From initial surveys through to final construction, automation is ushering in a generational leap in how civil engineering projects of all sizes play out. Yet despite the advantages, the industry often hits roadblocks when integrating this technology effectively.
With that in mind, here’s a look into the various stages of a civil engineering project to highlight where automation can amplify capabilities and overcome obstacles, and how pushing for an industry-wide adoption is good for all stakeholders.
Surveying
Surveying has evolved drastically with automation, and a perfect storm of hardware and software is streamlining data collection while enhancing accuracy. Here’s how:
Drones for Topographic Mapping
Traditional methods like manual transit and theodolite are now supplemented by drones that capture high-resolution images from above.
For instance, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are being used in large-scale infrastructure projects like the California High-Speed Rail system, providing precise maps without the steep time investment and also providing on-site visibility once projects are in motion.
Laser Scanning Systems
These systems generate detailed 3D models of project sites. The use of laser scanners in refurbishing London’s General Market building, turning it into a museum, stands as a testament to its precision and efficiency. This technology helps preserve structural integrity while ensuring compliance with modern building standards.
Automated Total Stations (ATS)
ATS allows for remote monitoring and controlling, reducing human error and in some cases allowing for as much as a 50% boost to productivity.
Design and Construction
Advancing from surveying to the actual design and construction phase, automation introduces a high degree of precision and efficiency. Here’s how technology is redefining these critical stages:
CAD Software for Design Optimization
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software has long provided engineers with the tools to create more accurate designs faster than ever before. For instance, the $2.4 billion Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, benefited extensively from 3D CAD models that enabled designers to anticipate and mitigate potential design conflicts.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
RPA in civil engineering streamlines repetitive tasks such as data entry and project scheduling updates. This was notably applied during the construction of the Dubai Canal where RPA systems coordinated logistics across numerous contractor schedules without human oversight.
Construction Robots at Work
The purpose and applications of robotic arms in civil engineering extend primarily to tasks requiring high precision or those that are repetitively strenuous. These robots efficiently perform activities like welding, material handling, and even bricklaying with minimal errors. An example is SAM100 (Semi-Automated Mason), which laid thousands of bricks per day on several U.S. construction sites much faster than traditional methods could achieve.
Accounting for the Automation Integration Challenge
While automation promises revolutionary changes in civil engineering, integrating these technologies is not without its challenges.
Here are the main sticking points, and potential solutions to them:
Skill Gaps and Training Needs
The shift towards automation requires a workforce that is skilled in new technologies. For instance, when Bechtel incorporated advanced robotic machinery into their projects, they simultaneously rolled out extensive training programs for their engineers and technicians to keep pace with the technology.
High Initial Investment Costs
Implementing automated solutions often comes with high upfront costs. Small to mid-sized firms especially find this challenging. However, companies like Skanska have demonstrated that strategic investments in technology can lead to long-term savings through increased efficiency and fewer errors.
Integration with Existing Systems
Often current project management systems are not immediately compatible with new automated tools, requiring customized solutions. The development of Crossrail in London involved integrating advanced real-time monitoring systems with legacy software which initially posed compatibility challenges but eventually streamlined project execution significantly. It’s good for project progress as well as financial transparency.
Final Thoughts
Put simply, automation is not something civil engineers can afford to brush aside, and it’s an undeniable power for good in most cases. It just takes being aware of its benefits as well as the obstacles that stand in the way of seamless adoption, and working with both.
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