Towards a cyber-physical systems approach to construction

Chimay J. Anumba, Abiola Akanmu, John Messner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

There have been several isolated attempts to automate aspects of the construction project delivery process. These have only been marginally successful and it is increasingly being recognized that significant improvements can only be made through an integrated approach that involves the synergistic integration of information technologies into the project delivery process. A cyber-physical systems approach is expected to reduce the tremendous losses that are directly attributable to the inefficiencies associated with the lack of effective integration. This paper describes a specific effort that seeks to facilitate real-time consistency checking between virtual models and the physical construction. It argues for the effective integration of computational resources (such as wireless sensors, virtual prototyping,real-time tracking and data fusion) with the design and construction process, and outlines how bi-directional consistency can be maintained between the virtual models (which are often ignored once the physical construction commences) and the physical facility. The opportunity offered by the adoption of a cyber-physical systems approach to make the construction process more intelligent and sustainable is discussed and the key benefits highlighted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConstruction Research Congress 2010
Subtitle of host publicationInnovation for Reshaping Construction Practice - Proceedings of the 2010 Construction Research Congress
Pages528-537
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 10 2010
EventConstruction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice - Banff, AB, Canada
Duration: May 8 2010May 10 2010

Publication series

NameConstruction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice - Proceedings of the 2010 Construction Research Congress

Other

OtherConstruction Research Congress 2010: Innovation for Reshaping Construction Practice
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityBanff, AB
Period5/8/105/10/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Building and Construction

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