Digital Transformation in Construction
摘要
The construction industry is witnessing an unprecedented wave of digital transformation, characterised by the integration of advanced technologies into the planning, execution, and operation of built assets. This chapter explores the multifaceted dimensions of digital transformation in construction, beginning with a re-examination of the industry’s traditional limitations and the imperative for digital evolution. It presents a comprehensive understanding of what digital transformation entails within the built environment, identifying key enablers such as policy frameworks, strategic planning, organisational readiness, and workforce development. Technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) are discussed as core drivers reshaping construction processes. Drawing on empirical case examples, the chapter illustrates how digital tools are being deployed across the project lifecycle from design and procurement through to construction and facility operations, delivering gains in efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability. It further interrogates the persistent barriers impeding digital transformation, including technical fragmentation, cultural resistance, and economic constraints, particularly within resource-limited contexts. A critical focus is placed on measuring the impact of digital adoption, highlighting the need for robust and standardised metrics to evaluate performance and sustainability outcomes. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking perspective, underscoring the future trajectory of digitalisation in construction, its alignment with Industry 4.0 and 5.0 paradigms, and the imperative for inclusive and human-centric innovation. Ultimately, this chapter provides a foundational discourse for understanding the strategic, technological, and organisational shifts driving the digital future of the construction industry.