Digitalization in Construction : Recent trends and advances

This book highlights the latest trends and advances in applications of digital technologies in construction engineering and management. A collection of chapters is presented, explicating how advanced technological solutions can innovatively address challenges and improve outcomes in the construction industry. Promising technologies that are highlighted include digital twins, virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies. The first section presents recent applications of extended reality technologies for construction education and advanced project control. The subsequent chapters explore Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and BIM-enabled digitalization in construction through a series of case studies, reviews, and technical studies. Innovative technologies and digitalized solutions are proposed for improved design, planning, training, monitoring, inspection, and operations management in Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) contexts. In addition to the technological perspectives and insights presented, pressing issues such as decarbonization, safety, and sustainability in the built environment are also discussed.

This book provides foundational knowledge and in-depth technical studies on emerging technologies for students, academics, and industry practitioners. The research demonstrates how the effective use of new technologies can enhance work methods, transform organizational structures, and bring profound advantages to construction project participants.

Chansik Park is a professor at the School of Architecture and Building Science and a former Dean of the Graduate School of Construction Engineering of Chung-Ang University in South Korea. Professor Park has published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences internationally and has served editorial board member and reviewer of many international journals including Automation in Construction and International Journal of Project Management. He has been the recipient of numerous academic and professional awards, including the prestigious Elsevier Atlas Award in recognition of ‘outstanding achievement and significant positive contribution to society.

Farzad Rahimian is a Professor of Digital Engineering and Manufacturing at Teesside University, UK. He is the Editor in Chief for the Journal of Smart and Sustainable Built Environment and Associate Editor of Automation in Construction. He is the author and editor of a number of books including Industry 4.0 Solutions for Building Design and Construction (Routledge, 2019) and Industry 4.0 Solutions for Building Design and Construction (Routledge, 2021)

Nashwan Dawood is a Professor of Digital Construction in the Centre for Sustainable Engineering at Teesside University. His expertise is in sustainable infrastructure and in modelling ways to ensure cardon reduction in construction, housing and engineering projects. He has long-standing experience of undertaking research projects with major industrial partners in the areas of 5D modelling, serious game engine technology, Building Information Modelling, and the application of digital technologies for energy efficient buildings.

Akeem Pedro is a research associate at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea. His research focuses on Technology Enhanced Learning, Interactive Learning Environments, Knowledge Engineering and Informatics for construction safety and health. He has published and co-authored over 20 papers in international journals and conferences, garnering over 900 citations.

Dongmin Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Building Science at Chung-Ang University. His research interests lie in the integration of construction equipment, method, planning, scheduling, and control to support a better human-robot collaborative working environment. Dr Lee has published around 40 papers in various journals and conferences internationally. He has also served as reviewer of many international as well as national journals.

Rahat Hussain is currently working towards PhD degree at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea. His current research works focus on construction informatics, technology enhanced education, metaverse, visualization technologies for construction safety, education, and management.

Mehrtash Soltani earned his PhD from the University of Malaya in Malaysia. With over a decade of research expertise in building materials, waste management, and construction safety management, he currently serves as a research associate at ConTi Lab, located at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea.