Innovating Building Refurbishments: Embracing Global Digital Transformation for Today's Construction Industry

Calistus Bengold Anarene; Prof. Swapan Saha; Prof. Peter Davies; Dr. Hassan Kamrul

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v12i11.cs01

Abstract

The Uberization of the construction industry is a clear indication that the sector is gradually shifting towards the digital era. This transformation signifies a significant digitization of construction, incorporating smart technology in various phases, from design and planning to execution, operations, and management. This paper delves into the importance of embracing digital technologies in building refurbishments to meet the evolving demands of today's construction landscape. By integrating innovative digital solutions such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics, and other cutting-edge technologies, refurbishment projects can achieve cost-effectiveness, precision, and environmental sustainability. The benefits of this digital shift encompass improved project coordination, safety, cost efficiency, and environmental impact management. However, challenges like high initial costs, resistance to change, cybersecurity threats, and skill shortages persist. The digital transformation is also shaped by global trends such as urbanization, population growth, and the push for smart, sustainable cities. Governments and private sectors acknowledge the potential of digital construction in meeting these demands more effectively. Thus, the industry must adapt to these technological advancements to stay competitive and address future infrastructure needs.

The primary goal of this paper is to underscore the importance of embracing global digital transformation in building refurbishments, offering insights and recommendations for stakeholders in the construction sector to leverage digital technologies effectively for enhanced project outcomes and long-term sustainability. This study aims to explore the global digitalization of building construction, examining how advanced technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing construction processes. By identifying the main drivers of digitalization in the construction industry, assessing the role of emerging technologies, and evaluating the benefits such as enhanced efficiency, cost savings, improved safety, and sustainability, this paper aims to showcase the necessity of digitalization to meet modern demands effectively.

These abstract outlines the key concepts discussed in the paper, highlighting the advantages of integrating digital tools in building refurbishments, the obstacles, and opportunities in digital transformation within construction, and the potential impact on sustainability and project outcomes. Through case studies and industry insights, the study will demonstrate how digitalization is vital for staying abreast of modern requirements. Additionally, it will analysis case studies and successful implementations of digital technologies in refurbishment projects to illustrate best practices and lessons learned.

Keywords

Building refurbishmentsInnovation and Technologies in constructionDigital transformationGlobal trendsSmart buildingsSustainable developmentModern construction practices

References

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Ghosh, S., & Nagar, G. (2014). Problem of ticks and tick-borne diseases in India with special emphasis on progress in tick control research: a review. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 51(4), 259-270.Google Scholar ↗
Succar, B. (2009). Building information modelling framework: A research and delivery foundation for industry stakeholders. Automation in Construction, 18(3), 357-375.Google Scholar ↗
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Lee, J., & Kwon, O. (2019). Internet of Things (IoT) applications for sustainable building operations: A review. Sustainability, 11(11), 3074.Google Scholar ↗
Deng, L., & Peng, Y. (2016). The potential of internet of things for construction safety. Automation in Construction, 71, 358-367.Google Scholar ↗
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[refR-2] Oesterreich, T. D., & Teuteberg, F. (2016). Understanding the implications of digitisation and automation in the context of Industry 4.0: A triangulation approach and elements of a research agenda for the construction industry. Computers in industry, 83, 121-139.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Nagar, G., Vandermeer, B., Campbell, S., & Kumar, M. (2013). Reliability of transcutaneous bilirubin devices in preterm infants: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 132(5), 871-881.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Lim, T. W. (2019). Industrial revolution 4.0, tech giants, and digitized societies. Springer.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Parviainen, P., Tihinen, M., Kääriäinen, J., & Teppola, S. (2017). Tackling the digitalization challenge: how to benefit from digitalization in practice. International journal of information systems and project management, 5(1), 63-77.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Jiao, R., Commuri, S., Panchal, J., Milisavljevic-Syed, J., Allen, J. K., Mistree, F., & Schaefer, D. (2021). Design engineering in the age of industry 4.0. Journal of Mechanical Design, 143(7), 070801.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Nagar, G., Vandermeer, B., Campbell, S., & Kumar, M. (2016). Effect of phototherapy on the reliability of transcutaneous bilirubin devices in term and near-term infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neonatology, 109(3), 203-212.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] Tao, F., Sui, F., Liu, A., Qi, Q., Zhang, M., Song, B., ... & Nee, A. Y. (2019). Digital twin-driven product design framework. International Journal of Production Research, 57(12), 3935-3953.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Vaithianathan, Muthukumaran. "Real-Time Object Detection and Recognition in FPGA-Based Autonomous Driving Systems." International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology 72.4 (2024): 145-152.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Arefin, S. Mental Strength and Inclusive Leadership: Strategies for Workplace Well-being.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Nagar, G. (2024). The Evolution of Ransomware: Tactics, Techniques, and Mitigation Strategies. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 1282-1298.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Volk, R., Stengel, J., & Schultmann, F. (2014). Building Information Modeling (BIM) for existing buildings—Literature review and future needs. Automation in construction, 38, 109-127.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] Anarene, B. (2024). Advanced Decision-Making Framework for Sustainable Energy Retrofit of Existing Commercial Office Buildings. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 7269-7297.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Dunleavy, P., Margetts, H., Bastow, S., & Tinkler, J. (2006). New public management is dead—long live digital-era governance. Journal of public administration research and theory, 16(3), 467-494.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Arefin, S. (2024). Strengthening Healthcare Data Security with Ai-Powered Threat Detection. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 1477-1483.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] Anarene, B. (2024). A Predictive Model for Assessing Energy Performance in Existing Buildings Enhanced with Sustainable Technologies. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 7444-7468.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] Behie, S. W., Pasman, H. J., Khan, F. I., Shell, K., Alarfaj, A., El-Kady, A. H., & Hernandez, M. (2023). Leadership 4.0: The changing landscape of industry management in the smart digital era. Process safety and environmental protection, 172, 317-328.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Nagar, G., Sharma, A. K., Kumar, S., Saravanan, B. C., Kumar, R., Gupta, S., ... & Ghosh, S. (2018). Molecular mechanism of synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate resistance in field isolates of Rhipicephalus microplus tick collected from a northern state of India. Experimental and Applied Acarology, 75, 319-331.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-19] Anarene, C. B., Saha, S., Davies, P., & Kamrul, M. D. (2024). Decision Support System for Sustainable Retrofitting of Existing Commercial Office Buildings. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 7091-7212.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-20] Vaithianathan, M., Patil, M., Ng, S. F., & Udkar, S. (2024). Energy-Efficient FPGA Design for Wearable and Implantable Devices. ESP International Journal of Advancements in Science & Technology (ESP-IJAST), 2(2), 37-51.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-21] Arefin, S. (2024). Strengthening Healthcare Data Security with Ai-Powered Threat Detection. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 1477-1483.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-22] Bryde, D., & Broquetas, M. (2013). The project benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM). International Journal of Project Management, 31(7), 971-980.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-23] O'Brien, W. J. (2020). The Digital Evolution of Construction: Opportunities and Challenges. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(12), 04020125.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-24] Arefin, S. (2024). IDMap: Leveraging AI and Data Technologies for Early Cancer Detection. Valley International Journal Digital Library, 1138-1145.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-25] Rostami, R., Behzadan, A. H., & Forsman, J. J. (2019). Internet of Things in construction: A review of trends, advancements, and barriers. Automation in Construction, 101, 111-126.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-26] United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from: https://sdgs.un.org/goalsGoogle Scholar ↗

[refR-27] World Green Building Council. (2020). Advancing Net Zero. Retrieved from: https://www.worldgbc.org/thecommitment-campaigns/advancing-net-zeroGoogle Scholar ↗

[refR-28] Ghosh, S., & Nagar, G. (2014). Problem of ticks and tick-borne diseases in India with special emphasis on progress in tick control research: a review. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 51(4), 259-270.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-29] Succar, B. (2009). Building information modelling framework: A research and delivery foundation for industry stakeholders. Automation in Construction, 18(3), 357-375.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-30] Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2008). BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-31] Azhar, S., Khalfan, M., Maqsood, T., & Moussa, M. (2009). Building information modeling (BIM): A new paradigm for visual interactive modeling and simulation for construction projects. Simulation: Transactions of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International, 85(8), 687-701.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-32] Lee, J., & Kwon, O. (2019). Internet of Things (IoT) applications for sustainable building operations: A review. Sustainability, 11(11), 3074.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-33] Deng, L., & Peng, Y. (2016). The potential of internet of things for construction safety. Automation in Construction, 71, 358-367.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-34] Perera, C., Liu, C. H., & Jayawardena, S. (2017). The internet of things for smart sustainable cities of the future: An analytical framework for sensor-based big data applications for environmental sustainability. Sustainability, 9(1), 129.Google Scholar ↗

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