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.