Construction

This webinar is an essential event for professionals in the construction industry. (Image source: ACP)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dubai, UAE – August 27, 2024 – Khansaheb Civil Engineering (KCE), in collaboration with Autodesk, is set to host a webinar that will delve into the transformative effects of adopting a Common Data Environment (CDE) within the construction industry. The webinar will showcase how KCE has revolutionised its construction operations by leveraging digital solutions, significantly improving project efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

The webinar, titled “KCE: Revolutionising Construction Operations through Digital Delivery”, is scheduled for 18 September 2024. Participants will gain insights into how KCE utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive CDE solution across all project phases—from preconstruction to construction. This platform enabled KCE to centralise project data, streamline workflows, and ensure high accuracy in information exchange, ultimately delivering faster and more effective construction outcomes.

During this session, you will learn how KCE:



* Utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive solution for CDE needs across all project phases, from preconstruction through to construction, centralising project data in one place, including BIM Coordination, collaboration, and issue management.


* Streamlined daily tasks such as drawings, material submittals, site inspections, and snag lists, revolutionising workflow.


* Exchanged vast amounts of information with multiple parties, ensuring high accuracy and speed, delivering the right information at the right time, resulting in faster construction processes, improved quality, greater client satisfaction, and enhanced project outcomes.


* Managed to have one-click access to drawings, models, and Microsoft Office files, and handled file version control, comparison, and change management, all within a single platform.


This webinar is an essential event for professionals in the construction industry who are looking to enhance their operations through digital solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts at KCE and Autodesk about the practical applications and benefits of using a Common Data Environment.

Registration: The webinar is free to attend, but spaces are limited. To secure your spot, please register at https://alaincharlestraining.com/webinar2/kce-autodesk-webinar

For more information, please contact:

Imran Uddin
Project Manager - Events
Technical Review Middle East
Alain Charles Publishing
+44 (0) 20 78347676
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Khansaheb Civil Engineering:
Khansaheb Civil Engineering is a leading construction company in the UAE, committed to delivering high-quality construction services through innovation and excellence. With a focus on sustainability and client satisfaction, KCE continues to be at the forefront of the construction industry.

About Autodesk UAE:
Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, providing innovative solutions for industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. Autodesk supports the region's construction industry with advanced digital tools and platforms.

-ENDS-

Ibrahim Imam, co-founder and CEO for MENA + APAC at PlanRadar. (Image source: PlanRadar)

Ibrahim Imam, co-founder and CEO for MENA + APAC at PlanRadar, pens a piece for Technical Review Middle East. Read on: 

Digital twins - virtual replicas of physical assets that leverage real-time data to mirror the state, condition, and behaviour of their real-world counterparts - have been gaining traction across various global industries, such as manufacturing and urban planning, due to its ability to provide detailed insights and predictive analytics. In construction, digital twins are revolutionising traditional practices by enhancing project efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall outcomes. 

Creating efficient systems

By integrating real-time data, digital twins enable accurate planning, streamlined project management, and early detection of potential issues. Digital twins are not only transforming how construction projects are designed and executed, but are paving the way for more sustainable and resilient built environments.

What are the key benefits of implementing digital twins for construction?

Implementing digital twins in construction offers key benefits that enhance the entire project lifecycle. Improved planning, precision and design are among the foremost advantages, as digital twins enable more accurate design processes by creating detailed virtual models that reflect real-world conditions. 

Enhanced project management is another significant benefit, as data from digital twins aids in monitoring and managing projects, leading to improved resource allocation and time management. This data-driven approach helps identify potential issues early, reducing the need for rework and minimising material waste. 

Digital twins also support sustainability in construction by reducing environmental impact. By providing insights into the most efficient ways to use materials and energy, digital twins create more sustainable construction practices, leading to greener and more resilient infrastructure.

Challenges and considerations for digital twin implementation in the MENA region

Implementing digital twin technology involves several key challenges. Data security and privacy are critical, as the vast amounts of real-time data generated must be protected through robust encryption, secure storage, and stringent access controls. Integration and interoperability also pose significant challenges since digital twins must seamlessly interface with existing systems. Additionally, investing in training programs and educational initiatives is essential to build a technically-capable workforce; deploying and operating digital twin systems require expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and IoT technologies. 

The future outlook of digital twins in construction

Future developments in digital twin technology are set to significantly impact the MENA region, with advancements to include enhanced real-time data integration, more sophisticated AI-driven analytics, and greater use of IoT devices for comprehensive monitoring of construction projects. These technological improvements will drive increased efficiency, better predictive maintenance, and more accurate forecasting in the construction sector. 

We are increasingly seeing a clear trend of increased adoption of digital twins globally, driven by their benefits in improving project outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability. This global trend is likely to influence the MENA region as industry stakeholders recognize the value of digital twins, and leverage them to stay competitive and meet the demands of modern construction projects.

Recent global climate shifts have brought extreme weather conditions to the forefront of our concerns. (Image source: FTI Consulting)

Ahmed Ismail, Managing Director, FTI Consulting, and Samuel Whitehouse, Managing Director, FTI Consulting write for Technical Review Middle East. Read on:

Recent global climate shifts have brought extreme weather conditions to the forefront of our concerns. From heat waves to floods, these changes are becoming increasingly alarming.

Here in the UAE, we experienced significant weather disruptions earlier this year with the April floods, which posed challenges for various sectors, including construction.

To help construction contractors be prepared in case of similar events in the future, we will delve below into effective strategies for mitigating the detrimental effects of adverse weather on construction projects in the UAE.

Contractual entitlement

In most standard forms of contract, to make a successful claim for time and/or additional payment, the contractor must demonstrate that the weather event was ‘exceptional’ and not just merely adverse. The fact that there was heavy rain and floods is not, in itself, sufficient to obtain an extension of time or recover additional payment.

The most commonly used contract in the UAE is the FIDIC 1999 suite. Using the FIDIC 1999 Red Book as the example, Sub-Clause 8.4(c) [Extension of Time for Completion] provides that a contractor is entitled to an extension to the Time for Completion where it can demonstrate that “…exceptionally adverse climatic conditions...” have occurred.

What constitutes ‘exceptional adverse weather’ is frequently not explained in older standard forms of contract and it will generally require the contractor to demonstrate, with the aid of past meteorological records for the location of the site, that the event was a 1 in 10 year, or more, event.

Some guidance to that effect is provided in the 2017 FIDIC suite. In Sub-Clause 8.5(c) [Extension of Time for Completion], the contractor must demonstrate that the event was unforeseeable by an experienced contractor at the date of tender based on any climatic date provided by the employer under Sub-Clause 2.5 [Site Data and terms of Reference] and/or relevant climatic data published for the location of the site.

As such, under either form of contract, a successful claim will require a detailed comparison between the weather event that occurred and the weather patterns for a number of years preceding the event.

Notification requirements

It is essential that contractors notify the employer promptly in accordance with the contract when adverse weather conditions have affected the project progress and to keep sufficient contemporaneous daily records on how the works have been affected. This will allow the contractor to demonstrate any additional time and cost it may be entitled to.

Recommended best practices

In order to effectively harness the above factors, it is vital that both the contractor and employer know, and understand, the requirements of their contract when adverse weather events occur.

Sending a notification under the contract for the right to claim for adverse weather conditions is essential. It is also vital for the contractor to document the damage with daily, weekly, and monthly reports, using photographs and videos if necessary.

Once the extent of any rectification work has been established, the contractor should estimate the extent of any delay and the costs involved and seek to agree these with the employer.

By understanding and implementing contractual provisions and taking immediate action to document damage and prepare for site reinstatement, parties involved in construction projects can minimise damage and resultant financial losses.

It is recommended that project parties also consult a legal professional or an expert familiar with UAE construction laws to ensure that they adhere to the contract requirements and protect their rights under their contract.

Machine connectivity is becoming all the more important in the digital age. (Image source: Canva)

In recent years, the construction industry in the Middle East has been undergoing a significant transformation driven by digitalisation.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, construction equipment manufacturers and contractors in the region are increasingly embracing digital tools and innovations to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

From the integration of advanced telematics and IoT solutions to the utilisation of AI and machine learning, digitalisation is reshaping the way construction projects are planned, executed, and managed.

IoT and data analysis

Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) has been one of the pioneers in this field. The company created a global network of HCM equipment, all linked by 2G/3G (GSM) SIMs embedded in machine-to-machine modules within the machines and linked to a number of sensors.

HCM obtains data from its equipment through two primary sources. The first source involves a system that collects information on components, equipment usage, and the entire operating environment. This data is transmitted to HCM’s Global e-Service, where it is aggregated.

The second source gathers alarm information from the equipment, such as component overheating, a significant drop in oil pressure, or other emergencies. This information is swiftly relayed to the local operator and the HCM distributor enabling service crews to be notified and take action to prevent severe damage.

Transmitting data

It is essential for machines to communicate effectively with each other. Caterpillar’s digital analytics director Daniel Reaume explained in a blog, “Most new Cat machines and engines, and much of our older fleet, have the potential to collect and transmit data. Our company currently has the world’s largest connected fleet with more than 1.2mn connected assets in the field. For quite some time, our machines have been sold as “connectivity enabled.” And even older equipment can often be retrofitted for connectivity.”

He added that the data might tell Cat that when the operator applies the brakes, the pressure does not recover as quickly as expected. In that case, they would recommend an inspection to see if there is a leak in the system. If that turns out to be the case, a customer can get the repair taken care of before it becomes a more significant problem.

Read the full article on Technical Review Middle East’s latest issue