CMA403: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION

About This Course

This course introduces students to the information and communication technology as used in the general working environment and specifically for the construction industry. The syllabus encompasses the importance of ICT in the construction industry. It covers the current topics related to ICT technology in managing construction projects.

Topics in this course:

1. Overview of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Construction Industry

1.1) ICT technology

1.2) The project teams

1.3) The built environment

1.4) Revolution of computing (Role of ICT in Industry Revolution (IR))

1.5) The impact of ICT in construction industry

2. Computer Application in Construction

2.1) Overview of application software for construction

2.2) Computers in building design (i.e.: Computer aided design and visualisation)

2.3) Computers in construction tendering

2.4) Computers in project management (i.e.: Project planning, scheduling and site management)

2.5) Computers in building operation (i.e.: smart building)

3. Software / Applications and Devices

3.1) Interactive presentation software

3.2) Database management

3.3) Statistical analysis, costing and budgeting, etc.

3.4) Project management software

3.5) Construction devices (i.e.: Virtual reality, 3D print, drones, etc.)

3.6) Any appropriate ICT applications/software and devices used for construction projects

4. Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM)

4.1) BIM overview

4.2) BIM related software (i.e.: Autodesk Revit, etc.)

4.3) Application of Virtual Construction and Modelling

5. Cloud Computing in The Construction Industry

5.1) Trends (delivery, sustainability, collaboration, digitalisation, safety, data security)

5.2) IoT (Internet of Things) technology

5.3) Collaboration and networking tools

6. Big Data in The Construction Industry

6.1) The roles, opportunities, challenges, and future trends

7. ICT and Society: Issues, Opportunities, and Challenges

7.1) Employment and productivity

7.2) Privacy

7.3) Security

7.4) Ethics

Definition

The term "information and communication technology" (ICT) refers to the use of communication and information technologies together. ICT in the construction sector comprises the use of IT tools for infrastructure project design, building, operation, and management. ICT has altered how the construction industry views issues including the environment, health and safety, gender equity, greater industry confidence, and the need to adopt new technology, among other things. ICT in the construction sector comprises the use of IT tools for infrastructure project design, building, operation, and management.

Examples of Information Technology In Construction

1. Mobile Device Management

By providing instant access to project information, mobile devices have improved the efficiency of work on construction sites. Software can be used to handle practically every aspect of a construction project, including pre-construction planning and scheduling, work orders, status updates, time tracking, maintenance, safety, accounting, and more.

In today's fast-paced climate, when real-time data is required to make the best decisions for a business, mobile devices are a need. For instance, if a project is running behind time, the central office may decide to change the manpower that day.

Devices are utilised in a different scenario to keep track of preventive maintenance work. A technician's ability to review the equipment's history while he is standing next to it is far more valuable.

2. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is another tool that makes current technology in construction possible. Data will be a key component of operations in 2020, as has already been mentioned by others. Building on the discussion of mobile devices from earlier, cloud architecture offers the construction sector a number of advantages. In general, cloud-based solutions handle data more quickly than traditional hardware while also being more flexible and scalable as a company grows.

Of course, adequate security measures ought to be in place to prevent data loss or theft. But when appropriate security protocols are in place, cloud architecture is frequently just as safe as or even safer than traditional design. Along with switching to cloud-based architecture, a sound security plan should be created.

3. Asset Management

At a sizable building site, managing the location and condition of assets can be very challenging. Thankfully, easily accessible low-cost technology has made asset management simpler.

Important assets can be located electronically using software and electronic tags, RFID chips, or other comparable technology (likely with the use of a mobile device). As a result, employees won't have to waste time on the job looking for crucial equipment. Similar to this, planners may always be aware of the location of key assets and modify schedules accordingly.

4. Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Digital representations of actual buildings are used by Building Information Management (BIM) to promote teamwork and communication on construction sites. An interactive 3D model is created using scanning cameras, and it may be applied to a variety of situations.

On demand, a fresh, updated model can be created, enabling all stakeholders to see the project's most recent status. Without even visiting the site, progress may be visually reviewed using this modern methodology. As a result, everyone on the team is able to comprehend the project's objectives, deadlines, and current state.

Other uses for BIM include future planning, site closure and demolition, as well as training on the job site. Future growth in BIM usage will coincide with the adoption of digital technologies.