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Automation in Construction Project Execution – A Theoretical Framework
Alsheikh, Yousef Awni
Alsheikh, Yousef Awni
Description
A Master of Science thesis in Engineering Systems Management by Yousef Awni Alsheikh entitled, “Automation in Construction Project Execution – A Theoretical Framework”, submitted in July 2019. Thesis advisor is Dr. Salwa Beheiry. Soft and hard copy available.
Abstract
Technology utilization and digitization is the new trend in the construction industry. It ensures a smooth flow of information and exchange of data among different stakeholders in construction projects. Construction automation can be defined as a self-regulating process where the use of self-governing mechanical and electrical devices in addition to computer software, programs and data-acquiring technologies in order to carry out jobsite activities and operations automatically or with minimal human intervention [1]. The aim of this thesis is to develop an Automation in Construction Index (AICI) to measure the level of adoption of automation in construction project execution, in terms of the cost and time of the project. Furthermore, factors from the literature were highlighted to best represent AICI which are Internet of Things, Building Information Modelling, Robotics and 3D Printing. To validate the factors that were drawn from the literature, a panel of eleven construction industry professionals and ten academics was consulted. The Relative Importance Index (RII) methodology was used out as a quantitative approach to rank the importance of applications/technologies to the automation process in terms of time and cost. All factors obtained from the literature were deemed important by the panel, in varying degrees. The results ranged from RII values equal to 0.819 and 0.848 in terms of cost and time respectively for the integration of Building Information Modelling and Augmented Reality to RII values equal to 0.495 and 0.571 in terms of cost and time for the 3D printing. In addition, results from RII were used to assign weights for each application in terms of cost and time in order to develop the AICI. These weights are essential as they indicate the level of contribution of each factor/application to the overall project’s automation level. Hence, anticipating the cost and time deviation of the construction projects.