In a construction project schedule, delays in delivery are one of the most important problems. Delays can be caused by several project components; however, the issue is amplified when delays occur simultaneously. Classifying delays is relevant in order to allocate responsibility to the parties. In Italy, the delay in the delivery of medium and large-sized works in residential urban centers is about 15% compared to the project forecast. Moreover, the AECO sector’s ability to adapt to emerging challenges, such as environmental sustainability and digitization, is limited by the lack of innovation in management methods. The aim of this research is to create a methodology for managing the built and to-be-built environment in a digital way. This will optimize the building process by reducing delays and waste of resources. The methodology will use tools such as digital twin (DT), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. The integration of lean construction practices can make the use of these technologies even more efficient, supporting better workflow management by using the BIM environment. The paper presents a methodology that can be applied to various scaling factors and scenarios. It is also useful for construction sites that are already in progress. As highlighted below, this brings significant economic-temporal advantages.
Digital Twin is becoming an increasingly powerful resource in the field of building production, replacing traditional processes in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations sector. This study is concerned with the development of a DT, enabled by Building Information Modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to implement space management strategies. It proposes an application case for the Lazio Region headquarters, which has partly adopted smart working typology post-COVID-19. The aim is to create an accurate digital replica of the building based on BIM, integrated with real-time data. This will help to improve the use of space, the management of resources, and the quality of services provided to the community. It also improves energy efficiency, reducing consumption by 530.40 MWh per year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 641.32 tons of CO2 per year. The research proposes a holistic framework for the implementation of innovative solutions in the context of public infrastructure space management through the use of digital technology, facilitating the promotion of efficiency and sustainability in decision-making and operational processes through the application of a digital methodology.
Cities are complex and constantly evolving systems where changing social needs have always reshaped the built environment. Considering recent evolutionary trends in housing emergencies, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental sustainability goals, a rethinking of the building heritage is fundamental. This article aims to promote the conversion of buildings designed initially for nonresidential uses as a process and project strategy based on energy efficiency and a holistic and integrated vision of the circular economy. The methodological approach is based on two main phases: definition of evaluative parameters for the potential reuse of a building, and integration of the evaluation system in a BIM and GIS environment. The result is a tool for rapid automatic pre-evaluation of the potential conversion of a building into a residential space. Applying the developed methodology allows for a practical approach to the significant issue of sustainable construction, with particular attention to energy improvement and the reduction of environmental impact related to the construction of new buildings. The originality of the contribution lies in the systematization of various digital technologies to provide fundamental support for managing and transforming the varied and widespread unused real estate assets in a state of abandonment and degradation.
21 December 2023 in VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability
The reprocessing, preservation, and maintenance of the wide historical architectural heritage in Italy represent one of the main challenges of digitalization; not only it is one of the oldest among in Europe, but it is also widespread across the country between cities and rural areas. The care of such an aging built environment needs a carefully planned approach that can take advantage of new technologies such as Historical/Heritage Building Information Modelling (H-BIM) and Digital Twin (DT). The final goal is to promote a long-term sustainable restoration with high qualitative standards. Usually, the topic of sustainability is discussed for new constructions where it is of fundamental importance to save materials, energy, land use and to reduce the carbon footprint. However, being the number of historical buildings elevate in Italy, the concept shall be extended also to them, that are way more fragile if compared to the surrounding. Moreover, cultural heritage is connected to specific challenges that need to be addressed. What was happened in Aquila region after the earthquake of 2019 must not happen again. Digital technologies can be used to prevent such a catastrophic event, preventing and limiting damages, providing evaluable information, and realizing a tool that can be shared among the stakeholders to restore the physical and cultural value of an historical building also in case of extreme events.
Indoor environmental comfort is fundamental to human health as people spend 90% of their time indoors. This aspect is even more crucial in hospitals, where the concept of health is closely linked to well‐being, ethics and environmental aspects. Emerging methodologies and technologies such as digital twin, building information modelling, the internet of things, sensing technologies and data analytics offer new opportunities to ensure healthier environments and more efficient building management. This paper provides an assessment of how digitalisation can support decision‐making processes related to maintaining high levels of indoor environmental comfort in hospital settings, particularly by analysing how real‐time data processing and the application of machine learning can promote proactive interventions in these facilities. The methodological approach was based on four phases: defining the objectives of the digital twin, identifying the input data to build and feed the digital model, defining the KPIs to evaluate the system's correct functioning and identifying the enabling technologies to be integrated into the system to achieve the set goal. The result is a digital twin for managing the operating room and its related services, with the aim of guiding decisions based on accurate data and improving operational efficiency, levels of environmental comfort, and safety regarding the diffusion of medical gases.
In recent years, the construction sector has experienced a significant technological transition, driven by the introduction of innovative digital tools and the evolution of the legislative environment. This article presents a Systematic Scoping Review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, aiming to examine the role of Public Administration (PA) regarding the adoption of innovative technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin (DT), to improve the management of construction and public procurement processes. The review analyses the state of the art in the implementation of digitalised procedures for project management in the construction phase, according to PA organisational purposes and national and international standard requirements. The data obtained was used to structure the analysis in order to provide a useful framework for understanding the level of convergence between the academic world and public administration in the use of digital technologies and their combined applications. The review results are organised in a thematic matrix classifying contributions according to key topics, building process phases, and operational aims. This approach highlights adopted strategies and emerging best practices, aiming to support both PAs and professionals in overcoming digitalisation challenges. A specific focus has been dedicated to the need for continuous training and legislative adaptation, which are essential for integrating digital technologies into building processes. The analysis and verification of the results of the systematic scoping review on the digitalisation process in the construction sector, conducted between academia and the public administration, is supported by a comparison with an Italian case study from the Emilia-Romagna region, which illustrates the specific application of the strategies identified in the digital management of public construction processes.