Digital Technologies in Engineering Construction
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CIVE4127 | Civil Engineering | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- CIVE4127
- School
- Civil Engineering
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module is designed to introduce digital technologies used in the built asset life cycle, namely in building or built infrastructure’s planning/design, pre-construction, procurement, construction, and post-construction.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of digital technologies and construction-related information modelling in the built environment context. The module will cover the concepts, principles, standards, adoptions and implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins (DTs), Smart Sensor (e.g., Internet of Things (IoT)), construction automation and robotic systems, digital built asset and project management (costing, planning and control), machine learning, remote sensing technologies and blockchain and distributed ledgers and wearable technologies. Students will learn how digital construction has revolutionised the construction industry and how BIM and its closely related digital technologies are used as tools for the realisation of the construction industry 4.0. Students will also learn about BIM software, collaboration techniques, project delivery methods, and related basic programming skills.
The content is provisional and may change in the course of module delivery. While some content can be covered in synchronous (face-to-face) sessions, others can be covered through asynchronous material, or in the form of directed self-study appropriate at this level.
Target Students
MSc Civil Engineering and Management students
Assessment
- 25% Presentation 1: Group presentation on a given scenario or subject
- 25% Coursework 1: Group report on a given scenario or subject (5000 words)
- 50% Coursework 2: Individual project on a given scenario or subject (2500 words)
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
With the advancement of information technology, digital innovations and smart technologies play a significant role in improving performance and promoting efficiency of the architecture, engineering, construction, operations (AECO) industry. This module is designed to cover the developed concepts and applications of digital innovations and smart technologies in the AECO industry. Therefore, the aims are to provide students with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of digital innovations and smart construction technologies and equip them with the required skills to critically apply these information technologies in the delivery and operations of built assets.Within the context of the MSc Civil Engineering and Management course, which is delivered jointly by the Department of Civil Engineering and the Business School, the module will complement the civil engineering focused content delivered in the first semester. The module is orientated towards providing students with critical knowledge and skills for the successful implementation of digital technologies and innovation in the AECO industry. This will improve student employability with the industry’s increasing demand for digital technologies. This is also in line with the recent UK government strategy to mandate BIM compliance in all public sector construction projects and the future strategies of smart cities and digital built Britain. Overall, the content will have both theoretical and practical content constructed targeting the architect, engineering, construction, and operations manager.The module will be delivered through a series of lectures (by tutors and industrial and academic guest lecturers), tutorials, and computer workshops supported by guided reading and reflective, hands-on exercises. Learning will be directed primarily through face-to-face contact with additional support on Moodle. Learning package material consists of presentations, lecture notes and reading material with journal and conference papers, case studies, worked examples, internet sources, reflective exercises, and audio-visual content to support independent, self-directed learning.AECO industry’s digital technologies Knowledge, related digital skills, and research literacy will be developed through carefully designed seminars and workshops. Students will have opportunities to analyse existing case studies, industrial practices and research results through presentations and discussions at group seminars. Within these seminars and workshops, students are encouraged to develop analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to digital technologies in the AECO industry.Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of the background, body of knowledge, and current developments within digital technologies in the AECO industry.
Evaluate and deploy different types of technologies in different processes and purposes in the AECO industry.
Demonstrate practical implementation capabilities in relevant digital technologies for different processes and purposes in the AECO industry.
Demonstrate the understanding of the integration and collaboration of different digital technologies in the AECO industry.
Demonstrate the capability of critically assess and make recommendations based on current and future trends in digital technologies in the AECO industry.