1. The future of IT in construction

2. We cannot predict future technology but we can set research priorities, based on the main challenges being faced by the construction industry. During the 90’s Salford University suggested the major themes for future construction development as:  Visualisation  Integration  Intelligence  Communication

3. The future of IT in construction Some challenges being faced by the construction industry are the seperation of design from construction, and poor information flow. The key technological themes to respond to these and other challenges are visualisation and integration. The IT themes are being adressed by research and development in specific technologies such as virtual reality, CAD and integrated databases.

4. The future of IT in construction A study by Salford Uni identified 12 challenges for UK construction and 12 IT scenarios to address these challenges. According to the study, the most important way in which the future construction will differ from present will be through a greater measure of integration.

5. Some technologies expected by Salford Uni to develop Visualisation:VR models, multimedia, intelligent CAD Intelligence: Buildability,knowledge-based tools Communications: Data exchange standards, the Internet, online product databases Integration: Product modelling, integration standards, object modelling

6. Sites in the future Construction sites will become IT intensive and closer integrated in a shared working environment with main office and external partners. Mobile computers with wireless connections can be expected, for on-site entry or retrieval of information online.

7. Communication & the Web  IFC  IFC (Industry foundation classes)  STEP / EXPRESS  ifcXMLbcXMLaecXML  ifcXML, bcXML, aecXML : Previously the data structures of IFC would be converted to STEP. Now, XML is another option for using IFC data, especially over the WWW. Standard elements for interoperability in the AEC/FM industry will become more common: See http://www.iai-international.org/iai_international/

8. Communication In many construction projects electronic communication is not considered legally binding due to antiquated contract forms and security issues. This will be solved in the future so that paper copies will not always be necessary. The EU eLegal project is looking into aspects of electronic communication in projects