2019 Construction Technology Trends and Predictions

whitePaper | August 2, 2022

The purpose of the Technical Design Requirements for Alberta Infrastructure Facilities (TDR) document is to provide architects, engineers, contractors, client groups, facility administrators and operators involved in designing and building facilities with a comprehensive set of requirements. The requirements have been developed by Alberta Infrastructure Technical Services and Procurement Branch by consolidating best practices information, from the position of knowledgeable owner, as well as national and international subject matter experts. They are based on components and systems which have proven to be reliable and efficient, to meet the needs of the users, and to have acceptable life cycle costs. The requirements are intended as a minimum for planning new facilities and renovating and operating existing facilities. Innovative designs, products, systems and technology are encouraged after thorough evaluation of potential benefits and risks, value analysis and life cycle cost. Early and regular involvement by Technical Services staff is recommended when proposing alternatives.

whitePaper | June 23, 2022

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and often abused acronyms in the engineering vernacular. Many companies struggle to understand how it will improve their entire product lifecycle and address the ever-increasing complexity of products. In many companies, executives and middle management experience a lack of understanding regarding the rapid pace of today’s technology and its impact on organizations and processes. Technical practitioners may gain additional insight as they focus their energies on establishing strong MBSE practices. The successful implementation of MBSE includes transformations and enhancements in three key areas: organization, process and technology. This white paper shares proper planning and implementation considerations in adopting an MBSE practice. It provides a high-level view, defines critical components to help success and identifies many problematic areas to avoid in an implementation journey.

whitePaper | February 20, 2020

Engineering Data Management is all about the creation, version control and fast retrieval of documents. It has little or nothing to do with formal change management, or building a reliable audit trail. Engineering Data Management Systems should make life for the engineer as simple as possible without introducing too much complexity. Document control on the other hand, is the management of documents through their life cycle with a much higher degree of reliability for security, version control, review cycle, visibility, availability and, most importantly, for a controlled and reliable audit trail.

whitePaper | March 14, 2023

MMC is ultimately about improving efficiency and productivity in both design and in construction. It is widely known that construction has a substantial productivity gap compared to many other sectors and MMC has been suggested as one of the methods to tackle this challenge. Although described as a “product-led” type of construction, MMC is also about developing the manufacturing processes and how these processes are executed.

whitePaper | April 11, 2021

Automation in Construction is an international journal for the publication of original research papers. The journal publishes refereed material on all aspects pertaining to the use of Information Technologies in Design, Engineering, Construction Technologies, and Maintenance and Management of Constructed Facilities. The scope of Automation in Construction is broad, encompassing all stages of the construction life cycle from initial planning and design, through construction of the facility, its operation and maintenance, to the eventual dismantling and recycling of buildings and engineering structures.

whitePaper | April 20, 2022

The continued growth and success of cities is one of the great triumphs of modern civilization. Cities are home to the majority of the world’s population and generate more than 80% of GDP. Rapid urbanization has also brought about new challenges as cities have struggled with congestion, pollution, increased carbon emissions, inequity and exposure to natural disasters such as floods and storms. The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have further intensified these issues. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets out the goal of “building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities”. Whereas these goals may be universally accepted, the path to get there is not as clear. Innovation and empowerment of digital technology are critical to transforming our cities. Policy support and institutional change are also essential.