In the sustainable future research theme of our Construction 4.0 project, we ensure that our transformation is environmentally sustainable. In this research theme, existing greenhouse gas emission datasets (e.g. ecoInvent, BRANZ CO2NSTRUCT) for building materials and products will be adapted and extended to represent the NZ construction situation. They will be used to calculate the…
Our last research theme is intended to ensure we remain on top of emerging technologies. The Construction 4.0 technologies theme will be research driven to investigate emerging artificial intelligence approaches (typically developed for domains outside of construction) applicable to our research programmes and adapt emerging computing techniques to the complex requirements of Construction 4.0 data.…
The knowledge transfer research theme within our Construction 4.0 project will develop an alternative to traditional linear knowledge or technology required to create transformation. It will investigate the unique organisation and sector specific characteristics of knowledge and technology transfer in the construction sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. This new approach will draw on the principles…
The mātauranga Māori project is focused on building a uniquely Māori framework to address Construction 4.0. So far, we have introduced our over-arching data connectivity standardisation research theme and our three research programs (circular design, smart construction and monitoring 4.0) – we have three more to overview – Mātauranga Māori and construction 4.0, technology transfer…
The third research program in our Construction 4.0 program is the development of Monitoring 4.0. (the other two programs are Circular Design and Smart Construction). The Monitoring 4.0 research will develop a framework for: objective/improved monitoring and performance assessment of structural systems using in-situ data and numerical models; and optimal instrumentation plans to maximise the…
Smart construction leads and follows smart design. Smart construction is the second research program that we have in our Construction 4.0 project (the first being smart design and the third being smart monitoring, which we will highlight next week). This program will investigate the intrinsic properties and invariant signatures of construction objects, such as footings,…
As part of our wider Construction 4.0 Endeavour Funded project, this research program will challenge the established design procedures and processes used in NZ construction. This circular design approach will be led by our General Manager Welding Centre, Michail Karpenko; and General Manager Structural Systems, Kaveh Andisheh. Automation/digitilisation/connectivity of construction methods and processes is the…
Communication is power, and like any power – how you use it matters! The power of communication however, does not come easily. It requires consistency, a commitment to be transparent, speak your views (even if not popular), and be genuine. If done well, it shines a light on issues, brings people together and helps them…
In order to deliver on our Construction 4.0 program, we need to develop the overarching Construction 4.0 data connectivity standardisation. Construction 4.0 processes require vertical integration of an enterprise’s systems, and horizontal integration of collaborative networks and end-to-end solutions across the value chain. This requires a protocol whereby Construction 4.0 data can be readily shared…
Last week, I introduced our multi disciplinary Construction 4.0 research team. Today I am going to overview the key research themes and programs. Of course, in our Industry 4.0 research, there are intimately inter-connecting and should not be thought of as siloed research programs of work, but rather as integrated, interconnecting and interfacing parts of…
Major international collaboration led by HERA to position Aotearoa’s construction sector at the forefront of Construction 4.0 I was on leave in the middle of the Australian bush, koala spotting when we got the great news that our Endeavour Funding bid for $10.3 million had been successful. It is a project proposal that we had…
This coming Friday will be Aotearoa New Zealand’s first ever Matariki celebrated nationwide. Although I am totally here for it, for many in our industry Matariki probably just means another ‘day off’ from work. If that is you, l’d like to challenge that thinking, because in my opinion, what Matariki should represent to you is…