolving at an incredible pace right now.

Stuck in the past for decades, contractors operated almost exclusively on intuition and instinct. Paper plans, spreadsheets, and manual processes were business as usual. That was until data-driven engineering changed everything.

Projects of all sizes are finishing sooner, costing less, and performing better than ever before thanks to smart data systems. But what does this process actually look like?

Let’s find out…

What Is Data-Driven Construction?

Data-driven construction refers to utilising information from real-time data, analytics, and cloud-based software to inform decision making across every stage of your project.

Instead of relying on dusty filing cabinets, teams deploy integrated systems that monitor everything. From materials to scheduling to safety on site and everything in between.

Giving your project a fully connected central nervous system, if you will.

This includes technologies being used during every stage of the construction process including:

Design & Planning

The use of data models like Building Information Modelling (BIM) to create digital representations of your project. Teams can stress test decisions and simulate outcomes before any actual construction work begins.

Construction Phase Services

Tracking quality, progress, safety and compliance on site through technologies like sensor technology and drones. Plus cloud-based platforms that give everyone access to the same information in real-time.

Handover & Operations

Delivering projects with digital twins to help owners operate and maintain their assets from day one.

Construction companies and engineering firms like those based in Melbourne are beginning to combine data driven construction phase services with their offerings to help clients build smarter and more efficient projects.

Let’s dig into just how big of a game changer this is…

Why Smart Infrastructure Matters Right Now

Picture this…

The construction industry is infamous for being wasteful. Projects are delayed, materials are wasted, and budgets are blown way past their limits.

Failures in project information cause 52% of all rework in construction according to Autodesk and FMI research.

That’s over half of all mistakes on a project being linked back to bad data.

Large-scale infrastructure projects sit behind schedule 20% of the time and can go up to 80% over budget. When entire projects are costing billions of dollars – those percentages start to hurt.

Data gives projects a strongly-connected nervous system that can identify risks before they become problems. Every decision made can be validated with hard data rather than guessed at with uninformed estimations. Leading to…

Less surprises

Reduced disputes

…And significantly less rework.

By 2030, the construction market is expected to reach USD $16.11 trillion. That’s a huge jump from its current value of USD $11.39 trillion. Forward-thinking companies are already preparing for this growth by implementing data-driven construction phase services into their project delivery.

Firms that don’t risk being left behind with outdated processes and headaches.

How Data Is Solving Construction’s Biggest Problems

The problems that have plagued construction for years are being solved by data. Let’s take a look at a few…

Schedule Delays

Traditional methods of project management often use static schedules that cannot adapt when the unexpected occurs.

Project managers can track how a delay will impact every area of the job by using platforms that adjust in real-time.

When bad weather sets in or a material delivery is late, that information is updated across the system. Teams can react instantly rather than weeks down the line.

Cost Overruns

Another issue that seems almost inevitable when building something is going over budget.

Construction phase services that utilise smart data keep a close eye on expenditures versus forecast spending. Means teams are notified when variances occur and can course correct before they become major issues.

Projects are kept on budget, and stakeholders receive accurate cost reports throughout the entire construction phase.

Rework & Quality

Did you know that rework is one of the most costly and easily preventable issues in construction?

Poor data, misinterpreted plans, and miscommunication between teams cause avoidable mistakes that lead to rework.

Quality assurance systems allow project managers to identify and catch defects before they become larger issues. Creating digital audit trails ensures that every task is performed to the correct standard before allowing the job to progress.

Safety

Fatalities happen too often on construction sites worldwide. Safety software allows for real-time monitoring of workers and site conditions.

Everything from the fatigue levels in workers to their proximity to hazardous areas are being monitored through smart technology. Sensors can alert workers when there is a risk of something happening before it’s too late.

The Technologies Driving The Change

Here are the technologies you need to know about:

Building Information Modelling (BIM) – Building Information Models are the glue that ties together a project digitally. By creating detailed 3D models, teams can simulate different scenarios impacting their project.

From changing designs to assessing structural integrity before construction begins. BIM is often considered the backbone to data-driven construction phase services.

IoT Sensors & Drones – Monitoring anything from concrete temperatures to the movement of structures can be achieved through sensor technology. Drones take this a step further by flying aerial photos of the job site and generating site surveys in minutes.

Cloud-based Project Platforms – Everyone from engineers to subcontractors can pull up the same information through cloud-based software. These platforms serve as the one source of truth on any project allowing teams to collaborate and share data easily.

AI & Predictive Analytics – There have been tremendous improvements in AI (Artificial Intelligence) over the last decade. Machine learning technology can analyse past projects to predict risks even before they’ve been identified.

From predicting delays to budget risks and efficient sequencing – There is a lot of data to be mined through old projects.

Digital Twins – Digital twins are essentially the virtual version of a physical asset. By updating digitally as sensor data flows in, teams can evaluate how the actual building is operating without interrupting traffic or production.

Getting Started With Data-Driven Construction Phase Services

Implementing new technologies and process changes can feel daunting. That is why it’s important to take small steps when solving big problems.

Review how data is currently flowing through your projects. By identifying where data gets lost, duplicated, or stuck sitting in someone’s inbox. You can begin to understand what pain points need to be addressed first.

Investing in connected technology. Once you know what you need, find a platform that will connect your design, construction and handover processes. Remember the goal is to have one source of truth for every project.

Upskill Your People. Technology is useless if no one knows how to use it. Ensure that those working on site and in project management understand how to take advantage of new tools and software.

Measure. Everything. Smart infrastructure is about measuring everything you can. From there you can identify how your projects can be improved by using those benchmarks to track your performance.

Pulling It All Together

Forget everything you thought you knew about construction…

Data-driven engineering is revolutionising how projects are approached. Those who take advantage of smart infrastructure and tech-enabled construction phase services will be the ones winning projects by delivering on time and on budget.

Projects completed with quality built into every corner and prioritising the safety of those who build and occupy them.

If construction firms don’t start using data as their friend. They will be faced with continued delays, budget blowouts, and clients that don’t come back.

The tools have never been better. So why not start using them to your advantage?