Technological trends in digitalization of construction

2024

Promising Technologies: Innovation in the Construction Service

Digitalization of construction opens a new page in the history of the industry, where innovative technologies such as BIM (TIM), IoT, AI, 3D construction printing and robotics, including drones, are ready to significantly improve the efficiency and quality of construction projects.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is used to analyze data and optimize processes, including forecasting timing and cost. AI can automate monitoring of construction sites and help in planning development. But, of course, the functionality is not limited to this alone.

Dmitry Samozhkin, SEO "Airplane 10D" (group "Airplane"):

One of the bright trends in digitalization, of course, can be called the use of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Deloitte, AI and advanced data analysis technologies can deliver cost savings on construction projects by 10-15% and reduce design time by 10-30%. The possibilities for using this technology are as wide as possible.

All interviewed experts see great potential in AI. In particular, D. Samozhkin notes that the technology can be used to find errors in documentation, 3D models and other data without human participation, which will increase the speed of verification and coordination tenfold, increase the quality of inspections and reduce the burden on builders and designers.

Deputy General Director for Science "SeaSoft Development" Mikhail Bocharov:

Now such solutions are being tested as automated digital monitoring of the construction site, the creation of the concept of integrated development of the territory and many others. AI can also become one of the solutions for creating seamless between products of different developers and combining them into a digital ecosystem.

Also, in addition to AI, the development of algorithms and software solutions based on ML (machine learning) for automating planning processes, risk management, data analysis and decision-making is at the research stage, which is mentioned by many experts.

Big Data

Solutions for working with Big Data allow you to accumulate and use gigantic amounts of information, including for analysis.

Andrey Shakhramanyan, General Director of SODIS Lab Group of Companies:

Developers seeking success must actively implement big data technologies to improve operational efficiency, improve project quality, and meet customer needs.

Internet of Things

IoT (Internet of Things) improves security and efficiency by monitoring and monitoring the condition of equipment.

Boris Hapachev, CEO of PropTech Group: {{quote 'Of the most advanced implementations in terms of implementation, solutions based on BIM and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be distinguished - smart devices, meters and sensors for the operation and maintenance of facilities, the construction process and, in particular, concreting. }}

Robotics

Robotics automates routine tasks, drones help to monitor objects under construction.

Dmitry Kiselev, CEO of Qlever Solutions:

Technologies for using drones to monitor construction sites, collect progress data and create 3D models of objects are under testing.

3D printing

3D construction printing allows you to create complex structures and elements, pushing the boundaries of the traditional in construction.

Roman Dzvinko, Executive Director of the SPC "BusinessAutomation":

A new course in the development and expansion of BIM's capabilities is projects to integrate 3D printing technologies to visualize construction models.

Experts call SOD, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, digital twins, smart cities, IT products for working with Big Data and others - constants of the present and potentially future for the construction industry.

BIM

BIM (Building Information Modeling) optimizes design and construction, making it more accurate and reducing errors. The technology is gradually gaining popularity, but its use is still limited to large companies.

Deputy General Director for Science "SeaSoft Development" Mikhail Bocharov:

According to various estimates, BIM technology covers from 7 to 20% of the market of the Russian Federation, but it is necessary to separate BIM technologies from information modeling technologies of forming and leading IM, for example, the level of implementation of one of these technologies of the ISUP (project management information system), which partially forms and leads IM at the investment stage - in almost all regions of Russia.

Dmitry Kiselev, CEO of Qlever Solutions:

In Russia, BIM technologies continue to gain popularity, but the percentage of their introduction into the construction industry is still low. Approximately 20-30% of large construction companies actively use BIM technologies in their activities. Small and medium-sized companies are lagging behind in applying this technology due to limited resources and high implementation costs.

In 2024, TIM (the Russian "analogue" of the term BIM) is perceived by the industry community as an integral part of the construction process, while a year and a half ago many considered information modeling a luxury. The main priority of IT companies is not the creation of abstract solutions that copy foreign software, but products that can solve today's needs of Russian customers.

Along with specialized committees and associations, the Glavgosexpertiza of the Russian Federation, both at the level of the Russian Federation and in many driver regions, also took an active position in promoting domestic industry IT technologies, in particular, TIM, says Mikhail Bocharov.

As in the case of global trends, the construction industry in Russia focuses on the issues of sustainable construction and the use of advanced BIM technologies in conjunction with advanced technologies. We already calculate time costs through 5D BIM and take into account energy saving factors through 6D, - notes Roman Dzvinko.

Digital twins

The "digital twin" in the field of construction is a comprehensive information model that reflects not only the physical parameters of a building or structure, but also includes modeling of all related processes - from the design stage to operation. This model provides opportunities for virtual reconstruction of an object, its analysis and management, which contributes to increased efficiency throughout the period of use of the object.

Unlike BIM, digital twins are designed to work with models of human and environmental interaction.

Deputy General Director for Science "SeaSoft Development" Mikhail Bocharov:

Due to the fact that various companies are creating digital twins for internal use, it is now difficult to objectively estimate the percentage of their use. And for this you need to understand that the "digital twin" is what is meant not by the company, but by the definition approved by the Government of the Russian Federation dated October 31, 2022 No. 3268-r.

Technologies of digital building doubles are just beginning to actively develop and be introduced in the Russian market. The percentage of market coverage is still small, but every year it increases.

General Data Environments

Common Data (Shared Data) environments continue to evolve, becoming an important tool in information asset management and business process digitalization.

Igor Pidtykany, Implementation Project Manager Aibim"":

In successful cases, you can record domestic products for organizing a common data environment (ODS), whose functionality often corresponds to foreign counterparts, and in some places exceeds it.

According to Anastasia Elfimova, Deputy Executive Director of Aibim, the common data environment is one of the most rapidly developing areas in construction today.

This is primarily due to the fact that without the initial configuration of collaboration processes and without clear rules for interaction between project participants, it is much more difficult to build further automation. And therefore, many people begin their digitalization path with SODs.

Secondly, the development of the pig is due to the high competition of the products on the market. To stand out from competitors, developers add various "chips" and constantly improve existing tools. The functions of placing a legally significant EDS on documents, as well as working with native file formats (especially for 3D models) are highlighted.

But the most promising novelty may be a flexible designer of business processes within the pig launcher, which can be adapted to any processes of the company, setting all the necessary conditions for their correct operation, thereby maximizing the system "for yourself."

Oleg Kukushkin, General Director of Vitro Software:

Now we are seeing significant development in the field of Common Data Environments (DDS). An important trend is to combine the digital services of leading Russian manufacturers into an open digital ecosystem. Previously, we observed the appearance of many similar systems trying to repeat the functionality of foreign and domestic analogues, but the quality of their implementation often did not meet the needs of the customer.

According to Oleg Kukushkin, an open digital ecosystem, unlike the ecosystems of individual vendors, allows you to maintain competition, providing customers with a choice between several similar services and even the ability to replace one service with another, without disrupting the functionality of the entire digital environment. This approach may be based on the Open CDE concept outlined in DIN SPEC 91391. The specification defines the basic functionality required for the pig and describes the REST API for data exchange between different pig and between pig and related solutions.

Pavel Ostapenko, Technical Director of INGIPRO:

The main trends in the development of the pig direction include: improving the level of security, improving the quality of integration and analysis, simplifying the process of transferring files within working groups and automating data processing processes.

Some of the new technologies in SOD include:

• Cloud Data Storage, Network Drives - Easily store and share files with employees in workgroups.
• Source control systems-Track changes to documents and drawings, compare different versions, discuss tasks, and interact in real time.
• Monitoring tools for monitoring system performance parameters: timely notification of service owners about existing or potential problems in the system operation, strong reduction of possible system downtime.
• Deploy both cloud and on-premises locations quickly and easily.

These technologies help improve communication, collaboration, and data management across workgroups and improve operational efficiency. About this Tadviser told the project manager "INGIPRO" Amir Islam.

Dmitry Kiselev, CEO of Qlever Solutions:

The direction of the pig (General Data Environment) is becoming more and more relevant in construction. In addition to using QR codes on working documents, digital platforms for data exchange, cloud storage, project management systems and other means for effective information management and interaction between project participants are being introduced. As for 3D, experts emphasize that in the professional environment there is a growing understanding of the overvaluation of technology.

Pavel Cherenkov, General Director of INGIPRO:

There is a growing trend of disappointment in 3D: it is expensive, long, there is no one to produce. Shifting the focus from 3D modeling to 2D, as part of the organization of collective information production, will save money and time, increase efficiency and accessibility, since these processes will be built on the basis of existing and developed domestic CAD.

According to Vadim Pronin, commercial director of INGIPRO, in order to make 3D models quite informative, you have to carry out much more work at the design stage, which greatly increases the cost of this stage. At the next stages of the project, 3D models require constant updating and maintenance, which further increases the cost of work, while its use does not cover all issues.

According to Mikhail Bocharov, Deputy General Director for Science at SiSoft Development, there are all prerequisites for the fact that in the near future SOD solutions will be modified to meet the requirements of the development of the digital vertical of the construction industry and digital contours to ensure data management.

For example, the principle of "information space" or its special case - "unified information space" is more convenient, which will give the development of this information modeling technology for more convenient, and most importantly - secure data management, - Mikhail Bocharov shared.

The number of companies in the market providing SOD solutions has increased significantly. Old components are activated and new component suppliers are introduced, including for engineering software. A large number of new application software vendors are actively cooperating with them. At the same time, suppliers and their customers do not always have an understanding of what exactly this is - SOD.

Evgeny Yurevich, CEO of Project Point:

The number of suppliers who claim that their solution is a pig has increased significantly and is estimated at several dozen. At the same time, neither vendors nor even customers have an unambiguous understanding of what a pig is and what minimum-necessary functions are needed. SODs can be understood as a simple file store with shared user access without specialized engineering functionality, as well as complex systems with support for customizable business processes, viewing and working with engineering formats.

The main blocker in the pig is the low maturity of understanding by ordinary engineers (and not only them) of the essence of the technology. It is important to educate the masses about the benefits and opportunities of shared data environments so that people can make the most of their work. To do this, you can conduct training workshops, provide access to educational resources, as well as maintain dialogue and exchange of experience among professionals in the field. Only in this way can we ensure the stable and effective development of common data environments and use their potential to the full, "says Pavel Cherenkov, General Director of INGIPRO.

According to Yevgeny Yurevich, the functions of installing QR codes and signing EDS documents have become standard requirements and the SOD is normally supported. More and more pigs are implementing scenarios that bring them closer to electronic document management (EDMS) systems. Some suppliers develop specific functions in the pig, such as checking information models for collisions and compliance with customer requirements or government reviews.

Summary of Pig Market:

• Increase in the number of suppliers: there is a significant increase in companies offering pigs.
• Lack of a unified definition: Diversity in understanding of SOD among suppliers and customers.
• A wide range of functions, from basic storage to support complex business processes.
• Need for integration: importance of pig compatibility with other systems.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): AI assistants simplify version control and automate routine operations. For example, they are used to check the documentation.
• Expected growth: The significance of the pig is projected to increase in the future. The pig market is actively developing, offering more and more functions and integration opportunities.

See also

• Digitalization of construction. TAdviser 2024 review
• Digital Technologies in Construction
• IT in Real Estate
• Real estate technologies (Russian market), PropTech, Property Technologies
• BIM - Information modeling of buildings and structures
• BIM technologies (Russian market)
• BIM technologies (global market)