The Nemetschek Group takes a closer look at the seven construction technology trends taking the industry by storm in 2023, including digital twins, BIM, AI and automation
The architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AEC/O) industry has seen a number of construction technology trends changes in recent years, with digital transformation making good progress. This is the start of a major shift in the AEC/O industry, as data is being utilised in new and innovative ways.
The use of digital twins is becoming increasingly commonplace in the AEC/O industry
By utilising a digital twin, project teams can adopt a fully digital approach, resulting in enhanced collaboration and efficiency. This enables significant cost savings, improved project management and more favourable outcomes for all project stakeholders by centralising all building data in one place. With an ever-increasing focus on providing more sustainable and cost-effective buildings and infrastructure, digital twins have an important role to play in reducing waste, errors, risk, energy consumption and more.
This year, the Nemetschek Group expects to see more integration of digital twins with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, enabling more accurate and detailed virtual replicas of buildings and infrastructure across the entire operational lifecycle. Planning smart cities will be another area where digital twins will offer benefits. There will also be an increase in the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) to visualise digital twins in a more immersive way, helping to improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption is growing rapidly in the AEC/O industry
By using BIM, stakeholders can collaborate more effectively, improve communication and reduce errors and rework. With a perfect storm of labour shortages, material and supply chain issues, stricter sustainability requirements, and wider economic challenges, AEC/O companies need to find more efficient working methods to meet delivery targets and stay competitive.
This year, there will be greater interoperability between BIM software and other technologies, such as digital twinning, IoT and cloud computing, as this will allow for better collaboration and more efficient data management.
There are also likely to be more advanced analytics capabilities being added to BIM software, which will help stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Other developments will see BIM offer more automation options to reduce errors and effort.
AI-based knowledge management
One of the key developments in 2023 is a shift from solution-focused to data-focused project management. Currently, collaborative, cloud-based platforms allow for the management of BIM models, 2D drawings and non-graphical documentation. This enables users to share 2D drawings and 3D models and link all available documents to the right objects in the BIM model.
As technology advances, the management of project data is set to become even more streamlined and automated. For example, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be used to automatically determine which drawings belong to which project and match them to existing 3D models, with minimal human input. Even though many planners still use 2D drawings, this change has advantages for multiple parties, including saving time and increasing design quality.
Data-driven design automation and parametric modelling will increase this year
Visual programming is making it easier for architects and engineers without scripting skills to customise automation to their needs. For example, automated clash detection, automatic generation of fabrication and construction drawings, and other automation capabilities are being added to BIM software, which can help to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
It can also help remove repetitive tasks within the design process and fulfil broader workflow needs, such as quality checks or rule-based design analysis. By aligning CAD and BIM tools with the designer’s process, it will result in greater efficiency during the design process, which is particularly important as consultancies look to improve productivity.
Connected BIM will help analyse and visualise information throughout the building lifecycle
A term that will be on everybody’s lips is “Connected BIM”. This refers to the ability to connect data throughout the entire lifecycle of a building or asset. While this is facilitated by openBIM, cloud computing, and IoT sensors, Connected BIM will provide the ability to analyse and visualise information from different stages and sources of the building lifecycle to gain insights, make better decisions and optimise the building performance (what we at Nemetschek also call Building Lifecycle Management.) For AEC/O professionals, Connected BIM will enhance information transfer and integrity, as well as the ability to connect various solutions using openBIM.
In terms of operations, facilities management is increasingly utilising digital twins by incorporating sensors for Building Lifecycle Management. This allows for live data monitoring to inform decision-making, particularly for future operations. This may include areas such as energy consumption, space allocation, asset performance, usage efficiency optimisation and structural health monitoring. By connecting this information to other sources through openBIM, it will enable further insights and provide actual performance data to inform future projects.
Advanced visualisation with extended reality
Extended reality (XR) technologies such as VR and AR are being used to improve communication and collaboration among stakeholders. For example, VR can be used to create virtual walkthroughs of buildings and infrastructure, which can help to improve communication among designers, engineers and builders. AR can be used to overlay digital information in real-world environments, which can be used to improve communication among workers on-site and train them.
In addition, XR technologies can be used to improve design and construction processes. For example, VR can be used to conduct virtual mock-ups and testing, which can help to reduce errors and rework. AR can be used to provide workers with real-time information on-site, such as construction schedules and safety procedures, which can help to improve efficiency and safety.
The metaverse is another area that is expected to gain more attention in the AEC/O industry this year. As an extension of XR, the metaverse offers project teams a unique environment for collaboration.
Additionally, it offers the potential for a centralised project setup where all the model data can be hosted, streamlining collaboration, design prototyping, BIM coordination and visualisation. The potential benefits of the metaverse are significant for the construction industry and so will this topic be one of the hottest ones to watch in 2023.
Green construction trends
The trend towards green building is driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of both buildings and their construction process, as well as the need to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, almost 40% of all carbon emissions are caused by the construction industry and 20% of all materials are wasted – both of which are alarming statistics that need to change.
This year, several key developments are expected to take place in the green building space. Net zero energy buildings will continue to be popular, with energy savings made through the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, energy-efficient design and energy storage systems. Passive design techniques – such as natural ventilation and daylighting, which can help to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality – will also become more prevalent.
There will also be more emphasis placed on building performance and management for optimum energy efficiency, which ties into the growing trend for digitalisation.
Construction technology trends will shape the future of the AEC/O industry
The AEC/O industry is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and trends, and 2023 is set to be no different. From the adoption of BIM and digital twins to the rise of green building, automation and even the potential of the metaverse, it’s clear that the industry is moving towards a more digital, data-driven and sustainable future.
By embracing these technologies, architects, engineers and contractors can work more efficiently, reduce errors and improve the performance of buildings and infrastructure. It will be exciting to see how these trends continue to evolve and impact the built environment.
Desiree Goldstein
Manager Communication
Nemetschek Group
mediarelations@nemetschek.com
www.nemetschek.com
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