Best Use of Technology: Smart Data Collection in Construction
Aston University
Application of novel fibre optic sensors to monitor geo-structures
This entry explores the intricate connections between climate change, city infrastructure, and geotechnical engineering. It discusses how climate shifts affect soil behaviour, exposing the vulnerability of geo-structures to extreme weather. The approach merges geotechnical engineering, material science (specifically 3D printing), and sensor technology to tackle infrastructure monitoring challenges holistically.
One noteworthy aspect is the development of a Polymer Optical Fibre (POF) sensor capable of efficiently measuring various parameters like soil moisture, temperature, and salinity. Its cost-effectiveness and reliability compared to existing sensors make it appealing across industries. Employing advanced tech such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and 3D printing, the system accurately measures soil strain, showcasing an innovative blend of technology and numerical models.
This project aims for a broad impact by addressing geotechnical issues tied to climate change and urbanization, envisioning sustainable urban environments worldwide. It emphasizes societal benefits, including enhanced health, well-being, and prosperity.
EMSOL
Emissions Solutions
The construction industry is facing increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, particularly in urban areas. EMSOL is at the forefront of addressing these challenges with advanced computer vision and comprehensive remote sensor technology delivered as a fully managed service designed to provide real-time, actionable data on air pollution.
This goes beyond just monitoring (PM10) and encompasses the full range of pollutants, including NO2, which has a significant and proven health impact on on-site teams and the local community living next door to the day-to-day construction activity. EMSOL is uniquely positioned to lead the construction industry towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
By leveraging our advanced technology and advocating for necessary regulatory changes, we can drive significant improvements in air quality management.
Giatec
Heathrow Taxiway concrete strength monitoring trials
Giatec working with its partners, Heidelberg materials, engaged with Mace and sub-contractors, Oliver Connell to try and provide an innovative solution to speed up the reinstatement of pavement quality concrete on a taxiway at Heathrow Airport and provide an accurate, digital solution to the monitoring of concrete strength and temperature.
Using the SmartRock concrete sensors the project stakeholders were able to have in situ concrete data at their fingertips. The real-time data provided demonstrated the early strength gain of the concrete, giving the confidence needed to reinstate the taxiway for airport traffic. Based on the results from the initial trial using the sensors, the concrete had gained its designed strength 14 days early compared with the original project programme.
The potential of using SmartRock in future projects has the potential to save significant programme time, project costs, reduce risk and ultimately provide better service and value to the end client.
JN Bentley
The Anderton Boat Lift, built in 1875, is the oldest working boat lift in the world, known as the Cathedral of the Canals. It has undergone multiple renovations, with the latest due in 2024. Previously, defect tracking was cumbersome, involving photographs and written notes.
The project team adopted OpenSpace, a 360-reality capture software, to streamline this process. OpenSpace maps 360 photos to the project floorplan, creating a visual record for review and analysis. It integrates with Autodesk Construction Cloud, allowing detailed defect tracking and progress monitoring.
This technology has transformed the defect tracking process, saving time and ensuring no defects are missed. OpenSpace is now used on over 20 projects and shared with a global design team, making it an efficient method for capturing site data and tracking issues.
Laing O'Rourke
Logistics DNA
Embracing Construction 4.0, Laing O'Rourke, in partnership with Converge, has developed an advanced track and trace system at its Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction (CEMC) precast factory. This innovative system has been deployed at the contractor’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities project for the University of Oxford.
Utilising technologies such as machine learning, IoT (Internet of Things), and Digital Twins, the system integrates sensors with 3,600 precast components. Gateways strategically placed around the factory, the project site, and on equipment, track component movements in real-time. This data collection allows for precise geolocation of each component, enhancing efficiency by speeding up product location, inspection, and loading processes.
Additionally, the system provides previously unseen insights into operations, identifying opportunities for productivity improvements. This project exemplifies Laing O'Rourke's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to revolutionise construction practices and drive operational excellence.
Morrison Water Services
VariSim Delta
Working with HAL, we designed our leakage analytics platform to provide a complete network management system. This technology can be applied beyond leakage detection, predicting bursts, water quality and transient identification.
The solution uses acoustic loggers, flow meters and high-frequency sampling pressure sensors, underpinned by the VariSim Delta digital twin, using near real-time data to drive a hydraulic model of Yorkshire Water’s network. MWS is the exclusive UK supplier of VariSim Delta which uses IOT devices, including flow meters, water quality, temperature, and pressure sensors, with high-frequency sampling of acoustic loggers to create an identical digital replica of a water network.
As the software is data agnostic, we can integrate new sensors, currently under development, utilise emerging areas in soft robotics and multi-parameter probes. Yorkshire Water’s network management system identifies leaks, optimises assets, calculates real-time water balances, identifies anomalies and 'unaccounted for water', provides water quality analytics, and design recommendations.
Qualis Flow
Pioneering waste & delivery data collection in construction
Qflow is on a mission to become the market-leading system for construction projects to capture and harness material and waste data on live sites. Qflow is targeting not only the UK but also the US & Australia.
Qflow has a team of 53 and is currently deployed on construction projects valued at $15 billion. Our female co-founders started this journey in May 2018 and have built a strong clientele over the years.
The company has undergone two investment rounds, raising a total of $12.7 million in investment to date. Qualis Flow has great potential and is trusted by our investors, customers & followers in the digital construction space.
Wernick Power Solutions
Wernick Power Solutions’ Innovative Approach to Smart Data Collection
Our innovative data collection system offers site-specific energy management solutions, integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure or functioning as standalone units. Implemented at Kier Dunball Sluice since 2022, the system has demonstrated significant benefits in 2023.
It features remote management, smart services, and real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing users to set energy usage rules and access comprehensive data. Utilising Victron Remote Management and LiveLink systems, we provide accurate, real-time insights into power usage, solar generation, battery performance, and CO2 reductions.
This represents a marked improvement over conventional estimation methods. At Kier Dunball Sluice in 2023, the system achieved £37,944 in savings, avoided 148,463 kg of CO2e emissions, and saved 39,654 litres of fuel. Silent running accounted for 75% of operations. Our scalable technology empowers users with detailed reporting and remote monitoring, supporting sustainability goals across multiple projects.
Future plans include expanding renewable energy integration and enhancing remote capabilities.