Few digital twins in construction industry

Research from the McKinsey Global Institute has identified construction as one of the least digitised industries in the world. Andrew Skudder, CEO of RIB CCS, believes that the conservatism of the industry and its use of technology predominantly only at a project level are reasons for this slow uptake. By Kirsten Kelly

Risk associated with the practice of designing and constructing structures is so high that owners, engineers and contractors become extremely cautious when implementing anything new. As a result of that conservatism, there is some scepticism around the ability of technology to create value and deal with real business problems,” Skudder explains. “Furthermore, the construction industry frequently uses technology on a project-by-project basis, instead of at an enterprise level. As a consequence, a construction company will use different tools on different projects, creating data silos and a lack of collaboration. So, while there is an improvement in productivity and efficiency at a project level, it is not at a sustained enterprise level,” he continues.

Specialised software for construction and engineering

Despite the slow pace of digital transformation in the industry, Skudder remains passionate about the value digital transformation can bring. “It increases collaboration, productivity and efficiency, which results in greater profitability and sustainability for construction companies and greater certainty of project outcome for project owners. By assisting construction companies to build more with fewer resources, we benefit society. Those saved resources can be directed to other projects. An effective built environment (and the associated infrastructure) is key for people’s quality of life and prosperity.” RIB CCS is a specialised software solutions company with a mission to digitally transform the construction industry. As a highrisk industry with low margins, Skudder urges construction companies to embrace the correct technology that drives productivity. “Generic software does not cater for the construction and engineering industries. Construction is project-based, with very specific business processes across the project life cycle. These projects are complex and dynamic in nature. Therefore, software must be flexible, with specialist functionality that can work with a large volume of changes (like change order management, scope, budget, schedule) and continually show the impact of these changes on projects.”

One product offered by RIB CCS is MTWO – an integrated 5D BIM enterprise construction cloud software platform for contractors, developers, and owners to speed up their project- and enterprise-level digitalisation journey.

Introducing new technologies should not necessitate the employment of new people but should encourage the upskilling of existing employees.”

MTWO

MTWO can be used for the entire life cycle of a structure. • BIM model management – import architectural BIM models, structure models and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) models from mainstream modelling software for cross-platform

model integration, collision detection and model quality improvement. • Quantity take-off – quantity surveyors can easily generate automated quantities from 3D models (e.g. cubic metres of concrete in the foundations, number of windows, electrical reticulation). • Estimating – combine the power of 3D models and data from previous projects to create construction estimates (e.g. labour, plant, material, overheads). Realise dynamic cost management as cost estimates are always networked with real costs. • Scheduling – create reliable schedules to reduce wastes, mitigate risk and optimise work. Work out how long each activity will take. • 5D simulation – Assess different scenarios in the construction phase. Compare 5D simulations side by side to evaluate different time and cost scenarios, forecast cash flow, and detect mistakes to avoid changes in the construction phase. “As an industry, we need to do as much simulation, constructability analysis and value engineering before reaching the actual construction phase as possible,” adds Skudder.

BIM

• 3D BIM • 4D BIM = 3D BIM + schedule • 5D BIM = 4D BIM + cost • 6D BIM = 5D BIM + sustainability • 7D BIM = 6D BIM + asset management

Misconceptions about BIM

Skudder believes that the ‘B’ should be removed from BIM. “This is because the ‘building’ part of building information modelling (BIM) conveys the false impression that BIM is only suitable for building projects. BIM is also suitable for infrastructure, industrial and mining projects. The municipal space can manage a road, hospital, school, bridge and water plant through BIM.

“Many people do not realise that BIM has evolved past a 3D model. While 3D BIM still creates a digital twin of what has been constructed, adding schedules, costing, carbon footprints and operations management creates a far richer digital twin with all information in one environment. This integration is offered through our MTWO product,” he adds.

Perceived barriers

Because MTWO has the capability to manage a project from the plans, through the build and into the operate phases of a construction project, it is often perceived as too complicated, overwhelming and technology heavy. “MTWO is a user rolebased solution where different users use different tools – but they are all working off the same data or one source of truth. While it is an end-to-end solution, a particular user will only be exposed to certain functionalities. The beauty of MTWO is that it has an open architecture with open APIs, and this allows for it to interface with other tools within the construction value chain. For example, many of our clients are users of Microsoft Project or Primavera, as well as SAP or Oracle, which can integrate into our platform.”

Adopting new technology often requires a mindset change and Skudder points to Covid-19, where a surprising number of people are effortlessly using platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. “Introducing new technologies should not necessitate the employment of new people but should encourage the upskilling of existing employees.”

Many companies within the Southern African region believe that MTWO is a ‘firstworld solution’. “South Africa has some of the best trained and qualified engineers, project managers and site agents in the world, and contracting in South Africa is very similar to contracting in other parts of the world. RIB CSS is building up a list of successful reference cases in South Africa. MTWO provides a unique opportunity for owners, developers and contractors to embrace this technology and create a more collaborative, transparent, efficient and productive industry.”