Assessing Construction Transformation and Implication on Future Production Flow System

Construction has witnessed great transformation since its cradle. The material, product and production subsystems have changed. Plant and heavy equipment have been introduction in the procurement process. The changes have disrupted production flow system at different milestone in its developmental history. The most recent development called Construction 4.0 is a digitalized era where interconnectivity of things is transforming the construction system with promising disruptions once again if fully actualised. Unlike the prevailing Construction 3.0 that relies more on hard technology, the unique feature of Construction 4.0 era blends both hard and soft technologies equally in its operation. This enables automation of machines and their interconnectivity to communicate and perform tasks. These technologies are at different levels of development and tests. Researchers seem to have paid less attention in assessing their implication on the future construction workflow. Understanding this is prerequisite to proper planning for early adoption into construction systems flow for early and maximum benefits. This work appraised 21 relevant technologies that are at the frontiers of construction 4.0. While some of these technologies might not have been initiated from the construction domain nor being construction specific, their application in the construction sector have been clearly availed. The technologies were subsequently classified along their relevance in construction procurement stages. This provides information for easy identification and choice of construction 4.0 technologies to meeting construction solutions. This also enriches literature on the subject. Professionals and investors should get prepared and be guided on informed decisions in achieving Construction 4.0.

construction 4.0, digital technology, innovation, production flow system, industrial revolution

1. Abbood, H. M. and Al Ghanimi, A. K. (2019). Smart Materials Technologies and Applications in Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energies. Journal of Advanced Research in Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Akshatha, D., Vimala, M., Sahana, S. and Manjula, M. (2017). Robotics in construction technology. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science and Engineering (IJARSE), 6(10):547-553. www.ijrse.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ammar, A, Nassereddine, H., AbdulBaky, N., AbouKansour, A., Tannoury, J., Urban, H. and Schranz, C. (2022). Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: A Perspective of Practitioners and Building Authority. Front. Built Environ. 8:834671. doi: 10.3389/fbuil.2022.834671 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Apriliyanti, M. and Ilham, M. (2022). "Challenges of The Industrial Revolution Era 1.0 to 5.0: University Digital Library in Indoensia" (2022). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 6994. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/6994 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Arora, Y. and Goyal, D. (2015). Big Data Technologies: Brief Overview. International Journal of Computer Applications, 131(9): (0975 – 8887). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Azeez, A. and Adjekpiyede, O. O. (2022). Digital Twin Technology: A review of Its applications and prominent challenges. Covenant Journal of Informatics & Communication Technology, 10(1):120-129. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Barnes, A. (2024). Hologram Projector Guide: Types, Uses, and Comparisons. Obtained from: https://luminafans.com/blogs/hologram-blog/hologram-projector [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bento, A. and Bento, R. (2011). Cloud computing: a new phase in information technology management. Journal of Information Technology Management, XXII(1):39-46 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Bhalekar, T. and Dubal, A. (2021). Smart materials in construction: a review. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), 8(6):121-123. www.jetir.org [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Bhowmik, S. (2017). Cloud computing. Cambridge University Press 2017. University PrintingHouse, Cambridge CB2 8BS, United Kingdom. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Biamonte, J., Wittek, P., Pancotti, N., Rebentrost, P., Wiebe, N., and Lloyd, S. (2017). Quantum Machine Learning. Nature, 549(7671):195–202. Obtained from: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature23474 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Bock, T., Linner, T. and Ikeda, W. (2014). Exoskeleton and Humanoid Robotic Technology in Construction and Built Environment. DOI: 10.5772/27694 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Booysen, M.J., Gilmore, J.S., Zeadally, S. and j.van Rooyen, G. (2011). Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications in vehicular networks. KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems x(x):143-147. DOI: 10.3837/Tiis.0000.00.000 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Boton, C. and Forgues, D. (n.d). The next revolution in the construction industry. Construction 4.0 Building Transformations. Obtained from https://www.buildingtransformations.org/articles/construction-4-0 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Charahjanloo, S. (2023). Five (5) Applications of Smart Sensor in Construction. Construction Magazine. Obtained from: https://neuroject.com/smart-sensor/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Chan, D. M. W., Olawumi, T. O. and Ho, A. M. L. (2019). Perceived benefits of and barriers to Building Information Modelling (BIM) implementation in construction: The case of Hong Kong. Journal of Building Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100764 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. DaValle, A. and Azhar, S. (2020). An Investigation of Mixed Reality Technology for Onsite Construction Assembly. MATEC Web of Conferences 312, 06001 (2020) EPPM2018. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202031206001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Dupont, Q. F. M., Chau, D. K. H., Tashrif, A. and Abbott, E. L. S. (2017). Potential Applications of UAV along the Construction’s Value Chain. Procedia Engineering 182 (2017) 165 – 173. 7th International Conference on Engineering, Project, and Production Management. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Elghaish, F., Matarneh, S. T., and Alhusban, M. (2021). The application of “deep learning” in construction site management: scientometric, thematic and critical analysis. Construction Innovation Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-10-2021-019 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Fuller, A., Fan, Z., Day, C. and Barlow, C. (2020). Digital Twin: Enabling Technologies, Challenges and Open Research. IEEE Access journal. DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2998358, [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Government Office for Science (2021). Rapid Technology Assessment: Digital Twins. Summary of report, UK. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Gunturi, M. (2021). A review on the Internet of Things in civil engineering: enabling technologies, applications and challenges. E3S Web of Conferences 309, 01209 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202130901209 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Brooks, R. A. (1991). Intelligence without representation. Artificial Intelligence, 47(1991):139- 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-3702(91)90053-M. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Keates, Fiona (June 25, 2012). "A Brief History of Computing". The Repository. The Royal Society. Fuente: https://humanidades.com/en/third-industrial-revolution/#ixzz8ZZwYfShO [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Holzmann, V. and Lechiara, M. (2022). Artificial intelligence in construction projects: an explorative study of professionals’ expectations. European Journal of Business and Management Research, 7(3):151-162. DOI: 10.24018/ejbmr.2022.7.3.1432 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Hultgren, M. and Pajala F. (2018). Blockchain technology in construction industry-transparency and traceability in supply chain. Masters Of Science Thesis; Royal Institute of Technology Department of Real Estate and Construction Management, Stockholm, Sweden 2018. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Jain, R. and Kokate, P. (2017). Implementation of Virtual Reality in Construction Industry. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science, 1(11):67-69. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Kalfa, S. M. (2018). Building information modeling (BIM) systems and their applications in Turkey. Journal of Construction Engineering, Management & Innovation, 1(1):55-66. https://doi.org/10.31462/jcemi.2018.01055066 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Kanamori, Y. and Yoo, S. M. (2020). "Quantum Computing: Principles and Applications," Journal of International Technology and Information Management: Vol. 29: Iss. 2, Article 3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58729/1941-6679.1410. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Kaplan, A., and Haenlein, M. (2019). Siri, Siri, in my hand: Who’s the fairest in the land? On the interpretations, illustrations, and implications of artificial intelligence. Business Horizons, 62(1), 15–25. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Karimov, N., Sarybaev, M., Kaipnazarov, A., Djumageldiev, N., Reymbae, R., and Kholdarova, F. (2024). Historical development of construction techniques: from ancient architecture to modern engineering. Technical Institute Bijeljina, Archives for Technical Sciences. Year XVI – N 0 31. le http://dx.doi.org/10.70102/afts.2024.1631.036 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Kathe, S. D., Lunawat, D., Mane, H. M., Wadhonkar, M. and Shaikh, S. S. (2022). Applications of automation and robotics in construction work. Journal of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 12(5):1-4. DOI: 10.37421/2165-784X.2022.12.451. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Konarzewska, B. (2017). Smart Materials in Architecture: Useful Tools with Practical Applications or Fascinating Inventions for Experimental Design? IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 245 (2017) 052098. doi:10.1088/1757- 899X/245/5/052098 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Kulkarni, S. S., Bagewadi, S., Desai, A. and Kulkarni, S. (2021). Artificial Intelligence Methods in Construction Industry-A Survey. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 9(14):4-6. Published by, www.ijert.org [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Latiffi, A. A., Brahim, J. and Fathi, M. S. (2014). The Development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Definition. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 567(2014):625-630. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.567.625. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Liu, Z., Meyendorf, N. and Mrad, N. (2018). “The role of data fusion in predictive maintenance using digital twin,” in Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, (Provo, Utah, USA), p. 020023. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Lund-Nielsen, P. (2022). 3D Printing is Transforming the Construction Industry. Obtained from: https://www.sme.org/technologies/articles/2022/june/3d-printing-is-transforming-the- construction-industry/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Madubuike, O. C., Anumba, C. J. and Khallaf, R. (2022). A review of digital twin applications in construction. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), Vol. 27, pg. 145-172. DOI: 10.36680/j.itcon.2022.008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Mahajan, G. (2021). Applications of drone technology in construction industry: A tsudy 2012- 2021. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT), 11(1):224- 239. DOI: 10.35940/ijeat. A3165.1011121 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Mohajan, H. K. (2019). The First Industrial Revolution: Creation of a New Global Human Era. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(4):377-387. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Onungwa, I. O., Uduma-Olugu, N. and Igwe, J.M. (2017). Building information modelling as a construction management tool in Nigeria. WIT Transactions on The Built Environment, doi:10.2495/BIM170031. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Patel, K. K. and Patel, S. M. (2016). Internet of Things-IOT: Definition, Characteristics, Architecture, Enabling Technologies, Application & Future Challenges. International Journal of Engineering Science and Computing, 6(5):6122-6131. DOI 10.4010/2016.1482, [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Prakash, B. B. (2016). 3D printing and its application. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). Volume 5 Issue 3, March.2016. Obtained from: www.ijsr.net [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Preskill, J. (2018). Quantum Computing in the NISQ Era and Beyond. Quantum, 2, 79. Obtained from: https://doi.org/10.22331/q-2018-08-06-79 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Pryke, S. (2009). Construction Supply Chain Management. Hoboken: Wiley. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Rao, A. S., Radanovic, M., Liu, Y., Hu, S., Fang, Y., Khoshelham, K., Palaniswami, M. and Ngo, T. (2022). Real-time monitoring of construction sites: Sensors, methods, and applications. Automation in construction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.104099 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Robinson, R. N. (2018). Artificial Intelligence: Its Importance, Challenges and Applications in Nigeria. Direct Research Journal of Engineering and Information Technology. volume 5, pp36-41. Doi: https://doi.org/10.26765/DRJA625194780. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Rosman, M. R., and Mahmud, N. S. (2021). Passive Exoskeleton Safety Jacket for Use in Construction Projects. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(5):190–210. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Salazar, J. and Silvestre, S. (2017). Internet of things. TechPedia, European Virtual Learning Platform for Electrical and Information Engineering. Obtained from: http://www.techpedia.eu [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Sanda, B., Abdel-Qader, I., and Akanmu, A. (2014). Reducing tracking error in RFID real-timelocalization systems using Kalman Filters. International Journal of Handheld Computing Research (IJHCR), 5(3):1-24. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Sepasgozar, S. M. and Shirowzhan, S. (2016). Challenges and opportunities for implementation of laser scanners in building construction. Paper presented at the ISARC. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction. Systems, P. (2020). University of Virginia. Obtained from: https://www.prologuesystems.com/prologueprojects/university-of-virginia [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Schwab, C. (2016). The Fourth Industrial Revolution: what it means, how to respond. Obtained from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/01/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-what-it-means- and-how-to-respond/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Shafei, H., Radzi, A. R., Algahtany, M. and Rahman, R. A. (2022). Construction 4.0 Technologies and decision-making: a systematic review and gap analysis. Buildings 2022, 12(12):2206; Obtained from: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122206 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Shiratuddin, M. F., Thabet, W. and Bowman, D. (2004). Evaluating the effectiveness of virtual environment displays for displaying 3D models and tasks in construction. In: Proceedings of the 4th Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality (CONVR 2004), 13 -15 September, Lisbon, Portugal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Statsenko, L., Samaraweera, A., Bakhshi, J. and Chileshe, N. (2022). Construction 4.0 technologies and applications: a systematic literature review of trends and potential areas for development. Construction Innovation Emerald Publishing Limited. DOI 10.1108/CI-07-2021-0135 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Suman, A. and Patel, M. (2021). An Introduction to Blockchain Technology and Its Application in Libraries. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). University of Nebraska – Lincoln. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/6630 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Systems, P. (2020). Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction. University of Virginia. Obtained from https://www.prologuesystems.com/prologueprojects/university- of-virginia [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Ugochukwu, S. C., Akabogu, S. C. and Okolie, K.C. (2015). Status and Perceptions of the Application of Building Information Modeling for Improved Building Projects Delivery in Nigeria. American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER),4(11):176-182. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Rosman, M. R. and Mahmud, N. S. (2021). Passive Exoskeleton Safety Jacket for Use in Construction Projects. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(5):190–210. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Vatan, M. (2017). Evolution of Construction Systems: Cultural Effects On Traditional Structures and Their Reflection On Modern Building Construction. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1744-3.ch002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

61. Verdenhofs, A., Geipele, I. and Tambovceva, T. (2019). Big data in construction industry: systematic literature overview. 13th International Conference on Modern Building Materials, Structures and Techniques, held on 16–17 Ma, Vilnius, Lithuania. Obtained from: https://doi.org/10.3846/mbmst.2019.062 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

62. Woodhead, R., Stephenson, P. and Denise Morrey, D. (2018). Digital construction: From point solutions to IoT ecosystem. Automation in Construction 93 (2018):35–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.05.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

63. Wu, H., Li, Z., King, B., Ben Miled, Z., Wassick, J. and Tazelaar, J. (2017). A distributed ledger for supply chain physical distribution visibility. Integrating process-oriented, event based and data-driven systems. Vol. 8, issue. 4. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

64. Yaman, T. S. (2018). Effects of the 4th industrial revolution on civil engineering with special emphasis on structural engineering – the case of Germany. Engineering Sciences and Technologies 2(29):56-77. DOI: 10.15611/nit.2018.2.04 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

65. Yeem, S., Heo, J., Kim, H. and Kwon, Y. (2019). Technical Analysis of Exoskeleton Robot. World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 7, 68-79. https://doi.org/10.4236/wjet.2019.7100. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

66. Zhang, G.; Chen, C.; Wang, Y.; Tang, R.; Sun, J.; Huang, J. and Wang, X. (2021). Review on sensing technology adoption in the construction industry. Sensors 2021, (21), 8307:1-23. https://doi.org/10.3390/ s2124830 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

67. Zhou, Y. and Zhang, J. (2020). Application Analysis of Holographic Projection Technology in Intelligent Exhibition. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 497. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Literature, Art and Human Development (ICLAHD 2020) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

68. Zulkarnain, N. and Anshari, M. (2016). Big Data: Concept, Applications, & Challenges. International Conference on Information Management and Technology (ICIMTech), held on 16-18 November, at Aston Tropicana Hotel, Bandung, Indonesia [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Impact Of UI/UX Design on User Trust and Task Completion in Civic Tech Platforms
• Solar Cell Photovoltaic Model Shell Sp 75
• Development of an Intelligent Traffic Management System to Address Visibility Obstruction at Urban Intersections: A Case Study of Ibadan Metropolis
• Optimum Placement of Facts Devices on an Interconnected Power Systems Using Particle Swarm Optimisation Technique
• Physiological and Biodegradation Changes Properties of PLA\UHMWPE\PVA Blends During Early Stage of Biodegradation in Vivo