2.1. APPLICATION OF AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION WORKS  
The importance of site planning to all types of projects irrespective of its magnitude has been stressed. The correlations among site layout, temporary facilities, production time and cost are well emphasised.14 express useful insights on the enhancement of site facilities, space allocation and routing of materials through genetic algorithm system. The strength, self-compacting capability, maximum dry density (MDD), self-healing/cleansing ability of concrete is predictable and enhanced through artificial neural network (ANN). These properties are versatile in concreting works and in maintenance and have been employed in multi-criteria quest for optimal concrete mixes (15 ). Expert opinions and fuzzy sets are versatile in the analysis of structural integrity, especially for buried structures and earthmoving (16 ). 3D printing allows enhances the printing of constructed facilities or components in a three-dimensional format through an additive manufacturing process comprising material layer accumulation and selective solidification (17 ;18 ). 3D Laser scanning (LS) has the capability to produce an as-built model of as low as 6mm accuracy thus enhancing material optimisation and precision (19 ). Sensor modes have been employed to collect data from the surrounding environment of as-built model and share with a designed model to reveal discrepancies when comparing as-built models with designed models. This application is promoted through the use of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) (20 ). Robotisation is gradually replacing human efforts as more précised task that cost less, in the long run are certain (21 ). Autonomous/unmanned vehicles (UMVs) and autonomous drones are taking over certain activities that require human endeavours. Consequently, drones have been deployed to control crowd, to garner information or retrieve data in real estate and on collapse structures and so on especially in hard-to-reach areas (8;10 ). Augmented reality and virtual reality employ 3D with computer-generated graphics and inputs to develop, map images thereby making such interactive with the user in the physical world. For instance, with mounted head display and hand-held devices, in a digital laboratory where images are projected onto the wall, one can move through building structures to make and effect certain changes (22 ;23 ).
These and other AI technologies have their merits, demerits and challenges; however, an interface known as building information modeling (BIM) is inevitable. This is more so due to the challenges resulting from the unique nature of every project, mobile site, traditional procurement methods, site terrain and highly competitive market, which has resulted into heightened lack of interest in automation in the industry. Building information modeling (BIM) remains an overarching software and technology that supports the interaction and practicality of most of the technological transformation with disruptive impact in the construction industry. While the domains of AI are numerous and still undergoing extension; the demand for precision of time, cost and quality of a project is ever increasing: the answers to the numerous complex questions arising from design and construction will be resolved through BIM. Literature is replete with the integration of BIM in construction activities resulting into higher productivity, efficient management of information, ease of amendment, feedback/progress reporting/monitoring, continuity and greater control from conception to close-out (24 ;25 ). Construction firms thus need to be poised for the needed requirements for proper implementation. Some of the merits of BIM as a digitilisation-enhancement interface are as discussed below.