Best Practices in Construction 4.0 – Catalysts of digital innovations (Part I)
Source: By:Bianca Weber-Lewerenz, Marzia Traverso
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30564/jaeser.v6i1.5362
Abstract: Digital transformation in the AEC industry (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) is a key driver to enhance technical innovation in the branch and adds dynamic to all work processes and methods. A more differentiated understanding of the responsible use of innovative technologies aims not only towards increased sustainability and more efficient building life cycles but also recognizing the unintended effects such as artificial intelligence (AI). The study is part of a larger primary research on Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) in Construction 4.0; this identifies, analyzes and systematically evaluates key factors of a sustainable digital transformation, especially in the traditionally small-scale Construction Industry - one in which there can be no standardized procedure. The study uses interdisciplinary literature and data research and expert interviews. The qualitative method enables a critical-reflexive analysis of the key factors of a meaningful and sustainable implementation of innovative technologies in Construction. Application examples show possible approaches - some of which are implemented as prototypes - and provide guidance for small to medium-sized companies. The study outlines the necessary steps for companies to define their own potential fields of application and find suitable methods. Another aim of the study is to take stock of the acceptance of new technologies by comparing different perspectives from experts. The study results show new perspectives in the transformation of the Construction Industry. They show that Digital Transformation in Construction 4.0 has great potential for an economical, efficient construction life cycle, but requires the responsible, sensible use of innovative technologies. References:[1] European Commission, 2020. Im Blickpunkt—Energieeffizienz von Gebäuden (German) [IN focus: Energy Efficiency of Buildings]. Brussels Publishing [Internet] [cited 2022 May 6]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/focus-energy-efficiency-buildings-2020-lut-17_de#:~:text=Insgesamt%20entfallen%20auf%20Geb%C3%A4ude%20in,%2C%20Nutzung%2C%20Renovierung%20und%20Abriss. [2] European Parlament, 2021. EU-Klimaneutralität bis 2050: Europäisches Parlament erzielt Einigung mit Rat (German) [EU Climate Neutrality until 2050]. Brussels Publishing [Internet] [cited 2022 Dec 17]. Available from: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/de/press-room/20210419IPR02302/eu-klimaneutralitat-bis-2050-europaisches-parlament-erzielt-einigung-mit-rat. [3] Bhattacharya, S., Momaya, K.S., 2021. Actionable strategy framework for digital transformation in AECO industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. 28(5), 1397-1422. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2020-0587. [4] Hegger, J., 2020. Konstruktion, Material und Fertigung radikal umdenken (German) [Construction, material and production—A radical rethinking]. Journal Der Bauingenieur. 95(1), A3. doi: 10.37544/0005-6650-2020-02. [5] Grunwald, A., Hillerbrand, R., 2021. Überblick über die Technikethik (German) [Overview on technical ethics]. Handbook Technical Ethics. J.B. Metzler:Stuttgart. pp. 3-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-476-04901-8_1. [6] Mikalef, P., Conboy, K., Lundstrm, J.E., et al., 2022. Thinking responsibly about responsible AI and ‘the dark side’ of AI. European Journal of Information Systems. 31(3), 257-268. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0960085X.2022.2026621. [7] Obergrießer, M., Kraus, M.A., 2022. Digitale Transformation im Bauwesen—von der Theorie zur Anwendung (German) [Digital transformation in construction]. Masonry Calendar/Mauerwerk Kalender. 47, 499-519. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9783433611029.ch16. [8] European Commission, 2021. Weißbuch zur Künstlichen Intelligenz—ein europäisches Konzept für Exzellenz und Vertrauen (German) [White Paper on AI—A European Concept for Excellence and Trust]. Brussels Publishing [Internet]. Available from: https://wien.arbeiterkammer.at/interessenvertretung/arbeitdigital/EinEuropafuerdasdigitaleZeitalter/DE_Positionspapier_der_Bundesarbeitskammer_zum_Weissbuch_KI.pdf. [9] Pilgrim, H., 2017. The dark side of digitalization: Will Industry 4.0 create new raw materials demands? PowerShift: Berlin. [10] Elshkaki, A., Graedel, T.E., Ciacci, L., et al., 2016. Copper demand, supply, and associated energy use to 2050. Journal of Global Environmental Change. 39, 305-315. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2016.06.006. [11] Mueller, B., 2022. Corporate digital responsibility. Journal of Business Information Systems Engineering. 64, 689-700. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-022-00760-0. [12] Wittenberg-Zentrum für Globale Ethik, 2020. Unternehmensverantwortung im digitalen Wandel—Ein Debattenbeitrag zu Corporate Digital Responsibility (German) [Corporate responsibility in the Digital Era—A discussion on CDR]. Verlag Bertelsmann Stiftung: Germany. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11586/2020063. [13] Kraus, M.A., Drass, M., Hörsch, B., et al., 2022. Künstliche Intelligenz—multiskale und cross—domäne Synergien von Raumfahrt und Bauwesen (German) [AI—multiscale and cross-domain synergies in space and civil engineering]. BetonKalender 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9783433610879.ch9. [14] Kraus, M.A. et al., 2022. Digitale Transformation und Künstliche Intelligenz—Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze bei der Kombination von Theorie und Praxis (German) [Digital transformation and AI—challenges and approaches in combining theory and practice]. Ernst & Sohn: Berlin. pp. 168-173. [15] Charef, R., Alaka, H., Emmitt, S., et al., 2018. Beyond the third dimension of BIM: A systematic review of literature and assessment of professional views. Journal of Building Engineering. 19. 242-257. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2018.04.028. [16] Weber-Lewerenz, B., et al., 2021. AI in Construction in Germany [Internet]. Study by Fraunhofer Institute Stuttgart IAO [cited 2021 Apr 12]. Available from: http://publica.fraunhofer.de/eprints/urn_nbn_de_0011-n-6306697.pdf. [17] Pan, Y., Zhang, L., 2021. Roles of artificial intelligence in construction engineering and management: A critical review and future trends. Journal of Automation in Construction. 122, 103517. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103517. [18] Goralski, M.A. Tan, T.K., 2019. Artificial intelligence and sustainable development. The International Journal of Management Education. 18(1), 100330sqq. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2019.100330. [19] Grunwald, A., 2010. Technikfolgenabschätzung: Eine Einführung (German) [Technology Assessment: An Introduction]. Edition sigma Publishing: Berlin. [20] Nikmehr, B., Hosseini, M.R., Martek, I., et al., 2021. Digitalization as a strategic means of achieving sustainable efficiencies in construction management: A critical review. Journal of Sustainability. 13, 5040sqq. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095040. [21] Weber-Lewerenz, B., 2022. Technological dream or safety traumata? Fire protection in smart cities-digitization and AI ensure burning ideas and a new culture of thinking in construction 4.0. impact of digital twins in smart cities development. IGI Global Publishing: USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-3833-6. [22] Weber-Lewerenz, B., Vasiliu-Feltus, I., 2022. Empowering digital innovation by diverse leadership in ICT—A roadmap to a better value system in computer algorithms. Humanistic Management Journal. 7(1), 117-134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41463-022-00123-7. [23] Weber-Lewerenz, B., 2021. Die unternehmerisch verantwortungsvolle Digitalisierung im Bauwesen (German) [CDR in construction]. Journal Bauingenieur. 96(01-02), 19-25. DOI: https://doi.org/0.37544/0005-6650-2021-01-02-45. [24] Feroz, A.K., Zo, H., Chiravuri, A., 2021. Digital transformation and environmental sustainability: A review and research agenda. Journal of Sustainability. 13(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031530. [25] Ernstsen, S.N., Whyte, J., Thuesen, C., et al., 2021. How innovation champions frame the future: Three visions for digital transformation of construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. 147(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/1943-7862.0001928. [26] Mayring, P., 2015. Qualitative content analysis: Theoretical background and procedures. Approaches to qualitative research mathematics education. Springer Publishing: Dordrecht. pp. 365-380. [27] Emaminejad, N., Akhavian, R., 2022. Trustworthy AI and robotics and the implications for the AEC industry: A systematic literature review and future potentials. Journal for Business Computer Science. 139, 104298. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104298. [28] Kaying, W., Fangyu, G., 2022. Towards sustainable development through the perspective of construction 4.0: Systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Journal of Buildings. 12(10), 1708. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/xxxxx. [29] Ågerfalk, P.J., Conboy, K., Crowston, K., et al., 2021. Artificial intelligence in information systems: State of the art and re-search roadmap. Journal for Communications of the Association for Information Systems. 50(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.05017. [30] Funk, M., 2022. Roboter- und KI-Ethik als philosophische Disziplin (German) [Which rules and regulations do machines have to follow?]. Roboter-und KI-Ethik. Springer Vieweg Publishing: Wiesbaden. pp. 11-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-34666-9_2. [31] Funk, M., 2022. Welchen Regeln und Gesetzen müssen Maschinen folgen? (German) [Which rules and regulations do machines have to follow]. Roboter-und KI-Ethik. Springer Vieweg Publishing: Wiesbaden. pp. 69-88. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-34666-9_5. [32] Weber-Lewerenz, B., et al., 2021. AI in Construction in Germany [Internet]. Study by Fraunhofer Institute Stuttgart IAO [cited 2021 Apr 12]. Available from: http://publica.fraunhofer.de/eprints/urn_nbn_de_0011-n-6306697.pdf. [33] Weber-Lewerenz, B., 2021. Corporate digital responsibility in construction engineering. International Journal of Responsible Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making (IJRLEDM). 1(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/ijrledm.2020010103. [34] Weber-Lewerenz, B., 2021. Corporate digital responsibility (CDR) in construction engineering—Ethical guidelines for the application of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in user practice. Springer Nature SN Applied Sciences. 3(10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04776-1. [35] Kiron, D., Kruschwitz, N., Reeves, M., 2013. The benefits of sustainability-driven innovation. MIT Sloan Management Review. 54(2). [36] Schumacher, T., 2013. Lehrbuch der Ethik in der sozialen Arbeit (German) [Working Book for Ethics in social work]. Beltz Juventa Publishing: Germany. [37] Danaher, J., Saetra, H., 2022. Technology and moral change: The transformation of truth and trust. Ethics and Information Technology. 24(35). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-022-09661-y. [38] Königs, P., 2022. Artificial intelligence and responsibility gaps: What is the problem? Ethics and Information Technology. 24(36). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-022-09643-0.