Digital Construction Research Articles

Lessons learned during the design implementation of a digital construction site module

Our paper discusses a collaborative project between built environment professionals and academic educators. The project is about digitalising construction site visits as an online Canvas module for senior architecture students as part of their third-year core course titled: Project Management. The course is one of two courses that are required upon graduation to become a registered architect in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The module is designed with two key aspects in mind: the learning objectives that adhere to school accreditation requirements and the ‘Signature pedagogical practices’ determined by the educational institution: Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. In this paper, we discuss our insights gained from designing an interactive, immersive, and hybrid learning experience.

Innovating Building Refurbishments: Embracing Global Digital Transformation for Today's Construction Industry

The Uberization of the construction industry is a clear indication that the sector is gradually shifting towards the digital era. This transformation signifies a significant digitization of construction, incorporating smart technology in various phases, from design and planning to execution, operations, and management. This paper delves into the importance of embracing digital technologies in building refurbishments to meet the evolving demands of today's construction landscape. By integrating innovative digital solutions such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies, refurbishment projects can achieve cost-effectiveness, precision, and environmental sustainability. The benefits of this digital shift encompass improved project coordination, safety, cost efficiency, and environmental impact management. However, challenges like high initial costs, resistance to change, cybersecurity threats, and skill shortages persist. The digital transformation is also shaped by global trends such as urbanization, population growth, and the push for smart, sustainable cities. Governments and private sectors acknowledge the potential of digital construction in meeting these demands more effectively. Thus, the industry must adapt to these technological advancements to stay competitive and address future infrastructure needs. The primary goal of this paper is to underscore the importance of embracing global digital transformation in building refurbishments, offering insights and recommendations for stakeholders in the construction sector to leverage digital technologies effectively for enhanced project outcomes and long-term sustainability. This study aims to explore the global digitalization of building construction, examining how advanced technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing construction processes. By identifying the main drivers of digitalization in the construction industry, assessing the role of emerging technologies, and evaluating the benefits such as enhanced efficiency, cost savings, improved safety, and sustainability, this paper aims to showcase the necessity of digitalization to meet modern demands effectively. These abstract outlines the key concepts discussed in the paper, highlighting the advantages of integrating digital tools in building refurbishments, the obstacles, and opportunities in digital transformation within construction, and the potential impact on sustainability and project outcomes. Through case studies and industry insights, the study will demonstrate how digitalization is vital for staying abreast of modern requirements. Additionally, it will analysis case studies and successful implementations of digital technologies in refurbishment projects to illustrate best practices and lessons learned.

The Application of Digital Construction Technology in the Process of Smart City Construction

Digital construction technology is essential to achieving high-quality construction in smart cities. This article introduces the application of digital construction technology in smart city construction from the background of smart cities, such as 3D modeling technology, digital twin technology, and artificial intelligence technology. This article conducts qualitative research through literature analysis, exploring the application process, significance, and value of digital construction technology in the process of smart city construction, then discussing its current situation and shortcomings and proposing suggestions. Digital construction technology has been extensively utilized in various fields such as intelligent manufacturing and smart cities and has been introduced into the construction industry. However, model accuracy, data effectiveness, real-time interaction, and comprehensiveness need to be improved, which cannot fulfill the requirements of deep-level applications. In the future, cities will further promote the upgrading of infrastructure and software for digital construction technology, as well as the integration and innovation of AI technology and digital construction technology. Smart cities are anticipated to reach an advanced level of city intelligence and achieve sustainable, efficient, and people-oriented high-quality city development.

Research on Digital Construction Technology for Special-Shaped Shell Pipe Structures

The aesthetic appeal of special-shaped shell pipe structures makes them highly favored by architects and holds promising prospects for various applications. In the detailed design stage, NURBS curves should be divided into multiple continuous arcs due to the limitations of current steel structure fabrication equipment, which can only accommodate pipes with equal-curvature bends. However, the traditional manual fitting methods suffer from several issues including low efficiency, undercutting at the interface, poor smoothness of curves, and lack of control over tolerances. Furthermore, the weaker out-of-plane stiffness and utilization of bending arc pipe sections pose significant challenges in terms of spatial positioning and installation accuracy that need to be addressed. The study focuses on addressing these challenges by investigating digital construction technology for special-shaped shell pipe structures and developing a parametric algorithm that enables automatic fitting of spatial NURBS curves into multiple arcs, thereby achieving seamless curve fitting. A post-processing program was developed to enable the parametric generation of fabrication and installation information for structural members, which can be seamlessly integrated into the BIM database. Finally, structural position control technology is proposed to improve assembly efficiency and ensure consistency between the completed construction state and the design shape. The above digital construction technology has been applied in projects such as the Haihua Island International Conference Center. It can provide complete technical solutions for modeling of special-shaped shell pipe structures, including establishment of a member information database, fabrication at the workshop and installation on site, construction organization management, as well as installation accuracy control.

Synergistic abatement effects of Broadband China and environmental regulation: Firm-level evidence

Based on the new era context of digital economy and green development, this study uses Broadband China (BC) as a quasi-natural experiment, combining its strategic interaction with environmental regulation (ER), to empirically test the policy synergistic abatement effect of BC and ER. BC has resulted in an average of 6 % reduction in corporate carbon emissions, and the BC–ER policy interaction has encouraged firms to further reduce their emissions. This policy mix mainly exerts an abatement effect on firms by increasing green factors at the input–output stage and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the digitalization effect of BC reduces corporate carbon emissions. Our empirical results are stronger for firms with high financial constraints, non-heavily polluting firms, non-high-technology firms, state-owned enterprises, and developed urban agglomerations. Furthermore, BC significantly suppresses the sectoral and spatial spillover effects of corporate carbon emissions, and external shocks to ER exacerbate this suppression effect. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the “tripartite win–win” of digital construction, green transformation, and energy conservation.

Construction Project Organizational Capabilities Antecedent Model Construction Based on Digital Construction Context

In the context of high-quality development and the digital age, digital technology-enabled construction projects have become the only choice to promote organizational capabilities and innovation. However, the micro foundation of the organizational capabilities of construction projects has not been clarified, and its formation path is even less clear. This paper focuses on the characteristics of the times when digital technology and engineering construction are deeply integrated, conducts in-depth research on typical projects in the context of digital construction, and uses the qualitative research method of grounded theory to explore the antecedents of the formation of organizational capabilities. The results of the study establish a systematic antecedent model framework, including value integration, data traction, resource integration, technology integration, digital collaboration, and digital routines, and find out the “black box” process of the formation of construction project organizational capacities under the digital construction context. The conclusion of this study provides a theoretical basis and practical enlightenment for the construction of organizational capabilities of construction projects to cope with technological turbulence.

The Role of Digitalization in Enhancing Outward Foreign Direct Investment: New Advantages for Chinese Enterprises

With the rapid development of big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, digital construction has gradually become a crucial means of enterprise development, significantly impacting the operation and management activities of enterprises. Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) is one of the key pathways for Chinese enterprises to “go global,” contributing to improved economic efficiency and promoting national economic development. Therefore, studying the advantages of digitalization in OFDI activities will aid in exploring effective methods for Chinese enterprises to engage in OFDI within the digital economy and provide an important foundation for strategic enterprise planning and national policy formulation. This paper combines the current state of OFDI among Chinese enterprises, analyzes the advantages and roles of digital construction in OFDI, and explores relevant countermeasures, aiming to provide theoretical references for enterprises’ OFDI activities in the context of digitalization.

Digital workflow in oral splint manufacturing.

The objective of the present article is to demonstrate the digital workflow used to manufacture an adjusted oral splint in a patient case. A 25-year-old female patient presented for management of her bruxism. Therefore, an adjusted oral splint was manufactured. A computer-aided motion analysis of the patient was conducted (JMA Optic). Full-arch scans of the maxilla and mandible, a biocopy of the maxilla with a bite fork, and buccal scans of the centric jaw relation (Primescan) were performed. The jaw relation was determined beforehand by ballistic closing on a chairside-fabricated anterior jig. The digital construction of a Michigan splint took place in the dental laboratory. The design was nested and milled from a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-containing blank (CLEARsplint Disc). The oral splint was inserted into the patient's mouth and checked to ensure a tension-free fit. The static and dynamic contact relationship was checked. During the follow-up visit, the patient reported an improvement in tension in the masticatory muscles. The described procedure allows for the manufacture of an adjusted oral splint through a purely digital workflow.

Development of a Maturity Model for the Digital transformation of companies in the context of Construction Industry 4.0

The construction industry is characterized by a low level of productivity and digitalization, as well as the critical perceived instability of costs, deadlines and quality. One way to address these challenges is to increase the use of digital methods and technologies in the future. Optimal use of these can help to improve the quality of planning and execution and optimize the operation of existing buildings. The challenge is the implementation and integration of these methods and technologies into existing company structures. In many cases, companies do not have a unified understanding of the current state of digitization in their organization. This article closes this research gap and presents the development of a novel maturity model for construction companies in the context of Construction Industry 4.0, the Digital Construction Company Maturity Model (DCCMM). Based on a literature review, the appropriate technologies used in the construction industry are identified and the basic requirements for the maturity model are defined. Once implemented, the model comprises five dimensions and 28 assessment parameters that describe digital transformation across six maturity levels. The conceptual model is tested and validated in eight construction companies. This is done in the context of qualitative interviews. The DCCMM serves as a holistic framework for the individual classification of companies in terms of digital transformation. This provides construction companies with a transparent and comprehensible indication of the degree of digitalization of their own structures. The result will make a significant contribution to further digitalization in the construction industry.

The Metaverse Territorial Brand: A Contemporary Concept

The “Metaverse Territorial Brand” integrates core and interconnected elements into a virtual, interactional, experiential, and immersive space known as the metaverse. This type of brand encompasses the connection with immersive territories that may or may not be digital twins of real territories. It also encompasses two interconnected physical scales: the territorial and the regional, involved in another type of emerging territorial scale, known as the metaversal scale. Therefore, the “Metaverse Territorial Brand” is a digital-immersive extension of the territorial brand of physical territories, encompassing specific geographical and cultural aspects, but directed to the metaverse environment. This brand is a symbolic digital construction, but also a multifaceted one that incorporates discursive and visual elements, articulated by the social actors of the immersive territory, aiming to create a specific and distinct identity for a space in the metaverse. When talking about social actors in the metaverse (users), we highlight that this set of actors may or may not be the same as the physical territory. It is also important to highlight that both the territorial brand directed to physical territories and the “Metaverse Territorial Brand” are formed from the power relations of a given set of social actors. Therefore, without the strategic intention of a plurality of social actors that stimulate these relationships, there is no type of territorial brand involved.

Exploration and Practice of Utilizing Stomatology Museums As a Vehicle to Support Education

The museums of stomatology provide important support for integrated education, bearing the responsibility and mission of cultural education. Serving as a vehicle of education, stomatology museums are an integral part of theoretical and ethical education. This article introduces the current development status of stomatology museums in China. Herein, we presented an overview of the development strategies for the construction of stomatology museums in China from the perspectives of becoming incorporated in the national museum management system, establishing an evaluation system for cultural artifacts of stomatology, conducting a national survey of movable cultural relics, and conducting historical research on cultural relics in museums. A development strategy for utilizing stomatology museums in China as a vehicle for education has been proposed from the perspectives of promoting the improvement of museum curation skills, establishing interactive activities in museums, promoting research and study tours in stomatology museums, establishing itinerant exhibitions, developing cultural and creative products for museums, and promoting digital construction of museums. This article will help explore new growth points for the development of stomatology museums in the new era.

Digital Construction Preservation Techniques of Endangered Heritage Architecture: A Detailed Reconstruction Process of the Dong Ethnicity Drum Tower (China)

This study suggests a pioneering conservation framework that significantly enhances the preservation, renovation, and restoration of heritage architecture through the integration of contemporary digital technologies. Focusing on the endangered drum towers of the Dong ethnic group in Southwestern China, the research employs a meticulous data collection process that combines manual measurements with precise 2D imaging and oblique unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photography, enabling comprehensive documentation of tower interiors and exteriors. Collaboration with local experts in drum tower construction not only enriches the data gathered but also provides profound insights into the architectural nuances of these structures. An accurate building information modeling (BIM) simulation illuminates the internal engineering details, deepening the understanding of their complex design. Furthermore, UAV-obtained point cloud data facilitate a 3D reconstruction of the tower’s exterior. This innovative approach to heritage preservation not only advances the documentation and comprehension of heritage structures but also presents a scalable, replicable model for cultural conservation globally, paving the way for future research in the field.

Research on information extension of mountainous rack railway engineering based on IFC standard

In response to the practical demands for data sharing and exchange in the field of rack railway systems engineering, as well as to address the gaps in the rack railway domain within the framework of the IFC4 standard, we extend and define the rack railway domain through entity extension and custom attribute sets. By utilizing the ongoing construction of the Dujiangyan to Mount Siguniang Railway as a case study, we validate the utility of this IFC extension and modeling approach. Leveraging IfcOpenShell, we incorporate the extended data content into the generated IFC file. We present a process for extension tailored to the characteristics of rack railway engineering. This study aims to provide broader information support for the digital construction of track structures in the design phase of rack railway engineering and to facilitate more efficient data exchange and sharing.

Traversing the complexity of digital construction and beyond through soft skills: experiences of Malaysian architects

Traversing the complexity of digital construction and beyond through soft skills: experiences of Malaysian architects

Digital improvements in the design and construction process of classical Chinese garden rockeries: a study based on material digitization

Rockeries have a complex and significant role in classical Chinese garden designs. They present distinct artistic characteristics and spatial hierarchies and are crucial to garden heritage conservation. Craftsmanship in rockery construction is a significant part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. Rockeries are primarily composed of naturally occurring rocks chosen for their uniqueness and complex shapes and textures. These rocks present challenges as nonstandard elements within the traditional Chinese garden context, as it is not easy to depict them using conventional blueprints and models. This complicates the design, adjustment, display, and construction of rockeries, which lacks tangible bases for reference. Consequently, the preservation and restoration of garden rockeries is difficult, and the perpetuation and dissemination of rockery construction skills face numerous challenges. This study introduces a method that combines laser scanning and photographic measurements to digitize precisely nonstandard elements of rockery stones. This approach presents an innovative design and construction workflow for rockeries by refining design processes, showcasing real effects, and resolving assembly issues. The results demonstrate that the combination of three-dimensional laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry can accurately replicate the complex forms and textures of these nonstandard elements. The stone coding and digital management system devised based on the logic of construction effectively satisfies the design and building requirements of rockeries. Correspondingly, the proposed digital construction workflow enhances the accuracy of rockery design, presentation, and evaluation, thereby contributing to the protection and restoration of rockery heritage sites and the transmission of rockery construction techniques.

Regional digitalization and corporate ESG performance

Against the backdrop of rapid digitalization growth and deep integration with the real economy, companies are faced with more extensive and complex social responsibilities. Based on the data of 1178 A-share listed companies in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen markets from 2014 to 2021, this study empirically analyses the impact of regional digitalization on corporate ESG performance by constructing a double-difference model using the establishment of China's National Pilot Zone for the Innovative Development of the Digital Economy. This paper found that regional digital construction can improve corporate ESG performance by enhancing corporate environmental information disclosure, improving the scale of social donations, and enhancing risk resilience. In addition, the higher the level of public environmental concern in the region, the more obvious the enhancement of digital construction on corporate ESG performance. The contribution of regional digital construction to corporate ESG is also stronger in firms with high executive environmental awareness than in those with low. At the same time, this paper also responds to some scholars' questioning of corporate ESG by verifying that corporate ESG report disclosure is motivated by corporate sustainability rather than self-impression management from the dimensions of corporate management's manipulation of information and the corporate's actual environmental behavior. This paper enriches the research on the impact of the external digital environment on corporate ESG performance. It is of great significance for developing countries to promote the active participation of enterprises in ESG practices through the opportunity of digital development.

ADDRESSING THE COMPETENCY OF PRACTITIONERS WITHIN BIM E-SUBMISSION IN MALAYSIAN LOCAL AUTHORITIES

This paper delves into the impact of the transition to Building Information Modelling electronic submission (BIM e-Submission) within local authorities (PBT) in Malaysia. The study comprehensively analyzes the essential competencies necessary to implement BIM e-Submission successfully. It emphasizes the potential dire consequences of inadequate skill allocation in Malaysia's BIM e-Submission initiatives, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue. Using a multi-method qualitative approach to gather primary data and thoroughly examine existing literature, the research constructs a robust conceptual framework elucidating the critical competencies required of BIM e-Submission practitioners within the PBT domain. The findings underscore the necessity of developing a BIM e-Submission occupational competency framework as a development strategy to enhance the training and proficiency of BIM e-Submission practitioners. This paper aims to advance understanding of BIM e-Submission in Malaysia, increase stakeholder awareness of relevant roles, responsibilities, and competencies, and promote the advancement of digital construction through optimized utilization of BIM e-Submission practices.

Five years of radiographic evaluation for the peri-implant bone changes of all-on-four implant prostheses constructed from different framework materials using different digital construction techniques

BackgroundThere is insufficient evidence recommending a framework material and a CAD/CAM manufacturing technique for mandibular implant-supported prostheses. The study objective was to evaluate the clinical application of different materials and construction techniques used for mandibular All-on-4 prosthesis on circumferential peri-implant bony changes after 5 years.MethodsThirty-six male patients with all-on-4 mandibular implant-supported prostheses were recalled and divided into three groups. Group PK (patients with frameworks milled from PEEK blocks), Group PSM (patients with frameworks milled from soft metal blocks), and Group SLM (patients with frameworks constructed with additive manufacturing; selective laser melting). The circumferential bone level on all implant faces was assessed with a CBCT. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare vertical bone loss (VBL) and horizontal bone loss (HBL) between different groups, implant positions, and observation times followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons.ResultsFor all observation times, there was a significant difference in VBL between groups for both anterior and posterior implants (P < .001). For anterior implants, group PSM showed the lowest VBL while group PK showed the highest for anterior and posterior implants. For all groups, HBL significantly increased after 5 years for both anterior and posterior implants (P < .001). For anterior implants, group PSM showed the highest HBL. For posterior implants, group PK and SLM showed the highest.ConclusionWithin the study’s limitations, mandibular implant-supported fixed frameworks fabricated with either milling from PEEK or soft metal blocks, or additive manufacturing (laser melting technology) exhibited significant vertical and horizontal bone height changes after 5 years.Clinical Trial Registry Number(NCT06071689) (11/10/2023).

Digital age: The path choice of government-citizen value co-creation

This study explores the relationship between government and citizen in the digital age and proposes a specific path to realize the value co-creation of government and citizen in the digital age. Quantitative analysis of 40 policy texts on “digital government construction” of 30 provincial and municipal governments in China before November 2022 was conducted using NVivo12. The case of Minsheng Cloud revealed that provincial and municipal government departments have not paid sufficient attention to citizen participation. Furthermore, citizens' participation ability and enthusiasm are not high. The study found that in the process of strengthening the construction of digital government, “government optimisation”, “citizen participation”, “governance guarantee”, “data governance” and “government digitization” are the key elements. We discuss the feasibility, necessity and coupling of the value co-creation theory to establish the benign interaction between government and citizens and realize co-creation. We find that the “DART” model can be co-created based on value, and that the continuous Improving the four aspects of “dialogue”, “access”, “transparency” and “risk assessment” will undoubtedly help realize the value co-creation of government and citizens in the digital era, and form a governance pattern of co-construction and sharing. It is therefore of great significance to promote the government's digital construction and digital governance capability to accelerate the construction of digital China and promote the modernisation of the national governance system and governance capability.

Research on Cryptography-based Data Security and Trustworthiness in Digital Construction of Water Resources and Hydropower

Research on Cryptography-based Data Security and Trustworthiness in Digital Construction of Water Resources and Hydropower