Growth in global economies is driven by the pace at which countries develop infrastructure. Introduction of technology based prefab construction methods proves to be an improvement on traditional construction methods. Rapid Infrastructure Development in UAE depends on a shift from the traditional building techniques to these modern technology driven techniques. There is a twofold advantage gained by such a shift: first, build-time is reduced significantly and second, quality control is uniform. The construction process becomes streamlined and efficient. Wastage of resources is reduced and the environment is protected from detrimental impacts.
The modern technology driven building process is computerized with the use of cyber-physical system. These automated systems reshape the engineering process from conceptualization to completion stages. This makes it easy to meet the global standards of safety and sustainability.
Difference between traditional and off-site construction
Off-site manufacturing for construction has changed the face of construction work. Traditional methods have been replaced with component assembly methodology. Factory manufacture of building component is carried out using strict quality controlled methods. The use of robotics standardizes the manufacturing process and makes the process easier. Each part of a building, from the structural to the functional to the decorative, is factory produced as units that only need to be transported to the site and assembled to complete buildings. this provides a turnkey solution to building projects.
The five factory units of production are
- Precast and concrete units for structural construction
- Modular units for interiors of buildings, railings walls etc.
- Joinery and fitting units used in assembly of units
- Aluminum and glazing
- Stone processing
With an entire area dedicated to the integrated manufacturing of the different components off-site, infrastructure development is turned into a smooth and quick process. Hazards of traditional construction and the need for resourcing material from various places are eliminated.
Building information modeling (BIM) used in the designing stage presents 3D representations of projects. The transition from the traditional 2D representation of projects improves understanding and helps visualize a completed project more effectively. Stakeholders have the advantage of visualizing actual building components to be used. They form an idea of the physical and functional positioning of their components. Seeing the components needed before construction and manufacturing begins, and interaction between different stakeholders regarding the components, supports and impacts safety, waste control, time management and quality control.
The Revit building design software is the main tool used in BIM. It is used for structural design, architectural design, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Architects, building designers and other technical professionals bring their concepts and designs together leading to improved cooperation and collaboration.
The use of factory manufactured component in infrastructure development comes as a boon for the construction industry. At the same time, the new technology meets the growing demands of a rapidly developing economy that depends on fast infrastructure growth for sustenance. There is direct impact on society at large as technology driven infrastructure development percolates benefits to all the strata of society.
KEF Holdings 