As the construction industry continues to face increased pressures amidst a global skills shortage, Martin Harvey from McAvoy discusses how offsite plus digital innovation remains a key means to streamline the industry’s methods
Modern methods of construction (MMC) are disrupting the construction industry, creating a new set of design expectations, and pushing boundaries with the use of new technologies and systems.
There is no doubt the construction industry has recognised and embraced the benefits of the volumetric offsite industry. The offsite sector has improved dramatically in recent years, creating a totally immersive process that streamlines construction efficiencies with clever design possibilities.
Innovations in technology have pushed the envelope of design capabilities and presented manufacturers with fresh opportunities to create and implement new and innovative ideas to significantly improve speed, quality, and accuracy of the offsite product.
The construction industry as a whole is facing unprecedented pressures as the well-publicised shortage of both people and skills continues to cause concern for firms across the globe.
With an increased demand for schools, hospitals, and houses – coupled with the Government’s ambitious CO2 emission targets – the industry is standing at a crossroads with firms being forced to rethink how they deliver.
The argument for offsite manufacturing providing the solution to this crisis is now stronger than ever, with its reduced reliance on a diminished trade-based skills pool, its versatility and its undeniable eco-credentials.
Digitally-led innovation
New technological capabilities have revolutionised the process of design, manufacturing, and construction: they can also eliminate risky (and often expensive) inaccuracies when constructing onsite.
An example of this would be the Seismic project – a new platform-based approach to construction designed to work towards the Government’s Construction 2025 targets.
At the centre of the platform is a standardised frame and connector which allows a number of repeatable components to be held in stock and built offline. Designed with the latest in digital and manufacturing technologies, the results demonstrate that projects can be delivered up to 33% faster than typical modular construction, 32% lower in carbon and 47% better value, when compared with typical modular construction.
McAvoy is also one of several contractors who worked with Balfour Beatty on an ‘Education sandpit’ project that has been established by the Construction Innovation Hub. Through the creation of three structural frame systems (steel, precast concrete and engineered timber) the sandpit will enable the demonstration of interoperability between the systems and different suppliers. The Education sandpit has been developed with input from the Department for Education and, in addition to a ‘Health sandpit,’ is located at the Manufacturing & Technology Centre in Coventry. The objective is that this will provide a safe place to test, learn and develop, thereby benefiting the schools and hospitals of the future.
The construction industry is renowned for its ‘find and fix’ model which has seen firms face expensive delays. However, by harnessing digital technology to access project data and identify and rectify any potential issues before they even become a problem, offsite manufacturers can improve processes, incorporate added-value and reduce build time.
The next step for digital construction is a drive towards digital twins with realised real-time projects modelled and monitored in a digital environment. This has its advantages, particularly for complex projects, with smart sensors and analytics successfully enabling stakeholders to access real-time information management at all stages of the build.
Augmented Reality (AR) has been introduced into processes by some firms, driven by demand such as for a solution that could verify the design data from 3D BIM models in the context of the physical built project.
AR has been a revolutionary shift from the previous process of printing 2D drawings. Following the introduction of AR into its design process, a number of significant benefits can be delivered for customers, including better communication between all parties involved in the manufacturing and build process. In addition, significant cost savings, increased efficiencies within the design and build process – and increased collaboration throughout the supply chain – are allied to significant improvements within their golden thread of information; and an improved client experience.
Environment & Efficiency
The industry is facing increased pressure to be more sustainable too. Offsite is crucial in enabling the success of the government’s Construction 2025 strategy.
For many years we have been employing circular construction techniques, with core components capable of being reused and recycled. Modules, for example, are designed to have the ability to be stripped back to the shell and re-purposed as part of a different building, thereby saving money, time and CO2 emissions.
With digital technology ever-evolving, offsite manufacturing will continue to be better, smarter, and more efficient, transforming the way we design and create, and it will remain an integral part in the evolution of the construction industry.
Martin Harvey is head of design and technical services at McAvoy