Welcome, Introduction & Progress Report

Peter Rebbeck, Chairman of Construct IT

Prof. Farzad Khosrowshahi, Director of Construct IT

Dr. Jason Underwood, Manager of Construct IT

Facilitated Workshop: Future of Technology

This facilitated workshop will focus on the future of technology and innovation within the construction sector. Mark will set the scene by presenting an industry perspective reflecting on the advancement of technology by the construction sector to-date. Mark will then discuss the future of technology and innovation and its potential impact on the industry. The scene will further be set by Mustafa who will address the implementation of advanced ICT in construction organisations and the level of impact that organisational readiness has on the successful absorption of ICT into their work practices. Following the two presentations, the workshop will provide the opportunity for delegates to discuss and reflect on the issues presented from the industry and academic perspectives and current adoption and implementation of innovation, and explore visioning the future of innovation and leading-edge technology in developing core business capabilities.

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Thursday 25th May 2006

In addition to the set of tools used to support its 3D and, more recently, 4D drawing capability, Bovis Lend Lease Technology has developed a unique design delivery tool – WhiteBOX – the benefits of which can be realised both in the design stage and in construction and delivery. David will present WhiteBOX, an intelligent single source object-orientated design platform where data relating to one project component is coordinated with that of others. Data is produced by using intelligent 3D objects, allowing the generation of a huge amount of fabrication and installation information at the outset and at a cost lower than 2D or conventional 3D design packages. The system can produce automated scheduling, material 'take offs', reports and change control notices over the life of a project and beyond.

John has been involved in the use of 3D CAD for design and visualisation in context since 1985. Over that time there have been some significant changes that have led to a personal focus on remote sensed information acquired in different ways and how 3D modelling might usefully be integrated with it. In a recent IST funded project (Valhalla) web based remotely controlled live video was synchronised with CAD derived modelling to improve understanding of the content. Another project has explored the potential of wireless devices for real-time tracking of people and assets to better understand their interactions. Current work with the Environment Agency on an Interreg funded project (VEPS) is looking at how most effectively to model planned change for visualisation and analysis in highly accurate remote sensed Lidar based 3D environments.

Jane will present mProve, a system that MWH have developed to map and drive their project decision making. It is a templated environment built around the project workflow for the full lifecycle of the project. The mProve system brings particular benefits to large programmes and has been implemented on the United Utilities AMP3 capital programme and Southern Waters AMP4 programme. The flexibility of the system however means it is equally applicable on single projects, such as the decommissioning of a nuclear reactor at Winfrith. Jane will discuss how the system provides MWH with real benefits in terms of information management, decision making and efficiency.

The presentation will discuss why Pearce Group decided to replace their traditional paper based snagging process with mobile computing and a computerised defect management system. Delivered as a case study the issues relating to process review, technology, communications and culture shift will be examined fully, the presentation will conclude with live demonstration of the electronic snagging process now in place.