GIRI Technology Working Group discusses latest construction technologies
12 Sep 24John Priestland, chair of GIRI's Technology Working Group, reports on the topics and discussions at the group's recent meetings.
The GIRI Technology Working Group (TWG) brings together quality managers and technology providers to look at ways in which technology can help reduce errors. It articulates the problems and the causes of those problems and the types of technology that can make a difference. It shares best practice and advice on the complex mix of technology, people and process that is necessary to bring about effective change.
Much of the TWG’s focus in recent months has been on technologies from start-ups, so it was very interesting to bring together a panel of large AEC software vendors for our June meeting. Quam Adewale (Microsoft), Dan Corbett (Procore) and Elias Onaolapo (Google) joined us to share their thoughts about how their suites of products can be brought together to support the construction industry. Key themes included the distinct nature of the challenges that construction faces, the fragmented nature of the sector, and the need to combine project, financial and design information.
For our July meeting, the focus was on information from drones and how visualisation environments made up of a combination of photogrammetry, LiDAR scans and BIM information can create a compelling virtual environment – to trial, practise, simulate and learn, as well as to spot clashes and pinch points. Our guest was Joe Charles from GHD who was demonstrating the Digital Twin Online (DTO) system. This has been used successfully in the water, nuclear and rail sectors. Information captured by drones is increasingly being combined with computervision AI systems to spot errors, omissions and non-conformities, as well as track progress.
In the coming months, the TWG will be considering other technology types that can impact errors, including schedule checkers and automated design software. GIRI will be producing a new technology report later in the year, building on the analysis and methodology set out in the 2023 report and built around a series of case studies that demonstrate best practice.
