Applications of digital and innovative construction techniques in lower-income countries

Abstract

Construction technology has experienced rapid changes in recent years associated with the growing use of computers, software development, automation and offsite construction. These advances are helping to address two common problems associated with the industry, namely project delay and safety. A lack of communication between stakeholders and the uncertainties associated with construction sites and processes have been identified as the main causes of construction delays for a number of years. However, recent developments in information and communications technologies (ICT), new cutting-edge technologies (NCETs) and modern methods of construction (MMC) are helping the construction industry to complete projects on time and to budget by improving communications between stakeholders and their pre-engagement with a project. This report reviews examples of successful adoption of digital and innovative construction technologies in low-income countries in the three areas of 1) Building Information Modelling (BIM), 2) Offsite construction, and 3) New cutting-edge technologies (NCETs).