Methodological-Technological Framework for Construction 4.0

The construction industry has traditionally been characterised by the high diversity of its agents and processes, high resistance to change and low incorporation of technology compared to manufacturing industries. However, the construction sector is experiencing now a strong renovation process in methodology and tools due to the incorporation of the Building Information Modelling, Lean Construction and Integrated Project Delivery. Meanwhile, in production systems, Industry 4.0 is a new paradigm that proposes automation, monitoring, sensorisation, robotisation, and digitalisation to improve production and distribution processes. In this context, some authors have proposed the concept of Construction 4.0 as the counterpart of Industry 4.0 for the construction sector, although the methodological-technological implications are not clear. This research shows a methodological-technological framework adapted to the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations industry. This papers includes a detailed proposal for a reference frameworks and related technologies that could impact on this sector, responding to its complexities and specific challenges, such as the unique spaces for each work, which are difficult to standardise, arbitrary cost overruns and a productivity far below the average for other industries, increasing competitiveness and globalisation, as opposed to its traditionally local deployment, and an increasing demand to reduce the carbon footprint for all its activities.

Automated summary

The construction industry has traditionally been known for its high diversity of participants and processes, resistance to change, and low application of technology. However, it is currently undergoing a strong renovation process with the introduction of Building Information Modelling, Lean Construction, and Integrated Project Delivery. The industry is also seeing the influence of Industry 4.0 with proposals for automation, monitoring, sensorisation, robotisation, and digitalisation to improve production and distribution processes.