Embracing The Digital Transformation Of Construction In Middle East

By Anil Ipekci, Associate Director at TBH

In 1999, while we were graduating from using floppy disks to CD-ROMs in our Intel Pentium computers, the amazing computer game, “Unreal Tournament”, was released. It was a game which revolutionized the video game industry with realistic graphics that were beyond its era.

This was the first time I heard about “Unreal Engine”, a powerful gaming engine.

Today, many of us in the construction industry have heard about this since gaming engines are used to benefit 4D planning animations, architectural designs with enhanced customer experience and even in the visualization of construction disputes.

As a Planning and Project Controls specialist with over fifteen years of experience in the construction industry, I can say that we do tend to look for ways to automate our manual, daily tasks. Being an admirer of innovative and disruptive technologies, I often consider how new technologies can benefit our field.

I recall reading a LinkedIn post about a company using machine learning technology to utilize the existing surveillance cameras on a construction site to identify the movement of excavators and monitor the excavation progress by measuring the differences in volume. It was such a brilliant idea, and it expanded my interest in construction technologies.

The Middle East is a great place to be the first to witness new technologies being tested. Over the past few years, with multiple challenges such as the global pandemic, an inflationary environment and reduced capital expenditure post World Cup, the market has pushed the industry to be more change adaptive. Some of the challenges we face are destined to be addressed with technological innovations.

Governments in the region are progressively focusing on moving away from being oil-centric economies and diversifying with continuous adoption of innovative digital technologies. A good example of this was a decree issued in the UAE regulating the use of 3D printing in Dubai’s construction sector (Decree No. 24 of 2021), with a target of having 25% of the buildings in the region constructed using 3D printing technology.

It can be challenging to keep up with the number of new developments! In this article, I will highlight a few examples and consider what they can offer our industry.

Project Planning & Controls:

There are revolutionary applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Project Planning and Controls.

By utilizing AI and machine learning, construction professionals can automate tasks, optimize schedules, and identify potential issues with greater speed.

AI and machine learning solutions are used to monitor and prioritize risks at site, evaluate job progress and provide instant updates on workforce and equipment.

Robots contribute to safety, with algorithms analysing site photos for hazards and assessing risk ratings.

Artificial Neural Networks are employed to predict cost overruns and provide realistic forecasts for future projects considering factors like project type, size, and staff competence.

Do you think an algorithm could determine the competence of a Project Manager?

Transforming Mundane Tasks with Generative AI:

Advanced AI language models, such as ChatGPT, Bard or Claude, are being adopted in various industries. We can expect to see the integration of these models with other technologies more in the near future, which may enhance human-AI interaction and promote innovative and creative solutions for construction projects. It is possible to come across some frontier construction companies who have started testing these models for:

• A centralized location with enhanced stakeholder collaboration
• Creating construction schedules and automating progress tracking
• Improving documentation and record keeping
• Coding for project and task specific software creation
• Generating cost estimates and forecasts.

Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Construction:

IoT devices and sensors are being integrated into buildings and infrastructure, enabling real-time data monitoring and analysis. From tracking equipment health to monitoring environmental conditions, IoT provides actionable insights for better decision-making and improved safety.

Wearable technologies should also be considered. Particularly in the Middle East where they prove to be useful by helping safety leaders in reducing the risk of heat stroke in high heat conditions by tracking the workers’ indicators, such as skin temperature and sweat rate.

We will soon have wristbands that raise an alert in case of any changes to our health parameters or when we move away from our designated work location.

Enhancing Sustainability

Digital technologies also promote sustainability. Building Information Modelling (BIM) combined with augmented reality enables designers to explore innovative and eco-friendly solutions.

One notable project is NEOM with the ambition to become a Net Zero, smart city by 2030. By incorporating smart technologies, NEOM aims to enhance efficiency, safety, and well-being, setting a new standard for sustainable urban development.

Major players in the industry have also started to restore polluted soil and use living materials, such as bacteria and fungi, to produce bio concrete.

Improved Build Time:

In the pursuit of faster construction, technologies like 3D printing, prefabrication and modular construction are gaining traction in the region.

3D printing allows for the rapid production of building components, eliminating the need for conventional methods, and reducing construction time significantly.

You may have seen the news about Dubai Municipality recording the World’s largest 3D printed building, and Dubai’s plans for the first 3D printed mosque to be completed by 2025.

Prefabrication and modular construction enhance the procurement process, with the potential to move up to 90% of the construction activities offsite and achieving cost reductions up to 50% with significantly reduced timelines.

Furthermore, these methods considerably improve safety by reducing worker presence and the likelihood of accidents.

Harnessing the Power of 3D Scanning, Drones and Digital Twin:

As a drone pilot, I cannot talk enough about the potential use cases of drones in our industry.  Drones can enter areas where it is difficult or unsafe for humans, and they can be equipped with various tools like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to track resources or infrared, and thermal sensors for enhanced real-time data capture. Hence, they are used for surveying large construction sites, monitoring progress, and even transporting materials.

Lidar scanning provides highly detailed and accurate 3D data of construction sites. While digital twin technology allows real-time monitoring and analysis of construction projects, identifying potential issues and facilitating proactive decision-making.

Blockchain Technology and Smart Contracts:

Blockchain technology offers a secure and transparent platform for managing contracts and transactions. By utilizing smart contracts on a blockchain network, construction companies can automate payment processes and ensure compliance with contractual obligations. In the Middle East where mega-scale projects with large numbers of stakeholders take place, this technology can enhance trust and reduce disputes.

Conclusion

While new technologies offer advantages, they also pose challenges and ethical concerns. High initial costs hinder adoption, especially for smaller companies. Lack of awareness and fragmented processes further complicate matters. It is also fair to say that many of us fear that AI may take our jobs.

Overcoming these hurdles requires industry collaboration, awareness campaigns, and incentives for adoption. Governments can offer support through subsidies, grants, and training programs. Establishing data standards can enhance data-sharing among stakeholders, fostering a more integrated construction landscape.

In construction, we love our traditional ways, and we have all heard the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”.

As overwhelming as they may sound, these technologies promise increased efficiency, productivity, safety, and sustainability. Sharing success stories, lessons learned, and exploring collaborations will help the industry to embrace new ways.

While TBH draws from our nearly six decades of project data, our eyes are firmly on the future; and digitalisation and embracing new technologies remains a key area of focus. We appreciate how far technology has aided us already, and we recognise the importance and impact it will have on the industry in future.

How do you think we will build the future?