While construction will always result in a tangible product, It is becoming increasingly common for buildings to have a ‘digital twin’.
Digital twins in construction are virtual models that represent physical assets, processes, or systems in real-time, allowing for simulation, monitoring, and optimisation throughout the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure.
Cesar Fragachan, Founder of Aalter.AI, has embraced the concept of digital twins in construction and is keenly focused on developing the technology.
He will be speaking at Offsite Expo in the Digital Technology Masterclass, but before then, he gave Offsite Hub his insight into how the technology is developing.
How are digital technologies like BIM transforming the planning, design, and execution phases of industrialised construction projects?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become a key component of coordination and project management in industrialised construction.
The next evolution of BIM involves integrating intelligence into building components through parametric and computational design workflows.
The incorporation of AI and cognitive applications is revolutionising the design process, optimising workflows, and enabling real-time analysis of building data.
Additionally, real-time rendering tools powered are providing fully immersive, customisable experiences for various stakeholders, enhancing project visualisation and collaboration.
What role does offsite construction play in industrialised construction, and how are digital tools enhancing these processes?
Offsite construction is a pivotal element of industrialised construction, offering advantages like improved quality control, reduced waste, and faster build times.
Digital tools are enhancing these processes by closing the gap between the physical and digital realms.
Parametric design workflows, which embed physical rules within digital models, are streamlining design and manufacturing, embodying the principles of Kaizen.
The future lies in digital fabrication, where a seamless feedback loop between the physical and digital – creating a true digital twin – will eliminate redundancies and further optimise production.
In what ways is digital technology influencing sustainability and environmental impact within industrialised construction?
Digital technology is playing an increasingly vital role in promoting sustainability in industrialised construction by optimising design and resource management.
Cognitive applications allow for more accurate assessments of environmental impact and energy efficiency.
By automating many aspects of the design process, these tools enable the creation of buildings that are optimised for sustainability from the outset.
As digital fabrication becomes more advanced, these workflows will further support sustainable practices by minimising waste and improving material efficiency.
This holistic approach to design and construction helps ensure that projects meet stringent environmental standards and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
What are the main challenges and barriers to the widespread adoption of digital technologies in industrialised construction, and how can the industry overcome them?
The main barriers to adopting digital technologies in industrialised construction include resistance to change, low risk tolerance, and concerns about the high costs of potential failure.
These challenges are often linked to the unique delivery pipelines and problems faced by different companies.
To overcome these barriers, the focus should be on identifying and solving core problems rather than viewing specific technologies as one-size-fits-all solutions.
The industry should prioritise eliminating inefficiencies and automating repetitive tasks.
After a thorough diagnosis, appropriate technologies can be prescribed as solutions to address these challenges in a tailored and meaningful way.
What are your thoughts on Offsite Expo, and can you give us a teaser of what you will be speaking about in the Industrialised Construction and Digital Technology masterclass session?
Offsite Expo is an outstanding platform to explore the latest advancements in construction technology and offsite manufacturing while connecting with like-minded professionals shaping the future of the industry.
In the Industrialised Construction and Digital Technology masterclass session, I will present Aalter.ai’s core technology, which automates design and manufacturing pipelines using AI.
Our technology enables the creation of custom building configurators, and we are excited about the possibilities of achieving mass customisation in construction.
We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and making mass customisation a reality
